10 Zero Turn Mower Reviews: The Best Pick In 2020

Zero turn mowers are great when it comes to cutting grass due to them being very efficient in this. They can turn 180 degrees at the drop of a hat and their big decks make cutting grass fast and efficient. And their professional look makes a lawn owner looking more committed to have a well-organized and beautiful yards as well. Here we are going to review the best zero turn mowers that are available on the US market in 2020.

	Ariens Zoom 34 Best quality for the money Good option if you have small or medium-sized lawn Durable materials	Check Price
	Husqvarna MZ61 Kawasaki The Best zero turn mower for big properties Good on hills Big fuel tank Very comfortable Fast	Check Price
	Husqvarna Z254 Air Induction technology for better cut Parts are easy to find Can be used as a multi-tasking lawn tractor	Check Price
	Ariens IKON-X 52 Powerful engine Comfortable armrests and high back seat Suitable for different yards Fair price	Check Price
	Husqvarna Z242F Fabricated cutting deck Parts are easy to find Can be turned into a multi-tasking lawn tractor	Check Price
	Husqvarna MZ61 Briggs & Stratton Efficient&fast Good on hills 5-gallon fuel tank Comfortable seat&armrests	Check Price
	Poulan Pro P46ZX Popular zero turn mower Comfortable 15" seat 10-year deck warranty Accessories are easy to find	Check Price
	Swisher ZTR2454CL-CA Powerful 24HP engine 54" cutting deck Front and rear hitch Fast 8-gallon fuel tank!	Check Price
	Troy-Bilt Mustang XP 50 US-based manufacturer Comfortable seat	Check Price
	Husqvarna Z254F More power thanks to the engine Can be used as a multi-tasking lawn tractor Additional kits are available everywhere Air Induction technology for better cut	Check Price

Up to the recent times the only downside of zero turn mowers was the price of these giants. Not everyone would like to spend 5000, 6000, 7000 or even more American dollars on these mowers. Therefore the main consumers were commercial users that provided outdoor services.

However, in the recent years more and more people look at zero turn mowers as the ultimate tool to cut grass fast and efficiently. Old lawn riding mowers are still popular but with the newest arriving of cheaper (compared with previously released models) and easy in use Troy-Bilt, Ariens and Husqvarna Z-turn mowers, more and more residential users are looking for these new outdoor power tools.

But before you buy anything it’s better to pick a tool that will fit your budget and requirement. So we’ve decided to write a big comparison guide in which we take a look at the most popular and efficient zero turn mowers that are available on the market in 2020. You are welcome to familiarize yourself with the best Z-turn mowers and pick the one you like!

Ariens Zoom 34

We are starting our zero turn mower reviews list with the Ariens Zoom 34″ model (number is 915211). It has price in between $2000 – $3000 range and people has left only 5-star reviews on Amazon.com. Why is that? Let’s see.

The manufacturer has a long-established history of producing mowers, including z-turn. For a long time they have been cooperating with Kohler Co. that manufactures powerful and sturdy generators and engines. As a result of this collaboration the Ariens Zoom 34″ got 660 cc Kohler 6600 V-Twin engine with 19 horse power. The speed limit is 6 MPH forward and 3 miles per hour backward. It is very reliable engine: many use this mower for more than 10 years and haven’t experience any trouble of some sort.

The seat is mid-back with pre-installed seat springs. It makes driving the mower easy and comfortable for any age.

The cutting deck is 34 inches which is more than enough for any homeowner. For example, this is an ideal pick if you own 1/2 to 2 acre of land, a few gates and other obstructions (fences, hills etc.) The relatively small size of the mower also allows it to get into the tightest places of your yard. It also can work out for a small lawn care business but in this case we recommend to look for 42″ deck as it saves more time in day-to-day job. Also, this model has only 90-days of warranty for any commercial use.

The mower equipped with two steel spindles that run up to 17 500 FPM. This is a decent speed for such type of mowers.

As we mentioned before, the Ariens Zoom 34 – 19hp zero turn mower has a 34″ deck made out of 12-gauge steel. The tallest grass it can cut is about 2 feet which is more than enough for any homeowner. Also, it can cut in reverse which is a good option for those who value their time.

The Ariens Zoom 34 – 19hp made from reliable and sturdy materials and doesn’t need much attention. The only things that may wear out after many years of use are fuel pump, carb and solenoid. Even 10+ year-old engine run smooth and does the job as time has no force over it.

