Zero-turn mowers have become popular among professional landscapers, and for good reasons. The ability to pivot and turn has revolutionized how mowers approach the task of cutting grass efficiently. A zero-turn riding mower with a high back seat and a clear view gives you both comfort and saves you a tremendous amount of time when mowing your lawn. Regardless of the size of your lawn, these machines will get the job done. We will let you in on the best zero-turn mower for 1 acre or more to save you time and clear your lawn at an affordable cost.

What is a Zero Turn Lawn Mower?

A zero-turn riding lawn mower with an engine-powered pulley system that drives the blades and power the transmissions at each rear wheel. Unlike their push counterparts, the mowers can be ridden by the landscape professional while tending the lawn. Zero-turn means that the lawn mower can turn entirely within its footprint without the need of making a U-turn that may need more space. The lawn mowers do not use the traditional steering system as other mowers would. Instead, you use a lever to push forwards or backward when moving. The lawn tractors have a wide cutting deck that will tend your one acre within no time. Now that you know how the mowers work, here are our top picks for the best zero-turn lawn tractor.

Best Zero Turn Mower for 1 Acre

1) Craftsman Hydrostatic Transmission Zero Turn Mower

Craftsman 17ARFACQ091 50-Inch Hydrostatic Gas Zero Turn Mower with 24HP Kohler Twin Cylinder Engine,...
  • POWERFUL ENGINE: Strong 24HP Kohler twin-cylinder engine with an easy and reliable starting system with no...
  • EXCEPTIONAL MANEUVERABILITY: Zero turn radius that allows quick and easy directional changes. The optimal...
  • COMFORTABLE RIDE: Dual hydrostatic transmission paired with a high-back seat offers premium support and...
  • DURABLE AND RELIABLE: Robust steel frame that is designed for an enhanced mowing experience.
  • ADJUSTABLE CUTTING HEIGHTS: Set the cutting height that works best for the task at hand. Maximum cutting...

Craftsman is a powerhouse in the ztr mowers category. The lawn mower has a twin-cylinder engine that gives enough power output for fast and efficient mowing. You can easily cruise through uneven terrain without worrying about the grass being level because a craftsman is a professional-grade mower that gets the work efficiently and smoothly done.

Craftsman is the best zero turn mower for 1 acre that offers a comfortable ride while keeping the work at an all-time efficiency. In addition, the lawn mower is adjustable to accommodate different heights for the desired result. As a result, Craftsman is the best mower to buy as a professional to increase your earnings while giving the best service possible.

  • Pros
  • Comfortable
  • Strong
  • Adjustable cut-heights
  • Maneuver tight angles
  • Powerful engine
  • Cons
  • The machine needs frequent maintenance.

2) Husqvarna Zero Turn Riding Mower

Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
  • Husqvarna 61 in. zero-turn lawn mower from the MZ series delivers commercial-grade power and amazing...
  • 27 HP Briggs Endurance engine provides reliable startups and high ground speeds
  • Fabricated 11-gauge steel cutting deck offers an excellent 54 in. cut with an ergonomically designed deck...
  • Clippings can be discharged, mulched or bagged with a 9-bushel triple bag collection system (mulching kit and...
  • High-back seat with armrests, foam-padded hand grips and vibration dampeners make mowing comfortable for hours...

Husqvarna is the machine to go for when looking for efficiency and an all-rounded functionality. The lawn mowers are an excellent choice for professional or residential zero-turn mowers. A lawn mower is only as good as its engine and system. Husqvarna makes it easier to access the components of the lawn mower for maintenance and servicing. The mower has a service reminder to let you know when it is time to service the machine.

Husqvarna is the best zero turn mower for 1 acre with its zero-degree turning radius that makes it possible to maneuver tight corners and rough terrain without any hitches. The mower is comfortable and easy to steer, giving you the best experience in the yard.

  • Pros
  • Lasting fuel tank capacity
  • Easy to operate9-bushel collection system
  • Comfortable, padded high back seat
  • Zero-degree turning radius
  • Easy access to the components
  • Cons
  • Mowing on wet grass might be slightly tricky.

