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Zero-Turn Mowers and Their Uses
Zero-Turn Mowers Buyer’s Guide: Part 1 of 6
Zero-turn mowers deliver professional grade results for business owners and consumers alike. In this overview, you’ll learn the key differences between regular lawn mowers and zero-turn mowers, the main benefits of zero-turn mowers and the different types available for different applications.
In recent years, zero-turn mowers have been revolutionizing the lawn care industry thanks to their ease of use and dramatically superior results. Let’s see what sets them apart.
What is a Zero-Turn Mower?
Zero-turn mowers are designed for exceptional maneuverability and precise control — the two main benefits that set them apart from traditional lawn mowers.
Their name comes from their ability to turn on their axis (zero-turning radius). While traditional ride-on mowers require wide turns, zero-turn mowers can essentially "turn on a dime.” How? Each drive tire has a separate transmission that allows you to control each drive tire independently.
This defining feature of zero-turn mowers gives you the precise control you need to maneuver around virtually any obstacle — the top reason why zero-turn mowers are a better option for homeowners and business owners alike.
If you’re in the market, wondering why you should buy a zero-turn mower, check out the more specific benefits below to help you decide if the time has come to make the investment.
Benefits of Zero-Turn Mowers
Increased Maneuverability
With its zero-turning radius, a zero-turn mower can tightly maneuver around obstacles like trees, flower beds and any other landscape features without missing patches of uncut grass that would otherwise require multiple passes. A zero-turn mower can cut around even the smallest trees in a single, continuous turn.
Time Savings
With a zero-turning radius, you save time by cutting all the grass on the first pass — 100% efficiency. Regular lawn mowers can’t make the same tight turns, forcing you to backtrack two or more times to cover the same area that zero-turn mowers can in a single pass.
Reduced Lawn Damage
Zero-turn mowers not only save you time, they also save your lawn from unnecessary wear and tear. Their larger drive tires reduce ground pressure, which minimizes turf disturbance. With their precise control and even cutting capabilities, they’re also less likely to cause lawn damage, such as scalping or turf tearing.
Improved Efficiency
The precise control and maneuverability of zero-turn mowers deliver more efficient mowing patterns, reducing the need for additional trimming and edging.
Versatility
With optional attachments like grass catchers, mulch baffle kits and vacuum collection systems, zero-turn mowers offer lots of versatility to tackle all of your land care needs.
Types of Zero-Turn Mowers
Whether you’re a homeowner with acres to maintain or a lawn care professional, zero-turn mowers offer versatility for every type of property. There are a range of zero-turn mower sizes to choose from for either residential or commercial applications, with ride-on, walk-behind and stand-on models available.
Residential Zero-Turn Mowers
With smaller mower deck sizes and moderate engine power, residential zero-turn mowers are designed for homeowners with lawns up to three acres in size. Priced for a homeowner’s budget, these mowers are both affordable and compact enough for easy storage, plus industry-competitive warranties. Options include popular attachments like baggers and mulch kits, or accessories like seat suspension kit or rubber no-flat caster wheels.
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Commercial Zero-Turn Mowers
Designed for heavy-duty use with increased durability and performance, commercial zero-turn mowers are a step up in size, speed, power and price. They deliver professional landscaping results with additional commercial-grade options, such as upgraded transmissions, larger deck sizes, wider tires, roll-over protection structures (ROPS) and industry-competitive warranties. Bobcat commercial zero-turn mowers offer industry-leading speed on the market feature larger fuel tanks and the command comfort center that allow for longer operation.
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Riding Zero-Turn Mowers
A riding zero-turn mower is a type of riding lawn mower designed so that the operator sits atop the machine while controlling its movements. Unlike traditional riding mowers, riding zero-turn mowers feature a zero-turning radius, allowing them to pivot 360 degrees on the spot for exceptional maneuverability. This design is especially useful for efficiently navigating around obstacles and covering large areas with ease.
