Why 48-52 Inch Deck Zero Turn Mowers Are The Best Choice For You.
If you have 3/4 acre to 3 acres or more a 48 to 52-inch zero-turn mower is a great choice. These mowers let you mow your lawn quickly, yet are small enough to get around and through most obstacles. They trim around obstacles a lot better than 42-inch ZTRs, and cut better over dips, bumps and septic mounds better than the larger 54-72 inch ZTRs. The wider frames and larger tires make these ZTRs more agile and turn easier without tearing up the turf.
All the mowers that I list here are in a different class than what Consumer Reports tests. The fabricated deck models all mow very well, mulch well* with optional bolt-in mulch kits and many have available rear baggers. The fabricated deck mowers are built well, rugged and will last you many years. In fact, the heavy-duty models will most likely be the last mower you have to buy.
* My definition of mulching well: For example, Bluegrass/Fescue/Perineal Ryegrass lawns. Set your cut height at 3 to 4 inches. The fabricated deck mowers listed here will cut 1-2 inches of additional growth into fine particles and drop those clippings into the lawn. During late spring and early summer when the grass grows faster you may have to mow more often than once a week for your mower to mulch well. (If you can’t mow that often switch to side-discharge until the grass growth slows.)
Here are some points that will help you decide if a 48-52 inch zero turn is the best choice for you:
- Quicker Mowing: If your lawn is somewhere between 1 and 3 acres.
- A 42-inch lawn tractor will mow about 1 acre an hour at 3-4 MPH.
- A 42-inch zero-turn will mow about 1 1/2 acres an hour at 5-6 MPH.
- A 48-52 inch zero-turn will mow between 2 1/2 and 4 acres an hour at 6-9 MPH.
- The blade speed on zero-turn mowers is faster than on a lawn tractor so you can travel over the lawn faster and still get a great cut. 48-52 inch zero-turns will typically travel faster than 42-inch models and some models will cut grass as fast as 9 MPH!
- A zero-turn is more maneuverable so you can zip around obstacles and change direction significantly faster than with a lawn tractor. This helps to shorten your mowing time.
- A 48-52 inch zero-turns deck sticks out the side of the frame farther than a 42-inch deck. This allows you to get closer to fences and trees and landscaping. A front-deck ZTR lets you get under fences and low hanging bushes. This saves time because you won’t have as much trimming to do.
- Fewer Ruts: 48-52 inch zero-turn mowers generally have larger front and rear tires so they don’t sink into soft ground as quickly and leave fewer ruts in your lawn.
- Better on Slopes: 48-52 inch zero-turn mowers have a wider stance than 42-inch ZTRs so you will feel more comfortable mowing slopes up to 15 degrees.
- Most Stripe Well: Being able to turn around without leaving a strip and mowing in a straight line back and forth you can get the same striping effect as the commercial mowing companies offer. Some brands offer optional striping kits for that baseball field look.
- Reduced Costs: Reduced mowing times also reduces your cost of ownership. You’ll spend less money on fuel, and your engine and mower will last longer. Your wheels, oil, and engine parts will all have longer life spans, adding up to a more efficient long-term investment.
- Beautiful Results: The zero-turn mowers listed here have a higher blade tip speed than lawn tractors and older ZTRs. This, combined with the fact that you can move closely around obstacles and efficiently move back and forth, delivers a cleaner, more even cut.
- Superior Mulching Capability: The higher blade speed, fabricated decks, and bolt-in mulch kits also offer the added benefit of better mulching of leaves and grass clippings. Mulching turns leaves and grass clippings into fine particles that fall back into your lawn and help to fertilize it. For bluegrass, fescue and ryegrasses cut at 3-4 inches weekly and you will see a significant improvement in how your lawn looks over time.
- Pasture Mowing: Many mid-priced fabricated deck 48-52 inch zero-turns today will mow taller grass so you can mow your pasture or field every 3-4 weeks and it will work well. NOTE: Even with mowers that will cut the taller grasses try to cut the grass when it is under 12 inches. Longer grass can get wrapped around the spindles under the deck. That will cause you to burn out your deck belt and possibly overheat the spindle bearings. If you want to mow grass taller than 18 inches I recommend pulling an Acrease rough-cut mower with your ZTR or ATV.
Note: Zero turns are made to mow your lawn. They mow quickly and will save you time trimming around obstacles. Inexpensive 48-52 inch zero-turns are NOT designed to pull heavy loads but mid-priced and high-end residential zero-turns have stronger transmissions and many will pull more than a garden tractor.
Dependable Engines and Hydrostatic Transmissions
Engines: You will find three brands of engines on most 48-52 inch residential zero-turn mowers. OEM Branded, Kohler 7000, and Kawasaki FR. The brands match these engines and engine size to the mower and all engines used currently have great reputations for quality and reliability.
- OEM Branded: Toro, Cub Cadet, and John Deere offer their own engines on select models. These engines all have great reliability and a few now offer EFI and electronic governors. EFI provides reliable starting, better fuel economy, and some will run on E15 fuels. Electronic Governor adds more power quicker, when you need it most and delivers up to 20% more available power to the engine. This results in less bogging down, higher blade tip speed, and a consistent cut when mowing in heavy, wet grass.
