If you manage a lawn business or have a large property, you know a regular push lawn mower or basic riding mower won’t get the job done.
After hours of research, we’ve found the best zero turn mower for 5 acres and bigger lots, based on reading customer reviews and product details. With one of these mowers, you can get the job done quickly and get on with your weekend.
If you’d like a more in depth review of each, scroll down to our individual product review section and check out our buyers guide while you’re at it.
Happy mowing!
Intro: What is a Zero Turn Mower?
A zero turn lawn mower gets its name from the space required for it to turn. Similar to a tank, a zero turn mower can turn in place thanks to its steering mechanism. Instead of a steering wheel, the zero turn mower uses two levers that control the two front wheels. When you push both levers forward, the mower will move straight. But, if you push the left lever more than the right one, it’ll turn left and vice versa.
Zero turn mowers are rideable machines used to cut and trim large lawns. These are more effective than the typical push lawn mowers and can cover more area faster. Zero turn mowers are popular for homeowners or property owners with large lots measuring in acres.
Zero turn lawn mowers are large, expensive and complex machines with many moving parts. They come in many shapes, sizes and include all sorts of features to make the job easier. Considering the high end nature of zero turn mowers, it’s important to know as much as you can about these machines before buying one. This article aims to teach you a thing or two about zero turn mowers and which ones are the best for properties at least 5 acres large.
So, without further adieu, here are the best zero turn mowers for 5 acre lots and the basics of how these impressive machines work.
Best Zero Turn Mowers for 5 Acre Lots
Ariens IKON XD-52 Zero Turn Mower
Mower Specs:
- Engine Size: 24HP, 725cc OHV engine
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 2.8 gallons
- Transmission: Hydrostatic EZT
- Max Speed: 7 mph
- Cutting Width: 52 inches
- Cutting Height: 1.5 to 4.5 inches
- Max Weight: 661 lbs
Mower Features:
- 13 cutting positions
- Tri blade cutting deck
- Comfortable plush seat and armrests
- Adjustable cutting height
- Solid tubular steel frame
- Multiple accessories available
- 3 year warranty
Overview:
This zero turn mower from Ariens provides great cutting power, customizability and helps users cover large areas quickly. The Ariens IKON XD-52 zero turn mower is a great choice for homeowners looking for a workhorse to maintain properties while keeping them comfortable even after hours of work
Powered by a Kohler 7000 series 725cc engine, the Ariens IKON XD-52 zero turn mower chugs along at a max speed of 7 mph (miles per hour) and can cover 3.7 acres per hour. It has a 2.8 gallon fuel tank that gives the XD-52 more run time and has an advanced hydrostatic EZT transmission that increases torque and lets the mower operate smoother while giving users more control. The cutting deck on the XD-52 is 4 inches deep and has enhanced airflow for better cutting performance over longer work sessions. The cutting depth can be adjusted with the help of a dial located near the driver’s seat giving users the freedom to choose cutting depths as low as 1.5 inches to as high as 4.5 inches tall.
The Ariens IKON XD-52 zero turn mower is also very comfortable to use and comes with a plush seat, padded armrests and grips on the steering levers. Ariens also sells different accessories that help users get the job done easier such as a mulch bag kit, floor mats and even headlight attachments.
Check out the Ariens IKON XD-52 zero turn mower here.
Husqvarna MZ61 Zero Turn Mower
Mower Specs:
- Engine Size: 27HP Kawasaki engine
- Blade Tip Speed: 18,500 fpm
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 5 gallons
- Transmission: Hydrostatic
- Max Speed: 8.5 mph
- Cutting Width: 61 inches
- Cutting Blade Length: 21 inches each
- Max Weight: 770 lbs
Mower Features:
- Fast start up
- Tri blade cutting deck
- Roll over protection
- Debris bag collection system
- Fabricated steel cutting deck
- Comfortable seats, armrests and grips
- Ergonomic control panel
- 4 year warranty
Overview:
This zero turn mower from Husqvarna provides superior power output and heavy-duty performance. The Husqvarna MZ61 zero turn mower is a great choice for homeowners looking for a machine for long trimming sessions over large acres of land.
The Husqvarna MZ61 zero turn mower is powered by a 27 HP Kawasaki engine that gives this mower a top speed of 8.5 mph. Paired with a 5 gallon fuel tank, the MZ61 can easily cover 4.2 acres per hour, making it great for trimming large lots or properties. The engine features a quick start feature and the driver has access to an ergonomic control conveniently located by the driver’s seat.
The MZ61 comes with a detachable roll cage meant to protect the driver in case of an accident. It also comes with an ergonomic high back seat, foam padded lever hand grips and vibration dampening features meant to keep the driver as comfortable as possible during those long sessions. Check out the Husqvarna MZ61 zero turn mower here.
Husqvarna Z254F Zero Turn Mower
Mower Specs:
- Engine Size: 26 HP, 747cc engine
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 3.5 gallons
- Transmission: Hydrostatic
- Max Speed: 6.5 mph
- Cutting Width: 54 inches
- Cutting Height: 1.5 to 4 inches
- Max Weight: 640 lbs
Mower Features:
- Electric clutch
- Tri blade cutting deck
- Digital hour meter
- Anti slip foot rest
- Comfortable seat and lever handles
- Convenient deck adjustment
- Low maintenance
- Automatic braking system
- 3 year warranty
Overview:
This zero turn mower from Husqvarna provides users with convenient controls and little to no maintenance. The Husqvarna Z254F zero turn mower is a great pick for those looking for a user-friendly mower that combines great cutting performance with convenient features that make this mower a breeze to use no matter if you’ve used one before or not.
