Grab the controls of a new riding lawn mower and power your way through acres of grass in less time. For riding mowers, accessories and maintenance products, The Home Depot has everything you need to help you manage and maintain your yard and mower.
The Right Riding Mower for the Job
We feature a large selection of hardworking zero-turn lawn mowers, lawn tractors and lawn sweepers, all from the brands you know and trust. For mostly flat lawns that have some obstacles, zero-turn mowers turn on a dime and will give you the control and efficiency you need, cutting your work time in half. Lawn tractors are great for plowing and cultivating, featuring larger engines to take on heavy-duty work on uneven terrain. If you’re in the market for an electric riding mower, you’ll have less maintenance and mess to deal with as there are no spark plugs or gasoline – just the battery.
Don’t Forget the Maintenance
If you’re looking to do maintenance and upkeep on your current riding mower, we’ve got the replacement tires, replacement engines, lawn mower blades and accessories to keep your riding mower in tip-top shape for years to come.
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Choosing a Zero-turn Mower
If you have decided to invest in a ZTR mower (zero-turn mower), it’s worth your time to put in some research. There are different advantages for each type. The main factor in determining the right zero-turn mower for your needs is the size of the area that you will cut. This guide will help you choose which is the best zero-turn mower to suit your needs.
Engine
When it comes to riding lawn mowers the engine size and horsepower are important factors. The more powerful the engine, the more expensive it will be. A mower with a powerful engine will cut through grass more efficiently and last longer. Single cylinder and V-Twin are the two types of engines commonly used in residential zero-turn mowers.
- Single cylinder models are less expensive, but do not provide the powerful torque. Smaller engine mowers are better for small lawns or properties.
- V-Twin powered engine ZTR mowers cost more but deliver more power, better gas mileage, less noise and less vibration. They tend to last longer than single-cylinder mowers. High-powered engine mowers are the best zero-turn mowers for hills and large acreage. They can tackle medium and large yards with ease, drive at higher speeds, and tow a trailer with various tools and accessories.
Deck Size
The wider the cutting deck on the mower, the more grass it will cut with every pass. A larger deck zero-turn mower will speed up your mowing time. However, one size doesn’t fit all–you need to match the size of the deck to your lawn.
- Larger deck mowers are great for large properties and commercial landscapers who cut wide open areas of grass.
- Wider decks will cut large areas quicker, especially if there are not a lot of trees or obstacles.
- A smaller mowing deck is preferable for small yards or if you need to maneuver between tight spaces.
- Smaller mowing deck mowers are easier to control.
- Commercial mowers may consider having both small and larger deck size mowers to cover all their landscaping needs.
Durability
ZTR mowers are a major investment. Your new mover needs to be reliable and able to handle your yard tasks with ease. An important factor influencing the durability of a zero-turn lawn mower is the construction of its cutting deck. Mower decks are typically made from fabricated or stamped metal.
- Stamped decks are lighter and are better suited for light yard work such as bagging and mulching.
- Fabricated decks offer better, sturdier design and are the ideal option for landscape professionals.
- Entry-level models typically have stamped decks, making them the more affordable option.
- Mid-range and pro-grade mowers are more likely to have fabricated decks, which will cost more.
Turning Radius
Not all zero-turn mowers have the same turning radius. Some zero-turn lawn tractors can make true 180 degree turns, spinning on a dime. Other mowers have a slightly wider turning radius, making them more difficult to navigate.
Tire Width and Wheels
Lawn mowers with wider tires will distribute its weight over a larger area. This helps reduce stress on the grass and improves traction. Look for durable, four-ply-rated tires. This is ideal for added maneuverability and speed.
Comfort
You will be riding this mower for an extended amount of time, so it needs to be comfortable. Look at the seats and support offered by the different models. Make sure you like the height of the seat’s back or, if you want, get one with arm rests. Sit in the mower to make sure it’s comfortable to you. Make sure you are happy with the way the steering wheel feels. You should invest in a ZTR mower that will be a pleasure to operate and reduces user fatigue.
Types of Zero Turn Mowers
Zero turn mowers are broken into four main types, with each type designed with a specific user in mind.
Homeowners that will mow under one acre of lawn a week should look at entry-level mowers with limited features and the smallest upfront cost. Landscape professionals that cover many acres a day will need the durability and power provided by a commercial use mower.
