It’s a more common question than you might think. As for the answer, well, it’s not all black and white. There’s a lot to consider when it comes to choosing which is the best option for you and your mowing or landscaping needs. Generally speaking, the market for riding mowers basically comes down to two choices. We look at the pros and cons of these options and try to answer whether a zero-turn mower or a riding tractor is best for you.
Who Needs the Zero-Turn Mower (ZTR)?
Even those not in the landscaping industry understand the benefits of a zero-turn mower. In the world of professional mowing and landscaping it has become a staple item. If you don’t own one, the chances are you know someone who does.
So, the question remains: Is the ZTR for you? In order to answer that question, a number of factors should be considered. Specific yard care needs, the size and shape of your yard and how you plan to use the zero-turn mower are key when it comes to selecting the best mower for your landscaping needs.
A zero-turn mower is ideal when it comes to large, flat lawns. ZTR mowers are able to dominate flat spaces quickly. Lawns or mowing areas that feature steep inclines are not well suited for these particular mowers.
You might also have a need or preference for a zero-turn mower if you have a lawn or mowing space that calls for tight turns around flower beds or other landscape features. After all, that’s why the zero-turn radius mower was invented. These mowers do well when it comes to navigating those tight spaces.
Are speed and efficiency a priority when it comes to mowing your flat lawn? Then the ZTR mower is the choice for you. ZTRs are known for the quick “cut and go” approach that lawn professionals rely on during the heavy volume seasons of spring and summer.
What about the cons of owning a zero-turn mower? Well, if you have been in the market for one you have likely noticed that they can be a little more pricey than other options. A new traditional riding ZTR mower might be hard to find under the $3000 range. Still, many homeowners and professionals who rely on the zero-turn mower will attest to its hardiness and obvious durability. While it might seem expensive up front, many will tell you that it pays for itself more quickly than other mower options.
There’s also the matter of storage space. If you have a larger shed on your property or have a storage facility that can contain your ZTR mower, then you shouldn’t have an issue. However, if you have limited storage space then a ZTR mower could present a quick complication. While it is a remarkably effective mower for quickly covering large flat properties, it is also a bit bulky and needs more than a little elbow room.
Is a Riding Tractor More Your Speed?
While the zero-turn mower has a number of wonderful advantages, it does lack a bit when it comes to versatility. This is where riding tractors start to look advantageous. Riding tractors often come with a number of options and features such as spreaders, snow blowers, plows and carts. As a result, a riding tractor is often considered more useful for those who need a mower that can do more than just mow.
As a result, a riding tractor can also better navigate terrains that feature uneven ground. If you or a property you maintain features hills and inclines then a riding tractor might be a better fit for the job. This is because riding tractors, by design and weight distribution, are more able to handle slopes and uneven terrain.
Many will also note that a riding tractor is easier to steer for most who are not professional landscapers or mowers. This is because a riding tractor comes with a steering wheel that is comparable to most cars. As a result, there’s no real learning curve. Steering will be familiar. With a zero-turn mower, the steering and momentum of the mower is entirely determined by use of levers which might not feel natural to first time users.
There’s also the matter of comfort and ease of operation. When it comes to wide open spaces and fewer obstacles, a riding tractor can be a more pleasant and even more efficient ride. Therefore, a riding tractor is often the default pick for those who are tasked with mowing acreage instead of footage.
Which is the Best Choice for You?
When it comes down to choosing either a riding tractor or a zero-turn mower, it’s a very personal decision based on use case. If you are a professional who mows residential lawns with simple landscape features such as flower beds and other gardening sections, then a zero-turn mower is likely the better choice. Yard pros love how quickly these mowers get the job done and that’s important when you have a considerable client list with similar mowing needs.
However, there are also residential and commercial lawns that feature slopes, hills or steep inclines. In these cases, the more weighted and adaptable riding tractors are the better option. Also, a riding tractor is more versatile and can accomplish more due to a wide assortment of available attachments. A riding tractor is also more comfortable when using for extended periods of time. If you see acreage instead of footage, the riding tractor is more likely suited for you.
Classic Turf Equipment sells both zero turn mowers and riding tractors in all three of our DFW locations. If you’re ready to demo your new mower today, we can make it happen for you and at a price you will absolutely love.
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