Buying a Zero-Turn Mower
Whether you’re a landscaping professional or a lawn care fanatic, any large yard is going to require a hefty mower to get the job done right. If your yard also happens to have tight edges or obstacles, you’ll also want the accuracy of a zero-turn mower—but how do you find the right one? We here at Magnum Power want to help you get the right tool for your needs, so we’ve put together a brief guide to buying a zero-turn mower, below.
The Controls
There are a few different ways a zero-turn mower can be steered, which is largely down to personal preference. The most common is a lap bar, where two levers come up and bend horizontally just over your lap. Each lever controls one of the driving wheels, providing excellent maneuverability.
Steering wheels are easier to learn, as they resemble a consumer vehicle’s steering wheel. A joystick steering system lets you move in all four directions not unlike in a video game, and the stand-up controls allow you to stand while driving if sitting gets old.
The Deck Size
The cutting deck’s size impacts how much grass it cuts at once and will depend largely on the size of your yard and your yard’s layout. You want it large enough to be efficient, but small enough to fit where you need it to go and fit through any gates on the property.
In terms of yard size, the general rule is:
- Up to 1 acre: 42” cutting deck
- Up to 2 acres: 42-46” cutting deck
- Up to three acres: 46-50” cutting deck
Commercial properties and larger private ones will need a much larger cutting deck, not unlike the Exmark® Lazer Z® E-Series with their 48-72” cutting decks.
Engine Size
Zero-turn mowers also come with a variety of engine sizes. You want an engine that packs enough power for your needs, meaning it can handle the type of grass you’re cutting and any slopes you need to drive around. But you don’t want to pay for extra potential you’ll never end up using, so try to find a balance between those factors, keeping in mind that larger projects will need a larger engine.
Fuel Type
Your average zero-turn mower will run on one of four power sources: gasoline, electric, diesel, or propane. Electric and propane models are more ecologically-friendly, and propane models have easy startup and unmatched performance. Gas models are more common and affordable, and the fuel is easier to find and afford as well. Diesel models will pack more punch and may require less frequent maintenance.
Ready to find your zero-turn mower? Contact us at Magnum Power for more information, or to see the zero-turn mowers we have available. We proudly serve the people of Clay County and Kansas City, Missouri—let us serve you today!