Investing in a lawn mower isn’t a small investment, that’s why you must find one that will last for a long time. Purchasing a zero turn mower can be challenging if you don’t know what you’re looking for in a mower and it’s only suitable for large properties, but there are smaller ones for residential use.
How long do zero turns last will depend on many factors including its size, usage, and manufacturer. Although the manufacturer’s warranty will provide you with the average life expectancy of your mower, it can also last longer if you give it proper care and maintenance. With good maintenance, you can get at least 2000-3000 hours from your zero-turn.
What are zero-turn mowers?
These are lawn mowers that are designed and constructed for heavy use, but some are more industrial than others. While other lawn mowers require up to 30 inches for a turning circle, the zero-turn mower doesn’t need to turn in an arch which gives you a fast turn and you don’t need to readjust your cutting line. These mowers are ideal for mowing lawns that are under 3 acres in size. They provide plenty of comforts when mowing, are easy to use and help to reduce fatigue as you give your lawn the perfect cut. They also help you save on time, are highly maneuverable and you can cut closely around obstacles like trees and flower beds. Most zero turns don’t have a steering wheel, instead, they have two levers that control two motors connected to each rear wheel. They’re designed to work on flat lawns.
Different types of zero-turn mowers brands
Zero-turn mower brands |
Type of mower |
Manufacturer’s warranty |
Toro |
Commercial mowers |
3-year unlimited residential warranty |
Aries |
Commercial and residential mowers |
3 years and 300 hours limited warranty |
Cub cadet |
Residential mowers |
ZT1- 3-year unlimited hour warranty, ZTX4- 4 years, 500-hour warranty and both have a limited lifetime warranty on frame and fabricated deck shell |
Husqvarna |
Residential mowers |
3-year bumper-to-bumper warranty |
John Deere |
Residential mowers |
2 years and 120 hours bumper-to-bumper warranty |
Some maintenance tips to help keep your zero turns performing season after season
Sharpen the mower blades
Like most other items you use for cutting, mower blades over time become dull with use. Dull blades tear the grass instead of giving you a nice clean cut and this can damage your lawn. Sharpen your blades at least 2-3 times a year to ensure that your lawn gets the perfect cut.
Clean the mower deck
Your mower deck is where most of the action takes place where all the yard clippings and debris can build up fast. That’s why it’s important to clean the deck after you use your mower to remove all the grass and debris because it can cause a lot of damage like rust to your deck from the moisture in the grass or clog your discharge chute which will restrict airflow.
Check for leaks
This is a very important point in the maintenance process that is often overlooked. If leaking fluid isn’t repaired, it can make cleaning your mower very difficult and can also affect the exterior parts.
Check the tire pressure
If your lawn isn’t getting an even cut, it could be because the tires don’t have enough pressure. Make sure you check on the pressure in your tires regularly to ensure one tire isn’t lower than the other because this can produce an uneven cut.
Check the air filter
Most people know how important it is to change the spark plugs in their mower, but not many people understand how important it is to check the air filters. Air filters easily get clogged with dirt and debris which can cause your mower to burn more fuel than necessary.
Store the mower properly
You must store your mower indoors in a dry place away from the elements to prevent water and other contaminants from getting inside the mower and degrading some components or causing corrosion and reducing your mower’s functionality. It will also prevent stray animals and rodents from living in your mower during the cold months.
Conclusion
A zero-turn mower will not only great at mowing your lawn in no time, it will also save you time trimming around obstacles. With proper maintenance, you can prolong the lifespan of your mower, especially during the mowing season when your mower will accrue the most wear and tear.
FAQ
Do zero turn mowers work on slopes?
Most zero turns can handle a gradient of up to 15 degrees and have hydrostatic transmissions and split differentials that drive power independently to the wheels to give traction.
How long do commercial lawn mowers last?
Commercial lawn mowers are mowing machines constructed for heavy-duty work and can run 1500 hours run time if new before you have to replace them or need major repairs.
William Smith
William Smith has been rendering his services to a botanical garden for the better part of his adult life and has recently moved to landscaping firms. His love for gardens has been nurtured since he was a kid, evident from the various garden centers and estates that have benefited from his services. Smith is a natural when it comes to gardening and when combined with his acquired degree in landscape design, you can expect a high-quality professional job, thanks to his experience and expertise. During his free time, Smith does gardening as a hobby and runs forums where he offers expert ideas on gardening.