Lawn Tractors vs Zero Turn Mowers

The term “zero turn” refers to the turning radius of the machine being zero inches, or a zero-degree-turn radius. This means the zero turn mower can turn within its own footprint.

This is the mowing technology typically used by professional landscape contractors. In recent years, the cost of zero-turn technology has come in line with homeowner budgets and many people are converting their mowing equipment to a zero turn machine.

Looking at a lawn tractor and a zero turn side-by-side, some of the differences are obvious. The zero turn mower does not use a traditional steering wheel or pedal brake and the seat is mounted in a lower position.

But the main difference between a zero turn mower and a steering wheel lawn tractor is in the controls. Each rear wheel has an independent wheel motor (one on the right and one on the left) that is controlled by the two steering handles. Two independent steering controls provide infinite maneuverability which literally cuts your mowing time in half. Also, the mower deck design and blade drive system of a zero turn mower are specifically designed to allow efficient and quality cutting at higher speeds.

Mowing Pattern

When all things are equal, a zero turn mower will allow you to cut your lawn more efficiently due to the ability to turn 180 degrees at the end of a mowing row.


Lawn Tractor Cutting Pattern		Zero Turn Mower Cutting Pattern
The wider turning radius of a tractor leaves strips of uncut grass that requires awkward maneuvering to reach. When mowing with a traditional lawn tractor, you need to drive over already cut areas, backing up to cut or taking multiple passes at the end of a mowing row. This awkward maneuvering creates an inefficient pattern of mowing, increasing the overall time it will take you to mow your yard.		Because they can spin 180 degrees, zero-turn mowers make a clean cut at the end of each mowing row so you reduce the number of passes required to mow your yard. There is no need to drive over already-cut areas, backing up to cut or taking multiple passes. This efficient cut pattern also helps you achieve that freshly-cut “striping” look of a professional job.

Compare Features

Both the lawn tractor and zero turn mower accomplish the same task. Compare the features of both machines in more detail.

Features	Tractor	Zero Turn Mowers
Steering Design	Front-wheel steering design.	Rear-wheel steering design There is no power to the front wheels of a zero-turn mower.
Turning Radius	From 15 to 30 degrees.	Zero degree turning radius.
Deck Size	Ranges between 36 and 54 inches	Ranges between 34 and 60 inches for homeowner use.
Engine	Usually single cylinder engines that range from 15-25 hp.	Usually twin cylinder engines that range from 15-20hp.
Braking	Slow down or stop by stepping on a foot pedal.	Slow down or stop by bringing steering handles back to a neutral position. Zero turn mowers do not have traveling brakes but are equipped with a parking/emergency brake.
Mowing Speed	A typical lawn tractor cuts at a speed of 3-4 mph.	A typical zero turn mower cuts at a speed of 5-8 mph. Commercial zero turn mowers cut at speeds of up to 13 mph.
Attachments	Accomodate both front and rear attachments.	Accomodate both front and rear attachments.

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