Choosing the best zero-turn mower for steep slopes can be a tough decision. There are so many different models, brands, and prices that it is hard to know where to start! This article will help you choose the best zero-turn mower for your needs by comparing four of our most popular models. We have broken down each model’s features, pros, cons, and pricing in order to help you quickly determine which one is right for you.
Table of Content
Top 4 Zero Turn Mower for Steep Slopes
Last update on 2024-08-30
Husqvarna MZ61
Last update on 2024-08-30
Every homeowner wants the best for their lawn and backyard. With an easy fuel-efficient 24 HP Kawasaki engine, Husqvarna ensures you can get your lawn in shape without breaking a sweat. The ground speeds of up to 4 mph and proper yard turn radius make it quick work for cutting even the most stubborn grasses down to size. And with many attachments available to choose from, we’ve got everything you need when it comes time to take care of all that trimming. Keep your backyard looking spotless and professional with a reliable Husqvarna mower!
Pros:
- Powerful engine
- Roll-over protection system
- Foam-padded hand grips
- High-back seat with armrests
- Peddle assist deck lift
Cons:
- High price
Craftsman 17ARFACT091
Last update on 2024-08-20
With the Craftsman 17ARFACT091 Zero-turn Radius Residential Commercial Mower available, you will never have to worry about your lawn again! With a powerful 23HP Kohler twin-cylinder engine and an easy one-lever operation, you can start up this mower in just seconds. Enjoy optimal efficiency with no prime or choke required while cruising around on this durable steel frame ride that has adjustable cutting heights to meet any task needs.
Pros:
- Hydrostatic transmission for safe riding on hills
- Quality assembly
- Built-in cleaning system
- High back seat for comfort
Cons:
- High price
Husqvarna Z254
Last update on 2024-08-21
The Husqvarna Z254 is the best dependable and state-of-the-art zero-turn mower on the market. With a 26 HP Kohler engine, starting up the machine is always guaranteed with its patent-pending park brake system that has an auto mode that adjusts as you move your steering levers outwards or inwards. The heavy flat-stock steel stamped cutting deck provides durability to make sure you can’t tear it like paper (believe me I tried). Clippings can be discharged, mulched, or bagged (mulching kit and bagging attachment sold separately) for those choosey customers who want their grass to look fresh after every cut.
Pros:
- Air induction mowing technology
- Reinforced cutting deck
- Park brake system
- 26 HP Kohler engine
Cons:
- Mulching kit and bagger attachment sold separately
Ariens Edge 52 in.
Last update on 2024-08-30
It’s a zero-turn mower, with a 52-inch deck. The blade spins at a speed of up to 3800 rpm and gives you a fast, clean cut in your lawn by meandering with ease around the winding paths that surround your home or property. It’s also easy to use because it has intuitive controls.
Pros:
- The high back comfort seating
- 52-inches of the cutting area
- Foot-operated deck lift
- Kawasaki FR651 engine
Cons:
- High price
What does zero turning circle mean?
As the name suggests, these special lawn mowers can turn completely around their own axis, allowing extremely precise maneuvering around any type of obstacle. To make this work, each of the rear wheels has its own motor, each of which brings the maximum maneuverability, as both wheels can steer independently. Due to this system and the higher speed of the mowers, the time for mowing is reduced by up to half. Most models are equipped with two steering levers, one of which controls the rear wheel.
Steering with the levers certainly takes some getting used to the first time, but in principle, it works quite simply. Pushing the levers away from the body in parallel results in a straight-ahead movement; conversely, pulling the levers in parallel causes the device to move backward. The uneven pushing or pulling enables curves, changes in direction, or even turning without a turning circle.
Mowing in record time
The maneuverability resulting from the drive concept is a factor in the time saved with zero-turn circle mowers compared to lawn tractors. Turning in three turns is saved, as is awkward steering wheel handling and looking over your shoulder. But there are other factors as well: speed is generally higher with a zero turn compared directly to a lawn tractor, which can be done safely thanks to the lower, secured seating position.
At the same time, even the smallest zero-turn mowers offer cutting widths of more than one meter as standard; most lawn tractors require an additional, extra-large mowing deck for this. And the combination of higher speed and larger cutting width inevitably results in greater mowing output per hour. So if you want to mow large, flat areas quickly and save time, a zero-turn mower is the best choice.
For a beautiful and healthy lawn
Ultimately, however, all speed is of no use if, in the end, the lawn does not have a clean and coherent cut. Thanks to modern and robustly built technology, however, there is no need to worry here either. And if you do have to drive over an obstacle, the mower deck can be raised by means of foot-controlled mower deck lifting, thus protecting it from possible damage. This also ensures optimal cutting results in the long term. Since zero turns usually have a side discharge and are without a catcher bag for balance reasons, the use of a mulching mower is also recommended.
Equally important, the lawn is not only cute, but it also is not overly stressed. Since the placement of the engine on zero-turn mowers places a lot of weight on the rear axle, the tires there are not only particularly large but also wide. This distributes the pressure on the underlying lawn surface better, relieves the turf, and effectively prevents unwanted compaction in the soil. This helps to ensure that the lawn is not only cut precisely in the short term but can also grow healthily in the long term.
So when buying a zero-turn mower, you should not only look at the price but also at the area to be mowed. While a zero-turn mower is not too good an idea on a slope, it offers enormous advantages on large, flat areas. What is clear is that the unusual drive concept offers great driving fun and causes a stir. So anyone who values this is well advised to go for a zero-turn.