The price reflects the mower quality: in the recent years it only went up so if you don’t want to spend extra bucks on this masterpiece among zero turn mowers, we advice you to but the Ariens Zoom 34 right now and don’t wait until the price goes up.

 

Specs

Husqvarna MZ61 Kawasaki 24HP

Husqvarna is another well-known zero turn mower manufacturer with a big base of satisfied customers. They have been making mowers for decades and learned the trick of it. With the Husqvarna MZ61 model the manufacturer combined both excellent quality and a fair price for this powerful piece of machinery.

The Husqvarna MZ61 falls into upper part of mid-range priced zero-turn mowers which is around of 5 thousand American dollars. The recommended price of this mower is above $5000 but it may vary depending on a season, discounts and marketing trends. You can check the current price on Amazon.com.

The mower’s frame is oversized and made out of welded steel to ensure higher durability and comfort during riding. The total width is 76 inches (with chute down), length – 75.5″. Weight will all parts installed is 770 pounds. Compared to the previously mentioned Ariens Zoom 34″ this turn mower is a monster! In a good sense, of course.

This model comes with a heavy-duty fabricated cutting deck of 61 inches. This deck is built from welded steel making it superior in terms of rigidity compared to stamped decks. If you are looking for a commercial zero turn mower this could be a huge advantage as their lifespan is much longer. The only downside of the fabricated deck is lesser flexibility as well as air flow and lift are also a little worse. But this is a huge advantage if you have a big backyard or planning of opening your own garden or lawn care business.

The big advantage of this Z-turn mower is the ability to adjust the cutting height. It can be easily accessed right from the seat without taking a break in making a lawn a much beautiful place.

The 2 front casters are made out of pneumatic tires. They perform really well on turf and have ling lifespan compared to more cheaper and less reliable tires. At the front there are anti-scalp rollers and deck nose roller. They can scalp the grass with the highest efficiency.

Many land owners are having some sort of hills here and there. After some tests, we can claim that this mower can do well on hills due to the roll-over protection system and commercial hydraulics. But it all depends on grade of slope.

Kawasaki is a reliable engine manufacturer for many years. So there isn’t any surprise that this zero turn mower is equipped with the powerful 24 horse-powered FR 730V motor. Maximum forward speed is 8.5 miles per hour, backward – 4.5MPH. It is 33% faster compared with Ariens Zoom “34 and 20% faster than regular tractor riding mowers. And the engine can run years after years without a hitch.

The Husqvarna MZ61 zero turn mower runs on gas. Gasoline that contains 10% of ethanol (E10) is acceptable without voiding the warranty. If you are planning to use gasoline that exceed the maximum limits for E10 then you should look for other Z-turn mower. Fuel tank capacity is 5 gallons max.

The first run with this Z-turn mower is pretty quick. It comes already assembled in a package. The only thing you need to do it to charge and connect the battery, check safety switch and add fuel. If you are buying your first zero turn mower the operating manual is must have to read. It has a lot of useful information on how to run the mower, maintain it and to cut the grass with the highest efficiency.

In general, the Husqvarna MZ61 mower with Kawasaki motor is a good option if you want to run a lawn care business. It is also a fine piece of machinery for home use if you have a big yard and cheaper options can’t deal with hills or your thick grass. And the comfortable seat and armrests are a necessary addition if you plan to work a few hours nonstop.

 

Specs

Husqvarna Z254

The Husqvarna Z254 is a low-tier zero-turn mower. It deal with the grass efficiently and a good option for residential use although commercial users may find it lacking some features. Get to know what’s good with this mower and what’s bad by reading the review down below.

The Z254 model is a part of Z200s series in Husqvarna mower’s product line. Many experts and long-time mower owners consider this series to be an entry-level zero-turn mower for the price and ease of use. On the other hand, the pricier Husqvarna MZ-series – in particular MZ61 – are more efficient, faster and have longer lifespan that is a must for commercial use.

The mower comes fully assembled. The only thing you need to do after the package got delivered – attach and charge the battery, attach the seat and add gas to the single fuel tank. The tank volume with reserve is 3.5 gallons of fuel that is more than enough for one-time run even on a big lawn.