- Kohler 7000 series: The 7000 series has quickly gained a reputation as one of the best residential lawnmower engines on the market. Reliable, fuel-efficient, and very responsive to thicker grass. The Kohler 7000 will last you many years.
- Kawasaki FR: The Kawasaki FR is arguably the most popular residential zero turn mower engine. It’s smooth, reliable, and long-lasting.
- Commercial engines are also available in select high-end residential models.
- Briggs Vanguard/Briggs Commercial Turf: (Bradley Mowers) These are commercial-rated engines and will last the life of your mower.
- Kawasaki FX: The FX series is Kawasaki’s commercial series. Ariens and Cub Cadet offers it on the high-end residential ZTRs.
- Yamaha: A few high-end residential models are now offering Yamaha. These are commercial-rated engines and will last the life of your mower.
NOTE: I have no brand preference when it comes to engines on the 48-52 inch zero-turns. Kohler, Kawaski and the OEM Branded engines are all good engines and will last you many years.
Transmissions. Transmissions define what you can pull and how well the mower will last over the years mowing slopes. There are four hydrostatic transmissions commonly used in 48-52 inch zero-turns by all the mower brands. All the brands listed here match the size of the transmission correctly to the ZTR and what you expect the mower to do. The weight of the mower, the rider, a bagger, and how rough your lawn is are all factored in.
- Hydro-Gear ZT 2200 (EZT) up to 215 lb-ft, up to 7 mph, Total Weight 900 LBS, Axle Shaft Diameter 1.00 in. Residential mowers, flat/gently sloping, 2-3 bin baggers, 3-5 acres at a time. (Comparable to the K46 in your lawn tractor but with stronger axles)
- Hydro-Gear ZT 2800 up to 300 lb-ft, up to 8 mph, Total Weight 1000 LBS, Axle Shaft Diameter 1.00 in. Residential mowers, slopes/hills, 3-bin baggers, 5-7 acres at a time. (Comparable to the K58 in your garden tractor)
- Hydro-Gear ZT 3100 up to 350 lb-ft, up to 9 mph, Total Weight 1200 LBS, Axle Shaft Diameter 1.125 in. Entry-Level Commercial, multiple lawns up to 10 acres a day. (Comparable to the K66 in your garden tractor)
- Hydro-Gear ZT 3200 up to 470 lb-ft, up to 9 mph, Total Weight 1500 LBS, Axle Shaft Diameter 1.125 in. Standard-Duty commercial, multiple lawns up to 10 hours a day.
The List of 48-52 inch Zero Turn Mowers
I will break up the list below into three different types of residential zero-turn mowers
- Stamped Decks – Inexpensive – Mow well, bag well and are great for smooth lawns.
- Fabricated Decks – Good value residential mowers – Best for most people that want a mower that cuts well, handles rough lawns, and will last.
- Heavy-Duty Fabricated Decks – Built with many commercial components so the mower will take a beating – Good for acreages, estates, farm lawns, farm ditches, and mowing pastures monthly.
I rate products differently than most sites. I not only look at the products, the price, the craftsmanship, and the quality of cut but also the dealer network, ease of warranty service, and parts networks that support the product. That is what sets these sixteen mowers apart from the one hundred or so 48-52 inch residential zero-turn mowers available on the market for 2020. NOTE: Consumer Reports (CR) does not test most of the models on this list.
48-52 inch Stamped Deck – Up to 2.5 Acres
Best Cut By CR: John Deere Z355R 48 in. 22 HP John Deere Gas Dual Hydrostatic ZT-2200 Transmissions. Accel deep Deck. This ZTR is lightweight and has one of the best cutting decks in the industry. Because of it’s lighter weight it works well for soft sandy soils and smooth lawns. It is not the best choice for slopes and not as rugged as the models below with fabricated decks. Available at The Home Depot Also available at your local John Deere Dealer. 
Inexpensive: Ariens EDGE 52 Kawasaki® FR651 engine, ZT 2200 Transmissions. If you want a fabricated deck but don’t want to spend a lot of money the Ariens Edge is the best deal. It’s built to last with a heavier 11 ga steel deck but doesn’t have armrests and uses a slightly lighter frame than the Ariens IKON XD above. Find Your Local Dealer: Ariens Dealer Locator
Inexpensive: Troy-Bilt Mustang 50 in. 679 cc V-Twin OHV Dual Hydrostatic ZT-2200 Transmissions Zero-Turn Riding Mower. This is the least expensive 48-52 inch ZTR I can recommend. This ZTR is lightweight and the deck cuts very well for “normal’ weekly mowing. It is not the best choice for slopes and not as rugged as the models below with fabricated decks but still a good mower for your suburban yard. Available at The Home Depot Also available at TroyBilt.com
48-52 inch Fabricated Deck – Up To 3 Acres
Best New ZTR for the Price: Toro Time Cutter 50 in. 23 HP Model 75750. Iron Forged Deck Kawasaki Dual Hydrostatic ZT-2200 Smart Speed Transmissions. I predict that this mower is going to be one of the most popular ZTRs in the 48-52 inch size. It’s priced right and comes with extra features like armrests and larger tires. The deck uses the same 10 ga steel as the heavy-duty decks below. Available at The Home Depot Also available at Tractor Supply, ACME Tools and your local Toro Dealer.
