Things to Look for in a Zero Turn Lawn Mower

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A zero-turn lawnmower is an innovation in lawn maintenance that facilitates a simple approach for mowing, that makes it easier for you to trim the grass at your home.

A zero-turn mower uses a turning radius that is around zero. The mower moves faster and can operate in the most compact areas. There are many points about zero turn lawn mowers that you must look at, if you want to find a quality model fit for your mowing needs.

You will have to consider some points before you can decide how effective the lawn mower can work for your purpose.

The Steering Mechanism

You’ll have to note how well the steering system in your lawnmower works. There are two ways by which you can steer a zero-turn mower.

1. Differential Steering

Differential steering is the most common method of steering for a zero-turn mower. You will use two levers on the sides of the mower.

You will steer the mower in one direction based on how the levers are pushed. When both levers are pushed forward, the mower goes forward as well. By pushing one lever more over the other, you will turn in the designated direction. You can also push both levers in opposite directions to establish a zero-radius turn.

2. Steering Wheel

A traditional steering wheel may appear on a mower as well. The back wheels will link to an axle in the middle part of the mower. The design allows the mower to position the wheels.

The Cutting Amount

A zero-turn mower will cut a specific amount of grass with each pass. A mower may handle 20 to 60 inches of grass at a time as it moves over, though the total will vary based on the model. You’ll need a mower large enough to cut enough grass, but not such that the mower gets difficult to turn.

Motor Placement

Look where the motor is placed on your zero-turn mower. The motor may be suspended under the main chassis on your mower. It may also appear closer to the front area. A mower with motor up front will use small caster wheels on the corners to help pivot the positions the mower goes into.

Slope Control

Be aware of the features your mower has, along with how well it can handle sloping conditions. A mower could be difficult to steer if you keep it moving on a slope. The motor might not support the careful movement all around, thus making it difficult for the model to steer accordingly.

Fuel Capacity

Be aware of how much fuel your mower can take in. A mower can handle three to six gallons of fuel at a time. The amount should be enough to help you go through the lawn, although it helps to figure out how many gallons you might use when mowing a larger yard. You don’t want to mow a sprawling field, only to end up running out of gas midway through.

This is especially for cases where you’ve got to go over a yard multiple times in one session, particularly where the grass has grown too high and you can’t safely trim everything in one run.

Cutting Height Choices

A zero-turn mower can work with various cutting heights like any other mower. But you should have the ability to switch between heights based on how high the grass is, soil conditions, time of the year, and type of grass you’re cutting.

Look at the heights you can work with and how well you can switch between them. Anything that lets you mow along the line may help too.

Horsepower

The horsepower on your zero-turn mower is important. The average horsepower on a zero-turn model will go from 15 to 25 horsepower. The zero-turn mower needs a slightly larger engine due to the weight involved. This is in comparison with a traditional walk-behind mower that uses about 2 to 5 horsepower.

The larger engine is best for the significant body on the zero-turn mower, but it will do well if you’re on an uneven space or have more grass to mow. Cases where you need to mow thicker grass or you have to pass over the grass multiple times in the mowing process will also require a more potent engine.

The key here is that the engine will not be at risk of stalling or wearing if used well. You’ll need to look at how well the zero-turn mower you plan on using will work to your advantage. Be aware of how efficient the mower works and what you can make out of your mowing work.