6 Best Zero Turn Mowers of 2024 (2024)

Through decades of testing outdoor power equipment at the Good Housekeeping Institute, John Deere has earned a reputation for quality and reliability with our experts.

That reputation now extends to ZTRs, specifically the John Deere Z325E, which is a cut above the competition with its combination of value and performance. Its ample 48-inch cutting deck and robust 24-horsepower engine will make short work of lawns up to 2 acres in size.

The Popular Mechanics team was impressed with how well the model line handled its tough test zone, "which more closely resembled a hay field than a lawn,” noted Roy Berendsohn, senior home editor at the brand. It plowed through the thickest and tallest grass, throwing a steady stream of clippings in side-discharge mode, and was equally adept at mulching shorter grass.

Though it's noisier and not as feature-rich as other top picks (for instance, it lacks a LED headlight and USB ports to charge your phone), the Deere does have a washout port for cleaning the mower deck and a cup holder to keep your water bottle from toppling over.

RELATED: Best Lawn Mowers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Home centers have some of the best deals on zero-turn mowers, including this Craftsman, exclusive to Lowe’s. Craftsman is another legacy power equipment brand that we rate highly, especially after it was bought by Stanley Black & Decker in 2017.

Based on an extensive spec review, our engineers determined the mower will deliver a fast, uniform cutting performance in both side-discharge and mulching mode.

Spending less carries some tradeoffs though. For example, the 42-inch deck is narrower than most ZTRs and the 20-horsepower motor isn’t as powerful.

As with all lap bar-controlled ZTRs, operating the machine takes some practice, so you’ll want to steer clear of any flower beds or other obstacles in the beginning. But the high-back seat and rubber foot pad should provide a comfortable ride while you’re learning. And we expect the Craftsman to hold up well over time, thanks to its rugged steel frame and low-vibration twin-cylinder engine, causing less wear and tear.

Like all gas mowers, it requires more maintenance than battery-powered models, including changing the oil and air filter.

John Deere was slower than other brands to enter the battery-powered ZTR category, so its 2024 launch of the Z325E ZTrak generated big buzz in the industry. I tested the ZTR on a few acres of rolling grassland not far from the factory in Greeneville, Tennessee where the machines are manufactured.

I was extremely impressed by the combination of cutting power and quiet operation of the 42-inch riding mower (it’s also available with a 48-inch deck). Though its lever controls will pose the same learning curve to first-time ZTR users, the riding experience was generally intuitive and user-friendly. The ergonomic controls make for a quick and easy start-up and I found it simple to shift speeds on the fly or convert from mulching mode to side discharge when the grass become too thick and choppy.

While most battery-powered ZTRs run on rechargeable batteries that must be taken out and powered up at a charging device, John Deere opted for a permanent sealed lithium-ion battery that you charge at a regular 120-volt wall outlet using the on-board charging cord. A single charge provides enough juice to mow up to 2 acres.

As you’d expect from a premium-priced ZTR, the ZTrak is loaded with creature comforts, like the spring-suspension seat, footrests at the front of the platform and LED lights to improve visibility in low-light conditions. But the reason to spend upwards of six grand on a ZTR isn’t these bells and whistles — it’s the exceptional performance of the mower, without ever having to fill a gas can or change the engine oil to keep your lawn looking great.

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Greenworks has been a leader in the field of zero-emissions landscaping equipment for more than two decades, and its products routinely excel in our tests — the brand makes our best overall dethatcher of 2024, for example, as well as our best value lawn edger and best heavy-duty pressure washer.

Its 60-volt ZTR is another example of that commitment to quality and innovation. The power configuration is unique in that the mower comes with six batteries and three chargers, each of which can replenish two batteries at a time. As a result, recharge time is cut to 90 minutes, according to the manufacturer, unlike the several hours needed with other battery-powered ZTRs.

At 42 inches, the CrossoverZ's deck is narrower than other top picks, so it won't finish lawn jobs as quickly. And the lap bar controls is the hardest to master. But the CrossoverZ has many performance features that our experts appreciate, including a sensor technology that automatically adjusts the power output based on the type of grass you're mowing. We also like the brushless motor technology, which our tests have found significantly reduces wear and tear on the machine for added durability and lifespan.

As for creature comforts, the high-backed padded seat and foldable arm rests make for a cushioned ride and the LED headlight allows you to mow during low-light conditions.

