For some people, mowing the lawn is a necessary evil. For others, it’s the perfect chance to zone-out, listen to music, and take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Regardless of which category you fit into, a zero-turn mower is a smart investment.
Zero-turn lawn mowers have a mowing deck more towards the front of the machine while traditional mowers have one on the underside. Without diving too far into the jargon, this essentially means that the mower’s blades are more ideally placed. This way you have much better visibility. Additionally, zero-turn mowers provide the operator with complete control over each rear wheel separately.
These two features combined make zero-turn mowers far more effective, precise, and efficient than a traditional lawn mower. With a zero-turn mower, you’ll be able to turn on a dime, maneuvering easily around obstacles such as trees and shrubs. In addition to keeping things simple, this drastically cuts the time you’ll spend mowing and results in a cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing yard.
With all of these great benefits, you may find yourself asking why more homeowners haven’t switched over to a zero-turn mower. The answer? Their benefits often come at high sticker prices and you can find yourself paying several thousand dollars before tax. Luckily, we’ve rounded up some cheap zero-turn mowers on the market that don’t sacrifice quality.
Troy-Bilt Mustang 54 Zero-Turn Riding Mower
This mower has a 54” deck and has been designed to be extremely simple to control without sacrificing power. Its deck is much larger than many mowers on the market and can be set in 8 positions, meaning you’ll mow your lawn faster than ever before. Another highlight of this zero-turn mower is that it is equipped with mulch and side discharge, making finishing up your yard work easier than ever before. Above all, this zero-turn mower stands out to us because it’s extremely well crafted despite the lower-end price tag. This zero-turn mower is particularly a good fit for homeowners with large lawns. Its increased fuel capacity and extremely powerful engine will allow you to mow large areas without needing to stop and refuel.
Snapper 360ZZero Turn Mower
This mower is perfect for someone who is always looking for bigger and better. If you love having the most innovative products, the Snapper 360z is the pinnacle of zero-turn mowers. Its design rivals zero-turn mowers at double its cost, but it remains simple to use and affordable. Regardless of lawn size, this zero-turn mower is a great investment and will improve your yardwork experience without a doubt.
What makes the Snapper 360z stand out among zero-turn mowers are features such as a five-speed disc riding system and a foot-operated height of cut. In other words, it offers unparalleled control of speed, allowing for the most precise mowing possible. This mower was designed to provide you with the ingenuity of commercial mowers at a residential price. An added bonus is that the commercial-grade construction means maintenance will be rare and a breeze when needed!
Another cool feature of the 360Z zero-turn is that it includes a rear cargo bed to provide homeowners with more on-the-go versatility and convenience than a traditional zero-turn mower. With the new cargo bed, homeowners can carry tools, mulch, flowers, debris, and even a cooler for ice-cold water for those warm days of mowing.
Craftsman Z560 54-Inch Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
Despite its long name, this mower is as user-friendly as they come. Its 24-horsepower gas engine makes it a perfect fit for people with large lawns. And while many mowers that pack that kind of power can be a hassle to start, the Craftsman Z560 comes equipped with ReadyStart technology which ensures a consistent, quick, and easy start before every mow.
If you’re someone who values comfort and really wants to relax as you do yardwork, you don’t need to look any further. This zero-turn mower as a high-back seat, sturdy wheels, and solid craftsmanship. This means you can sit back and enjoy the view, never feeling any of those hidden rocks or other bumps in your path. And this comfort doesn’t come at a cost—the Craftsman Z560 comes with the same features (like a 360-degree turning radius and the option to mow in reverse) that make every zero-turn mower on this list perfect.
Ariens IKON-X
This last option is the priciest on our list (coming in just over $3,000) but still a great deal compared to your average zero-turn mower. And you can believe us when we say the investment is work it! The Ariens IKON-X is a residential mower that rivals commercial-grade machines. Its power and performance rival mowers far above its price point.
With a 23-horsepower Kawasaki engine and a 52-inch deck, this mower will quickly work through even the largest of lawns. Its engine includes cast iron cylinder liners and all parts of welded rather than bolted, increasing durability and life. It also features an internally vented carburetor, which means it’s one of the most fuel-efficient mowers on the market. Aside from the engine, we’re particular fans of this mower’s 3-blade system which delivers a smooth, consistent cut and comes with a dial that allows precise control over its 13 cutting heights.
Cheaper Zero Turn Mowers Can Still Be High Quality
See more affordable zero turn mowers on Amazon
At the end of the day, even the cheapest zero-turn mowers are large investments for many homeowners. As with large lawn robot mowers, paying one to three thousand dollars for a lawnmower may sound extreme, the above options deliver quality that top-of-the-line brands charge double to triple for. Choosing to invest in a zero-turn mower will make your life simpler for years to come. The days of sweating in the heat, mowing over the same spot over and over will be long gone. Finally, you’ll be able to lean back, relax, and mow as far as the eye can see in half the time you’re used to. Better yet, the money you’ll save on maintenance and fuel compared to a traditional mower will add up over time, making a zero-turn mower even more worth the initial investment.