Basic Features with Excellent Cut. Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 50 in. Fabricated Deck 23 HP Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin Gas Dual Hydrostatic ZT-2200 Transmissions. I’m predicting that this will also be one of the most popular ZTRs in the 48-50 inch range. The ZT1 50 offers an excellent cut from the 11 ga. fabricated deck. The fully-welded 2X2 inch frame is the strongest in its price range. Available at The Home Depot Also available online through cubcadet.com.
Best For Rough Lawns Toro 50 in. 24.5 HP TimeCutter IronForged Deck Zero Turn Riding Mower with MyRIDE. Dual Hydrostatic ZT-2200 Transmissions. This mower is similar to the Toro 50 inch above but has the fully adjustable, fully independent operator platform that isolates you from the mower. This is the best choice if you have a rough lawn. Available at The Home Depot Also available at Tractor Supply, ACME Tools and your local Toro Dealer.
Rugged Great Cut: Ariens Ikon XD 52 52” Cutting Width Kohler 7000 V-Twin 24 hp/725cc Dual Hydrostatic ZT-2200 Transmissions. The IKON XD’s 11 ga steel fabricated deck handles taller grass better than most decks in this price range. This has all the features you want like armrests, large tires and easy to use deck height control. I highly recommend it for normal lawns and areas that you let grow to 12-18 inches tall. Find Your Local Dealer: Ariens Dealer Locator- Best New Design: Cub Cadet Ultima ZT2 50 Dual Hydrostatic ZT-2800 Transmissions. More features than the XT1 like armrests and 4 ply tires. Also available online through cubcadet.com.
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Flip-Up Deck: Country Clipper Boulevard, joystick or twin lever, easy on and off step and handrail. Dual Hydrostatic ZT-2800 Transmissions. The Boulevard is a “mid-level” ZTR meaning it uses thicker steel on the deck larger tires for a great ride and is built to last. It has been around for many years and is constantly updated to make it a really good, long-lasting mower. Find Your Local Dealer: Country Clipper
Flip-Up Deck
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Great Cut: Husqvarna Z248F 21.5 HP, 726cc Kawasaki 48 inch Clear Cut Fabricated Deck Dual Hydrostatic ZT-2200 Transmissions.This is Husqvarna’s best cutting fabricated deck. It features a deck made of 10 ga steel, armrests the good Kawaski FR engine. For the best service after the sale I highly recommend your local Husqvarna dealer or Tractor Supply
48-52 Heavy-Duty Fabricated Deck – 5-7 Acres
- Best For Rough Lawns: Toro 48 in. Titan IronForged Deck 24.5 HP Commercial V-Twin Gas Dual Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower with MyRIDE ZT-2800 Transmissions. This mower has a fully adjustable, fully independent operator platform that isolates you from the mower. It’s one tough mower with a heavy-duty frame, heavy-duty deck, and heavy-duty transmissions. This is the best choice if you have a rough lawn and Toro states it will work well for pasture mowing. Available at The Home Depot Also available at Tractor Supply, ACME Tools and your local Toro Dealer.
Best Heavy Duty Residential: Ariens APEX 48 Kohler Model 991161 Kohler® 7000 V-Twin 23 hp/725cc, ZT-3100 Transmissions, and Ariens APEX 52 Kawasaki Model 991159 Kawsaki® FR691 Engine 23 hp/726cc, ZT-3100 Transmissions. This is one of the heaviest built 48-52 inch residential mowers on the market. Heavy frame, heavy deck, large tires, high back seat, and a comfortable ride. I highly recommend this mower if you want the very best ZTR for your property. Find Your Local Dealer: Ariens Dealer Locator
Heavy Duty Residential: Cub Cadet Ultima ZTX4 48 in. Fabricated Deck 23 HP Kohler Pro 7000 Series V-Twin Engine, ZT-3100 Transmissions with Roll Over Protection. 48-inch deck 10-gauge AeroForce Max™ fabricated steel / double plate reinforced spindle mounts / 7-gauge side wraps /skid plate. This new mower is also one of the heaviest duty residential mowers on the market. Fully welded tubular frame, large tires and high back seat. Available at The Home Depot and Tractor Supply Also available online through cubcadet.com.-
Flip-Up Deck – Great for owners with disabilities: Country Clipper XLT, joystick or twin lever, Dual Hydrostatic ZT-3100 Transmissions. Contour DTS gives a comfortable ride and the best quality of cut. If you have a hard time getting on and off a lawnmower CC offers an optional easy on and off step and handrail. The joystick control is also a great choice if you have shoulder issues. (the mower can be built specifically for you with left or right joystick control.) This is Country Clipper’s high-end residential mower. Everything about this mower is built with a great cut and long-lasting durability. I can easily see most homeowners getting 20 years out of this ZTR. Find Your Local Dealer: Country Clipper
Country Clipper XLT
