Zero Turn Radius Mowers Go Residential
You've seen the pros zipping around your neighbor's yard on their zero turn radius mowers. They go very fast, turn on a dime, and leave a uniform, level look to the mowed lawn. Though still a bit pricey, ztr mowers are now widely available for the residential customer.
Should You Go ZTR?
They look fun and promise to decrease your mowing time. They generally deliver on promised benefits, but there are some things you'll want to consider before buying your first ztr mower.
Zero Turn Mower Benefits
Speed, maneuverability, and efficiency. Most ztrs, even the entry level models available at big box stores, can go faster than a lawn tractor. Whether you're trying to beat darkness, an approaching storm, or make your tee time, sometimes you want to cut your grass fast. If you've mowed with a lawn tractor, you know that the faster you go the worse the lawn looks. Not so with a zero turn.
Mowing Efficiency
The combination of high blade speed, twice that of a lawn tractor, and maneuverability give your lawn a level, neat look even when you mow at high speed. Speed coupled with maneuverability yields efficiency. While a lawn tractor is often traveling over grass already cut in order to get in position for the next cut, a ztr isn't.
A zero turn mower can turn on a dime, essentially do a 180 to make the next cut and be cutting the whole time. That's efficiency, which is why the pros use ztrs.
Divots and Skinned Turf
The ability to turn on a dime comes from independently driven rear wheels. Hydraulic pumps control each wheel's speed and direction based on position of the two driver-controlled handlebars.
Therein lies the first problem for the novice. Inexpertly making quick turns will yield a yard full of divots and skinned patches. It takes some time to get the feel for making turns quickly without digging ruts in your otherwise beautiful, level-cut lawn. But once you get the feel for your ztr, you'll be zipping around trees and shrubbery like a pro.
Cleaning the Deck
The deck presents the second problem you'll want to consider before buying your zero turn. Unlike lawn tractors, the mower decks of ztrs aren't easily detached for cleaning and blade maintenance. The options are:
- Use dealer service, which can cost a few hundred dollars a year.
- Drive your ztr onto car ramps so you can crawl under and do your own deck maintenance.
- Arrange a hoisting chain and pulley system in your garage to lift the ztr's front end high enough for you to crawl under.
- Buy one of the few ztrs which have a deck designed to swing out for maintenance.
Some ztrs have a garden hose port on the top of the deck so you can wash out accumulated lawn cuttings, relieving you of the need to lift the deck except for blade service.
Safety
Zero turn radius mowers have the same safety concerns as other mowers, but perhaps a bit more intense.
- Obstructions: Higher ground speed means the driver must be alert for obstructions in the path. Hitting an immoveable object at high speed will do some damage.
- Litter: Higher blade speed means that any solid object encountering the blades will exit at very high speed and could be a lethal projectile. Never allow pets or people in the area while you're mowing.
- Noise: With the uncovered, rear engine design of most ztrs, the operator is subjected to very high db levels and should wear ear protection.
All in all, a zero turn radius mower deserves your serious consideration as your next mower purchase. You'll love the responsiveness, the speed and maneuverability, and the way your lawn looks. You might also enjoy the envious looks of your neighbors.
If you're interested in zero turn mowers, you may want to read Jazee One Zero Turn Radius Mower.
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