3) Troy-Bilt Super Mustang Riding Mower

Troy-Bilt Super Mustang XP Riding Lawn Mower with 50-Inch Deck and 724cc Briggs & Stra
  • Powerful 724cc OHV engine with EZT dual Hydro transmission packs enough power to mow large lots of rough grass
  • Zero-turn maneuverability allows you to turn on a dime and save time
  • Extra-wide 50-inch dual blade cutting deck cuts a wide path
  • Premium high-back seat and ample leg room for a Smooth ride
  • 3-Gallon fuel tank holds enough gasoline to make refueling less frequent

Troy-Bilt has the best zero-turn mower for 1 acre that combines elegance and functionality in one machine. The machine has a beautiful black finish that looks good for professional purposes. The extra-wide deck makes it a perfect mower for finishing the job within no time. You can cut neat shapes without strips of grass left all over the yard.

Troy-Bilt has a high seat and ample legroom for maximum comfort when mowing. In addition, the machine has a 3-gallon fuel tank capacity that allows a seamless, uninterrupted time in the yard.

  • Pros
  • Comfortable high back seat
  • Good looking
  • Strong and durable
  • Long-lasting fuel capacity
  • Enough leg-space
  • Powerful engine
  • Cons
  • You might need to transport the mower if you are a professional.

4) Simplicity Zero Turn Mower

Simplicity 2691324 Courier Mower, Riding, Zero Turn, Orange
  • The exclusive suspension comfort System complete with front or front & rear suspension allows you to feel 25%...
  • A fully-welded steel frame, thick-walled pivoting front axle, durable mower deck and ball bearings in the...
  • Trusted, durable and powerful engine options from both Briggs & Stratton and Kawasaki are now available....
  • Though it offers a great quality of cut, the integrated rear cargo bed+ along with its other great features...
  • Easily adjust between 13 different height-of-cut positions from 1.5 to 4.5 inches.

True to its name, Simplicity offers a simple yet powerful machine to tend your yard. The lawn mower has a suspension comfort system for a smooth ride in the yard. The 13 adjustable heights increase the range of options you can achieve with the lawn mower. You can design the yard and play around with grass heights to come up with intricate designs.

Simplicity has a 50-pound load capacity that allows for extra accessories or a residue bag, making the machine the best zero turn mower for 1 acre that leaves behind no dirt. The lawn mower has a commercial-inspired design that looks professional out in the yard. In addition, you do not have to worry about transportation on purchase as the mower will be delivered to your doorstep for you to jump right on and start working on your yard.

  • Pros
  • Comfortable
  • Adjustable heights
  • Commercial design
  • 50-pound capacity
  • Fuel-efficient
  • Cons
  • The air filter needs frequent replacement.

5) Snapper Twin-Engine Zero Turn Mower

Snapper 360Z 52-Inch 25HP Briggs & Stratton V-Twin Engine Zero Turn Lawn Mower w/ Cargo Bed, 2691323
  • The integrated rear cargo bed with a 50 pounds; Capacity makes this ztr more versatile than ever before; Plus,...
  • The commercial style foot operated mower deck lift easily lifts and adjusts the mower deck between 13 height...
  • A durable fabricated Steel mower deck for non stop mowing season after season. All fabricated decks come with...
  • A fully welded Steel frame, thick walled front Axle, durable mower deck, and ball bearings in the caster...
  • High performance 724cc Briggs & Stratton professional series with ready start engine makes sure your Zero...

If you are looking for the most versatile mower, a snapper is your best choice. The lawn mower has an integrated 50-pound cargo bag on the rear. In addition, the aftermarket capabilities of the mower are increased by the extra rail that allows for the additional ATV accessories for a more efficient mowing experience.

Snapper twin has a foot-operated mower deck lift to allow for the desired goal. In addition, the lawn mower has 13 cut-heights to choose from, depending on your preference, making it the most versatile mower in the market. The powerful engines and the muscular build of the metallic parts of the machine ensure durability and are worth every penny spent on the purchase.

  • Pros
  • Strong and durable
  • 13 cut-heights
  • Fully welded steel frame
  • Comfortable
  • 50-pound cargo bed capacity
  • Efficient power output
  • Install aftermarket accessories
  • Cons
  • You need storage space for the mower.

