Is a Troy-Bilt zero-turn mower best for you?
In this article, I’m going to discuss Troy-Bilt Mustang zero-turn mowers to see if they are the “best inexpensive” mower for you.
Troy-Bilt is one of the few brands that focus on inexpensive, quality zero-turn mowers. That’s all they make, unlike most other brands that focus on commercial ZTRs and just make a homeowner version as an afterthought. Troy-Bilt ZTRs make a great “first” mower for homeowners because they cut well and with a little maintenance will last a long time. Depending on the model they make a riding mower for 1/3 acre, 1 acre, to 3-acre suburban lawns.
Troy-Bilt is very proud of how well they are built. Check out this video showing the testing the Zero-turn mowers go through:
Why is Troy-Bilt a good choice?
Parts are easy to get
Normal maintenance items and repair parts are available through troybilt.com or your local Troy-Bilt authorized repair center. Operator’s manuals and parts diagrams are available for free through troybilt.com. Filters, spark plugs, belts, mower blades and even a new front castor fork or wheel are readily available.
Warranty Service or Normal Maintenance is close by
The industry has changed in the last five years and some of the brands of inexpensive riding mowers no longer have local servicing dealers. With those other brands, if you have a warranty problem you have to drop your mower off at a big box store and they ship your mower off to some faraway repair center. You can wait weeks or months to have it serviced and returned to you. Troy-Bilt is different – no matter where you buy the riding mower – just go to troybilt.com to find a local authorized Troy-Bilt Service Location.
Full line of attachments and accessories
Troy-Bilt has a full range of attachments from mulching kits and baggers. The EZ Stow Hauler yard cart is my favorite cart. You can even turn it into a wheel barrow with the optional EZ Stow Handle Kit. Check out all the accessories and attachments here: Mower Attachments
Troy-Bilt Zero-Turn Mowers are a Good Value.
Troy-Bilt Zero-Turn Mowers: If you have decided that you want a zero-turn mower and don’t want to spend $4000-$5000 the Troy-Bilt zero-turns are one of the best choices. They feature an all-new fully welded tube frame with a limited lifetime warranty. Decent stamped decks that will also mulch and bag. Full pressure V-Twin engines that will handle any terrain. Fully adjustable lap-bars fit riders of all sizes. Comfortable high-back seats and easy to use controls. All Troy-Bilt Zero-Turns offer reliable EZT2200 hydrostatic transmissions with one-inch axles. (If you are looking at the 355 Deere ZTR I suggest seriously looking at Troy-Bilt before you buy)
If you want a heavier-duty zero-turn mower, check out the Cub Cadet Ultima ZTRs here: 2020 Cub Cadet Ultima ZTX Zero-Turn Mowers – Better, Bigger, Badder!
Which Troy-Bilt Mower Is Best For You?
