If you have been down to one of the big home improvement stores lately, you’ll notice that there is a huge selection of lawn mowers that have seats. Walk behind lawn mowers seem to be getting pushed to one side and replaced with a whole range of mowers that appear to take out much of the hard work required by traditional mowers. So the big question is riding lawn mowers vs. zero turn. Which one should you choose? Let’s take a look at how they differ.
Should You Choose a Riding Mower/Lawn Tractor or a Zero Turn? (The Short Answer)
Choosing between a zero turn mower or riding mower comes down to the type of yard they are going to be used in. Neither one will win first prize in every yard. Both types of mowers have their strengths and weaknesses, so it’s a case of selecting the correct mower for the yard.
| Zero Turns | Lawn Tractor/Ride-on |
|---|---|
| Little Effort to Use | Little Effort to Use |
| Medium to Large Cutting Deck Options | Small to Medium Cutting Deck Options |
| High-Speed Cutting | Medium-Speed Cutting |
| Ideal for Medium to Large Lawns | Ideal for Small to Medium Lawns |
| Zero Degree Turning | Traditional Steering Method |
| Large Collection Options | Large Collection Options |
| Attachment Options | Attachment Options |
Pros of Riding Mowers/Lawn Tractors
Riding mowers and tractor mowers are very similar in many ways. The main similarity is that they are driven by two wheels that move together in the same direction and at the same time. Additionally, they have a traditional steering wheel, accelerator, and brake. So let’s take a look at how having a riding mower is a benefit.
Riding Mowers/Tractor Mowers Take Little Effort to Use
Tractors really make cutting the lawn very easy. Depending on the size of your lawn, you could be walking a mile or two by the time you have finished. Additionally, electric starters really save exerting yourself before you start mowing. So, if you go for a riding mower, you’ll be letting the mower do the work, not you.
Small to Medium Cutting Deck Options
One of the great benefits of a riding mower/tractor mower is they are available with small to medium-sized cutting decks. This means that if you want a mower you can ride, then it doesn’t have to be big. Ride-ons come in a range of smaller decks for 30 to 60 inches. So if you have narrow gates and some skinny lawns, then you should find a riding mower/tractor mower the right size to fit.
Medium-Speed Cutting
Riding mowers/tractor mowers have a more moderate cutting speed. This means that riding mowers and tractors are a good option if you want something faster than a walk behind but not so fast that it could be a problem.
Ideal for Small to Medium Lawns
If you have a small to medium lawn, then riding mowers/tractor mowers are a good choice. They will certainly get the job done in no time with little effort. The fact that they are generally smaller means they are usually a little cheaper than zero turns.
Traditional Steering Method
Jumping onto a riding/tractor mower is an easy transition for most people if they have ever driven anything from an automobile to a toy car. This type of lawn mower uses a simple steering wheel and pedal system, so transitioning to a riding/tractor mower can be very quick.
Large Collection Options
If you are tired of carrying a clipping bag down to the compost between every few passes on the lawn, then the ridging mower has a whole range of baggers that can be added to the mower. They can hold a significant amount of grass, meaning it’s faster and takes less effort. This is a huge benefit if carrying clipping bags is hard work for you.
Attachment Options
To use a lawn tractor to its full potential, then attachments are the way to go. Tractors have the power to pull trailers and leaf collectors, amongst other things. So when it’s time to mulch or bags of compost need moving, the tractor hitch really comes in handy.
Pros of Zero Turn Mowers
Zero turn mowers share a lot of the same pros as riding/tractor mowers, such as the ease of use, attachments, and collection systems, but they also have a few which are unique to just themselves. Let’s take a look at where zero turns are different.
Medium to Large Cutting Deck Options
When it comes to zero turn vs. riding mower and deck size, the zero turns win. Zero turns are the next step up. Their decks usually start in the low 40-inches and can go as high as 120-inches. So if you don’t have any restrictions around your yard, like narrow gates, then you could take advantage of the larger cutting decks zero turns have to offer.
High-Speed Cutting
Even though tractor/riding mowers are faster than walk-behinds, the zero turn mowers are even faster. This extra speed is ideal for those big yards where you can ramp up some speed and for those where saving time is important. This is the main reason why professional maintenance crews always use zero turn mowers; they quickly cover a lot of ground.
Ideal for Medium to Large Lawns
Once you add together the large cutting decks and speed, the zero turn becomes the perfect lawn mower for large properties. For those of you with lawns larger than an acre, a zero turn mower will chop it up in no time. Gone are the days of spending hours upon hours mowing the lawn or resorting to hiring professionals with big machines.
