Why 54-72 Inch Deck Residential Zero Turn Mower May Be The Best Choice For You.
If you have 3 acres or more a 54 to 72-inch zero-turn mower can be a great choice. These mowers allow you to mow a lot of lawn quickly. They trim around obstacles a lot better than smaller ZTRs mainly because the deck sticks out the side of the mower more. The wider frames and larger tires ZTRs allow you to feel more comfortable mowing slopes up to 15 degrees. Most have large rear tires and front casters so they ride better on rough turf. Large decks are not for everyone. The 54-61 inch deck cuts faster but they will scalp and leave grass if you have dips, bumps and septic mounds. 72-inch ZTRs work well for wide-open flat areas best. I highly recommend that you test one of these larger units on your property before you buy it. They are all heavy machines – weighing 750 to 1200 lbs. They will leave ruts and grooves in soft, sandy soil and get stuck in areas with poor drainage. 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 a few have available powered 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 54-72 inch zero turn is the best choice for you:- Quicker Mowing: If your lawn is over 3 acres. Speeds here are based on 80% overlap and a fairly smooth lawn.
- 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.
- A 60-inch zero-turn will mow between 3 and 5 acres an hour at 6-10 MPH
- A 72-inch zero-turn will mow between 3.5 and 6 acres an hour at 6-10 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. 60-72 inch zero-turns will typically travel faster than smaller models and some models will cut grass as fast as 10 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.
- Better on Slopes: 60 inch and larger zero-turn mowers have a wider stance than 42-48-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.
- Pasture Mowing: Many mid-priced fabricated deck 54-72 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.
Dependable Engines and Hydrostatic Transmissions
Engines: You will find three brands of engines on most 54-72 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 the 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.
- 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.
- Inexpensive 54 inch stamped deck ONLY! 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.
- Hydro-Gear ZT 3400 up to 500 lb-ft, up to 10 mph, Total Weight 1600 LBS, Axle Shaft Diameter 1.125 in. Heavy-Duty commercial, You won’t be able to wear it out mowing residential lawns. Most commercial mowers in the $7000-$12,000 price range use this transmission.
If you still can’t get done fast enough with a 54-72 inch mower you can always add a wing mower. My rig from the 90’s – 60-inch ZTR and two Acrease 60-inch wing mowers. 15 acres of lawn in ONE HOUR!
The List of 54-72 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 don’t list any commercial mowers. Commercial mowers that can handle, multiple properties, going on and off trailers many times a day and multiple operators is a whole different topic.
One More Thing: Do You Really Need a Large Zero-Turn Mower?
As you know by now zero-turn mowers do a lot better job of mowing your lawn than they do mowing high weeds, pastures, wildlife areas, etc. If you have only an acre or so of lawn and 2 or more acres of “pasture” using a rough cut mower on the rough stuff may be a better choice for you. Any old garden tractor, an ATV or even your zero-turn will work well for pulling a rough cut mower. They work very well for road ditches and fence lines. Acrease Kunz Engineering has a great line of high quality, heavy-duty finish and rough-cut mowers. The finish mowers are designed to pull behind or alongside your existing mower. The rough-cut mower can easily be pulled with your existing mower, ATV, UTV, or Compact Tractor to mow your pastures and set-aside. With the optional floatation tire kit, you can mow in areas you can’t go with other mowers. (I used a rough cut offset behind my pickup to mow levees at power plant cooling lakes one year.) The Acrease is more expensive than the Swisher, Agri-Fab and Stanley wing mowers, but made-in-the-U.S.A. (Mendota, IL) and they are worth every penny in increased productivity and strength. Their rough-cut mowers are the best for fields, roadways, ditches, horse pastures, and areas with poor drainage. What I really like about Acrease is when you pull them offset you can mow under trees and bushes without the tree trying to knock you off your ride.54-62 Inch Deck
John Deere 535M
- Best Cut By CR: John Deere Z375R 54 in. 25 HP Gas Dual Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower. Available at The Home Depot
- Best Cut By CR, Stronger transmissions than Z375R: John Deere Z525E 54 in. 24 HP Gas Dual Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower. Available at The Home Depot
- Lightweight For Soft Soil, Flat Lawns: John Deere Z535M 62 in. 25 HP Dual -Hydrostatic Gas Zero-Turn Riding Mower. Available at The Home Depot
- Great Price: Troy-Bilt Mustang 54 in. 24 HP V-Twin Zero Turn Riding Mower Available at The Home Depot Also available at TroyBilt.com
Cub Cadet Ultima ZT2
- Cub Cadet Ultima ZT2 54 in. Fabricated Deck 23 HP Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin Gas Engine Zero Turn Mower with Lap Bar Control Available at The Home Depot Also available online through cubcadet.com.