Most Agile -Best Cut Resdiential Mower On The Market: Walker Model R-21. Of all the residential mowers on the market, this is my number one choice! Walker commercial mowers are unarguably the best cutting mowers on the market. The out-front ground-hugging deck follows your ground contours and cuts all the grass evenly without scalping. For 2020 Walker has introduced the Model R residential. It uses the same commercial deck as their $10,000 units. If you want to best-looking lawn possible this is the mower for you. Set up a Demo at your home here: Get A Demo
48-52 Heavy-Duty Stand-On Fabricated Deck
- Best Stand-0n for Homeowners: BRADLEY 48″ or 52″ STAND-ON COMPACT MOWER. ZT-3400 Transmissions Briggs Commercial or Vanguard engines, ZT3400 transmissions. This mower is a true commercial mower but it is priced so many homeowners should consider it. Stand-on’s are a lot more agile for properties with a lot of landscaping and work better on slopes than sit-down models. Located near Kankakee, Il Bradley is a small manufacturer and has been around since the early 90’s. Their design and engineering is always state-of-the-art. Because they are a small manufacturer and don’t have a lot of overhead they can sell commercial quality mowers and a much lower cost than other brands. I highly recommend their products. Check out Bradley here: Bradley Mowers
Going green – The Best Electric Riding Mowers, Lawn Tractors and ZTRs
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Toro Introduces New 2020 Toro Titan Zero Turn Mowers
Toro Introduces New 2020 TimeCutter Zero-Turn Mowers
By Paul Sikkema. Please Subscribe to my YouTube Channel Please Note: If you click on most of the links in this article and buy any product I will make a small commission from that sale. This is how I make money to keep this website up and running. Read more here: How to Support TodaysMower.com
Richard Foster
I have spent a considerable amount of time looking at Zero Turns and have narrowed my choice down to Gravely ZTHD-52 and Cub Cadet Ultra ZTX5-54. Any concerns for either of these units?
Paul
Hi Richard, No concerns with either mower. Both are high-end residential mowers that will last you years. (They are built well enough that 20 years ago these would have been top-of-the-line commercial models)
Dennis Hooks
I lived in the area where Ferris mowers are made and they are all the rage here but they are quite expensive. I know you mentioned their suspension system and availability as detractors. Why are they so expensive and so popular? Is it just the area I live in?
Paul
Hi Dennis, 1. Yes, it is the area you live in. Briggs & Stratton has an excellent PR campaign for the Ferris and it shows by the “pockets” of popularity for the mowers around dealerships. 2. Ferris is B&S’s commercial brand so the price is always higher for machines that have a commercial warranty. (Simplicity, Snapper Pro, and one other to-be-announced brand are the residential models)
KP
Have you heard of RedMax mowers? I have 4 acres and live in the mountains. my property is on a slope. I am open to suggestions for a mower. I have looked at Dixie Chopper, Country Clipper, and Badboy all entry level commercial with the ZT 3100 gears.
Paul
Hi KP, RedMax is owned by Husqvarna and the mower are just Husqvarna’s painted red. I REALLY like Country Clipper mowers and I’ll bet you will get years and years of use out of one.
Bruce Scott
Hi Paul,
I have about 1.5 acres to mow and was considering the Craftsman Z5800 54″ and the Cub ZT1 50″. I have seen researched both as well as seen both at Lowes and HD but I am having trouble with all the reviews to determine which is the better machine. Since Craftsman in not on your list I suspect that is my answer.
Paul
Hi Bruce, The Cub Cadet is a better choice. The Cub Cadet has:
Kawasaki’s good FR engine that is the choice of most people over the Kohler.
Fabricated 11 ga steel deck with front/side wear bar vs the 13 ga stamped deck on the Craftsman
Better deck lift
Heavier frame
LED lights
Better service after the sale. Cub Cadet is warrantied through your local Cub Cadet dealer. I still don’t know how you get the Lowes/Craftsman repaired easily.
Bruce Scott
Thanks Paul, another thought, if I buy the Cub at Lowes/HD I would still need to bring it to the local Cub shop for repair/warranty…right?
Paul
Hi Bruce, Yes, you can bring it to a local shop. If you buy from HD ask the store manager which local dealer they work with. (Lowes sells Craftsman – HD sells Cub Cadet and Troy-Bilt)
Justin Kelley
Hi Paul – Thanks so much for your in depth review; however, I’m still torn on which make to go with. I was originally looking at a Big Dog Alpha MP, but now I’m also considering the Toro, Ariens and Cub Cadet. I have 3+ acres that is very flat but bumpy. Thanks for any additional guidance you can provide.
Paul
Hi Justin, The Big Dog Alpha MP is basically the Hustler Raptor XD with a Briggs instead of a Kawasaki engine. (The Big Dog is an exclusive dealer only mower – the Hustler is also sold at big box stores)
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the Alpha MP. It’s a well-built mower with heavy-duty ZT2800 transmissions.
It compares to the Cub Cadet ZT2, It has heavier duty transmissions than the Toro Timecutter and Ariens XD for about the same price. Gravely does have the ZT XL with the Zt 2800s.