The mower is powered by 26 horse-powered Kohler engine. The maximum speed is 6.5 miles per hour. Some models are also sold with 24HP Briggs & Stratton motor (Endurance Series). The Kohler version has more horsepower so that is a better pick if you want to have more powerful engine on your side but it costs additional $100. In addition, Kohler startups are considered more reliable, keep this in mind.

The mower is equipped with 54 inches cutting reinforced steel deck. It is made out of flat-stock steel for higher durability and better performance. Deck thickness is measured 12-gauge steel. The speed of three blades is 18500 fpm which is considered good enough.

One of the Z254’s features is the deck design. The manufacturer designed it to draw air from the bottom and top of the deck resulting in better cut and improving visual look of the grass. If you value clean-cut grass all-over your yard this mower is one of the best zero turns for you.

In comparison with the Ariens Zoom 34″ this zero-turn mower is much heavier: it weights additional 100 pounds and many potential customers wonder can it tear up the lawn. We assure you that it won’t happen until you try to use it after a rain or at a bad weather. Any zero turn mower will tear up your lawn if you try to cut the grass when it’s wet.

The Husqvarna Z254 z-mower is an ideal pick if you want your lawn look clean and beautiful. With an additional kits you can mulch the soil and attach additional tools that will make your mower more versatile. It completely worth the price despite being worth a little more than Ariens Zoom 34″.

 

Specs

Ariens IKON-X 52

This is another Ariens-made zero turn mower with a model number of 915223. It a bit pricier than the previously reviewed model Zoom 34″ as it has a few improvements and more powerful in general. Let’s see what specs it has and what this mower can do for your beautiful lawn.

As most of zero turn mowers, this one is built from fabricated steel. It comes fully assembled in crate form. You have to attach battery, charge it and the mower is ready to go. Basically, after the mower is shipped you can start doing the job in 20-30 minutes.

Compared with the cheaper “34 model, the IKON-X 52″ has a few improvements. The first one being armrests. They do help a lot when mower is doing the job no matter how big your yard is and how long it takes to finish it. You can put your arms on them, relax and enjoy your life whereas making your lawn look clean and beautiful.

Additional comfort is provided by high-back padded seat. The manufacturer put a lot of thought into making this z-turn as much as comfortable no matter your weight or age. No matter your body build the seat is suitable for almost everyone.

Another big improvement is the cutting deck. It’s much bigger in size: 52 inches versus 34. Cutting became faster and more efficient. Now more grass is cut at a time thus saving your time and allowing to fine-tune your lawn after the first pass. Neighbors will rate your lawn, that’s for sure! Just make sure that you have at least 60” inches door on a shed so the mower can be stored there fully assembled.

The bigger cutting deck also got better and more sturdy spindles and there are 3 of them. They are staggered and therefore no stripe are left behind. The deck itself is built from 10-gauge steel that ensures higher quality and longer lifespan compared to 12 or 13-gauge steel (the lesser the number is the higher decimal inch number steel has).

This zero turn mower is powered by 23 hp/726 cc Kawasaki FR V-Twin Engine with the maximum speed of 7 miles per hour. The engine runs on gasoline and the fuel tank has capacity of 2.8 gallons. With the full tank you can cut 2 acres approximately and if you want to cut more you will need to refuel the mower.

Despite being heavier than the “34 model with a total weight of 635 pounds, this zero turn is not slow and difficult in use. The well-designed armrests and seat comfort the driver and big cutting deck does the job as fine as possible. If you wonder can this mower tear up your lane, we can assure you, that it won’t happen.

As a result this is the best mower for residential use at a very fair price. Other mowers either cost too much or they lack some features compared with the Ariens IKON-X 52. The manufacturer also provides 3-year warranty for the machine and 5-year limited warranty on deck&frame.

 

Specs

Husqvarna Z242F

The Husqvarna Z242F zero turn mower comes in a four options: with 23 horse powered Kohler engine, 22HP Briggs&Stratton engine, 18 or 21HP Kawasaki. We are going to review the Kohler model which is most powerful among all of them and is available on Amazon.com.

This z-turn is priced almost the same as the reviewed above Ariens IKON-X “52. So in this review we are going to look at the Husqvarna Z242F as if we were comparing it with that Ariens model.

The mower weights a little less – 580 pounds. The width with the shield up will be 43.5 inches whereas “51 width is the maximum with the shield down. So your gate must be at least 44 inches inside otherwise either look for a smaller zero turn mower or store it somewhere else.

