Anyone with a big lawn knows the struggle. You spend your whole Saturday on a regular riding mower, making wide turns and missing spots around trees. Zero turn mowers let you zip around obstacles and finish in half the time.
But picking the right brand? That’s where things get tricky. Some companies build machines for weekend warriors while others focus on equipment that professionals run 40 hours a week. The price tags vary wildly too.
We’ve tested and researched all the major players to help you avoid an expensive mistake. This guide covers the 10 brands that consistently deliver what lawn owners actually need.
How We Selected the Best Zero Turn Mower Brands
Our team spent months evaluating manufacturers, talking to actual owners, and digging into what separates quality machines from overpriced disappointments. We focused on brands with proven track records rather than flashy marketing campaigns.
We looked at these specific factors:
- Build Quality and Durability: Whether these machines hold up season after season or start falling apart after light use
- Cutting Performance: How clean and even the cut looks across different grass types and heights
- Maneuverability and Control: How easy it is to steer around trees, flower beds, and other obstacles without scalping your lawn
- Engine Power and Reliability: If the engine has enough muscle for thick grass and whether it starts reliably year after year
- Warranty and Customer Support: What happens if something breaks and how helpful the company is with fixing problems
- Value for Money: Whether you’re getting your money’s worth or paying for a brand name
- Available Features: Things like adjustable seats, cup holders, and easy maintenance access that make mowing less of a chore
These factors helped us separate the brands worth your money from the ones coasting on reputation alone. Let’s get into the details.
10 Best Zero Turn Mower Brands (2025 Top Picks) (Expert Review)
We’ve narrowed it down to these 10 brands based on performance, reliability, and real owner experiences. Here’s what makes each one special.
1. Hustler
Hustler figured out something other companies missed: you shouldn’t feel beaten up after mowing for three hours. Their suspension system actually works, smoothing out bumps that would rattle your teeth on other machines.
The controls make sense too. New owners aren’t fumbling around trying to figure out which lever does what. Everything falls naturally under your hands, and the mower responds how you’d expect it to.
If comfort matters to you—and it should if you’re mowing anything over two acres—Hustler deserves a close look. People who switch from other brands often mention how much better they feel after a long mowing session.
2. Scag
Scag builds mowers that landscaping crews beat on all day, every day. We’re talking about machines that see more hours in one season than most homeowners put on in five years.
The difference shows up in the details. Thicker steel. Beefier wheel motors. Decks that stay rigid instead of flexing and scalping your lawn. Everything costs a bit more, but you’re getting components that last.
Professional crews trust Scag because breakdowns cost them money. If you’re serious about having equipment that works when you need it, this brand delivers. The higher price stings less when you’re not paying for repairs every season.
3. Toro
Toro has been making lawn equipment since before most of us were born. That experience shows up in how well their mowers just work without drama or fuss.
You get consistent cutting quality whether you’re dealing with spring grass that’s gone wild or maintaining an already-short lawn. The machines feel solid under you, and they handle different conditions without choking or leaving uncut strips.
People like Toro because you can find dealers and parts almost anywhere. That matters more than you might think if something breaks on a Friday afternoon before a big weekend. The pricing sits in a reasonable range for what you’re getting.
4. Gravely
Gravely builds machines that live somewhere between homeowner and commercial. Their decks handle thick grass and rough ground better than most residential mowers, but you’re not paying commercial prices.
Hills and uneven terrain? Gravely handles both without feeling tippy or out of control. The weight distribution keeps you stable even on slopes that would make other mowers nervous.
If your property has challenges—maybe some hills, thick grass in spring, or rough patches—Gravely handles it without complaining. You’re getting strength that outlasts typical residential equipment at a price that won’t require a second mortgage.
5. Exmark
Lawn care pros who get paid based on how good properties look? They’re usually running Exmark. The cut quality is that good.
Something about how they engineer the deck just works. Grass flows through smoothly, and you get that crisp, even finish that makes lawns look professionally maintained. Because they are, usually.
You’ll pay more for an Exmark. But if you care deeply about how your lawn looks—like, really care—the results justify the cost. These machines cut at a level most homeowners don’t even know is possible.
6. Cub Cadet
Cub Cadet targets homeowners who want zero turn convenience without feeling like they need a commercial license to operate the thing. Their residential models pack enough features to get the job done without overwhelming you.
First-time zero turn buyers appreciate how approachable these machines feel. The learning curve isn’t steep, and you’re not paying for capacity you’ll never use. The displays make sense, and the controls do what you expect.
For properties between one and five acres, Cub Cadet hits a sweet spot. You’re upgrading your mowing experience without buying industrial equipment you don’t need.
7. John Deere
John Deere mowers just keep running. That green and yellow reliability isn’t marketing hype—these machines genuinely hold up over time.
The brand doesn’t chase trends or add features for the sake of having more bullet points in the brochure. They build straightforward mowers that start, cut, and run season after season without surprises.
People buy John Deere knowing the machines hold their value. If you sell it in five years, you’ll get a fair price. That matters if you like upgrading equipment or if you want to know your investment doesn’t disappear.
8. Ariens
Ariens has spent decades building outdoor equipment that lasts. Their zero turn mowers use quality parts throughout instead of mixing good components with cheap ones to hit a price point.
The sweet spot here is homeowners with bigger properties who need something tougher than entry-level residential models. You’re getting commercial-level durability without commercial pricing.
High-back seats, smooth hydrostatic drives, solid cutting decks—Ariens includes the stuff that matters. These machines handle multiple seasons of regular use without developing problems or feeling worn out.
9. Bad Boy Mowers
Bad Boy flipped the script by building commercial-quality mowers and selling them at prices that undercut everyone else. Yeah, the marketing is loud and the logos are bold. But the machines themselves? Seriously well made.
Heavy frames. Strong engines. Cutting decks that compete with brands charging thousands more. You’re getting professional-grade guts without the professional-grade price tag.
If you’re tired of replacing cheaper equipment every few years, Bad Boy offers a way out. The build quality surprises people who expected something flimsy based on the lower price.
10. Ferris
Ferris built their reputation on suspension systems that actually make a difference. These mowers absorb ground irregularities instead of bouncing you around and leaving an uneven cut.
Rough yards benefit the most. Those bumps and dips that make other mowers hop around? Ferris smooths them out, keeping the deck in contact with the ground for consistent cutting.
Back problems after mowing? Uneven cuts on bumpy ground? Ferris solves both issues with technology that other manufacturers overlook. If these are your pain points, the extra cost makes sense.
Wrap-Up
Your perfect zero turn mower brand depends on what you’re actually dealing with. Property size, terrain, budget, how often you mow—all of it matters.
Match your situation with what each brand does best. All 10 of these companies have earned their spots through years of delivering solid equipment. Pick the one that fits your needs, and you’ll be happy with the choice.