I first took the Ryobi for a test ride last fall at the outdoor power equipment show Equip Expo 2022 in Louisville, Kentucky. I was amazed at the intuitiveness, especially compared with lever-controlled ZTRs, which can be intimidating for some homeowners.

Powered by three 80-volt batteries with a claimed cut capacity of four acres, Berendsohn said the Ryobi is “probably the most ambitious electric residential riding mower that we’ve seen up to this point.” We agree, based on how Ryobi has led the way in other battery-powered product categories, from shop vacs to circular saws. The downside to all that innovation is the steepest price tag of any zero turn mower we reviewed.

During my test run, I liked the LCD screen which displays speed, run time and battery life, so you don’t get stuck in the field. Other notable features include the LED headlight, good for finishing the job in the fading light, USB ports to charge your phone and a comfortable seat suspension with armrests. The five-hour charge time is longer than I've see with other battery mowers.

The Ryobi also has one of the largest deck width of the bunch so it can cover a lot of ground. Keep in mind that that also means it'll take up more room in your garage and may not fit through gates or in tight spots.

While a joystick is easier to operate than levers for many users, just about everyone will find a steering wheel the most intuitive of all.

That’s what made the Ego another big head-turner at Equip Expo, where I had the chance to take it for a test run. As expected, handling and maneuverability were exceptional — the wheel itself is more like that on a Formula One race car than the typical passenger vehicle. Though not quite as expensive as the joystick-controlled Ryobi, this innovative ride costs a pretty penny, especially since its 42-inch deck if geared for smaller yards (relatively speaking!) of 2.5 acres or less.

Still, the Ego has plenty going for it. Popular Mechanics tested the lap bar brand mate of the POWER+ Z6 e-Steer and noted its superb, carpet-smooth cut quality and solid handling. Like many of the latest electric ZTRs, this one is loaded with bells and whistles, including adjustable seat suspension, Bluetooth connectivity, front, side and rear LED lights and, of course, a handy cup holder.

Our engineers and product experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute start by surveying the current marketplace to identify the zero turn mowers you’re most likely to find at home centers, landscape equipment dealers and online.

I also attend trade shows like Equip Expo to stay on top of the latest models and innovations in the category. From there, the team and I focus on brands that have performed the best and proven the most reliable through more than 30 years of outdoor power equipment tests.

Hands-on testing starts with a thorough review of technical and performance data points, covering factors such as engine type and mowing width.

To measure all-important cutting performance, we road-tested several models and also teamed up with our partners at Popular Mechanics (PM), who evaluate zero turn mowers on a stretch of lawn at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. The PM team mows approximately an acre with each mower, considering cut and mulching quality while running uphill, downhill and along sidehills. They assess power and speed relative to cut quality, as well as maneuverability.

Finally, our engineers weigh in on usability features, including seat comfort, adjustable settings and LED headlights. Minor points are also handed out for bells and whistles, ranging from cup holders to USB ports.

Zero turn mowers get their name from their turning radius, which is effectively zero inches, unlike the 5-to-20-inch turning radius of traditional lawn tractors. “ZTRs can literally turn on a dime,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute. “That’s one reason landscape crews love them — they’re so easy to load onto a truck or tractor.”

A few design distinctions from traditional lawn tractors and ride-on mowers make ZTRs so nimble. For starters, their cutting deck is in front of the machine, not underneath it. They also have two swiveling wheels out front that allow for tight turns and two large wheels in the back that provide the driving power.

Most zero turn mowers are controlled with a pair of levers, commonly known as lap bars, which enables greater handling. The left lap bar controls the left wheel and the right lap bar controls the right wheel so that each wheel can move independently. For example, you can make the mower pivot by getting one drive wheel to turn clockwise and the other to turn counterclockwise. In recent years, manufacturers have introduced ZTRs with steering wheels and joystick controls to make them more accessible for the average consumer.

The unique design of ZTRs makes them not just nimble, but also fast, which is great if you have a lot of lawn to mow. But there are some downsides to consider, starting with the fact that zero turn mowers don’t handle well on sidehill mowing. Wet grass is a challenge for the smaller wheels too.

Then there’s the learning curve. “ZTRs are so maneuverable that people have a tendency to lose their sense of orientation on them,” Berendsohn said. “This accounts for people accidentally driving them into ponds, backing off retaining walls and the like.”