It rides better than the Ariens XD, Gravely, and Toro Timecutter. The Cub Cadet ZT2 rides about the same. If you want a better/best ride look at the Toro Timecutter MyRide or Toro Titan MyRide.
If your budget is up to $8000 look at the Big Dog Stout, The Ariens Zenith or Apex, the Toro Titan, the Gravely ZT HD, the Cub Cadet Ultima ZTS (steering wheel), and the Cub Cadet Ultima ZTX. I really like the new Cub Cadet Ultima ZTS2 60.
Tony Porter
I don’t see any comments or questions about Scag mowers. What is your opinion of the Liberty series mowers? Are they worth the price difference compared to the Cub Cadet Ultima series?
Paul
Hi Tony, The Liberty Z is a good mower and it compares to the ZT2 Cub Cadet Ultima. It’s shorter than the ZT2 so it is great for tight areas but being shorter it’s a little rougher ride if your lawn is bumpy.
They both have fabricated decks. The Liberty Z uses the ZT2200 transmissions and the Cub Cadet ZT2 uses the slightly heavier duty ZT2800 transmissions.
Both the Scag and Cub Cadet ZT2 are dealer-only mowers so I suggest picking the dealer you like the best.
The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 is lower quality than the Liberty Z
Albert
Toro 75750 lists a zt2100 transmission. It has a 3/4” shaft. Should this be a concern?
Paul
Hi Albert, Toro has been using the ZT2100 tranny for many years now and I just don’t hear of any issues with axles breaking. A ZTR with 3/4 inch rear axles is rated for 800 lbs total weight, one-inch axles are rated for 1000 lbs.
The 75750 with a fully loaded 3 bin bagger is well under 800 lbs.
William Graff
Hi Paul
Have 1.2 acre lawn, parts bumpy. Help me decide between Hustler Raptor XL 42″ with flex fork, Husqvarna Z242F 42″ and Cub Ultima ZT1 46″
Local dealer/service (only one here in the Idaho boonies) gently encouraging me to consider ZTR vs lawn tractor (Cub XT2 LX46EFI not available this year). Thanks
Paul
Hi William, If you liked you lawn tractor but want a ZTR check out the 2022 Cub Cadet ZTS mowers.
By the way – stay far, far, far, far, far, far, away from the Husqvarna mowers. At this point in time, the parts availability and warranty work sucks really bad.
William Graff
Thanks for responding. I am strongly leaning to the Hustler Raptor X 42″ Your thoughts?
Paul
Hi William, the Raptor X is s good mower> It has a stronger deck than the ZT1 and I expect it to last a long time. The only minor issue I have with it is the rear tires. The tires are much more aggressive than most other brands. If you have very, light sandy soil you will have to get used to turning it without tearing up your lawn. If you have a “normal” lawn they will be fine.
Lori B
We mow about 3 1/2 acres bumpy country lawn. Our old 48” John Deere 525 is nickel and diming us into the poorhouse! Hubs says a zero turn, 52” would be our best bet. We just started looking and our heads are spinning! Hubs has advanced Parkinson’s Disease, so mowing and maintenance of unit is up to me. I thought the Exmark radius E series looked easy for maintenance. We also looked at comparable Hustler and Gravely models. Any advice for us in shopping for new mowers? (Besides “hire a service!”) Thanks!
Paul
Hi Lori, The Exmark is a ver robust mower and will hold up well. When comparing it the Ariens APEX and hustler FasTrak are the comparable models. The key is a good dealer. Talk to the individual dealers and buy from the one you trust the most.
John R
Hi Paul,
I have been waiting for my Toro dealer to get some stamped twin 42″ zero turns. They say Toro is having trouble with the transmission supplier and production is very low. Do you have any other info?…
Paul
Hi John, Every manufacturer is having very serious difficulties getting all the parts they need, and the Lawn & Garden area has been hit very hard this year. Covid really did a number on our supply chains and it will take at least another year before it’s all straightened out. In addition, the ports into the U.S. are really backlogged. It used to take 10-16 days to unload a container ship and right now there are some that have been sitting for over 2 months to get unloaded. The railroads are overloaded and there are not enough truck drivers – it’s a mess.
Specifically, the tranny manufacturer is having parts supply issues AND they can’t find enough help to actually assemble the transmissions.
You may not get the model you want until next spring.
Ed Brandt
Hi. I am doing research on these mowers. My question is what makes the Cub Cadet Ultima zt2 less expensive than others of the same category?
Paul
Hi Ed, Please give me some examples of mowers you feel are in the same category and I can then tell you the differences.
Bruce Jefferies
Hi Paul
What is one of the entry commercial ZTR mowers you could recommend? I have sand to mow over and our trail mower has holes in the deck from it. Only have 10 acres of mowing in sandy soil and is fairly rough.
Thanks In Advance
Paul
Hi Bruce, I’ll give you a few so you don’t have to hunt for a dealer. All are excellent mowers. Get a 60 inch or if your property is fairly flat a 72 inch may work. If you choose 72 inch get at least a 27 HP engine. All have commercial-grade engines.
