Zero-turn mowers are popular for homeowners and commercial landscapers who want to keep their lawns neat. These mowers, designed to be maneuverable, allow for precise control and efficient mowing even in tight spaces.
However, this article will examine the worst zero-turn mowers available, outlining the problems, complaints, and shortcomings of each one. Additionally, we’ll go over the significance of selecting an excellent zero-turn mower and what to look for in a model of that caliber.
What Are Zero-Turn Mowers?
Zero-turn mowers are riding mowers designed to offer more excellent maneuverability than traditional mowers. Due to their minimal turning radius and ability to turn on a dime, they are popular as “zero turn” vehicles.
Their two hydrostatic transmissions are to blame for this, which enable individual control of each wheel. This feature means the mower can pivot in place, making it ideal for navigating around trees, flowerbeds, and other obstacles.
There are two main types of zero-turn mowers: residential and commercial. Residential zero-turn mowers are designed for homeowners with smaller lawns, while commercial zero-turn mowers are for landscapers and others who regularly need to mow large areas.
Residential zero-turn mowers usually have smaller engines and cutting decks, while commercial zero-turn mowers have larger engines and cutting decks that allow them to cover more ground. Furthermore, commercial zero-turn mowers often have more advanced features, such as suspension systems, to reduce operator fatigue and increase comfort.
The Worst Zero Turn Mowers
Even though the worst zero-turn mowers are more affordable, the cost savings are frequently high due to the need for frequent maintenance or replacements. Some of the worst brands include;
1. Country Clipper ZTR
The build of Country Clipper zero-turn mowers is a tragic case, and an even worse apology is their terrible, horrible customer service. As a result, I can’t say that the country clipper zero-turn mower is incredibly well-known by ALL mowing fans.
If you’re considering buying a country clipper ZTR, you better live close to a reputable dealer who will let you use your warranty since you will need it.
Everything is lovely until the gearbox breaks down after a few hours of use, and the deck belts break because of the poor quality. The cut quality is excellent; you sit in the machines with comfort.
Furthermore, belt replacements are so often necessary. Although, I must admit that this issue is not exclusive to the Country Clipper since several zero-turn vehicle models also encounter it.
Oil leakage is another frequent occurrence, which is, in all honesty, a minor issue that should not exist at all, regardless of the justification. They say they can handle steep slopes, but the mower’s construction needs to be more vital to tolerate such extremes. So it’s best that you use them sparingly when going on a hike.
2. Cub Cadet RZT S46
The Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers are sturdy and well-balanced. However, they are a part of this list due to their poor functionality, a significant drawback.
The issue is that Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers appear more admirable than they work. So you must ignore this or that to enjoy your mower, which is quite a terrible bore.
Even though they are somewhat fair with the durability of the mowers, the Cub Cadet RZT S46 has a weak engine and poor maneuverability, making navigating tight spaces difficult.
Furthermore, the cutting performance could be better, leaving behind uneven cuts and an unfinished look. A good illustration is how the seats don’t have enough spring or bounce. So your spine would need enough grease and numbing ointment.
The seats fall like a dead limb when you raise them to view the tank, and they are also pretty ill-made from logic and functionality. You might think this is a minor issue, but since the seats bang on the deck when they fall, it speeds up deck wear and tear!
Also, the machines scream like banshees and will continue to guzzle the gas in the tank. The decks are so unstable that standing on them while carrying your entire weight will be a cruel joke.
In addition, the tires provide little traction to aid you in navigating hills. Even if the mower lasts a lifetime with proper care, many accidents are embarrassing for such a well-known zero-turn mower manufacturer as Cub Cadet.
3. Dixie Chopper
Overall, Dixie Choppers are good lawnmowers; they survive long enough for you to get a good return on your investment. Even if they use sturdy materials, the engineering is still an issue.
The only explanation is that such high-quality equipment has so many unresolved issues. A good illustration is how the Dixie engines perform in humid or damp environments.
This problem doesn’t come to mind, given that they are Kawasaki or Briggs & Stratton engines. Furthermore, they are not known to sputter when exposed to a little moisture.
With this brand, belt, and spindle troubles resulting from shoddy deck construction are typical. The inability to handle slopes, the 15-degree angle mark for every zero-turn mower, has also made it to the list. This issue is often related to unequal tire pressures, low traction tires, and a frail powertrain.
