6 Best Zero Turn Mowers of 2024

Our engineers and product experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute start by surveying the current marketplace to identify the zero turn mowers you’re most likely to find at home centers, landscape equipment dealers and online.

I also attend trade shows like Equip Expo to stay on top of the latest models and innovations in the category. From there, the team and I focus on brands that have performed the best and proven the most reliable through more than 30 years of outdoor power equipment tests.

Hands-on testing starts with a thorough review of technical and performance data points, covering factors such as engine type and mowing width.

Zero turn mowers get their name from their turning radius, which is effectively zero inches, unlike the 5-to-20-inch turning radius of traditional lawn tractors. “ZTRs can literally turn on a dime,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute. “That’s one reason landscape crews love them — they’re so easy to load onto a truck or tractor.”

A few design distinctions from traditional lawn tractors and ride-on mowers make ZTRs so nimble. For starters, their cutting deck is in front of the machine, not underneath it. They also have two swiveling wheels out front that allow for tight turns and two large wheels in the back that provide the driving power.

Most zero turn mowers are controlled with a pair of levers, commonly known as lap bars, which enables greater handling. The left lap bar controls the left wheel and the right lap bar controls the right wheel so that each wheel can move independently. For example, you can make the mower pivot by getting one drive wheel to turn clockwise and the other to turn counterclockwise. In recent years, manufacturers have introduced ZTRs with steering wheels and joystick controls to make them more accessible for the average consumer.

The unique design of ZTRs makes them not just nimble, but also fast, which is great if you have a lot of lawn to mow. But there are some downsides to consider, starting with the fact that zero turn mowers don’t handle well on sidehill mowing. Wet grass is a challenge for the smaller wheels too.

Then there’s the learning curve. “ZTRs are so maneuverable that people have a tendency to lose their sense of orientation on them,” Berendsohn said. “This accounts for people accidentally driving them into ponds, backing off retaining walls and the like.”

Berendsohn goes so far as to say driving a speedy and agile ZTR can even make the chore of mowing enjoyable. “If you're a bit bored with lawn cutting and inclined to make the job more interesting, and perhaps even fun, ZTRs are worth a look,” he said.

✔️ Power source

• Gas zero turn mowers: Most models on the market still run on regular unleaded gas from the gas station. They tend to be the most powerful, boasting plenty of horsepower to plow through the toughest grass. Provided you have an ample supply of fuel, run time isn’t an issue. But gas ZTRs require more maintenance, including oil and filter changes. Like all gas-powered equipment, their engines are noisy.
• Battery zero turn mowers: These mowers run on rechargeable batteries with average run times of 60 to 90 minutes. Berendsohn said battery technology is “probably the single biggest development in this category,” and added that “our tests show that they are quiet, clean and effective.” The biggest downside is cost, with most battery-powered ZTRs costing upwards of $5,000. Plus, while run times are impressive, you do need to remember to charge the batteries.

✔️ Deck width: Naturally, the wider the cutting deck, the faster you’ll finish the job. But prices tend to increase along with deck widths. Expect to spend between $3,000 and $3,500 on a zero turn mower with a 40- to 42-inch deck. Mowers with decks between 42- and 50-inches wide tend to cost between $3,500 and $5,000. Wider than 50 inches puts you into the professional category, with models costing $7,000 and up.

✔️ Yard size: Zero turn mowers are probably overkill if your yard is less than a couple acres. Smaller models with 40- to 42-inch decks are best for 2- to 3-acre yards. Mid-size models (42- to 50-inch decks) can handle 3 to 4 acres. Zero turn mowers with decks larger than 50 models are geared for sprawling properties, which is why you see them on the back of a lot of landscaping trucks.

✔️ Steering mechanism

• Lap bar: This design is by far the most common option, so you’ll have the most models to choose from within this category. The drawback is many users find lap bars difficult to master (when Berendsohn talked earlier about homeowners driving into ponds, it’s usually on a lap bar mower).
• Steering wheel: The maneuvering pain point of lap bars has led to the emergence of zero turn mowers that use a steering wheel or a joystick. Steering wheels — just like you would use in your car — are the more prevalent of the two, with brands like Cub Cadet and Toro offering them, along with Ego, our best steering wheel pick in this round-up.
• Joystick: It's located on the side of the driver sort of like a stick shift, but works intuitively like the joystick on a gaming control. Ryobi is the only manufacturer we’ve seen with a joystick control, so you’ll be limited to that Home Depot brand if you prefer this method of operation.

✔️ Features

• LED headlight: This will help you see the lawn when daylight is starting to fade. It also means the machine is more visible to people and pets (though it’s an important reminder that kids and pets should never be in the vicinity when you’re operating any kind of lawn care equipment).
• Washout port: This feature makes it easy to clear grass clippings off the mower deck. This is a maintenance task that’s essential to maximizing the lifespan of your mower, since it prevents rust and corrosion of the blade and deck.
• Comfort upgrades: Since zero-turn lawn mowers are intended for large properties, you’re likely to be seated in them for long stretches. An adjustable padded seat and armrests will ensure comfort over the long haul. A built-in cup holder will help with hydration, while a USB charging port and Bluetooth will keep your electronics charged and ready.
• LCD display: This screen is mostly found on electric models, where its interface provides information related to run time, battery life and speed. For mowers with different driving modes, the display always shows you clearly which one you’re in.

• Attachments: As with standard lawn tractors, zero turn mowers can also be fitted with attachments for other tasks, including aerators, dethatchers and even snow plows.

I've tested and written about outdoor power equipment, including lawn mowers and tractors, for more than 20 years. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping, my expertise appeared in Consumer Reports and This Old House. In my role as Director of the Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, I've personally tested lawn care equipment from more than a dozen leading brands. I'm also a regular at trade shows where I stay up to date on the latest innovations.

Roy Berendsohn has worked for more than 25 years at Popular Mechanics, where he tests all manner of outdoor power equipment, including zero turn mowers. He also writes about carpentry, masonry, painting, plumbing, electrical, woodworking, blacksmithing, welding and more. When he's not working on his own house, he volunteers with Sovereign Grace Church doing home repair for families in rural, suburban and urban locations throughout central and southern New Jersey.