Riding zero-turn mowers offer benefits for both homeowners and professionals for their combination of comfort and efficiency during mowing operations. These units feature padded seating and ergonomically designed controls, providing operators with an enhanced level of comfort throughout use of mowing sessions. Designed to cover sizable ground, riding models feature generous deck sizes and powerful engines, making them well-suited for larger properties and commercial jobs.
The platform of a riding zero-turn mower accommodates various attachments and accessories, including baggers and mulchers, which help manage clippings more effectively and tailor the mowing experience to specific property needs. Features such as high cutting speeds and wide tires facilitate uniform grass coverage, potentially reducing the time needed for each mowing session. Adjustable cutting heights ensure adaptability across different terrain and grass varieties, enabling the ability to achieving well-kept and manicured lawns throughout the seasons and various outdoor weather environments.
Whether tasked with residential lawn care or overseeing multiple commercial locations, the riding zero-turn mowers deliver reliable performance and versatility, effectively streamlining landscape management for users.
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Stand-On Zero-Turn Mowers
A stand-on zero-turn mower provides a platform at the rear of the mower where the operator stands to control mower movements, rather than sitting or walking. Stand-on mowers offer benefits for both homeowners and professionals. They’re more compact for easier storage and transport. While all zero-turn mowers offer a zero-degree turning radius, stand-on models are often preferred in tight spaces due to their compact design narrower width, which help operators navigate around obstacles more efficiently.
Operated from a standing position, they offer a higher viewpoint compared to riding mowers. They’re also easier for operators to mount and dismount, which is a big advantage when you’ve got lots of movable obstacles and debris to contend with. Overall, stand-on zero-turn mowers deliver great results in a smaller package.
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Walk-Behind Zero-Turn Mowers
A walk-behind zero-turn mower is a type of mower designed where the operator walks behind the rear of the mower to control its movements, instead of sitting or standing. Walk-behind mowers are suitable for residential or commercial use, walk-behind, zero-turn mowers offer the same maneuverability in an even smaller design that can fit through fence gates, in between obstacles or into the bed of a pickup for easy transport.
Significantly larger and more powerful than standard push mowers, zero-turn walk-behind mowers deliver commercial-grade results with a machine that is still easy-to-operate. Designed to handle various terrains walk-behind zero-turn mowers are highly adaptable and durable.
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Electric and Battery Powered Zero-Turn Mowers
These environmentally friendly riding mowers are powered by electric motors and rechargeable batteries (up to eight hours on a single charge), offering less maintenance requirements and zero emissions for those seeking a more sustainable choice. Today’s commercial-grade electric zero-turn mowers are suitable for both homeowners and landscape professionals.
Battery-powered zero-turn mowers typically cost more upfront than their gas-powered counterparts, but they’re less expensive to operate when you factor in the price of gas compared to electricity. They’re also built with fewer parts and require less maintenance, which further lowers long-term operating costs.
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Zero-Turn Mower Pricing and Availability
As model lineups continue to expand offering greater variety in size and power, zero-turn mowers are gaining in popularity. Homeowners have more options than ever before, and lawn care professionals can find attachments and accessories that maximize a commercial mower’s capabilities.
Not surprisingly, zero-turn mowers represent a sizable investment. Prices start at about $5,000 for ride-on machines from top brands, but these commercial-grade mowers will offer service and warranty options to protect your investment. Find a reputable dealer who can help match your needs to the right mower.
Residential vs. Commercial Zero-Turn Mowers
Zero-turn mowers come in two primary categories, residential and commercial, each designed for different levels of performance, durability, and usage.
What is a Residential Zero-Turn Mower?
The key differences between residential zero-turn mowers and those designed for commercial use are size, speed and power. Homeowners need a machine that will end up working only a few hours a week, so residential zero-turn mowers are built lighter, smaller and with the appropriate amount of cutting power suitable for slower speeds.
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What is a Commercial Zero-Turn Mower?