Berendsohn goes so far as to say driving a speedy and agile ZTR can even make the chore of mowing enjoyable. “If you're a bit bored with lawn cutting and inclined to make the job more interesting, and perhaps even fun, ZTRs are worth a look,” he said.

✔️ Power source

• Gas zero turn mowers: Most models on the market still run on regular unleaded gas from the gas station. They tend to be the most powerful, boasting plenty of horsepower to plow through the toughest grass. Provided you have an ample supply of fuel, run time isn’t an issue. But gas ZTRs require more maintenance, including oil and filter changes. Like all gas-powered equipment, their engines are noisy.
• Battery zero turn mowers: These mowers run on rechargeable batteries with average run times of 60 to 90 minutes. Berendsohn said battery technology is “probably the single biggest development in this category,” and added that “our tests show that they are quiet, clean and effective.” The biggest downside is cost, with most battery-powered ZTRs costing upwards of $5,000. Plus, while run times are impressive, you do need to remember to charge the batteries.

✔️ Deck width: Naturally, the wider the cutting deck, the faster you’ll finish the job. But prices tend to increase along with deck widths. Expect to spend between $3,000 and $3,500 on a zero turn mower with a 40- to 42-inch deck. Mowers with decks between 42- and 50-inches wide tend to cost between $3,500 and $5,000. Wider than 50 inches puts you into the professional category, with models costing $7,000 and up.

✔️ Yard size: Zero turn mowers are probably overkill if your yard is less than a couple acres. Smaller models with 40- to 42-inch decks are best for 2- to 3-acre yards. Mid-size models (42- to 50-inch decks) can handle 3 to 4 acres. Zero turn mowers with decks larger than 50 models are geared for sprawling properties, which is why you see them on the back of a lot of landscaping trucks.

✔️ Steering mechanism

• Lap bar: This design is by far the most common option, so you’ll have the most models to choose from within this category. The drawback is many users find lap bars difficult to master (when Berendsohn talked earlier about homeowners driving into ponds, it’s usually on a lap bar mower).
• Steering wheel: The maneuvering pain point of lap bars has led to the emergence of zero turn mowers that use a steering wheel or a joystick. Steering wheels — just like you would use in your car — are the more prevalent of the two, with brands like Cub Cadet and Toro offering them, along with Ego, our best steering wheel pick in this round-up.
• Joystick: It's located on the side of the driver sort of like a stick shift, but works intuitively like the joystick on a gaming control. Ryobi is the only manufacturer we’ve seen with a joystick control, so you’ll be limited to that Home Depot brand if you prefer this method of operation.

✔️ Features

• LED headlight: This will help you see the lawn when daylight is starting to fade. It also means the machine is more visible to people and pets (though it’s an important reminder that kids and pets should never be in the vicinity when you’re operating any kind of lawn care equipment).
• Washout port: This feature makes it easy to clear grass clippings off the mower deck. This is a maintenance task that’s essential to maximizing the lifespan of your mower, since it prevents rust and corrosion of the blade and deck.
• Comfort upgrades: Since zero-turn lawn mowers are intended for large properties, you’re likely to be seated in them for long stretches. An adjustable padded seat and armrests will ensure comfort over the long haul. A built-in cup holder will help with hydration, while a USB charging port and Bluetooth will keep your electronics charged and ready.
• LCD display: This screen is mostly found on electric models, where its interface provides information related to run time, battery life and speed. For mowers with different driving modes, the display always shows you clearly which one you’re in.

• Attachments: As with standard lawn tractors, zero turn mowers can also be fitted with attachments for other tasks, including aerators, dethatchers and even snow plows.

I've tested and written about outdoor power equipment, including lawn mowers and tractors, for more than 20 years. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping, my expertise appeared in Consumer Reports and This Old House. In my role as Director of the Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, I've personally tested lawn care equipment from more than a dozen leading brands. I'm also a regular at trade shows where I stay up to date on the latest innovations.

Roy Berendsohn has worked for more than 25 years at Popular Mechanics, where he tests all manner of outdoor power equipment, including zero turn mowers. He also writes about carpentry, masonry, painting, plumbing, electrical, woodworking, blacksmithing, welding and more. When he's not working on his own house, he volunteers with Sovereign Grace Church doing home repair for families in rural, suburban and urban locations throughout central and southern New Jersey.