Troy-Bilt Zero-Turn Mowers
Troy-Bilt Mustang Z42 Zero-Turn Rider
Model# Mustang Z42
New This Season Troy-Bilt 42 in. 679 cc V-Twin OHV Engine Gas Zero Turn Riding Mower with Dual Hydro Transmissions and Lap Bar Control
- Cutting Width 42 inches
- Engine Make: Troy-Bilt
- Size of Yard: 1/2 – 1 1/2 Acres
- Terrain Type: Flat-Gentle Slopes
- Commercial / Residential: Residential
- Deck Type: Stamped
- 679 cc V-twin OHV Troy-Bilt engine features full-pressure lubrication to ensure smooth delivery of oil to critical components and a forged steel crankshaft making it stronger and more durable
- Built with global parts since 1937
- Heavy-duty, full length, fully welded, 2 in. tubular frame is designed to absorb impact, provide maximum stability and covered by a limited lifetime warranty
- Dual hydrostatic Tuff-Torq ZT2200 transmission delivers true zero-turn performance for quicker mow times and improved maneuverability
- Ride in more comfort and reduced vibration with the high-back seat and foam grip steering controls
- Large 3.5 Gal. fuel tank means less stopping for fill-ups when mowing for extended periods of time
- Electric PTO quickly and easily engages cutting blades
- Lap bar controls have an integrated parking brake to safely and quickly stop the mower
- Attach a standard garden hose to the integrated deck wash port on the cutting deck to quickly rinse grass clippings from the underside of deck
- Add versatility to your riding mower with optional attachments like a rear bagger or mulch kit (sold separately)
- Use fuel stabilizers to maintain your engine and increase the longevity of your mower (not included)
- Limited lifetime warranty on the frame and a 3-year limited warranty on the remaining components offers peace of mind
- Troy-Bilt Mustang Z42 comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
- Comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Where to Buy: Buy here from TroyBilt.com. Troy-Bilt offers sale prices and other offers like free shipping at various times of the year. It comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Buy Here From The Home Depot. The Home Depot features pickup at your local store or free delivery to your home. It comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Troy-Bilt Mustang Z46 Zero-Turn Rider
Model# Mustang Z46
New This Season Troy-Bilt 46 in. 679 cc V-Twin OHV Engine Gas Zero Turn Riding Mower with Dual Hydro Transmissions and Lap Bar Control
- Cutting Width 46 inches
- Engine Make Troy-Bilt
- Size of Yard 1/2 – 2 Acres
- Terrain Type: Flat-Gentle Slopes
- Commercial / Residential Residential
- Deck Type Stamped
- 679 cc V-twin OHV Troy-Bilt engine features full pressure lubrication to ensure smooth delivery of oil to critical components and a forged steel crankshaft making it stronger and more durable
- Built with global parts since 1937
- Heavy-duty, full length, fully welded, 2 in. tubular frame is designed to absorb impact, provide maximum stability and covered by a limited lifetime warranty
- Dual hydrostatic Tuff-Torq ZT2200 transmission delivers true zero turn performance for quicker mow times and improved maneuverability
- Ride in more comfort and reduced vibration with the high-back seat and foam grip steering controls
- Large 3.5 Gal. fuel tank means less stopping for fill-ups when mowing for extended periods of time
- Electric PTO quickly and easily engages cutting blades
- Lap bar controls have an integrated parking brake to safely and quickly stop the mower
- Attach a standard garden hose to the integrated deck wash port on the cutting deck to quickly rinse grass clippings from the underside of deck
- Add versatility to your riding mower with optional attachments like a rear bagger or mulch kit (sold separately)
- Use fuel stabilizers to maintain your engine and increase the longevity of your mower (not included)
- Limited lifetime warranty on the frame and a 3-year limited warranty on the remaining components offers peace of mind
- Troy-Bilt Mustang Z46 comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Where to Buy: Buy here from TroyBilt.com. Troy-Bilt offers sale prices and other offers like free shipping at various times of the year. It comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Buy Here From The Home Depot. The Home Depot features pickup at your local store or free delivery to your home. It comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Troy-Bilt Mustang Z50 Zero-Turn Rider
Model# Mustang Z50
New This Season Troy-Bilt Mustang 50 in. 679 cc V-Twin OHV Engine Gas Zero Turn Riding Mower with Dual Hydro Transmissions and Lap Bar Control
- Cutting Width 50 inches
- Engine Make Troy-Bilt
- Size of Yard 2 – 3 Acres
- Terrain Type: Flat-Gentle Slopes
- Commercial / Residential Residential
- Deck Type Stamped
- 679 cc V-twin OHV Troy-Bilt engine features full pressure lubrication to ensure smooth delivery of oil to critical components and a forged steel crankshaft making it stronger and more durable
