How to Find the Best Zero-Turn Mowers

Whether you’re on the hunt for the best zero-turn mowers for your new lawn care business, or you’re simply upgrading your lawn care equipment at home, it’s helpful to do your homework.

The more you learn about zero-turn lawnmowers, the easier it can be for you to decide which one is right for you! So, without further ado, here are a few things you may like to consider before you add one to your shopping cart.

What is a Zero-Turn Lawn Mower?

A zero-turn lawn mower is a ride-on-style lawn mower that has a near-zero-degree turning radius. The machine’s two front wheels rotate in opposite directions, which means you can enjoy precise manoeuvring, particularly in hard-to-reach places.

These machines also have easy-to-use steering wheels, oversized tires, and high ground clearance. Homeowners with large, sweeping lawns love the versatility of such a mower, while lawn care company owners swear by them for cost-effectiveness, speed, practicality, and convenience.

Do Your Research

A quick search online for zero-turn mowers for sale will see you inundated with options. It’s only natural to try and search for the most affordable one, but that doesn’t mean it will be right for you.

There are many factors to consider, such as the yards you typically mow, the terrain type, and the mowing conditions in which you usually work. Even your capability level can factor into the equation.

While there’s no harm in looking for zero-turn mowers for sale online, it may also be in your best interests to visit a shop that sells them. You can then talk to a salesperson about your needs and narrow down your options.  

You may even be able to ‘try before you buy’ so that you’re not locked into a sale without having first put it to the test in the very conditions it will have to work.

Battery vs. Petrol

One of the most essential considerations when selecting the best zero-turn lawn mower is whether you prefer a battery-powered or petrol-powered mower. Both can have their pros and cons, particularly in a commercial setting. 

Electric lawnmowers are easy to use and maintain, quiet to operate, and clean. They are the environment’s best friend. They also offer lawn care company operators various conveniences such as not carrying fuel and not having to risk running out of fuel halfway through a customer’s lawn.

Given that they don’t have a fuel tank, they are often lightweight and less labour-intensive to operate. When you’ve got several lawns to mow in a day, this can be a valuable benefit.

In saying that, gas-powered zero-turn mowers do have their place in a lawn care company. Many people like how powerful they are, and how it doesn’t matter if the lawn is wet or dry.

Although, it’s worth keeping in mind that they can be complicated and expensive to maintain. So, weigh up these pros and cons before you buy.

Horsepower

Horsepower is one of many things to think about as you’re perusing a lawnmower showroom. While between 11 and 25 horsepower would be more than suitable for a homeowner, commercial users may like to look for something with upwards of 25 horsepower.

The more horsepower your zero-turn mower has, the more capable it can be of combatting any lawn type your customers have.

Battery Life and Runtime

If you have decided to opt for the cleaner, eco-friendlier, and more convenient battery-powered lawn mower, it’s worth considering each model’s battery lifespan and runtime. They vary from one brand and model to the next.

Typically, you can expect to cover a lot of ground on a single charge, with the average battery capable of tackling up to seven hours-worth of average lawn. However, this can depend on the battery’s capacity, age, and various other factors.

You may also find that your battery’s lifespan is around three to four years. Once again, this can depend on many factors like the battery quality, capacity, how you’ve used it, and the brand’s reputation.

Price

When you start looking at how to start a lawn mowing business in NZ, it’s only natural to factor in how much everything costs. The price tag of your preferred zero-turn mower can be a deal maker or breaker.

The trick is to compare the features to the price tag and see whether it has everything you need. While you could opt for the mower with the lowest price tag, it might not have the features or reliability you need to operate a successful lawn care service.

You may also be able to take advantage of financing options if you’re not able to pay for your new zero-turn lawn mower outright.

Is it Time to Go Shopping?

There’s no denying that zero-turn lawn mowers are among some of the best tools in a lawn care operator’s arsenal. They are easy to operate, fast, and easy to manoeuvre over various terrain types. Still, before you sign on the dotted line, consider all of these points above. You may be surprised at how a little bit of knowledge goes a long way.