Compared with the IKON-X “52 this z-turn lacks armrests that are crucial if your arms are quick to get tired. This is somewhat compensated by 18-inch high-back seat which comfort you during the work. However, even the premium seat can’t fully offset the lack of armrests so if you looking for a more comfortable mower for your arms you have to skip this one.

This model is equipped with the 23 horse powered 747cc Kohler 4-Cycle OVH engine. It has approximately the same specs as the Kawasaki 23HP engine and has a power to drive the machine at 6 miles per hour.

The 42-inches cutting deck is equipped with 2 blades made out of 10-gauge steel. As was mentioned above, this steel is sturdier than 11-gauge, 12-gauge steel and so on. This ensures longer lifespan, better cutting and higher performance overall.

The big advantage of this zero turn mower is bigger fuel tank. It can be filled with 3 and a half gallons of gasoline. It can cut more than 2 acres at a time and tested productivity is 3 and a half acres per hour.

The manufacturer has 3 year warranty on this machine. But remember, this warranty only works for residential use. If you are looking for commercial zero turn mowers the Husqvarna Z242F lacks in fuel capacity, warranty, engine productivity, general comfort (the seat is good, but no armrests) and deck size. It may only work for small lawn-care business or if you are a big fan of this manufacturer.

In general, this zero-turn mower is recommended for residential use if you value a reliable piece of machinery but can neglect some comfort at work.

 

Specs

Husqvarna MZ61 Briggs & Stratton 27HP

The Husqvarna MZ61 zero turn mower is perfect for residential use and quite good for commercial use. We’re going to break the main features of this z-turn for you down below.

This mower is a great option for large property owners. It has powerful 27 horse powered Briggs & Stratton engine (Endurance series) with two cylinders and 16 A generator. The cylinder displacement is 49.4 cubic inches and all this system cools off with and air engine cooling. Maximum speed is 8.5 miles per hour which is very good compared with another previously reviewed models. And at the full throttle position is runs fine even after a few years of work.

The more powerful an engine is the bigger the machine, right? Compared with cheaper z-turns, this mower has astonishing 75.5 inches in length, standard 76″ in width (w/ chute down) and moderate height of 42 inches. Total weight is around 770 pounds. The direction of this heavy-lifted mower is set by Two 6″ front steering wheels with pneumatic tires that are easy on turf. Rear tires size are 22×10-10.

The job is done by 61″ cutting deck with three spindles built with 11-gauge steel that is a reliable material for this zero turn mowers. Blade-tip speed is set up to 18500 fpm. Clutch rating is 200 ft.lb. Minimum cutting height is 1 and half inches wheres the maximum is decent 4.5 inches. Having this machine will not just save some time but also ensures higher quality making your lawn as clean as possible as well.

Despite being powerful and big, the Husqvarna MZ61 mower assembled quick and easy. It shipped in a crate almost assembled and there are a few things you need to do in order to drive it: charge the battery and assemble it as well as refuel the tank. It can store up to 5 gallons of gasoline which is enough for more than 5 acres. That’s why this mower is a must for large landowners and lawn care services.

The seat with seat spring and armrests provide a lot of comfort as well. If you value your health or health of your workers the standard high-back seat as well as comfortable armrests are a good addition to the powerful engine and big fast-cutting deck.

All controls over the mower are easily accessed with controls that located close enough to the seat. The deck height pedal helps a lot when you have some small toys or rocks on your lawn.

There a few downsides as well. Some people might need a fuel gauge of which this mower lacks. It can also do mulching and bagging but for this you have to purchase additional kits. However, in the recent years many manufacturers sell these parts separately so may find it hard to buy a zero-turn mower and having all additional kits coming with it. For example, a bagger system will costs around $1000. A hydraulic fluid is also sold separately.

This mower is a great option for large flat areas. It can do the job on some hills as well but there is a small detail that you need to know before you buy the mower. While driving uphill the Husqvarna MZ61 is completely fine but on downhill you may slide a little due to the weight shift. There is no direct control over the weight so keep this in mind if you have a lot of hills in your area. Or just be more cautious and try to avoid steep downgrade. Again, traction uphill with this mower is great.

