Zero-turn lawn mowers are the top choice for commercial lawn care specialists. But at present, since the prices are coming down and so even the home user can enjoy everything these versatile mowers have to offer. With high maneuverability, ease of use and high top speeds it is no wonder they have proven so popular. However, there are a lot of options available which makes it hard to decide which is best for your needs.
Don’t worry; we have picked the best ones for all suitable price ranges. For instance, you can get the best zero turn mower under $3500, the best zero turn mower under $4000 or the best zero turn mower under $5000 right here! For more details on each mower, and guideline on what to look for when buying a z-turn, keep on reading.
Guideline to Choose ZTR Mower under $3500, $4000, $5000
Price is an important factor when you decide to purchase a zero-turn mower. These mowers don’t come cheap, and so it’s better you have a set budget at the back of your mind.
A mindful budget will streamline your choices to those within range. Even entry-level machines can cost as high as $2500. Any price tags above $3500 such that $4000 or $5000 means you have entered into the territory of commercial grade machines. Question your requirements to ascertain if you need that much size or power.
For residential houses zero turn mowers price range should be under $3000 to $3500. For professional landscaping business, your search should start from $3500 and above.
It is important to remember that a more expensive model will be stronger, faster and last you longer. In other words, paying as much as you can afford to at the beginning should save you money over the long term.
As with all the considerations while purchasing a ZTR mower, you need to carefully think about your needs and aim to buy the correct type of machine for them.
Under $3000 Zero Turn Mower
- Snapper 2691402 360z Mower, Riding, Zero Turn, Red
The Snapper 2691402 360z Mower comes with many commercially-inspired features such as a fully welded steel frame, durable steel mower deck, thick-walled front axle, easy access maintenance points and so on. It can be the best budget-friendly zero turn mower under $3000 that comes in a color combination of red and black color. The 21.5HP Briggs and Stratton high-performance professional engine with Ready Start feature would allow the user to mow years easily after years. The foot-operated mower deck can easily adjust and lift the mower deck of 13 cutting positions ranging from 1.5-4.5 inches.
The built-in rear cargo bed offers convenience and on-the-go versatility when you are working with it. Along with smooth operation, it also provides easy convertibility, which makes mowing a piece of cake.
PROS
- The engine provides power for quality cutting
- Easily accessible maintenance points
- It offers mulch, bag, and side discharge
CONS
- No lifetime warranty
- It does not come with a mulching kit
Best Zero Turn Mower Under $3500
- Husqvarna Z142 42 in. 17 HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
Prettify your lawn with this Husqvarna Z142 42 in. ZTR mower that comes with 17 HP Kohler branded engine with a maximum startup speed of 6.5 MPH. The hydrostatic transmission of this machine requires zero maintenance allowing users to save up on money in the long run.
Its 42 in. cutting deck has been designed for cutting more surface area. Like the higher grade Husqvarna, this model also has an air induction mowing technology that draws air from top to bottom of the deck.
Although the engine power of 17 HP is low, it still manages to get a good job done. We highly recommend this zero turn mower as the right entry residential zero-turn of personal use.
PROS
- 42 in. wide cutting deck
- Improved maneuverability
- Reinforced steel stamp on deck for durability
- Industrial standard startup speed of 6.5 MPH
- Automated airflow for superior cut
CONS
- Low engine horsepower
- Ideal for residential use only
- Ariens 915213, 19 HP, 42 in. Cutting W Zero Turn Mower
The Ariens 915213 comes in a unique design mower that uses a high performance 19 HP engine for demanding tasks. You find that it covers an area of 42 inches where you can also adjust the cutting height from 1.5 to 4.5 inches. It also a versatile machine that cuts in both directions besides reverse and forward, thus offering high efficiency.
The mower operates in 0 turning radius, where it uses a twin-cylinder and an electric start. The mower also uses a hydro transmission system as well as a fuel tank with a capacity of 2 gallons with a maximum speed of 6 mph. You notice that it also uses the side mulch discharge with excellent wheels that enable you to mow even in the toughest environments.