- IKON XD 60 Kawasaki Model 915273 Kawasaki® FR691 engine 23 hp/691cc Find Your Local Dealer: Ariens Dealer Locator
- Cub Cadet Ultima ZT2 60 in. Fabricated Deck 24 HP Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin Gas Engine Zero Turn Mower with Lap Bar Control Available at The Home Depot Also available online through cubcadet.com.
- Toro 60 in. 24.5 HP TimeCutter IronForged Deck Commercial V-Twin Gas Dual Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower Available at The Home Depot Also available at Tractor Supply, ACME Tools and your local Toro Dealer.
Ariens Zenith
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- Toro TITAN 54 in. IronForged Deck 24.5 HP Commercial V-Twin Gas Dual Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower Available at The Home Depot Also available at Tractor Supply, ACME Tools and your local Toro Dealer.
- Toro 60 in. Titan IronForged Deck 24.5 HP Commercial V-Twin Gas Dual Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower with MyRIDE Available at The Home Depot Also available at Tractor Supply, ACME Tools and your local Toro Dealer.
- APEX 60 Kawasaki Model 991163 Kawasaki® FR730 engine 24 hp/726cc Find Your Local Dealer: Ariens Dealer Locator
- Cub Cadet Ultima ZT3 60 in. Fabricated Deck 24 HP Kawasaki FS Series Engine with Front Wheel Suspension Available at The Home Depot Also available online through cubcadet.com.
Toro Titan with MyRide
- Cub Cadet Ultima ZTX4 54 in. Fabricated Deck 24 HP Kohler Pro 7000 Series Engine with Roll Over Protection Available at The Home Depot Also available online through cubcadet.com.
- Cub Cadet Ultima ZTX4 60 in. Fabricated Deck 24 HP Kohler Pro 7000 Series Engine with Roll Over Protection Available at The Home Depot Also available online through cubcadet.com.
- Cub Cadet Ultima ZTX5 60 in. Fab Deck 24 HP Kawasaki FR V-Twin with Roll Over Protection and Front Wheel Suspension Available at The Home Depot Also available online through cubcadet.com.
- Ariens ZENITH 60 Kawasaki Model 991158 Kawasaki® FX730V engine 24 hp/726cc Find Your Local Dealer: Ariens Dealer Locator
Celia
hi Paul. My husband needs a deck for his 54″ poulan zero turn. He has found a 72″ Kubota deck My question is, will this 72″ Kubota ork on a 54″ Poulan?
Paul
Hi Celia, No, a Kubota deck will not work. A deck off of a Craftsman, Husqvarna and Poulan MAY work but they have to be the SAME year your tractor was made. Nothing else fits.
Bric Bradford
My mother is 84, still in good health and is looking for the easiest 54” cut zero-turn mower to get on and off of. Thoughts?
Paul
Country Clipper ZTRs offer front steps and hand rails to get on and off the mower. In addition, the joystick steering control can be placed on either side for people with shoulder and arm disabilities. They also offer the conventional lap bar steering.
The 2023 Ariens IKON has a side step and an optional assist bar for getting on and off the mower. Like the Country Clipper the seat is higher than most residential ZTRs so it’s easier to get off and drive
Seanie kohnke
Hi Paul
I have a 25 acre farm. Half of the acreage is horse pasture. The horse pasture is a little tougher but not terrible. We have plenty of trees. We have two kubota zero turns that and in the shop at least two times a year in addition to the annual service. They both now have significant hours. We have traditionally cut the pastures with a bush hog. I have lost my knowledgeable farm guy that kept the grass cut and will do some grass cutting myself with some contract labor help . I am a 125lb 57 yr old female. I feel like we need a new mower. I would like one to be able to handle the entire property. In my early research I haven’t seen any recommendations for kubota and just a couple for John Deere. Both of those dealer are within 5 miles. Questions 1) what mower for me? 2) what are your thoughts on kubota? 3) for mowers you buy at Home Depot – where do they get serviced? 4) please tell me what to buy. Thank you seanie kohnke
Paul
Hi Seanie, Home Depot does not sell a mower tough enough for what you want to do. And – service can be very spotty if you have a problem with one of the mowers they sell. In your case, I’d stick with a mower from a dealer. If you want one mower to replace the two I highly suggest that you buy a commercial-rated mower. These mowers are designed to mow larger properties like yours and last many years. Price – $9000-$14,000. (Remember, you are buying one to replace two machines.) So, let me go through a few that are worth the money.
