Should I Buy a Zero Turn or Lawn Tractor?

You can do other stuff with tractor style. If you can afford you should get zero turn

Please don't make a decision on lawn maintenance equipment based on this video. While the presenter makes some valid points regarding the two mower styles he presents, for some reason he left out a mower style that would be a far better choice for many applications. That choice is a front mower. If you're not familiar with those, the front mower has the power unit low in the back behind and/or under the operator with the mower deck out in front , supported by the traction unit from the back and two big castor wheels in front. It steers with one or two wheels in the back of the unit with the traction wheels in the center of the unit (although 4WD commercial models are available that drive the steering wheels as well). The advantages of the front mower are that is much safer on hills since it's center of gravity is much lower than either of the presented models. My John Deere front mower doesn't even have a ROPS bar because it doesn't need one. Something not pointed out here is that those ROPS bars on the zero turn mowers are dangerous in many landscapes. Because, unless you remove all the branches on your trees that hang down lower than the top of your ROPS bar it is easy to get the bar hooked on a branch and upset the mower or cause it to make a wild, unexpected turn.

The front mower is also easier for precision cutting around trees, borders, and other obstacles as it isn't easily knocked off course by exposed roots, and bumps like a zero turn is. It can also mow across side hills much steeper than either of the reviewed mower styles.

I have a 2 acre yard with at least two dozen trees and I never use a string trimmer or push mower because my front mower has a turn radius of around 10" and can mow around a tree surrounded by some wood chips in one circle turn. It can also trim the grass that grows under the low branches of evergreens like spruce and cedar since the front mower can be tucked under the branches without the tractor part where the operator sits hitting the branches.

One last advantage of the front mower is ease of maintenance. Since the mower deck is out front and exposed, it is easy to access it for blade changes and drive belt maintenance. Some commercial units can even be commanded o tip the mower deck up 90 degrees in the front for access to the blades.

Unfortunately, this superior style of mower isn't widely available in the US although it is very popular in other markets like Europe. So you will have to do a little research to find one. And you'll be hard pressed to find a front mower that can compete on price with the cheap tractors and zero turn mowers that are so abundant.

So, consider all your options before making a choice. And don't make the mistake of overlooking the front mower.

I have almost 3/4 acre flat lawn for the most part, with several trees and bushes, so zero turn would be ideal, but it is about $1200-$1500 difference in price to the tractor. So far, depending on finances, I'm pointing towards the tractor option. Now will it be Deere or Husqvarna? I like that Kawasaki engine in the Hus though.

I purchased my very first Zero Turn Toro mower 2 months ago and I'll tell ya, there is a learning curve for sure. Going from a Cub Cadet XT2 garden tractor with a 54" fab deck to a Toro Z Master 2000 commercial zero turn mower was a huge change. I compare driving a Zero Turn like trying to ride a bicycle for the first time without training wheels. It's a challenge especially on hilly terrain like my 3 acres which has grades over 30%. I'm on my 6th time driving it now and I still look for the foot brake with my left foot, lol. Going down hill then trying to turn before I dead end into a ditch is really really hard to do., I'm getting better with practice but it's still an adventure.

After the advent of hydrostatic drive, there is no advantage.

Good video, Thank you

Any kid that had a 360 RC car where you push up on a joystoctand down on the other understands zero turn steering. Its not that complicated

A reason i didnt get a zero turn was cuz the previous owners left me a Husqvarna mower and my land is on a slope which i hear is better.. I think i coulda handled a zero turn in my yard. Ill risk it

Could you use a S120 for commercial mowing?

The Cub Cadet hybrid that puts synchronized active steering wheels on a zero turn platform is a great alternative to the two basic forms.

Sigh. Sales rep told me the opposite. Ztr for slopes and tractor for flats. Who to believe?

I know there are ton of people who prefer zero turns but I will always be lawn tractor guy.

Very Good!... #61 ✝ {4-21-2023}

I feel like so many people buy a zero turn because it's the "cool" thing to do and everyone has one. For me, personally, a tractor style is everything I need and nothing I don't want.

IS LIKE COMPARING A LATIN AMERICAN OR SHORT ASIAN SOCCER PLAYER TO A VERY TALL AND HEAVY ITALIAN GERMAN OR ARGENTINIAN.

Craftsman lawn tractor has a 5 inch turn radius!

Gotta be a paid actor in the back , there's no way. 🤣 "quick the neighbor is on he's John start the filming ! Go go go ! "

If you are mowing on flat ground most of the time the ZTR is an ok machine. If you are mowing in the hill country or boonies you definitely DO NOT want a ZTR. They get stuck much easier and do not turn well on the slopes. They are definitely hard on your back and stomach muscles in the hill country because you do not have the stability of a steering wheel to hang on to. I would definitely advise owning a conventional rider with a steering wheel for the most comfort and versatility.

When he first start to talk about the tractor the guy in the background cutting a yard with the exact same tractor🤣