Best Commercial Zero Turn Mower (Review & Buying Guide) in 2021

[Cover] Best Commercial Zero Turn Mower

If you have a lawn in your home’s backyard, chances are you must have probably heard of a zero-turn mower. What you might not know, however, is that a lot of those mowers are used commercially as well. They happen to be more powerful than residential mowers, which makes it easier for you to trim extensive gardens not just in less time, but more efficiently as well.

If you have also been looking for a commercial zero turn mower, then you have come to the right place. Here, we will discuss the top commercial zero-turn mowers. We are also going to list some factors you should consider before buying one since it can be quite overwhelming to choose just one amongst a plethora of options.

Quick Picks

Here are 3 models we pick out from the options that you can compare based on the features, budget and performance.

BEST PICK
Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52" Zero Turn Mower 23hp Kawasaki FR691 Series
TOP2
Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
Ariens IKON-X 52
Husqvarna MZ61
-
-
BEST PICK
Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52" Zero Turn Mower 23hp Kawasaki FR691 Series
Ariens IKON-X 52
-
TOP2
Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
Husqvarna MZ61
-

TOP 5 Best Commercial Zero Turn Mower Picks

#1 – Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52

Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52" Zero Turn Mower 23hp Kawasaki FR691 Series
  • This refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes...

The first pick on our list is Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52. This product is equipped with several cutting levels. The cutting levels can be accessed by rotating the dial on the mower. You can find this turning-dial on the right side of the machine. If you are in the landscape business, then you are going to find this mower perfect for your needs. Talking about the design of the machine, it has a 52-inch deck which you can remove to clean correctly. The deck is beneficial when it comes to cutting a large portion of the ground.

The mower is equipped with a 23 horsepower Kawasaki FR V-twin engine. The engine is installed at the back of the mower. The V-twin engine is SAE certified. All of these qualities make it extremely easy to start the engine. You would not need to make extra efforts to start the mower. Moreover, the mower is provided with excellent quality triaxle. You can quickly move the mower in any position you want without getting too troubled. The triaxle also makes the mower very smooth to handle.

The Good
  • Smooth riding
  • Normal fuel consumption
  • 13 different levels for cutting
Not So Good
  • The mower might be loud for some

#2 – Husqvarna MZ61

Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
  • Husqvarna 61 in. zero-turn lawn mower from the MZ series delivers commercial-grade power and amazing ergonomics
  • 27 HP Briggs Endurance engine provides reliable startups and high ground speeds
  • Fabricated 11-gauge steel cutting deck offers an excellent 54 in. cut with an ergonomically designed deck lifting system...

If you are looking for an extremely durable yet completely functional mower, then you are going to find this mower interesting. With smooth steering and splendid cut quality, you would find this mower extremely useful. The mower is equipped with an engine by a well-known brand, Briggs and Stratton. It boasts 27 horsepower engine capacity. With the help of this machine, you can drive forward at a speed of 8.5 miles. As a result, you would be able to cover almost 3 acres of land in just an hour or even less. It features a 61-inch dual fabricated steel deck, which is quite useful when it comes to cleaning an area full of debris.

 You can easily clean the deck belt pulleys and spindles, considering they are easily accessible. Additionally, you would not have to worry about ruining the garden with this mower as it features pneumatic tires. They would be very gentle on your garden. Finally, using this mower is very safe. To start the engine, you would need to check a lot of things, including the mower deck, steering controls, and the parking brakes. If all of these things are in the appropriate position, only then will the mower start.

The Good
  • Equipped with a powerful engine
  • Comes with comfortable armrests
  • Safety a top priority when using
    this mower
Not So Good
  • It is a bit difficult to cut tall grass

#3 – Snapper 2691319 360z Mower

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The first thing you are going to notice about this third mower on our list would be its unique appearance. It has a red and black look which you are going to fall in love with as soon as you lay your eyes on it. But looks are not the only quality of this mower. The mower is efficient enough to clean the dirt and dead flowers along with cutting grass without any problem. Moving around on this mower is also going to be reasonably easy as it weighs only 55 lbs.

Another feature we would like to mention is the adjustment of the foot-operated deck. You can choose the position you are comfortable in, and then get to work. It comes with two additional grass bags for collection along with the manual on how to operate this mower. The wheels of this mower work great when it comes to transport. The mower is also very durable, thanks to the wholly welded steel frame. All of these features make this an excellent contender. But then again, such class can be expected from a brand like Snapper.

The Good
  • Rapid cutting of grass is possible
  • Powerful engine capabilities
  • Not too heavy on the pocket
Not So Good
  • The carburetor is not as powerful as the rest of the engine

#4 – Ariens Zoom 34

Another mower on our list is by the manufacturer Ariens. While the other mower by Ariens we discussed on our list had more features, but that does not mean you should consider this mower less worthy. For if it does not have those features, it also does not have that price tag. The mower comes with a 34-inch deck, which consists of 3 sharp blades fixed inside it. This makes the mower great, not only for commercial purposes but for residential purposes as well. The deck is manufactured from top-quality steel, thus, protecting it from hard surfaces.