Cub Cadet PRO Z 160 S KW. (Drives like your car. Steering wheel, power steering, and cruise control)
Gravely PRO-TURN® MACH ONE (This is one of the best for long/overgrown grass)
Country Clipper CHALLENGER. (Single joystick steering and flip-up deck)
Exmark Lazer Z (The Myride lets you mow faster)
Toro 2000 SERIES (The Myride lets you mow faster)
Scott
Paul, thanks so much for the great research. Very helpful site. I have a Cub Cadet dealer that is also a Toro service location as my closest dealer. But they don’t sell Toro. I am struggling because it appears the Toro 75750 is a closer equivalent to the Cub Cadet ZT2 50 but for about $500 less. Is that accurate? If those are my top two is it fair to eliminate the ZT1 50 which is closer in price to the Toro Timecutter 75750 but consistently feels like it is a step down? Thanks for any clarity you can provide.
Paul
Hi Scott, The Cub Cadet ZT2 has heavier duty transmissions. That’s the big difference and where the price jump comes from. The ZT-2800 transmissions are a solid step up in durability – plus they give you an extra 1/2 MPH. The transmissions are strong enough that you can put a snowplow on the ZT2 if you want.
The ZT2 also has a little larger tires so it will have better traction going around trees and on slopes. And – an hour meter…
David Graves
Rick, TM.com is great! My Kawasaki engine on my beloved 48” 21 year old SCAG Tiger Cub is dying. Wife won’t let me spend on fixing, so I’m looking for most SCAG like mower at more reasonable price. I’m a very healthy 78, mow a hilly 1.5 acres in KY and probably won’t need a 20 year mower. What might make me smile after my baby Tiger?
Paul
Hi David, First your Tiger Cub is worth about $3000 if the mower is in good shape. A replacement Kawasaki FS691V-Scag-TCat-R1 can be had for around $1500 from http://www.smallenginewarehouse.com. The Tiger Cub is a tough older mower. It’s built well and uses Parker pump and motors for the drive.
Todays ZTRs all use HydroGear integrated transaxles. The ZT-2800 or ZT-3100 trannys are about the equivalent to what’s on your Scag. These new drives are not as sluggish and a little faster than your pump & motor system on the Scag. They don’t fade on the hills like your old drives are prone to do.
The new mowers also cut better. You will see a significantly better cut with an Ariens, Gravely, Toro, and newer Scag.
Here are a few examples of mowers that will be a good replacement:
1. Toro 48″ (122 cm) TITAN® Zero Turn Mower (75301) $5100
2. Ariens APEX 48 KOHLER 991161 $4999
3. Gravely ZT HD 991162 48″ Kawasaki® FR691V $5400
4. Scag Freedom Z SFZ48H-24KT 48″ Hero Cutter Deck, 24 HP Kohler® 7000 Series™ PRO – V-Twin, air-cooled engine $5,800
David Graves
Paul, THANK YOU for your VERY prompt and thorough reply to my ‘old’ Tiger Cub dilemma. I’ve actually looked into your engine replace info…my Cub has 1400 hrs total on it and both pumps were rebuilt in 7/2017 and now have a couple hundred hours on them. The wheel motors seem to be in good shape. And, even with a sick engine, we cut amazingly well. I’m a little concerned that a new, stronger engine might have an impact on the hydraulic system. I’m going to visit dealers and look into you replacement recommendations. Thanks, again. David Graves
REO GARVIN
Just wanted to thank Paul again and let you all know I went with the Ikon XD 52. First cut was on taller grass as my old mower gave up the ghost and I was almost a week behind on maintenance. My first impression is a good solid machine, but bumpy! I think my smaler 2006 Simplicity Javelin was a smoother ride, but not sure if it’s because teh newer machine is faster, or maybe the lawn is just rougher. I will update again later in the season. Thanks again.
Paul
Hi Reo, I’m using my IKON XD 52 on a 5-acre farm lawn. About 2 acres is established law but the rest is an old cornfield. I have to agree it is a little rougher ride – especially out in the old field. But, I really like the cut and the traction it has. It’s the only zero-turn I have that will mow the road ditch.
Brendan
I’ve just learned of the grasshopper brand. Not sure if this is something worth looking into. They say it has a very good ride and doesn’t jolt the body around. Seems quick too. My question is how do these mowers hold up to a cyclone rake with a 400+ gallon compacity of leaves towed behind it?
Paul
Hi Brendan, Grasshopper has been around a long time and the out-front mowers are one of the best in the business. The ride is exceptional but they are expensive.
Many municipalities use the mid-deck models and the operators all say they ride very well.
I strongly suggest buying a 200 series or larger mid-mount and then getting the Grasshopper PowerVac with the metal hopper instead of a Cyclone rake. You can dump your leaves right from the seat and if you don’t want to bag the blower quickly detaches from the mower.