Zero Degree Turning
One of the first things you’ll notice about a zero turn mower is the lack of a steering wheel. This is because zero turn mowers use a hydrostatic drive which is controlled by two levers–-one lever for the left wheel and one for the right. This means the wheels are controlled independently, including their speed and direction.
The result is that the rear wheels of a zero turn mower steer the mower. The final outcome of this design is that the mower can turn on the spot without moving forward or backward. The big advantage of this is the mower doesn’t need to cover ground it doesn’t need to cut.
Tractors spend a lot of time maneuvering into position once they complete one pass and move to the next. This means a zero turn can always be cutting grass which makes it extremely efficient.
Factors that Will Impact Your Decision
Once you have done your research, the battle between riding lawn mowers vs. zero turns isn’t so hard to work out. Even though there is some overlap, each mower suits a specific situation. So if you are in the in-between area where both types of mower would work for your lawn, you’re going to need some additional information. Let me share an extra couple of factors that could help you decide.
How Much Do They Cost? Riding Lawn Mower Vs. Tractor Lawn Mower vs. Zero Turn
A basic riding mower is the cheapest in the bunch. If you are just looking for a solution to stop walking behind a mower, then a simple riding mower is the best option. For under $500, you’ll get at least a 30” inch deck and the all-important seat. These mowers have no frills, they’re not fast, but they do save walking.
Lawn tractors have been around for years and have been lining the aisles in the big box stores for who knows how long. This means there are lots of options and lots of competitive pricing. You can happily pick up a lawn tractor for $2500+, depending on your desired power and size.
Zero turns come in as the most expensive design out of the three. They are still a fairly new option for a homeowner, and there is a limited choice available compared to lawn tractors. For years these mowers were strictly a professional type of equipment, and you’d see them being used by city crews and professional landscapers. Now, residential versions are available to homeowners starting at around $3500 for a name brand, but if you want a more powerful model, you could be looking at $10k plus.
Space to Store the New Mower
One thing that people tend to forget is the actual size of these kinds of lawn mowers. The last thing you want to do is leave your brand new mower outside in all types of weather or to potentially be stolen. I’d strongly recommend that you grab a tape measure and check the storage space you have available.
A big zero turn can be as big as a small car, and it could need its own parking space in the garage. In comparison, a simple 30-inch ride-on doesn’t take up much more space than a bicycle or two.
Are you Ready for a Zero Turn?
The only question I really ask people when it comes to wanting a zero turn is if they’re prepared for the new way of driving. It isn’t particularly difficult, but it does take some practice and some time to get used to in order to mow straight lines with a zero turn. Even a small zero-turn is still a big piece of mechanical equipment and should be approached with caution. So, if you’re unsure about it, try to test drive one first, whether it be a friend’s mower or at the dealership.
My Recommendations for When to Use a Riding Mower/Lawn Tractor vs. Zero Turn
Before I finish, I just wanted to give you some examples of different scenarios where riding mowers, lawn tractors, and zero turns are best suited. This could help you answer the question of a riding mower vs. zero turn for your yard.
| Small standard residential lawn with limited grass and flower bed all around. | Ride-on Mower |
| Small standard residential lawn with no flower bed and no gates. | Ride-on Mower |
| Medium-sized lawn with a standard gate for access and a few flower beds. | Tractor Mower |
| Medium lawn with no flower beds and no fences or gates. | Tractor Mower or Zero Turn Mower |
| Large lawn with flower beds, fence, and a wide gate. | Zero Turn Mower |
| Large lawn with no flower beds and a regular gate. | Tractor Mower |
It really all comes down to whether the mower can get around the yard, if it is the right size for the job, and if it is worth the money. Happy shopping!
I like that you mentioned how the zero turn mower becomes the perfect lawn mower for large properties once you add together the large cutting decks and speed. We got a pretty big property and mowing it with a traditional mower has become quite a hassle. So, we are thinking of buying a different kind of lawnmower this time.
http://www.facklerco.com/search/inventory/type/Commercial%20Generators/type/Residential%20Lawn%20Mowers
Hi Luke,
If you are looking to have a cutting deck up at the 50″ or 60″ range or above, then a zero turn is the most affordable option, and they still make a professional standard cut. Now, I see that you are looking at Gravely zero-turns. I’m not sure if you know, but Gravely lawn mowers are actually made by the Ariens Company, which also has its own range of lawn mowers.
One of the main differences between the two brands is Ariens is a fair amount cheaper. To my understanding, it’s basically the same machine just one is red, and one is orange.
Now, when it comes to big zero turns, the Toro Z Master range 72’’-100′ are pretty impressive. Sure, they are more expensive than a new family saloon, but when you have a lot of grass to cut, you need a lot of mower.
Happy Shopping!
Tom.