 It has an 18-inch seat, which would cover the driver’s body from top to bottom, giving him a comfortable riding experience. It is equipped with an engine with 19 horsepower capacity. The capacity might be less for some people, but this also means that it consumes less fuel. You can fill it once and then continue using the mower without having to worry about filling it again and again.

The Good
  • Easy to use and drive
  • You can easily change the blade’s
    position
  • It allows you to turn smoothly
Not So Good
  • It doesn’t do well on harsh surfaces

#5 – Jungle Jims ZT-TR

ZTR-TR Zero Turn Lawn Mower Trimmer Rack for Landscaping Professionals
  • Mounts a trimmer to a mower (*Mower not included)
  • Adjustable settings for a customized fit.
  • Quick clamp secures trimmer from spinning

The last commercial zero turn mower on our list is by Jungle Jims. One of the best parts about this mower is that it doesn’t require that much maintenance, but it still serves its purpose efficiently. All the components of this mower are professionally designed, so you get the ultimate mowing experience. Even the settings of this mower are customizable, depending on how you want it to work. The mower consists of one trimmer along with a 2-inch roll bar, which is U shaped.

The wheels equipped in this mower help you so you can move faster. The sturdy bolting system is another feature that is worth discussing here. You can adjust the system depending on the type of terrain you are mowing. For instance, on rougher terrains, you can slide the mower wheels easily, so it is convenient for you to cut the delicate overgrown plants.

The Good
  • You can use this mower on large
    spaces
  • It has a unique design
  • Installing the bottom shelf is not
    time-consuming
Not So Good
  • Assembling the mower takes a lot of time

FAQ

What is a zero turn mower?

The name zero turn comes from the fact that while using such mowers, you can turn in to a zero degree turn radius. In simpler words, you can turn in a circle without having to cover any additional ground.

Can you apply brakes on zero turn mower?

While zero turn mowers don’t have breaks similar to traditional mowers, there is a way for you to stop them. The levers on the machine determine the speed of the mower. Keep those levers in a neutral position, and the mower would not move.

Tips

Following are some essential factors you should consider before buying a zero turn lawn mower

Engine Horsepower

The first thing you should consider in a commercial zero turn mower is the engine capabilities. The engine HP makes a big difference when it comes to mowing the lawn. The more horsepower your mower has, the better and quicker it will be able to do its job. Once you have enough power to get the task done, you would be able to continue for a whole day before taking a break. If you intend to use the mower on a small area, then a mower with low engine horsepower should be enough for you to do the job without any problem. On the other hand, if you own a vast landscape where you intend to use the mower, then you should look for an engine that has high horsepower.

Cut width

While having a powerful engine is indeed of great importance, what’s equally important is proper cutting with a mower. A lot of people think that having the most significant cut width (also referred to as the mowing path) will produce the best results. That is not true. No doubt, you will be able to cover large areas with convenience when using a mower with a wide mowing path, but you would need to deal with the obstacles in your path as well. If you are working on a lawn that has several garden pieces, including decorative and real plants, then you ought to make sure that the cutting platform isn’t significant. When it comes to finding the best cutting width for your lawn, you should look for one that has a cutting width large enough to take care of big parts in your yard, but it should also be small enough so you can easily reach narrow spaces.

Transmission

While you may be inclined towards buying a low-level transmission zero turn mower, but it would not be a wise decision. Low-level transmission mowers do not have a problem when it comes to dealing with small yards. But since you will be using the mower for commercial purposes, it would not be enough for you. For bigger yards, you are going to need a mower with powerful transmission. Failing to do so would get you in trouble after some time. So, when it comes to choosing between a cheap mower with low transmission and an expensive mower with powerful transmission, don’t accept the former just because it is a few bucks cheap. You will end up spending more money on it for repairing and maintenance, which would ultimately cause you to pay the same as buying an expensive model with a robust transmission.

Fuel capacity

If you like to get the work done without having to take a lot of breaks, then you should consider investing in a mower that has a large fuel capacity. This is especially true if you have a large lawn to work on. You do not want to waste time refilling the fuel again and again, as it would be very time-consuming.

Comfortable

While a lot of people think comfortability shouldn’t be high on the list of the factors, think about it yourself. You would need to spend a lot of time sitting on a mower cutting grass. Would you be able to do an excellent job if, say, the seat you are sitting on is not comfortable enough? If your answer is no, which it probably is going to be, then think of investing in a mower that has proper legs, back, and butt support. Along with making it easier for you to mow the lawn, this support would also save you from straining yourself.

Durability

Imagine finding a perfect mower. You like the price you paid for it; it; it has a beautiful design and all the features you were looking for. But after using it for just two months, you have to take it to maintenance and spend a lot of money on it. To avoid this situation, you need to check how durable your mower is. You can read reviews to find it out or check the material which is used to manufacture the deck of the mower.

Always remember to do some research before going to purchase a commercial zero turn mower. When you have all the necessary information with you, you would not need to think a lot before buying a mower. If you can, try to check out some of the mowers in person. A practical approach would give you a better insight on the mowers.

Sources:

Jeffrey Alfaro

Jeffrey is a craftsman and writer who specializes in testing tools and covering the tool industry for construction and woodworking professionals.

View all posts by Jeffrey Alfaro →

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