This z-turn mower doesn’t have a hitch in back. Yet, it has several pre-drilled holes at the rear right and left of the heavy duty frame. They allow an owner to attach different garden and front-mounted lawn accessories such as hitches, brooms, snow blades, trailers, dethatchers, snow throwers, spreaders, garden dump carts, graders, aerators, rollers and many more. The mower can be fairly easy adapted to different seasons and tasks.

In general, this is one of the best zero turn mower on the market today. The main pros being the powerful and reliable Briggs & Stratton engine, heavy-duty frame that can be upgraded with many additional kits, efficient cutting deck and general mobility and comfortability. If you want to start your own lawn services or have a large yard that needs a lot of attention then this mower a big ‘YES’ for you.

 

Specs

Poulan Pro P46ZX

The Poulan Pro P46ZX is one of most popular zero turn mower today on the market. It offers some features that many find very helpful in lawn services. Yet here we are going to review not only the good sides but the bad also and see why this mower is so popular.

This z-turn mower shipped almost assembled as most of the mowers listed here. The battery needs charging and the tank refueling but apart from these, the mower is ready to do the job right from the start. The manual comes in handy as well as it lists all major and minor things you need to do in order to get things running.

The Pro P46ZX is easy in use and lightweight compared with other mowers. It weights only 494 pounds (compare this with 770 pound Husqvarna MZ61), has length of 75 inches, width of 56 inches (with chute down) and height of 40″. Despite being a little oversized the machine is maneuverable due to the design and powerful engine.

The heart of this mower is 22 HP Briggs & Stratton V-twin engine of Professional series. It runs on gasoline, has Auto-type paper air filter type, 724 cm³ cyclinder displacement and 3.5 fuel tank. This size is enough to proceed 2-3 acres of lawn at one run. The front wheels are solid and the maximum speed is 6.5 miles per hour. It isn’t as fast as other pricier models but enough for most people.

The Pro P46ZX requires fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane only. You can’t mix gasoline with oil. Alcohol-blended fuels are also prohibited as they may attract moisture which leads to formation of acids during storage. It can result in damaging the fuel system and the engine.

The comfort is provided by the 15″ high-back seat and practical deck adjustment system. There are 6 cutting height steps (not that many but enough for residential and semi-commercial use) and electric clutch for blade engagement. The deck size is 46 inches – more than 34 on Ariens Zoom 34 but less than MZ61. Deck operating system is manual, hand operated and easily to operate. You can cut grass in any direction, reverse included.

Many wonder how this mower does on hills. An answer would be like this: it has enough power not to slip down for most of time but it’s better to do planning to avoid spots with slopes with more than 30 degrees. The official manual says about 10-degrees slopes so keep this in mind. Also, to prevent any damage in case the driver has left the mower it has a safety switch under the seat: the mower turns off if there is no weight in the seat.

One of the biggest advantage of this mower is the warranty on deck. The deck itself is made out of 10-gauge stamped steel that has one of the highest structural strength. This, plus 10-year warranty on it makes the Poulan Pro P46ZX zero turn mower one of the best on the market today for home owners with a medium and large-sized lawns.

Another thing that gives additional points to the question ‘Why I should buy this mower?’ is parts availability. The thing is, the Poulan trademark is owned by famous Husqvarna which has also a line of zero-turn mowers (with some of them being reviewed on this page). And many parts are interchangeable. So if you want to buy a mulching kit, rain cover, headlight kit and many others you won’t meet any difficulties in finding these accessories.

But despite being so popular, this z-turn has some downsides as well. We are going to review them down below.

First off, it lacks armrests. If you are young, full of energy and planning to start your own service (or just clean somebody’s lawn as a part-time job) then this a great zero turn mower. But if you are of middle age and value comfort above all, lack of armrests are a big disadvantage as your hands might get tired soon enough. In this regard consider purchasing Ariens IKON-X “52 (reviewed above) which is cheaper as well. Sure, you can buy armrests separately but we believe that a mower at this price should have them from the start.

Secondly, 2-year warranty on engine. Many customers has a long history of using this mower and having zero issues with any part but two years is a very short period of time. Compare this with 3, 4 or even 5-year warranties and you gen an idea. We think Husqvarna should consider increasing warranty on this model.

Thirdly, the wheels should be pneumatic by all means. Poulan’s wheels are hard and might leave tracks when turning. This doesn’t happen often but when it comes to zero-turns everything matters.

Finally, this mower can do many things with additional kits (mulching, collecting etc.) but it lacks equipment for bagging. You can’t buy accessories for this – there are none of that.