No, there are a lot of great mowers that never get reviewed.
You will want a 60-inch deck. If you don’t mind a little scalping here and there a 72-inch deck will save you time mowing.
– Kubota 724 or 726 series are good mowers for this. You can spend a lot more for A Kubota but these will do the job well.
– John Deere Ztrak 900 series are good mowers but I don’t think you’ll be happy with the cut out in the pasture areas. They are designed for nice lawns.
– Grasshopper 300 series midmount. These mowers are made for your type of property. Go to grasshoppermower.com and see if you have a dealer near you (the Kubota dealer might just carry them)
– Toro 4000 Series MyRIDE®. This mower has the best ride this side of a compact tractor. It’s a very tough mower and can handle your property well.
– If you have a large Cub Cadet dealer in your area one of the best mowers for you is the Cub Cadet PRO Z 972 S KW. This zero-turn mower drives like your car and won’t wear you out like most ZTRs. It’s tough enough to handle anything you want to mow.
George
Paul, I have about 15 hours of research, phone calls, etc in to buying a new ZTR. I think I could spend another 15 hours very easily. I’m grateful to have come upon this website. You are extremely knowledgeable. Please help!
I have a 2009 Toro Titan ZX5400. Began having tranny problems 2 years ago. No idea on hours of operation but only been using it to cut my lawn (specifics below). After replacing the charge pump O-rings in October of 2018, the tranny is now completely shot, leaking from all directions, and my mechanic has recommended a new machine vs re-hauling both transmissions.
This is what he told me: You want something with a hydraulic pump, separate reservoirs w/ pump hoses to the motor. You want 2 separate systems, not one integrated one. Stay away from ZT model transmissions unless they are 2 separate systems and better than what you have. And NO charge pump o-rings. First question: Do I need to find a new mechanic or does he know what he’s talking about?
Now, with that said, I’m lost and I have a budget up to $5,000. I know that keeps me in the higher end residential field but I believe that’s all I need unless this tranny doesn’t exist at this price range. I have 2-3 acres of farm lawn, some flat, some bumpy, some slopes (10 degree max), light ditch work on side of road, some pasture (only if we keep it down under 12″, otherwise use pull behind with tractor). Very sandy property as well.
Again, I don’t want to spend more than $5,000 but I will completely rethink it all if I have to in order to upgrade my transmission concerns as that is why I’m even in this predicament. Other than the tranny problems, I was extremely happy with Toro, but I am not opposed to switching brands. Please give me your top choices above, below and around $5000 based on this information.
Thank You So Much!
Paul
Hi George, Well he does know what he’s talking about but I don’t know any zero-turns that still use that technology. There are a couple in the $$7000-9000 range that still use parker pumps and motors but they use a common oil filter and oil storage. Like you mechanic said, You don’t want that! If one part goes the entire system is at risk from burnt oil and metal shavings.
Nowadays almost all ZTRs under $10,000 use independent left and right integrated hydros. Almost all of them have separate oil supplies and separate filters built right into each hydro. Your ZX5400 had the ZT3100 hydros with a charge pump. These are rated entry-level commercial and 10 years is about right for their life.
Most ZTR’s in your $500 price range use these same ZT3100 trannys.
Now if you move up to ZT3400 trannys you get about 20% more torque, larger 1 1/4 inch axles and a load rating of 1600 lbs. This should easily give you twice the life compared to the ZT3100. (based on what you mow) A good choice would be the 2000 Series 52″ (132 cm) 24.5 HP 708cc (74491). I don’t have an exact cost but it’s around $6200.
Adam L Rowe
Paul, I’m looking at several 60 inch zero turns. My terrain is hilly and rough and eventually I’ll be mowing roughly 10 acres a week. I want a mower with a good cut and longevity. I’m looking at the apex, titan, zt3 and zt4. What are your thoughts on these machines. Which one would be best for my situation? Thanks in advance for your comment!
Paul
Hi Adam, With hills and 10 acres of rough ground I recommend a ZTR with ZT 3100, ZT 3200, or ZT 3400 transmissions and a 60-inch deck.
60-inch decks cut well and the heavier transmissions will last on the hills. In addition, ZTRs That have that deck and transmission combination tend to be heavy so they can hold on slopes and hills better. Models in this quality range also have heavy-duty frames and spindles that won’t crack or bend over time.
So, Ariens Apex, Toro 2000 series and the Cub Cadet ZT4 all fit those criteria. The Toro 2000 series is one step above the Titan. All three have heavy-duty decks that cut well, strong frames, great seats and large tires for traction and a smooth ride.
