Lawn Tractors Vs. Zero Turn Mowers

If you’re fortunate enough to have a big yard, you probably enjoy having extra space to play and enjoy the grass. But you also probably know that maintaining a big yard can be a real chore, and mowing can be an exhausting task. Luckily, there are two types of mower that can make the job much easier: lawn tractors and zero turn mowers.

These two handy pieces of lawn equipment have their own individual benefits and drawbacks. They also can be major investments, so you’ll want to know what you’re getting into when you head into the buying process. We created this short guide here at Cliff Jones Mahindra to help show our customers the differences between lawn tractors and zero turn mowers.

Of course, some differences will have more to do with make and model more than style, so when it’s time to take a look at a few models for yourself, make sure you have a knowledgeable guide to guide you through these differences. The staff at Cliff Jones Mahindra knows all about lawn tractors and zero turn mowers, so stop by our dealership and service center in Sealy, Texas. We proudly serve the areas of Houston, Victoria, and Columbus, Texas.

Lawn Tractors

If you’re used to a push-mower, investing in a lawn tractor will feel like a huge improvement. Many manufacturers offer their takes on these helpful machines.

Pros

One of the biggest marks in the “pro” column for lawn tractors is price. These machines are much less expensive than zero turn mowers and still offer excellent results in many circumstances. Their design is relatively simple, and if you’re used to driving a car, you’ll be able to immediately hop on and understand the steering mechanism. The simple, intuitive design, in combination with an accessible price point makes these lawn tractors a popular choice.

Cons

Lawn tractors have a few drawbacks, though. First of all, they’re pretty slow in comparison to zero turn mowers. They don’t often get to speeds above 3-4 mph. And while their steering mechanism may be intuitive (thanks to the implementation of a steering wheel) it’s not necessarily the most agile system. Most lawn tractors have a wide turning radius, and you’ll probably have to reverse and reposition yourself in order to go back down a line you just mowed. Finally, lawn mowers aren’t particularly well suited for mowing taller grasses. If you have a wild field to tame, a lawn tractor might not be the best choice.

Zero Turn Mowers

Zero turn mowers are closer in design to many professional models of mower and have many benefits. They’re not quite as widespread in homeowner use as lawn tractors, but discerning owners appreciate their benefits.

Pros

The main pro of a zero turn mower is implied in the name: they turn on a dime. Zero turn mowers are extremely agile and thanks to wide cutting decks, they can handle mowing both big, rectangular fields or more obstacle-laden and unevenly shaped spaces. Another benefit of zero turn mowers is speed. These mowers can reach speeds of 5-8 mph, and some professional models can even reach speeds of 13 mph. If you want professional results on your yard or field, a zero turn mower will give them to you.

Cons

One con of zero turn mowers is that, like lawn tractors, they’re not particularly well-suited for mowing grass above six inches. Big, wild fields should probably be handled with purpose-built equipment. Another consideration is price because they’re often much more expensive than their lawn tractor counterparts. If price is less of a concern and you only want the best results, though, zero turn might be the way to go.

Hopefully this short guide illuminated some of the main differences between lawn tractors and zero turn mowers for you. If you’d like to check out some specific brands and models of mower, stop by Cliff Jones Mahindra. We’re located in Sealy, Texas, near Houston, Victoria, and Columbus. Stop by today!