Budget Zero Turn Mower Review

As you'll see from this quick and dirty zero turn mower review, even entry level zero turn riding lawnmowers can put the fun back in mowing the lawn.

All three zero turn lawnmowers reviewed here are really nimble. Even better after making your way down a short steering learning curve, they are very easy to steer. Making it a snap to cut around mail boxes, light poles, bird baths and other obstacles in the yard. Without the tedious back and forth required with your typical riding lawn mower.

	Deere Z225	Cub RZT 42	Toro Z4200
Mower Deck	42-inch	42-inch	42-inch
Power Plant	18.5HP Briggs & Stratton single-cylinder	17HP Kohler single-cylinder	19HP Kohler single cylinder
Top Speed	7-mph	5.5-mph	7-mph
Seating	15-inch adjustable seat	High back adjustable	15 inch high back

Other features to watch for with zero turn riding lawn mowers include a welded deck, hydro-gear transmission, hours meter, and the like. Just remember that even though they come equipped with hydrostatic drive, they are only two wheel rear drive. Which can affect the amount of traction available.

Riding Lawn Mowers Tip: ZTR mowers with single cylinder engines are good enough for an acre or under. But you'll probably want more horsepower if you're cutting more grass.

Hits: As you can see from the chart above all provide about the same horse power. Although the Cub Cadet offers the least - and the least top speed too. The size of the cutting deck and seating are the same.

We're not going to get into any Briggs and Stratton vs Kohler engine debate. As you can see Zero turn mower manufacturers use them both. It's much like Chevy vs Ford. Some like one. Others prefer the other.

Misses: The biggest miss with any ZTR mower is the sticker shock you experience when you first see the prices. Expect to write a check for at least $2500 to get into the zero turn riding lawnmowers game. That and they're pretty much limited to cutting grass are the major drawbacks. Which means no aeration or snow plowing or hauling a trailer with these zero turn riding lawn mowers.

That's it. I told you this zero turn mower review was quick and dirty. But it still gives you a place to start when seeking out ZTR riding lawn mowers.