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Last Updated on August 9, 2021 by woodcutter
Caught up in a dilemma, should you pick a zero turn or a lawn tractor? Here’s the guide to finding your perfect fit. Gone are the days when mowing your lawn was a sweaty and daunting task; when slashes and sickles were the day’s order. Thanks to the zero turn and lawn tractor, it’s all now just a ride in your backyard.
These two are compatible machines that work well to cut down and give your lawn a perfectly smooth cut. This article will, however, compare the Zero Turn vs Lawn Tractor. I will look at seven different features and contrast a zero-turn vs. a lawn tractor to help you figure just what you need.
The speed at mowing lawn
These two work at different speeds when mowing the lawn. Therefore, if the time you spend mowing your lawn is a factor for you, you might want to consider this.
● Lawn Tractor
A lawn tractor mows at a speed of three to seven miles per hour. Although this speed is just fine for a mower, a zero-turn beats it to it. Its feature of a full radius comes in handy but slows the lawn tractor down. Even though you may be a garden lover who does not mind spending time mowing your lawn to perfection, in this case, it might as well be a good pick for you. A slower speed also gives you a cleaner and better cut.
● Zero Turn
The zero-turn is the faster of the two. It works at a speed of five miles per hour. When you need it to, it can even go up to thirteen miles per hour. When contrasted to the maximum speed of a lawn tractor of four miles per hour, it is much faster. So, if you are looking to save time when mowing, then this should be your choice.
Overview of Zero Turn vs Lawn Tractor on speed
Generally, the zero-turn works quicker than the lawn tractor. Even though this is so, you still need to consider the land you are working on. This is because if it has too many obstacles, they might slow down a zero-turn. However, a lawn tractor will work around them faster. Nonetheless, you need to be aware that as you increase your mowing speed, you forgo your cut’s excellence.
Uses
When choosing between the two, you need to consider the purpose you intend to use them for.
● Lawn Tractor
A lawn tractor is a very efficient tool to use for mowing your lawn. Better still, you can use it for other functions. Like on a snowy day when you need to clear the driveway, you can look for your lawn tractor. Even when you need to transport anything around, you can simply attach a cart to your lawn tractor and carry your things around the yard.
● Zero-turn
Are you looking for something that will go solely to mow your lawn? Then this might just as well be your pick. A zero-turn will not serve any other function other than work on your turf. Therefore, if this is all you need, it might as well be your pick.
Overview of comparison on uses
A lawn tractor offers you other options of use apart from mowing the lawn. If you are looking for something multipurpose, a lawn tractor is right for you. On the other hand, if you are exclusively looking to mow your lawn, a zero-turn will surely come in handy.
Movement patterns
Although these two serve the same purpose, the way they move when mowing is different.
● Lawn tractor
A lawn tractor has a smaller turning radius and thus requires more space when turning. To become successful, you must reverse first or go over the area you have mowed already again. This method may leave uncut grass at the turning point, which is quite undesirable.
● Zero-turn
This pick makes a much smoother turn. The zero-turn can rotate a smart 180-degree angle facing the same direction it is coming from while standing on the same point. This facilitates a clean shift that leaves no lawn uncut and does not require you to go over the space you have already worked on.
Overview of Zero Turn vs Lawn Tractor movement patterns
A zero-turn maneuvers better around objects and curves as it turns higher angles. So if you are looking to mow the lawn on an area with more turns, twists, and obstacles like trees, pick a zero-turn. However, if the space you are looking to mow on is clear and straight like a soccer field, a lawn tractor will do just the trick.
Cost
This is a significant factor to consider when comparing the two. You need to consider the cost of both purchasing and maintaining either one. You need to find the best option that will suit your budget.
● Lawn tractor
If you are working on a tight budget that requires something that costs less, a lawn tractor is a right option. The cost of a lawn tractor is more affordable. Because it also serves other functions, it happens to be cost-efficient.
● Zero-turn
None the less, when working with a more lenient budget, you might go for the zero turns. Its cost can double that of a lawnmower. So if it is not too strenuous for you, why not fish into your pocket and grab yourself a zero-turn.
Overview of Zero Turn vs Lawn Tractor costs
Although you will need quite a sum to acquire either one of the two, a lawn tractor is more affordable. Nevertheless, the cost may not be an issue for you, and you might just need what will work best for you. Then let your mind not your wallet be the one that decides for you.
Deck size
The size of the deck depicts the quantity of lawn you can mow at a time. The more full the deck, the more significant space it covers at a time. Therefore, the higher the deck, the quicker the job gets done.
● Lawn tractor
Lawn tractors come with decks that vary from forty-two inches to fifty-four inches. Henceforth, when working with a smaller area or one with narrow spaces to fit between, use a lawn tractor.
● Zero-turn
On the other hand, these share the same lower limit as lawn tractors of a forty-two-inch deck. However, they have an upper limit that goes up to and beyond sixty inches. Therefore, if you are looking to work in a larger area, a zero-turn will save you time.
Overview of comparison of Zero Turn or Lawn Tract deck size
The deck size you chose depends on several factors. You must consider the size of the property you want to work on. And the size of the spaces you need to be going in between. These being considered, you can make your choice.
How to operate it
When you get a mower, it is of paramount importance to know how to operate it.
● Lawn tractor
It is designed with a front wheel. This feature makes it effortless to operate and control. It resembles a car that you might be familiar with already, making it easier for you to run. A lawn tractor also has a brake and an accelerator, making it simple to understand and control. So, pick a lawn tractor if you are looking for something that will not take you long to learn to operate.
● Zero-turn
Unlike a lawn tractor, a zero-turn is not so easy to operate. It has a rear-wheel as well as a different break and acceleration system. It also requires you to use two handles at times. Therefore, its complexity might need longer to get familiar with than when using a lawn tractor.
Overview of how to operate: Zero Turn or Lawn Tractor
if you are open to learning new things and new ways, then you will not have a problem running the zero-turn. It is not too difficult to learn but requires more practice and calls for a different driving way. On the other side, a lawn tractor is less complicated. With a front wheel, it is much easier to get acquainted with.
Functionality on steep or sloped areas
You might be considering using your mower on a hill or sloped area. You will need to know which will do a better job.
● Lawn tractor
If you are looking at mowing a piece of land with a steep, this is just the right choice for you. It works better on sloped and is safer.
● Zero-turn
These work better on flatter surfaces with less gradient. Therefore, if you need to work on a flatter space, it is safe to go with the zero turns.
Overview of the functionality on steep areas.
A lawn tractor is with no doubt better designed and made to operate on steeped areas, as opposed to zero turns, which are better built to work on flat land.
To Wrap Up
When considering a Zero Turn vs Lawn Tractor for Hills, you should know that either one is the right mower for your lawn. However, before deciding which to spend money on, you need to consider several factors beyond name or appearance. Only a bad workman blames his tools. Be the best workman by picking the best tool!
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