Apart from this cons the mower is great. It made out of sturdy materials, engine is powerful and the machine is maneuverable. If you look for a decent and long-term working mower the Poulan Pro P46ZX is a great choice.

 

Specs

Swisher 54″ ZTR2454CL-CA

The Swisher ZTR2454CL-CA is top-notch zero-turn mower made in the USA for residential use and rated as entry-level mower for commercial usage. And in the next few paragraphs we are going to explain why we think so.

This machine comes assembled and with a lift gate when delivered. A buyer needs to uncrate the mower only that measures 61″ x 75″ x 44″ . Total weight is around 592 pounds. The deck is built from sturdy 11-gauge welded steel that increases the mower’s lifetime.

The powerful 24 HP/724cc Briggs & Stratton engine can run the mower up to 8 miles per hour forward and reverse. This is something many mowers at this price range are lacking. High speeds are boosted with Hydro Gear 2800 transmissions and Ogura clutch that save a lot of time especially on a big yards.

The big 54-inches cutting deck with 3 blades can do both cutting and mulching. A maximum blade tip speed is 19,000 FPM provides great mulching as a result of a special design of the angle of the tooth. The grass clippings are pushed back over the cutting edges again and again, up to 4-5 times after which they got released. This ends up in a superior mulch and saves time and money as you don’t have to buy additional kits and install them.

This z-turn is designed for big yards where comfort valued as much as clean lawn. The manufacturer equipped the mower with high-back seat and armrets that keep year arms and back in comfortable position. The mower also comes with a front and rear hitch (many zero turn mowers lack this feature!), cup holder, integrated storage and battery compartment. Any part of the mower is easily accessed and driving it can bring a lot of joy, really!

As for some other features, the one we definitely should mention is a big tank fuel. Most mowers has a tank designed for 3.5 gallons of gasoline but the Swisher ZTR2454CL-CA can storage astonishing 8 gallons of fuel! This is something that makes this this mower a great deal for big properties.

You may ask “If this mower is so powerful, can it be a good option for commercial use?”. the answer would be both ‘Yes’ and ‘No’. ‘Yes’ because it is made with welded steel, cuts fast, has a powerful engine to work on hills with small slopes and very comfortable to ride. ‘No’ because it lacks any warranty on commercial use, has less powerful engine compared to other models and its cutting grass range is 1.5-4.5 inches whereas top-grade commercial mowers can do from 1.25″ up to 5″. But if you consider this as a part-time job, it may worth the risks.

As a small conclusion, this is the best zero turn mower for big yards. The welded frame, powerful & reliable engine, comfortable design along with smooth grass cutting are the things that make the Swisher ZTR2454CL-CA top-notch zero-turn mower.

 

Specs

Troy-Bilt Mustang XP 50

Troy-Bilt (previously known as Garden Way Incorporated) is another United States-based manufacturer of outdoor power tools. They have a few products in their lawn mowers line of them being the Troy-Bilt Mustang XP 50 zero turn mower.

This lawn tractor is a decent power tool when it comes to cleaning the yard. The powerful 23 HP Briggs and Stratton V-Twin engine can accelerate up to 6.5-7 miles per hour and can climb a small hill any day of the week.

Cutting the grass is easy and comfortable as this z-turn is equipped with 18″ high-back seat which ensures quality ride and prevents fatigue cumulation for your back. Operating the mower is easy compared even with some other models listed here.

The Troy-Bilt Mustang XP 50 lacks armrests however. But considering the price it’s a fair deal.

This mower lasts long as the deck it built from sturdy materials and it serves many people for years after an initial purchase. Obviously, some parts might need some attention but in general, this mower is loved for being very reliable. And this is what many expects from a power tool for a few thousand bucks. Some zero turn mowers can cut the grass faster but what’s the point if it breaks after several runs?

This is not a commercial zero turn mower by any means. But it is a decent, reliable and fair-priced residential mower for small and middle-sized yards.

 

Specs

Husqvarna Z254F

The last zero turn mower we are going to review here is Z254F made by Husqvarna. It belongs to the same 200-series mowers as the previously reviewed Z254 so they are kind of similar. However, there are some differences which we are going to explore.