Landscape professionals need higher performance and increased durability for demanding workloads. Compared to homeowners who only mow their lawns once or twice a week, commercial-grade zero-turn mowers are used all day, every day, often seven days a week during the busy season. Commercial mowers are engineered to maintain cut quality even at higher operating speeds, helping professionals maximize productivity without sacrificing results. They’re built with heavy-duty materials for long lifespans and more power to mow larger parcels at faster speeds.
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Buy the Best Zero-Turn Mower For Your Needs
Manufacturers build zero-turn mowers with the user in mind, whether it’s a homeowner with acres or a business owner with a long list of clients. Lawn care professionals need the power and durability that come with commercial grade mowers. Homeowners need the right combination of size and speed for their specific mowing needs.
Aside from performance differences, cost usually determines which option buyers choose. While it’s sensible for the business owner to invest in the more expensive, more heavy-duty machine, homeowners can typically meet their needs with a capable residential zero-turn mower.
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Get a Free Quote From Your Local Dealer
Find A DealerVersatile Uses of Zero-Turn Mowers Across Various Industries
Zero-turn mowers have proven to be versatile and high-performing machines across a wide range of industries. Their tight-turning radius, speed, and adaptability make them ideal for diverse applications, from residential lawn care and commercial landscaping to golf course upkeep, municipal maintenance, and even airfield and equestrian facility grounds. Whether navigating around obstacles or covering large areas efficiently, zero-turn mowers deliver professional results wherever precision and productivity are required.
Residential and Homestead Lawn Care
Whether you're maintaining a suburban backyard or managing a multi-acre homestead, the right zero-turn mower makes all the difference. Built for residential use but inspired by commercial-grade performance, these machines offer the precision, power, and versatility homeowners need to elevate their lawn care routine. From tight turns around garden beds to crisp striping patterns and seasonal cleanup, zero-turn mowers bring professional results to personal spaces.
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Small-to-Large Yards
An appropriately sized zero-turn mower built for residential use is the ideal machine for homeowners and homesteaders who want professional-grade results. They’re small enough to fit in the garage, but powerful enough to handle the largest lawns.
Gardens and Landscape Features
With a zero-turning radius, zero-turn mowers are ultra maneuverable, making it easy and efficient to cut around obstacles like trees, flower beds and other landscaping.
Lawn Striping and Pattern Creation
When it’s all about presentation, zero-turn mowers can create intricate patterns and designs worthy of a blue ribbon. By adjusting the mower's cutting height and alternating the direction of mowing passes, users can add a touch of artistry to their outdoor spaces. Bobcat, for example, also offers a striping kit that can be attached to approved Bobcat zero-turn mowers for the ultimate curb appeal.
Mulching and Bagging
Zero-turn mowers give you multiple options when it comes to mulching and bagging, whether it’s a built-in feature or an add-on attachment or accessory. And with the power and speed of a Zero-turn mower, these jobs get done fast with professional results.
Clearing Leaves and Debris
Many zero-turn mowers offer attachment and accessory options designed specifically for vacuuming up leaves and other yard debris. The mower’s powerful engine makes quick work of spring and fall yard cleanup.
Commercial Landscaping & Grounds Maintenance
From business parks to industrial campuses, commercial landscaping and grounds maintenance demands equipment that delivers speed, durability, and professional-grade results. Zero-turn mowers are the go-to choice for property managers, landscaping crews, and maintenance teams who need to cover large areas efficiently while maintaining a professional, consistent appearance. Built for long hours and tough terrain, these machines are engineered to meet the high expectations of commercial clients and high-traffic properties alike.
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Business Properties
To keep up a proper professional look, property managers often rely on zero-turn mowers to maintain the lawns of office parks, retail centers and other commercial properties. Their speed and maneuverability provide the perfect combination.
Commercial Properties and Complexes
Commercial-grade zero-turn mowers have the power and durability to take on multi-unit apartment complexes, office parks and other commercial properties. They’re an efficient choice for property management companies with multiple properties to maintain.
Industrial Properties
Zero-turn mowers are built to handle the demanding landscaping needs of large commercial and industrial sites, such as factories and warehouses, which often have large outdoor areas that require regular upkeep.