PROS
- Easy electric start
- Innovative belt extension technology
- Adjustable armrest in three directions
- Vibration-proof resistant coating on control levers
- Reduced vibrations rough terrains
- Wide cutting deck
CONS
- The frame is less strong
- No engine wrap
- Snapper 360Z 2691323 52″ Briggs & Stratton 25HP V-Twin Engine Zero Turn Lawn Mower w/ Cargo Bed
The 25 HP Briggs & Stratton professional series pours 725 cc of pure power into Snapper 360Z lawn mower, which makes it more of a car than a traditional lawn mower. This commercially inspired lawn mower has a fully welded steel frame and a front axle which has exceptionally thick walls. The mower deck is pretty thick, and the ball bearings in the caster spindles make for an exceptionally tough lawnmower.
Just like a car, this lawnmower has Ready Start functionality so you can turn on the lawnmower just by turning a key. The olden days of using chokes to power up your machines are long gone. The transmission is smooth, and steering is pretty easy. It even has an integrated brake. We can make sure that you’ll really enjoy going about your lawn sitting on the comfortable seats of this 360Z.
PROS
- Easy to use electric blade engagement
- 52 inches wide deck
- Integrated 50 lbs. cargo bed
- 1.5 to 4.5 inches cutting height variations
- Strong and sturdy
CONS
- Pretty expensive
- The armrest is an optional accessory
- Husqvarna Z242F 42 in. 18 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
This zero turn mower has a Kawasaki engine that delivers 18 HP to ensure reliability in speed and startups. You get the maximum speed of 6.5 MPH. The mower is hydrostatic and useful with a no-maintenance transmission. Hence, you can use this mower in every condition for precision cutting without worrying about complicated maintenance. The safety is top-notch in the presence of park brakes that work automatically. The deck has Clear Cut design to deliver 42 inches of proper bagging for the superior flow of air. The blades are made from advanced materials to perform effectively. If you’re ready to roll out on an amazing grass-cutting machine, go with the Z242F zero-turn from Husqvarna.
PROS
- Durable fabricated cutting deck
- No-maintenance requires
- Discharging ,mulching & bagging
- Comfortable seat
- 3 Year bumper-to-bumper warranty
CONS
- Little expensive
- Heavier mower
Our Recommendation
Finding the best zero turn mower under $3500 can be quite difficult. That is why we have picked and reviewed four of the best ones to make the process of choosing one easier for you. Those are all top quality products of top (Ariens, Husqvarna, Snapper) brands. Although those mowers’ engine comes with low horsepower, their performance is quite excellent. So, if you purchase one from those mowers, we hope your investment will be worthy.
Best Zero Turn Mower Under $4000
- Husqvarna Z248F 48 in. 21.5 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
The Husqvarna Z248F 48 in. mower is driven by a smooth, quiet and efficient V-twin 4-cycle, vertical shaft Kawasaki FR651V 21.5 HP engine which delivers commercial-grade power with reliable starting, along with the same strength and durability you would find in a commercial mower. The engines lightweight design also gives smoother power output with much-improved fuel economy making this mower incredibly efficient, and economical to use.
This mower also features a hydrostatic transmission and a 48-inch welded 10-gauge steel construction which also has extra welded reinforcement strips giving it maximum strength and durability, along with a spring-assisted lifting system for ease of use. This zero-turn riding mower’s triple-blade cutting system also features 6 different cutting heights, ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches, plus the smaller deck width gives far greater maneuverability when mowing in those hard to reach tighter areas.