Entry-Level Zero Turn Mower
- Ideal for cutting a residential yard once a week or less
- Least expensive zero turn mower
- Not built for daily use
- Perfect for homeowners with large properties
- Decent maneuverability in small areas
- Smaller fuel tanks - covers shorter distances between refuels
- Less powerful engines, speed caps out around 6-7 mph
- Offers fewest features
Mid-Grade Zero Turn Mower
- Best zero-turn mowers for large lots (over one acre) that need weekly mowing
- Larger deck sizes cover more lawn quicker
- Slightly more durable material than entry level
- Can handle heavier loads
- Offer more comfortable seats and deck height options
- More engine options
Semi-Commercial/Semi-Pro Zero Turn Mower
- Ideal for small landscaping crews that cover many lawns a day
- Designed for daily use for professional landscapers
- Made with stronger materials to improve durability
- Feature larger fuel tanks
- Larger mowing deck
- Heavy-duty transmissions
- Reach speeds up to 8 mph
- Can cover 4-5 acres without refueling
- Wheels and other components designed to withstand demanding use over long periods
- Available with more customizable features, such as seat height adjustment
Commercial Zero Turn Mower
- Commercial zero-turn mowers are ideal for landscaping pros and commercial mowers covering large acreage daily
- Most expensive zero-turn mower
- Most powerful engine & biggest fuel tanks
- Reach speeds up to 13 mph
- Offer full-suspension for rider comfort and consistent cut
- Features heavy duty steel frame and decks
- Typically features large, wide rear wheels that put less pressure on the lawn surface
Other Types of Lawn Mowers
Riding mowers are either lawn tractors, garden tractors or zero turn mowers. A traditional lawn mower, or tractor, is designed for outdoor chores such as mowing, mulching, clipping, plowing and more. Zero-turn mowers focus on quick mowing.
Lawn and garden tractors are perfect for medium to large yards, but a walk-behind mover is best for small yards with tight areas to maneuver around and for hilly terrain.
Gas Mowers Vs Electric Mowers
Walk behind mowers are available in both gas and electric power options. There are some pros and cons for either a gas mower vs. electric mowers.
- Gas lawn mowers are the go-to option for most households due to their familiarity, the availability of parts and maintenance options, and affordability.
- Electric mowers do not create greenhouse gas emissions which makes them a great option for the environmentally conscious customer.
- Electric mowers are more expensive upfront, but they will save you money over time because you do not have to purchase gasoline, spark plugs, fuel filters, oil, etc.
- There are two main varieties of electric mower—corded and battery-powered. Corded models have a limited range, which makes them impractical if you have a large lawn. Battery-powered mowers typically only have an hour worth of battery life.
- Electric mowers are not as powerful as gas mowers in general.
- Eclectic mowers are good options for homeowners will very small yards.
Types of Lawn Tractors
lawn tractors | garden tractors | zero turn mowers |
| Features multiple speeds for all areas of the yard and handles tough mulching, mowing and bagging tasks. Suitable for flat and uneven terrain with grass clipping clean up. | Can be used to plow and cultivate gardens as well as remove snow. Have larger engines and stronger frames to take on heavy-duty work on flat and uneven terrain. Can use cutting deck as mulching blades for quick fall leaf clean up. | Turns on a dime and cuts your work time in half. Provides more control and increased efficiency on large and mostly flat lawns. Effortless steering. Heavy duty to use for daily mowing. |
Zero-Turn Mower Maintenance
Your ZTR mower is a big investment and can be your go-to lawn care tool for years with proper maintenance. A properly maintained mower will outlast your warranty, giving you more years of use.
Here are 5 common zero-turn mower maintenance tips to keep your mower performing season after season:
- Check air filters. Air filters can easily become clogged with dirt and debris. This can can cause your mower’s fuel to burn less efficiently.
- Cleaning the mowing deck. Yard clippings and debris can build up fast under the mowing deck and can cause more damage than you may realize. Clean the deck after each use to prevent grass and lawn debris build-up.
- Sharpen blades. The blades on a mower become dull over time and with use. Dull blades tear grass instead of giving it a nice clean cut. Sharpening mower blades 2-3 times a year will give your lawn a fresh, clean cut.
- Check tire pressure. Low tire pressure can cause your mower deck to be uneven and produce an uneven cut. Check your tire pressure on a regular basis to ensure that one tire is not lower than the other.
- Keep it out of the elements. Properly storing your mower in a dry shelter will prevent water and other contaminants from getting inside the mower and into parts that could damage your mower.
While there are countless ZTR mowers on the market today, visit The Home Depot for the latest deals on zero-turn mowers. For the best pick for your home, consider your lawn conditions and what kind of engine power, deck size, durability and comfort you need. The experts at The Home Depot can help you pick out your new riding lawn mower with the best warranty and accessories so you can get your job done right. If you need some extra help mowing your lawn, consider renting our z-mowers with our lawn mower rental to get your project done. Use once, then bring it back - no maintenance required.