Powered by a Kawasaki 747cc FR series engine, this zero turn mower has a top speed of 6.5 mph and comes with a 3.5 gallon, allowing it to trim 2.8 acres per hour. The engine on the Z254F is quiet and is built with heavy duty parts for longer lifespans and low maintenance. The Z254F also has hydrostatic transmission, giving this zero turn mower better performance and smooth running.
The Z254F comes with features that make it a great choice for new homeowners. It comes with a maintenance free transmission, convenient cutting deck controls, an automatic braking system, an ergonomic control panel, anti-slip foot rests and even a rear engine bumper to protect against impacts. Check out the Husqvarna Z254F zero turn mower here.
Zero Turn Mower Buyers Guide
So, what makes a zero turn mower good enough or powerful enough to cover a 5 acre lot? Here are some important factors you should take note of before buying a zero turn mower.
Important Factors
Types of Zero Turn Mower
There are two main types of zero turn mower that are available. These are the gas powered and electric powered zero turn mowers. Let’s discuss the two.
Gas powered zero turn mowers are the most commonly used rideable zero turn mowers. They feature large engines and can run for hours on end. Gas powered zero turn mowers are heavier than their electric counterparts and newer models have fuel efficient engines that run quieter, smoother and for even longer.
Electric zero turn mowers on the other hand are a newer addition to the market and are mostly battery powered. Compared to gas powered engines, there are very few battery powered zero turn mowers that can compete given how much power a zero turn mower will need to cover large areas. Battery powered zero turn mowers are also more expensive because of the cost of good batteries but they do have some redeeming qualities. Battery powered zero turn mowers are more eco-friendly, are more lightweight, are low maintenance and run quieter than gas powered alternatives.
Engine Size
The size of gas powered zero turn mowers are measured in displacement and represented in cubic centimeters or cc for short. The engine size of a gas powered zero turn mower would determine how much ground it would cover and how fast it would cut along with its top speed. On average, gas powered zero turn mowers have engine sizes measuring 500 cc to upwards of 700 cc. These large engines are necessary to power the cutting deck and also give these zero turn mowers their extended range.
Cutting Deck
The cutting deck is the business end of a zero turn mower. This part contains the cutting blades and internal components that connect it to the engine and debris management system. The size of the cutting deck depends on the size of the blades. Most zero turn mowers have cutting blades about 18 to upwards of 30 inches long each. The cutting deck is positioned usually directly below the zero turn mower.
Fuel Efficiency
Besides the size of the engine and fuel capacity of gas powered zero turn mowers, you also need to consider the fuel efficiency of the engine. The fuel efficiency of a zero turn mower depends on the size and type of the engine. Most manufacturers will translate efficiency to how many acres per hour the zero turn mower can run with a full tank of gas.
Safety Features
There are several safety features that manufacturers include to make their zero turn mowers safe for users even in case of an accident. Manufacturers are always finding new ways to innovate and improve the safety of their zero turn mowers.
One such feature is a roll cage system that is meant to protect the user in case the zero turn mower tips over. This prevents the zero turn mower from flipping on top of the user, potentially crushing them. Another such feature is anti-slip foot rests that give users better balance and prevents users from losing their footing and slipping.
Electrical and automatic brakes also help users stop the zero turn mower quicker in case they run over something or something gets caught in the cutting deck. Some manufacturers even include bumpers on their zero turn mowers to protect the internal components of the mower and to give users a margin of error before hitting someone or something. Learn how to use a riding lawn mower safely and correctly, plus maintain your mower by cleaning the air filter.
FAQs
Q: Zero turn mower vs Riding mowers
A: Zero turn mowers are similar to riding mowers in function and purpose. They differ in design and some capabilities. Riding mowers look more similar to small tractors compared to zero turn mowers. Because of how the steering mechanism of a zero turn mower works, zero turn mowers are better at turning tighter corners making them more efficient and capable of getting the job done faster. A zero turn riding mower is usually faster and they often have more powerful engines. A riding lawn mower on the other hand is lower in cost and can work great for smaller lots.
Q: Is a zero turn mower worth it?
A: The short answer would be, it depends. If you have a large lot that needs regular maintenance and if you don’t have the manpower or time to get it done with manual tools, then yes a zero turn mower is worth it because it’s the best lawn mower for the job. The best riding lawn mowers for a smaller lot can be a lot different than a mower for 5 acres or more.
Q: How much do zero turn mowers cost?
A: Zero turn mowers are expensive investments. On average, these machines can cost as much as $6,000. Keep in mind however, the time savings of using commercial mowers for 5 acres can easily pay for itself – sometimes within a few months depending on the labor rates in your area or how much you value your own time.
Conclusion
And there we have it, the best zero turn mowers for 5 acre lots and what you should know about zero turn mowers before you buy one. We hope that this article has taught you a thing or two about zero turn mowers and that you leave here with a better idea on which one is the best one for you. Thank you dear reader and happy mowing!
