Zero-Turn Mowers

Zero-turn mowers are fast but have limitations

Designed only for relatively flat lawns, zero-turn mowers (or ZTR mowers) leave no circle of uncut grass at the end of a row, and make it easier to mow around obstacles. They also move faster than regular lawn tractors -- so they can cut mowing time roughly in half while also minimizing trimming afterward. Zero-turn mowers are better for mulching or side-discharging than bagging, and most can't tow carts or mount other attachments, though some can push a snow blade. Unlike lawn tractors, zero-turn mowers have rear-mounted engines.

Steering is done via a pair of levers called tillers, each controlling a wheel. One pedal drives the mower forward and another in reverse. Operating a zero-turn mower takes some practice, but most owners say it takes just one mowing session to get used to steering with the tillers.

The 42-inch Snapper 150Z ZT2142 (*Est. $2,600) is an exception to the rule that zero-turn mowers aren't good at bagging; tests show that it performs well in all three modes of handling clippings. Cutting height is adjusted electronically: infinitely variable between 1.5 and 3.75 inches.

Extra options include a dump cart, which is unusual among zero-turn mowers, as is the cast-iron front axle. An enthusiastic review of an earlier Snapper 150Z at ConsumerGuide.com notes that this axle helps stabilize it on turns, providing better performance on hills than with most zero-turn mowers. The current Snapper 150Z is powered by a single-cylinder 21 HP Briggs & Stratton Professional engine, and is CARB-certified.

If speed is more important to you than bagging, consider the 42-inch John Deere Z225 (*Est. $2,900 ), whose top speed of 7 mph is well above the 5.5 mph maximum on the Snapper 150Z zero-turn mower. (A CARB-certified version of the Z225 is also available at the same price.) However, adjusting the cutting height is less convenient on the Z225, and the maximum cutting height is slightly lower at 3.5 inches. The Z225 is powered by an 18.5 HP OHV engine built to Deere specifications; a towing hitch is available as an extra option (with pricing available from local dealers).

Both the Snapper 150Z and the John Deere Z225 zero-turn mowers carry two-year warranties. John Deere, as a brand, has an excellent repair record; comparable information is not available for Snapper as a brand. Your best choice may well depend on which brand is easiest to maintain and repair in your local area; experts advise consulting local dealers for information.