REO GARVIN
Hi Paul, thanks for all your work on this site. I have read so many reviews and watch so many videos in the past 3 days and none gave me the confidence I could believe in any of them that your site provides. That being said I still can’t decide! My choices are a bit limited as I am north of the border in Ontario. I am looking at a Cub Cadet ZT250, the Ariens XD 52 (Kohler Engine….) and a Hustler XL 54. I don’t see any reference to Hustler on your website, or at least on your recommendation lists, but from what I have read elsewhere they are considered a good brand. The reason they make my list is that they are being carried by a local dealer that’s sold farm equipment in my area forever, solid reputation. I mow about 2 acres, one stretch is pasture I normally do with a bush hog, but doing it with the zero turn would be an option. It is smooth and flat. Just got ride of a 2006 Simplicity Javelin that I bought used several years ago and has been troubling me for the last 2 or so. Anyway, just wondering if you had a favourite bewteen those 2 and any input on the Hustler. Thanks in advance.
Paul
Hi Reo, No, I haven’t mentioned Hustler too often in the last 4 years. The commercial Hustler Fastrak and Super Z commercial mowers have always been one the best on the market for mowing companies. They cut well and last a long time. That’s why they are considered a good brand.
But back then the Raptor series was just another “run of the mill” ZTR with average mowing and dependability. For 2021 HUstler has completely redesigned the Hustler XL 54 for this year and it is now a worthy competitor to the IKON XD. Since you have a great dealer near you I can highly recommend the XL 54. The Flex forks give you a better ride than most other mowers and I expect you to get many years of use out of it.
Rick dale Broughman
Thanks for all this info. I’m in the market for a 48 in. 0 Turn mower I’m 68 years ole with some back issues I use a 2010 50” cub 25hp to mow our 1 acre back yard but I sore for 2 days after which mower do you recommend for me and I like the sounds of the Kohler or Kawasaki engine there dependable and long lasting .??? Thank You Rick
Paul
Hi Rick, the best riding mower on the market right now is the Toro MyRide. The entire operator platform is independent of the mower. The suspension is adjustable to give you the best ride for your back.
Check out the 42 and 50-inch models here. Toro MyRide
Rob
How do the low end Bad Boy mowers compare to the cub cadet and toro mowers , apple to apple?
Paul
Hi Rob, Toro with fabricated decks is the best overall of the three. Then the new, 2021 Bad Boy. The Cub Cadet ZT2 is about equal to the Toro and Bad Boy. Finally, the ZT1 Cub Cadet are good mowers – Compared to the Troy-Bilt’s, Craftsman’s and Husqvarna.
Ken Carlsen
Hi Paul,
Thanks for the many and informative articles. I mow about an acre of lawn in Michigan and have been at this house since 2005. I bought a John Deere L111 and it has done a nice job since 2005. In 2018 I bought a Husqvarna TS348D hoping for a smoother ride and a more comfortable sitting position. I got both of those improvements, but the 48″ ClearCut fabricated mower deck has been a disappointment. It does not cut even (dealer readjusted, as did I) and the underside of the deck needs to be cleaned after each mowing. My mowing habits did not change when I bought the new tractor. I see that Husqvarna now talks about a “new, redesigned” 48″ ClearCut deck. Research on the internet indicated other people had similar issues. What are your comments about the “clogging” and design issues with the old vs the “redesigned” ClearCut mower deck?
Regards, Ken
Paul
Hi Ken, yes the 2018 and older Clearcut deck sucked! It wasn’t you or anything you did – it was just a poor design. I have not had a chance to try out the newly designed deck but knowing Husqvarna they just made a few airflow changes to the old deck and called it “redesigned.”
If you want the best cut I recommend going to the Cub Cadet XT2 SLX50 or the XT2 GX50. The Cub Cadets cut very well and have all the “creature features” of the TS348D. The XT2 GX50 has the larger tires and heavy-duty transmission.
Shawn
Hello Paul,
I am looking for a new mower in the 50″ range. I believe I have it narrowed down to the Ikon XD 52″, Cub ZT1, or Torro Time cutter. I have about 2 acres to mow. Most of it is flat except for a few small hills. Out of the 3 listed, in which order would you purchase them? I have seen all 3 in person and all seem to be solidly built. XD appears solid all the way around. The ZT1 deck appears to move around a lot more than the other two, but chassis appears well built. The Toro also feels well built and has the smart speed if I wanted to tow around a small yard cart. What would you recommend in this case as all are on your list of mowers?
Thank you!
Paul
Hi Shawn, the three mowers are very close. The Ariens has larger rear tires so it does have better traction on slopes or softer soils. It also has a 4-point deck lift/suspension so the deck doesn’t flop around and gives you the most level cut.
The Toro has the smart speed and is a great choice if you regularly pull stuff. It also cuts extremely well and even though the deck mount is a 3-pt it doesn’t flop around. If your lawn is really rough the IKON is still a better choice.
The Cub Cadet’s deck does flop from side to side if your ground is rough – but if you have a smooth lawn it cuts very well.
If you want to mulch the Toro’s bolt-in kit is the one to beat. The larger front wheels on the Toro give you a better ride if your lawn is rough.
Ray Story
Take time to look at BobCats Residential Zero Turns, hands down better than any listed earlier, Cheers, Ray
Paul
Hi Ray, You do get what you pay for in the ZTR arena. Bob-Cat mowers have always been a good mower. They are built very well with a price tag to match. Now that BobCat has purchased Bob-Cat you’ll see a lot more of them.
