The Complete Guide To The Zero Turn Mower

As soon as spring approaches, most people start itching to get outside. Once the grass starts growing, so do your lawn care duties. If you would like to try something new next season, consider switching from a push mower to a zero-turn mower.

There are many advantages of using this type of machine over the traditional models. For example, there is no need to stop or restart when making turns with this machine because it has independent steering. It only takes one pass over the yard to cut all of your grass instead of the multiple passes needed for a traditional model.

The following guide will help you find the best zero-turn lawn mower for the money and decide if owning one is the right option for your yard.

Types Of Zero Turn Lawn Mowers

Before deciding on a zero-turn mower, it is essential to know all of the types available and what they can do.

There are generally two factors that determine the correct zero turn for your yard- size and features. Size is measured in horsepower (HP) and torque (TQ). The easiest way to figure out if you need an engine with high HP or TQ is by figuring out how big your yard is.

If your yard is less than 1/3 acre in size, then any lawnmower 24″ and under should be sufficient enough. For larger yards, the bigger, the better – you don’t want your mower to bog down when cutting through tall grass.

24″ – This type of machine is very maneuverable and can make turns with ease. They also have a small turning radius, so only one pass over the yard will be needed for cutting grass.

32″ – These machines are great for bigger yards because they offer increased speed and better balance when in use. Because they cut deeper than 10-inch models, they are ideal for big areas that need multiple passes to finish trimming.

40″ – If you want a faster cut or higher capacity, then consider investing in a 40-inch model. This type of machine can cut an acre of grass in about 30 minutes, making it a great choice for larger properties.

48″ – The largest machines available, 48 inches zero turn mowers, are perfect for the most demanding yards. They offer the best in speed, cutting width, and capacity so that even the most stubborn patches of grass will be no match.

Before making your purchase, be sure to decide on the size of lawn you will be using it on. Keep in mind that each model has its capabilities so choose wisely depending on your needs.

Features Of The Zero Turn Mower

Features also play a role in how much zero-turn costs. The more features you want, the pricier the machine will be. Common features include:

– Bags or baskets to collect clippings

– Mulching blades to recycle clippings back into the lawn

– Hitch to attach a trailer or other gardening tools

– Differential lock for extra traction on hills

How Does It Work?

Zero-turn mowers use the same basic principle as regular riding lawnmowers do. The mower blades are located behind the engine. A regular lawnmower blade will protrude up to 20 inches from the axle – Zero-turn lawnmowers normally have two blades on each side of the mower (4 blades total), so the distance they protrude is about 10 inches.

The blades on a zero-turn lawnmower are angled outward so that as the mower moves forward, the blades contact the ground at an angle, slicing the grass.

What Are The Benefits?

Zero-turn lawn mowers have many benefits over traditional riding lawn mowers. First, they can maneuver in tight spaces much more easily – you can literally make a U-turn in your driveway.

Second, the two lawnmower blades provide a cleaner cut, creating nicer landscaping.

Third, you can mow twice as fast with a zero turn mower than with other types of riding lawnmowers. And who doesn’t want to finish mowing their lawn faster?

Safety And The Zero Turn Mower

Once you’ve chosen the right model for your yard, there are a few basic things you need to know before using it.

Read The Instructions

Always read and follow the safety instructions that come with your mower.  Make sure that you keep yourself safe when using the mower. That means wearing

– Closed-toe shoes

– Long pants

– Protective glasses

Clear The Area To Be Mowed

Remove any sticks or objects that could damage your mower blades or that could fly up into the air as you mow.

Over 16’s Only

Finally, never allow anyone under 16 years old to use the mower. If you are inexperienced, take a driver’s education class before operating a riding lawnmower. Always remember that safety comes first!

Using Your Zero Turn Mower

First, remember to adjust the height of the mower blades according to your needs. This means that if you’re cutting tall grass, you’ll want to adjust the blades to a higher setting; for shorter grass, adjust them to a lower setting.

Then, know your boundaries – don’t try to mow too large of an area at once or you’ll risk bogging down the engine.

Practice makes perfect. We recommend practicing using the zero turn in an open area before tackling your actual yard. This will allow you to get comfortable with the controls and how it maneuvers.

How Do I Maintain My Zero Turn Lawn Mower?

Just like regular riding lawn mowers, you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions when maintaining your zero-turn lawnmower.

Check all of the nuts and bolts before each use, clean the air filter after each use, check fluid levels frequently (before they get too low), change blades every season if needed, and also sharpen blades as needed.

Many owners of zero-turn mowers turn to a professional company for the annual service to keep their mower running in top condition and ready for a new season of work.

Now that you know all there is to know about zero-turn lawnmowers, it’s time to choose the perfect one for your needs! Don’t forget to take into account the size of your yard, the type of terrain, and the features you need before making your purchase. Happy mowing!