Adam
Paul, thanks for the fast response and sorry I’m just replying to it. Do you have a preference between the ariens apex and cub cadet ztx4? I have a cub dealer about a hour away and ariens dealer about 1hr 20 minutes away. Would one be better as far as cut quality, longevity, ect? Also, the ariens is about $1000 cheaper. Would the cub be worth the extra money? Not that familiar with ariens in south Alabama. Thanks in advance for your response and knowledge. This is a big decision and a lot of money so I want to get it right.
Paul
Hi Adam, If you are not familiar with Ariens mowers you may be familiar with their twins – Gravely. If you are mowing 5 acres of less it is a good choice. I actually do recommend the Apex quite often. It mows well, is built really well and is a nice, heavy-duty mower for the price.
If you are mowing more than 5 acres I then suggest the Cub Cadet ZTX4.
Mark
Paul, I live near La Crosse. Have about 4-5 hilly acres to cut. Its more like pasture with some 20 deg slopes. Local Fleet Farm carries cub cadet. Any recommendations going up to about 7k max? thx
Paul
Hi Mark, I had to think a while to find the best mowers. Why? 20 degree slopes are very hard to work and there are very few mowers that can safely mow that steep. You want a garden tractor with a locking rear diff, fabricated deck and full pressure oil pump in the engine. (Cheaper engines will fail prematurely mowing slopes over 15 degrees)
I have three Cub Cadet models in mind. Two garden tractors with a locking differential and one steering wheel ZTR.
All three of these are available at Cub Cadet dealers but I don’t think Farm & Fleet carries them.
You have two Cub Cadet dealers in your area. Hunt Implement in CASHTON, WI (608) 654-5128 and Wood Sales in Black River Falls. (715) 284-9438. I’ve had quite a few people buy from Wood and they like them a lot.
1. Cheapest Cub Cadet XT2 GX54 D FAB
2. The best garden tractor on the market Cub Cadet XT3 GSX. This is a heavy duty driveshaft garden tractor. You have to buy the deck separately.
3. My choice. Cub Cadet PRO Z 160 S EFI. Cub Cadet has a 15% sale on this model through April 15. This mower will handle any thing you throw at it and have the best traction mowing slopes. The Kohler is a commercial EFI and will last a lifetime on the hills.
Mark
Thanks Paul! Any significant reason to consider another brand or to go up the Pro Z 5 series. I guess my question is do you feel the 23.5 Kawasaki will handle the hills.
Paul
Hi Mark, Yes, Kawasaki uses a different HP standard rating than the other brands so this 23.5 HP has about the same “mowing power” as a 25-27 HP from another engine brand.
Pepe
Hello Paul,
Great article, thank you. A little help here please. I am currently on the market for a zero turn mower to cut about 4.5 to 5 acres. The terrain is not the worst but it’s not the best either, there will be some bumps. I went to an eXmark dealer and looked at a few machines, the sales guy recommended 60″ deck (I can’t recall the exact specs) and the price was around $6400. I went to another local dealer to look at the Bad Boy ZT Elite and the ZT Avenger, both were priced at least $1500 cheaper for the same 60″ deck. Are you familiar with Bad Boy mowers? Any thoughts and recommendations, even on different brands, would greatly be appreciated. Are there any other makes and models out there that would get the job done well? How are the above compared to those at Home Depot and Lowe’s, etc? I am clueless when it comes to zero turn mowers.
Thank you very much
Pepe
Paul
Hi Pepe, Yes, finding the right zero-turn can be a nightmare. There are currently 28 different brands and almost 400 models to chose from. Since you are new to these mowers I highly recommend you buy from a local dealer. The dealer can help you with questions, show you how to use it, and fix anything quickly that may break.
An Exmark at $6400 is probably the Radius E series. It’s an entry-level commercial mower. It has a commercial rated engine and is designed to mow 8-10 hours a day.
With a 60 inch deck you will be mowing about 2 hours a week. So the Exmark is overkill.
Yes, I’m familiar with Bad Boy. It’s a very popular brand in the Southern states and I know quite a few commercial operators who would buy nothing else. That said,
I recommend the Bad Boy ZT Elite. It has larger tires and heavier transmissions than the Avenger series. It will ride a little better on your rougher ground. All three engine options will work well for you – The Kawasaki FS is the best, the Kohler Pro is just as good. The Kohler 7000 is the least expensive but will still last the life of the mower with the amount of mowing you have to do. This mower will last you years.
Pepe
Hello Paul – thank you very much for your input. I ill go test drive both this weekend before I make a decision.
Thank you again for your input!
Pepe