The main differences are the deck material and size. The Z254F is built from solid 11-gauge steel (0.1250) vs 12-gauge steel (0.1094). This ensures higher build quality and longer lifespan. If a few hundred bucks aren’t a big difference for you but at the same time you want to buy a mower that will serve you as long as possible this difference in build material can be decisive.

Secondly, is has 6 anti-scalp wheels compared to 4 of Z254’s. That’s not a big deal but a difference anyway.

Other than that, Z254 and Z254F are fairly the same. The pricier model is a little heavier (due to the material), the engine is the same 26 horse-powered made by Kohler, minimum and maximum cutting height are 1.5 up to 4 as well. Fuel tank for both models are identical with 3.5 of gasoline fitting in it.

In general, it is an upgraded version of the Z254. If you value better build quality than you can spare more money, if you are quite tight on your budget then go for more cheaper zero turn mower.

 

Specs

What Is The Best Zero Turn Mower Reviewed Here?

That the question you may ask after reading all this reviews through. All mowers listed here have some advantages and some perform in different situations better than others. So we decided to compile short conclusions of all these z-turns to provide you with short but informative answers to this question.

If you are looking for the cheapest residential zero turn mower then go with the Ariens Zoom 34″. It is a decent budget lawn tractor that performs well, leaves no tracks on grass, cuts fast and is a reliable power tool. It isn’t the most comfortable or the best mower out there but it more than worthwhile the price. The major con is parts which sometimes are hard to find.

The Husqvarna MZ61 is a completely different kind of z-turn mower. It costs much more, cuts faster, provides more comfort during a ride and is considered an entry-level zero-turn mower. If you own a large property, want to start a lawn care business or consider providing these services as a part-time job for your neighbors, community members and so on, this is a great option to consider. The parts are also easy to find.

The Husqvarna Z254 has it’s own benefits as well. Apart from the price, it has a powerful Kohler engine capable of dealing with little hills and obstacles, efficient design for better cut and mower’s parts are easy to find online or at local dealers. This a good residential zero turn mower by all means for a fair price.

Another good example of a high quality residential mower is Ariens IKON-X 52″. This lawn tractor comes with a comfortable 18″ seat and armrests which are lacked on many other pricier zero turn mowers. The deck durability is provided by 10-gauge welded steel that has 5-year warranty. The engine has 3-year warranty which is an average for these types. If you have a big yard and want to ride your mower in comfort this is the best option at a reasonable price.

The cheaper Husqvarna Z242F is a good mower you should consider. It lacks armrests, yet they can be bought separately. The seat is comfortable, the machine cuts fast and design is very well thought over. Again, accessories are easy to find if you need kits for mulching, bagging and other types of work.

If you have more money to spare a better option would be the Husqvarna MZ61. Being the pricier model, it offers not only better performance (with the 61″ cutting deck and 27HP Briggs & Stratton engine) and higher comfort but also more additional kits for different types of work. Basically, you can convert the zero turn mower into a tractor, that can do a various of outdoor works. This is an awesome pick if you have a large property with hills and some other obstacles.

One of the most popular z-turns is the Poulan Pro P46ZX. This mower is also manufactured by Husqvarna therefore it will never lack replacements and additional kits. And one of the main reasons why so many people buy this mower is 10-year deck warranty. No other mower listed here can brag of it. The major downsides are somewhat short engine warranty (2 years) and hard wheels that can leave some tracks from time to time depending on weather conditions.

The best pick for a residential zero turn mower would be the Swisher ZTR2454BS. It’s not the cheapest model (it’s quite the contrary) but the performance and variety of works this mower can do it astonishing. We found it difficult to come over some cons of this mower and if there is any it’s the price. If you want to save some buck on your first zero turn mower this purchase can be quite a headache.

The Troy-Bilt Mustang XP 50 isn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer but it does the job quick. Replacements are easy to find for this model as well as additional kits.

The Husqvarna Z254F is an upgraded version of the Z254 model. If you want your deck materials be more durable you can invest money into this model. Again, may additional kits are available online and offline for this z-turn.

It’s up to you to decide which zero turn mower you want to buy depending on what you value the most. If you have a big budget the Swisher ZTR2454BS or the Husqvarna MZ61 are the best lawn tractors reviewed here. If you are on a tight budget, the Ariens Zoom 34″ or the Husqvarna Z254 are a good options too.

This is all for this big residential zero turn mover reviews. If you are looking into commercial mowers just wait a little – we are going to present our best picks quite soon!