PROS
- Packed with class-leading features
- Superb build quality
- Wide range of accessories
- Quiet and potent engine
- Easy maintenance
CONS
- Low maximum speed
- No roll over protection System
- Ariens Edge 34-in. 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915251
This Ariens Edge 34-in. zero turn mower is packed with all the premium features. Ariens is known to deliver all at a great value. From its 20 HP, Briggs and Stratton V-Twin engine to the 34-in stamped XLerator™ deck with a four-point hanging system to provide a stable consistent cutting performance. The compact design allows this zero-turn to fit through a standard gate while also taking up a small footprint for storage. Sit back and relax in the comfort of the high back seat with natural airflow. The foot-operated deck lift offers simple and intuitive deck height adjustments with the slide of a lever. The Edge is ideal for smaller yards and customers looking to upgrade their mowing experience to a zero-turn. Take advantage of the benefits of a zero-turn without sacrificing quality or performance that is at the core of the Ariens promise.
PROS
- Mid-size Powerful engine
- Steel frame and larger mowing deck
- Easy to conduct and maneuver
- Relatively quiet mower
- User friendly designed
- Easy foot-operated deck lifting
- Low maintenance cost
CONS
- The seat isn’t durable
- No lifetime warranty
Best Zero Turn Mower Under $5000
- Husqvarna Z254 54 in. 26 HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
This Husqvarna Z254 54 in. 26 HP Kohler engine zero-turn mower comes with a big 54-inch cutting deck that’s perfect for trimming large flat lawn areas. Husqvarna has added air induction mowing technology. It draws air from the top and bottom of the deck, improving grass and delivering a superior cut to your lawn. They also made the reinforced steel stamped a cutting deck of heavy 14-gauge welded steel tubing for maximum durability.
The Husqvarna ZTR mower is one of the more pocket-friendly mowers out there. So if you’re looking for a powerful and reliable Husqvarna zero-turn mower under $5000 budget, then you really need to check this one out it just might be what you’re looking for.
PROS
- Ergonomic control panel
- Zero-turn radius
- Superior air filtration in the engine
- LED Lights on the bumper
- Integrated, maintenance-free transmission
- The four rollers are ant-scalp
CONS
- Automatic brake might not work properly
- The engine is noisy
- A bit pricey
- Ariens Zoom 19hp Kohler 6000 Series V-Twin 34-in.Zero Turn Lawn Mower
The Ariens Zoom 34-in. Zero Turn Mower equipped with 19 HP Kohler 6000 Series V-Twin engine, which is the perfect introductory zero turn for homeowners that have tighter spaces to mow around their yards, and don’t need a wide deck. It has a 34-in. Xlerator twin-blades mowing deck that delivers a better cut with less scalping. Its 1.5 x 1.5-inches fully welded steel frame and a 12 gauge stamped steel deck mean durability! The Ariens Zoom 34 comes with very potent brakes, allowing the z-turn mower to come to stand-still in a short amount of time.
The Zoom 34 has plugs for bagging and mulching, however, you need to purchase them separately as add on accessories. The Ariens Zoom 34-inch zero-turn riding lawn mower is compact and agile for quicker, more convenient mowing, making it an excellent choice for both home and commercial use.
PROS
- Quickly it responds to movements
- The mulching kit performs admirably
- Wider cutting width
- Provide uniformly clean cut
- Easy to adjust deck height
CONS
- Doesn’t work well down or uphill
- It consumes more fuel while going a little slower
- Troy-Bilt Super Mustang XP 50-Inch,724cc Briggs & Stra Riding Lawn Mower
Make your mowing task easy with the Troy-Bilt Super Mustang XP 50-Inch Riding Lawn Mower. The mower is equipped with a robust 724cc Briggs and Stratton engine, dual EZT transmission and a reinforced heavy-duty frame, the mower gives you worry-free, long-lasting and durable performance. This mower is super slim, a zero-turn mower with more power to tackle any lawn. It has 8-positions height adjustment option by which you can choose the best grass height for your lawn.
It has a wide 50-inch dual blade cutting deck that cuts a wide path along with the Zero-turn maneuverability, and it allows you to turn on a dime and save time. It has a padded high-back seat for user comfort. And for easy maintenance it has a built-in deck wash system.