Although many Dixie Choppers get constructed this way, not all of them are, which helps lessen the blow. A lot of subpar builds got released onto the market, and sadly, they must get sold. So, if you must buy a Dixie, your best bet is to deal with a reputable dealer; if not, you can save yourself and look for alternative solutions.
4. Poulan Pro P46ZX
The Poulan Pro P46ZX has a weak engine and inferior build quality. These features make it a poor choice for anyone looking for a high-performance zero-turn mower. Furthermore, the cutting deck is also narrow, making it challenging to cover larger areas.
5. Ryobi Zero Turns
Ryobi zero-turn lawn mowers get powered by rechargeable batteries because they are electric. There are many benefits to electric riding mowers, so many that if you get one, you could forget gas mowers even exist. You won’t have to worry about petrol, fuel tank difficulties, irksome engine oil and hydro oil upkeep, choke problems, or chronic ear problems.Â
Unfortunately, Ryobi’s zero-turn mowers will make you angry with how poor their batteries function. They use Lead-Acid batteries, which have all the drawbacks except for affordability. Furthermore, the batteries must get charged before each mow, which would take FOREVER to reach 100%.
To conserve battery life, you must stop mowing at 50% and not resume mowing at 50% without charging the batteries fully. Otherwise, you risk draining the already weakened batteries. Hence, to put it straight, 50% of a battery’s capacity is a red bar for Ryobi zero-turns, not 20% or 15%!
You can only mow half of your yard because the number of acres determines the Ryobi zero-durability turns it can cut through on a well-charged battery. Then, you have at most 1.5 years to enjoy a Ryobi zero-turn before changing the batteries, which is not in the schedule and should not be!
6. Troy-Bilt Mustang Fit 34
The Troy-Bilt Mustang Fit 34 has a weak engine, poor build quality, and a narrow cutting deck, making it a poor choice for homeowners with more extensive lawns. Its maneuverability is also subpar, making navigating obstacles and tight spaces difficult. Furthermore, because of how flawed they are, Troy Bilt’s mowers get compared to Walmart’s equipment.
Troy Bilt’s zero-turn has made it to our list because poor quality can result in anything from stragglers to catastrophic mishaps. The mowers’ design is user-oriented because there isn’t much to it; it is quite straightforward.
In addition, the Troy Bilt zero-turns are infamous for getting built with very low-grade materials; therefore, they will wear out and tear faster than you might imagine.
The deck will be the first thing to catch you off guard. They provide an excellent cut quality from the start; they begin to degrade and leave many irritable stragglers as you pass. So, it will be typical to mow over a spot like a huge metal bee, which wastes time and fuel.
Engine leaks are also relatively common—far too common to get overlooked, as well as shoddy wiring.
Importance of Choosing a High-Quality Zero-Turn Mower
In the long term, investing in an excellent zero-turn mower will ultimately pay off. Therefore, it’s crucial to get a premium zero-turn mower for several reasons, which include:
- Performance: A top-notch zero-turn mower will operate more effectively, making mowing more effortless and productive. With its strong engine, cutting-edge blades, and easy mobility, you can cut your grass swiftly and efficiently.
- Resale Worth: Selling a good-quality zero-turn mower will be less complicated if you wish to improve or substitute your present model since it retains its worth better over time.
- Time-Saving: You can minimize your time by purchasing a high-quality zero-turn mower, enabling you to take care of your lawn effortlessly and effectively. You’ll have more time to engage in other pursuits and pastimes.
- Safety: Safety is another important consideration when choosing a zero-turn mower. This machine has to feature attributes that lower the possibility of accidents and injuries, such as safety switches, a strong frame, and dependable brakes.
- Durability: A durable zero-turn mower will be constructed from robust materials, increasing its durability and decreasing the likelihood that it will underperform or break down. Long-term maintenance and repair expenditures will be lower as a result.
Conclusion
In conclusion, conducting thorough research and evaluation before making a zero-turn mower purchase is critical to avoid selecting any of the worst models available.
These models frequently suffer from poor build quality, unreliable engines, poor maneuverability, inconsistent performance, and other problems that may be frustrating, expensive to maintain, and even dangerous.