- Built-in with and global parts since 1937
- Large 50 in. deck mows faster and more efficiently
- Heavy-duty, full length, fully welded, 2-in tubular frame is designed to absorb impact, provide maximum stability and covered by a limited lifetime warranty
- Dual hydrostatic Tuff-Torq ZT2200 transmission delivers true zero turn performance for quicker mow times and improved maneuverability
- Ride in more comfort and reduced vibration with the high-back seat and foam grip steering controls
- Large 3.5 Gal. fuel tank means less stopping for fill-ups when mowing for extended periods of time
- Electric PTO quickly and easily engages cutting blades
- Lap bar controls have an integrated parking brake to safely and quickly stop the mower
- Attach a standard garden hose to the integrated deck wash port on the cutting deck to quickly rinse grass clippings from the underside of deck
- Add versatility to your riding mower with optional attachments like a rear bagger or mulch kit (sold separately)
- Use fuel stabilizers to maintain your engine and increase the longevity of your mower (not included)
- Limited lifetime warranty on the frame and a 3-year limited warranty on the remaining components offers peace of mind
- Troy-Bilt Mustang Z50 comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Where to Buy: Buy here from TroyBilt.com. Troy-Bilt offers sale prices and other offers like free shipping at various times of the year. It comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Buy Here From The Home Depot. The Home Depot features pickup at your local store or free delivery to your home. It comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Troy-Bilt Mustang Z54 Zero-Turn Rider
Model# Mustang Z54
Troy-Bilt Mustang 54 in. 24 HP V-Twin Briggs and Stratton Engine Gas Zero Turn Riding Mower with Dual Hydro Transmissions
- Cutting Width: 54 inches
- Engine Make: Briggs and Stratton Professional Series
- Size of Yard: 2 or More Acres
- Terrain Type: Flat-Gentle Slopes
- Commercial / Residential: Residential
- Deck Type: Stamped
- 725cc Briggs & Stratton Professional series engine delivers premium power and performance
- Built-in with and global parts since 1937
- Large 50 in. deck mows faster and more efficiently
- Heavy-duty, full length, fully welded, 2-in tubular frame is designed to absorb impact, provide maximum stability and covered by a limited lifetime warranty
- Dual hydrostatic Tuff-Torq ZT2200 transmission delivers true zero turn performance for quicker mow times and improved maneuverability
- Ride in more comfort and reduced vibration with the high-back seat and foam grip steering controls
- Large 3.5 Gal. fuel tank means less stopping for fill-ups when mowing for extended periods of time
- Electric PTO quickly and easily engages cutting blades
- Lap bar controls have an integrated parking brake to safely and quickly stop the mower
- Attach a standard garden hose to the integrated deck wash port on the cutting deck to quickly rinse grass clippings from the underside of deck
- Add versatility to your riding mower with optional attachments like a rear bagger or mulch kit (sold separately)
- Use fuel stabilizers to maintain your engine and increase the longevity of your mower (not included)
- Limited lifetime warranty on the frame and a 3-year limited warranty on the remaining components offers peace of mind
- Troy-Bilt Mustang Z54 comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Where to Buy: Buy here from TroyBilt.com. Troy-Bilt offers sale prices and other offers like free shipping at various times of the year. It comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
Buy Here From The Home Depot. The Home Depot features pickup at your local store or free delivery to your home. It comes fully crated and requires some assembly upon arrival
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Col Ron Hartley
Owning a zero turn Troybuilt had been an experience
in frustration, after having three delivered we finally got one that works most of the time, when issues
arose customer service in the Philippines were unable to assist. Very poor quality, customer service
Corrie Beckenbach
How many hours do the troy built mustang 46 average? Before maintenance outways purchase?
Paul
Hi Corrie, Roughly 250 hours. If you mow 1 hour a week here in the Midwest it will last about 10 years.
GARY
Curious as to which ZTR’s have deck that pivots up to help with changing blades & greasing spindles.
Also how well do these handle mulching.
Thanks Gary
Paul
Hi Gary, There are three. All Country Clipper mowers. All Walker Mowers. One Hustler Raptor.
In addition, there is an optional jack for Toro Timecutter and Titan mowers.
The Troy-Bilts have the mulching plug – not bolt-in mulching plates so they mulch well but not as well as some of the fabricated decks.
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.)