Les
Hello Paul, first of all thank you for such an informative article. I have a friend who works in the service department of a Big Dog dealership and he speaks highly of the Big Dog mowers. What are your thoughts on the Big Dog and the sister mower the Hustler? I value your opinion. Thank you in advance, Les
Paul
Hi Les, Yes, they are very good mowers. The Big Dog always seems to have a couple more “creature features” than the Hustlers.
The only reason I don’t mention them often is you can’t buy them online.
Jon
Hi Paul,
I’m comparing the 50″ Cub Cadet ZT1 with a 52″ Hustler and a 52″ Gravely. Are these all pretty much the same? Looks like they have the same Kawasaki motors, ZT2200 transmissions, etc. The Gravely does have a beefier look to the build. Any recommendation between the 3?
Thanks for providing all this great info for us!
Paul
Hi Jon, Yes, they are comparable. I like the Gravely ZT X the best, the Cub Cadet second. The Hustler is also a good mower but the service network can be pretty sparse.
I have two videos of the Gravley’s twin – the Ariens IKON XD. The only difference is the paint color.
1. Ariens IKON XD Walkaround Review
2. 2020 Ariens IKON XD Mowing Review
Jeff Ford
I was wondering if you have tested Kubota or Bad Boy zero turn mowers? I don’t see them on anyone’s list but have a larger,54”, deck Kubota with no problems for my farm. I am looking more at a 48” deck for my yard at my house in town. Just curious of your thoughts. Thanks
Paul
The Kubota’s are generally more expensive than what most homeowners want to spend. The Bad Boy mowers under $5000 don’t compare to it.
Erik
Hi Paul,
First off thanks for all this helpful info. I have been researching mowers, with the first priority being durability and over all ‘life expectancy’. I have a pretty small yard, only 1.5 acres, but then am sharing an extra 2-3 acres of common land to be mowed every month or so (with one pretty big hill). Wondering the durability, longevity, and quality of the Cub Cadet ZT2 zero turns vs the 48 in ZTX4. I don’t want to go overkill and overspend, but would rather spend the extra money up front if it would help in the end. Thanks again!
Paul
Hi Erik, Overbuying on a Zero-turn mower is generally a good choice. For example, if you buy the ZT2 you will get at least 10 years but if you buy the ZT4 you’ll get many more – possibly 20 years. The ZT4 will also ride better if the lawn is rough and with the extra weight it will easily handle the hills a lot better. You also get commercial-grade hydros, a deep seat, and a very deep deck. The deck will handle overgrown grass a lot better than the ZT2 deck. The ZT4 has bigger tires for ride and traction and a commercial-grade frame so you’ll never wear it out.
I do like the ZT2 but the ZT4 is a solid step up in every feature of the machine.
Rick Andrews
Hi Paul How does the John Deere Kanzaki DUP-10 pumps with the Parker TE0195 compare ti the EZT 2800 the same or a stronger unit I am looking at a 2009 Z425 with 190 hours on it one owner Thanks Rick
Paul
Hi Rick, I’m always leary about recommending a used mower. It has no warranty so anything that’s wrong you have to pay for and engines, pumps/motors, bearings, etc. can get very expensive quickly – especially if you don’t do the work yourself. That said, Parker pumps and motors have a great reputation. I’d say the TE0195 series is about the same as a ZT2800. If it’s running an oil cooler you can easily get 1000 hours out it. Just remember, they both use the same oil supply so if you have an issue with one pump or motor be sure you change all the oil and filters. If you don’t the metal shavings from the bad pump/motor will ruin the others quickly.
Rick Andrews
Thanks I plan to replace the fluid and the filter on this unit I have talked with the previous owner an older gentleman who is a young 78 he traded his mower so he could have one unit to plow his driveway and mow his lawn so he upgraded to a 4×4 tractor combo bucket snowblower and midmount mower he went over what has been down to the mower while he owned it and that he kept it inside his barn after use and during the winter months its in very good shape so far the only flaw is a crack in the seat he Traded at the local JD dealer and they looked it over which is where i bought it from Rick
David Bensol
I was just wondering why Simplicity Zero-Turns (Briggs & Stratton powered) aren’t included in your assessment….
David Bensol
Paul
Hi David, this article only lists the best 48-52 inch zero-turns. Simplicity/Snapper doesn’t make that list for three reasons.
1. The mowers consistently rate the lowest at Consumer Reports. I agree – the mowers listed here all cut better.
2. The suspension system that Briggs brought over from Ferris compounds the poor cut. Putting suspension on all four corners of the mower can cause it to mow very unevenly on rough lawns, lawn with dips and lawns with mounds.
3. A major part of my choices is warranty Service and parts availability. With Briggs putting Snapper/Simplicity and Ferris up for sale we are very unsure if the new owners will carry through with the warranties or if parts for your existing machine will be available in the future. (For example, without the independent searspartsdirect.com you would not be able to get any parts for your Sears Craftsman mowers right now. The company that bought Craftsman will not honor any warranty or parts requests for the older models)