Landscaping Companies
Landscapers need to deliver beautiful, professional quality results, whether they’re mowing a homeowner’s’ yard or maintaining large landscapes at an office complex. Zero-turn mowers can easily handle these projects with speed and precision.
Golf Course Maintenance
Maintaining a golf course requires precision, versatility, and equipment that can handle a wide range of terrain and tasks. From manicured greens to sprawling roughs—and everything in between—commercial zero-turn mowers play a key role in keeping the grounds tournament-ready. Whether supporting a fleet of specialized reel mowers or handling broader facility upkeep around clubhouses, pools, and tennis courts, these machines deliver the durability and maneuverability needed to meet the high standards of golf course operations.
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Facilities (Club Houses, Pools, Tennis Courts)
A golf course often is just one piece of a larger complex that can include club houses, pools, tennis courts and snack shacks. A commercial zero-turn mower is versatile and durable enough to handle the whole rotation of grounds maintenance duties for the facility.
On The Course
Golf course superintendents manage a fleet of mowers that utilize reel blade technology designed specifically for delicate greens, fairways and tee boxes that require an ultra-close cut. zero-turn mowers may still find their place in the rough, however, depending on the acreage being maintained.
Sports and Athletic Field Maintenance
Athletic fields demand consistent care to ensure quality play and professional presentation. Whether it’s a soccer pitch, baseball diamond, or multi-use field hosting football, rugby, or lacrosse, zero-turn mowers deliver the precision and reliability needed to maintain high-performance turf. Their ability to produce uniform cuts across large areas makes them an essential tool for grounds crews tasked with keeping fields game-ready day after day.
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Soccer Fields
Zero-turn mowers are perfect for maintaining soccer fields, as they can mow the grass at an even height for optimal playability.
Baseball and Softball Fields
To ensure a consistent playing surface that is safe for play, zero-turn mowers are often used to maintain the grass in the outfield and around the infield.
Multi-Purpose Athletic Fields
Zero-turn mowers simply do the best job at maintaining a variety of athletic fields — football, rugby, field hockey, lacrosse, etc. — because the quality of the cut is so consistent.
Park and Recreational Area Upkeep
Public spaces demand equipment that’s as adaptable as the environments they serve. From city parks and playgrounds to campgrounds and trail systems, zero-turn mowers offer the maneuverability and efficiency needed to maintain diverse landscapes. Their ability to navigate tight corners, varied terrain, and frequent obstacles makes them a go-to solution for grounds crews tasked with keeping recreational areas clean, safe, and inviting for visitors year-round.
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Public Parks
With the ability to easily navigate around obstacles, such as trees, bushes, benches, garbage cans and fences, zero-turn mowers are often the machine of choice for public park departments.
Playgrounds
Zero-turn mowers are used to maintain grassy areas around playground equipment, ensuring the surface is ideal for play.
Trails and Picnic Areas
With their maneuverability, zero-turn mowers are perfect for mowing intricate and tight trail systems, as well as the picnic areas, providing a clean and inviting environment for visitors.
Campgrounds and RV Parks
Zero-turn mowers are essential for maintaining campgrounds and RV parks, as they can quickly navigate around the many obstacles typical of campgrounds.
Large Estate and Operation Maintenance
Expansive properties demand equipment that’s built to cover ground, literally and efficiently. Whether it’s a private estate, working farm, institutional campus, or solar field, zero-turn mowers offer the power, precision, and maneuverability needed to maintain large-scale landscapes. Their ability to navigate tight spaces, varied terrain, and complex layouts makes them an essential tool for grounds crews and property owners who prioritize both performance and presentation.
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Private Estates
Zero-turn mowers deliver the professional results and perfectly manicured look desired by private estates with expansive lawns.
Farms and Ranches
Farmers and ranchers rely on zero-turn mowers to maintain large areas of grass around buildings, machine sheds, hay yards, roads and ditches.
Orchards and Vineyards
Ideal for managing grounds maintenance for large orchards and vineyards, zero-turn mowers have the maneuverability needed to navigate narrow spaces between trees.