PROS
- Quite powerful for the price
- Wide cutting deck
- Durable wheels
- Comfortable seat
- Good value for money
CONS
- Slow reverse speed
- Ariens IKON-XL 60-inch 25hp Kohler 7000 Series Zero Turn Mower #915228
The IKON XL series is full of commercial quality features that will allow you to be more comfortable and efficient while on the job. High-quality materials and parts provide great durability and longevity. This Ariens XL-60 is the 60-inch deck edition and is equipped with a Kohler 7000 series 25 HP engine. The extra-large mowing deck and the powerful engine of this mower will allow you to cut any size lawn with great ease and leave it looking professionally done.
It has a 60-in. durable triple-blade cutting deck which helps you to cut more grass within a short time. And, its high backed seat provides a comfortable ride while mowing the lawn. The engine specifications and features add to the overall performance of the mower and its productivity as well. It eases of use makes it popular among first-time users of the mower.
PROS
- Easy to start & drive
- Holds a durable design
- padded armrests for comfortable riding
- Ergonomic design reduces the fatigue level
CONS
- Not hitch or light in the mower
- Large footprint demands for larger storage
Our Recommendation
All the products in the top 4 best zero turn mower under $4000 are incredibly useful for lawn mowing, so we had a hard time trying to figure out the best item.
But in the end, we believe that Ariens IKON-XL 60-inch is the most suitable choice for you. This lawn mower gains its position thanks to its affordability, which is outstanding compared to other fancy products.
Under $7000 Zero Turn Mower
- Ariens 991151 Apex 60-inch 24hp Kawasaki FR730 V Twin Zero-Turn Riding Mower
Finally, we have reached our last but best product in our above list. And if you are you looking for speed and reliability, the Ariens 991151 Apex 60-inch Zero Turn Mower can be the exact machine for you. This ZTR mower lets you incorporate all of the features into one sleek and compact model. This Ariens APEX 60-inch Kawasaki ZTR features a most powerful 24HP /726 cc Kawasaki FR V-Twin engine, the 60-inch fabricated deck is 5½” deep and made of 10-gauge steel, fully tubular steel frame, self-adjusting belt technology, high-back padded seat and armrests, foot-operated deck lift and so on. In fact, when it comes to precision, comfort, design, and durability the Ariens APEX is top if its class.
PROS
- Ease of operation
- Larger deck & steel frame
- You can side-discharge, mulch, and bag cut grass
- Wide front and back tires for stability
- Low fuel consumption
- Low maintenance cost
CONS
- No free accessories
- Short commercial warranty period
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the best zero turn mower under $5000?
Answer:
- Ariens IKON-XL 60-inch 25hp Kohler 7000 Series Zero Turn Mower
- Husqvarna Z254 54 in. 26 HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
- Troy-Bilt Super Mustang XP 50-Inch, 724cc Briggs & Stra Riding Lawn Mower
- Ariens Zoom 19hp Kohler 6000 Series V-Twin 34-in.Zero Turn Lawn Mower
Q: Is Kohler or Briggs and Stratton better?
Answer:
Kohler engine will last longer and is a superior design to a Briggs engine. It’s a far better balanced engine, even the single cylinders are better. Briggs and Stratton used to make a great engine – not so much anymore.
Q: What are the best zero turn mowers for the money?
Answer:
Best ZTR mowers for the money are:
- Husqvarna Z142 42 in. 17 HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
- Snapper 360Z 2691323 52″ Briggs & Stratton 25HP V-Twin Engine Zero Turn Lawn Mower w/ Cargo Bed
- Husqvarna Z248F 48 in. 21.5 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
- Ariens IKON-XL 60-inch 25hp Kohler 7000 Series Zero Turn Mower #915228
- Troy-Bilt Super Mustang XP 50-Inch,724cc Briggs & Stra Riding Lawn Mower
Conclusion
Before you decide to purchase a zero turn lawn mower for your lawn or yard, you need to determine your budget. After you have done so, you can easily pick a suitable one from this article.
Whether you need the best zero turn mower under $5000, the best zero turn mower under $4000, or the best zero turn mower under $3500, you can find it all from here.