Institutional Grounds
Appearances matter at places like schools, universities and hospitals, and zero-turn mowers are more than capable of maintaining the grounds.
Solar Farms
With their zero-turn radius, zero-turn mowers can turn sharply without leaving uncut patches, making them ideal for navigating around solar panels and other equipment.
Rest Areas and Scenic Overlooks
Rest areas are a place for travelers, families, kids and pets to stretch their legs, and zero-turn mowers have the maneuverability and cutting power to keep the surrounding grounds nicely manicured for all visitors.
Other Applications
Zero-turn mowers aren’t just for lawns—they’re built to handle a wide range of environments where precision, maneuverability, and efficiency matter. From cemeteries and campuses to municipal properties, airfields, and equestrian facilities, these machines adapt to the unique challenges of each setting. Whether navigating tight spaces around memorial gardens, maintaining athletic fields, or trimming grass near solar panels and helipads, zero-turn mowers deliver professional-grade results across industries and landscapes.
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Cemetery Maintenance
Grassy Plots: With lots of obstacles to maneuver around, cemetery plots require a zero-turn mower that won’t leave uncut patches and leave minimal tire tracks for a well-groomed, respectful presentation.
Memorial Gardens: The calming gardens often found at cemeteries are also well-suited for a maneuverable and efficient zero-turn mower.
Cemetery Roads and Pathways: Zero-turn mowers can maintain the entire cemetery grounds, including the roads and walkways visitors use on a daily basis.
School and University Campus Maintenance
Athletic Fields: Zero-turn mowers deliver the consistent cut athletes require for safe playing conditions.
Quad and Common Areas: With lots of ground to cover, zero-turn mowers provide the speed, durability and power for long days of maintaining campus green areas.
Landscaped Areas: Like other institutions, college campuses have many landscape features that are no challenge for the maneuverability of a zero-turn mower.
Municipal Maintenance
City Parks and Green Spaces: To ensure an enjoyable environment for residents and visitors, zero-turn mowers are frequently used to maintain public green spaces like parks, bike paths and playgrounds.
Government Buildings: Efficient and durable, zero-turn mowers are ideal for professional maintenance of grass around government buildings, courthouses and other municipal properties.
Airfield Maintenance
General Aviation Airports: Grounds maintenance is important for the safe operations of any airfield, and zero-turn mowers can handle the variety of grassy areas around runways, taxiways and hangars.
Helipads: Zero-turn mowers can be trusted to maintain a well-groomed helipad that offers clear visibility for safe landings and takeoffs.
Airfield Perimeters: Zero-turn mowers are also great at maintaining the areas around an airport or landing strip, keeping long grass in check for safe operations.
Equestrian Facility Maintenance
Riding Arenas: The even cut delivered by zero-turn mowers is perfect for maintaining level and safe ground for both horses and riders.
Paddocks and Pastures: Zero-turn mowers have the speed and power to maintain large as well as the maneuverability to mow around obstacles like fencing, gates and watering stations.
Landscaped Areas: Zero-turn mowers are also used to maintain the grass around equestrian facilities, contributing to a well-groomed and attractive appearance for visitors and clients.
Make an Informed Buying Decision
Zero-turn mowers offer such a wide variety of capabilities, making them a top choice for many mowing scenarios. They deliver professional-grade results with precision, speed and efficiency. Where other mowers leave patches of uncut grass, zero-turn mowers leave clean lines and beautiful, evenly cut turf.
From homeowners to lawn care professionals, every type of user benefits from the many features of zero-turn mowers:
- Superior cutting capabilities
- Faster cutting speeds
- Powerful enough for commercial use
- Unmatched maneuverability
- Heavy-duty durability for continuous use
Choosing the right zero-turn mower is a matter of understanding your specific needs and matching those to a model big enough and powerful enough to meet your needs. With multiple options in terms of mower deck size, engine size attachment capabilities and available accessories, it’s easier than ever to find the perfect fit. Zero-turn mowers are an investment, but the time savings and eye-catching results can be well worth the money.