What are the Benefits of a Zero Turn Lawn Tractors?

a) Save Time

Grass grows at a fast rate that needs tending often. Mowing the grass and getting rid of grass clippings take a lot of time if you do not have the best lawn mower. Push mowers wear you down as you have to walk back and forth over and over until you are done with the work. Riding mowers save you time as all you have to do is control levers and get the job done. You can reduce your mowing time by half when you employ these machines, compared to the time a push mower would take to finish the same amount of work.

The zero-turn mower moves in is significantly faster, further reducing the amount of time you are bound to spend on the yard. Riding lawn mowers get the job done in a single pass. The mower blades are powerful enough to clear large lawns without the need to come back to work on uneven grass. Follow-up trimming will no longer be necessary when you have the best riding mower out in the yard.

The zero-turning mower does not need a steering wheel and is easy to operate, further cutting your time by a significant amount. In addition, you get a zero turning radius, making it possible to mow hard-to-reach places.

b) Easy to Operate

A zero turning is so easy to use that you can start mowing after a few instructions on using the machine. A zero-turn mower is the best mower to pick when going on rugged terrain with hard-to-cut corners because the mower turns on tight angles. You can use riding mowers as commercial mowers because they do not need the expertise to operate. The zero-turn mowers have one job, and they get it done efficiently.

You use one lever to operate the zero-turn mower. One lever will move forward, reverse and brake. All you should do is push the lever forward, backward to reverse and bring to a neutral position for braking. The zero-turn mowers come with an emergency brake in case you might need to use one. The emergency brake acts as a parking brake to keep the lawn tractor in place when not in use. The cutting width on the zero-turn mower makes it easy to work on a lawn and achieve neat results.

c) Cost-Effective

A zero-turn mower might be costly to acquire compared to the other types of mowers, like the push mower. A riding mower is more significant with more features and a larger engine that is electric or gas-powered. However, in the long run, the compounded cost is way cheaper compared to other mowers. A zero-turn mower will save you a lot of time, meaning you can do more than twice the amount of work and earn more if you are a professional landscaper. If you are using the lawn for your yard, you will save so much time and end up with an even neater lawn than the results you would achieve with other mowers.

Since you use the zero-turn mower only half of the time, the parts do not wear quickly. The front and rear wheels will not experience so much wear or tear. The belts and pulleys last even longer, and the zero-turn mower will serve for years before you need to change any parts.

d) Clean Pattern

The turning abilities of a zero-turning mower make it possible to achieve cuts that larger radius turn mowers can not achieve quickly. You will no longer see strips of uncut grass because of a significant turning angle on the mower. The 180-degree turn makes it possible to connect the uncut and cut areas of the yard. The commercial zero-turn mowers will give you more contracts because you will be able to do so much work neatly and quickly.

Zero-turn mowers have an adjustable cutting height, making it easier to achieve your preferred height without coming for the second round. The

Tips on Caring for Your Zero Turn Lawn Mower

i) Change the Air Filter Often

The filter can get clogged with dirt and debris if not changed often. The best thing you can do for the mower is ensuring the air filter efficiently allows for airflow. Good airflow ensures that the fuel is burned efficiently if you are using a gas-powered mower. The air induction mowing technology will only work efficiently if the filter allows for free flow in the first place. A clean filter will ensure the gas mower runs without any hitches while using fuel efficiently.

ii) Sharpen Blades

The blades become dull over time after long periods of use on a large yard. The blades come across different materials on the ground, including pebbles sometimes. With the cutting speed being at an all-time high, the blades go through a significant amount of wear. To maintain high output performance, ensure the blades are sharpened often. Sharp blades will respond well to the precise controls and increase the mowing efficiency significantly. Best zero-turn mowers will not do you any good with dull blades.

iii) Clean the Deck

The mower deck is a vital part of the zero-turn mower. The cutting deck harbors the blades and experiences most of the action. A large cutting deck is ideal for longer and more blades, but this also means more debris. Grass and other types of debris accumulate in the cutting deck and increase the potential of the deck wearing. In addition, the debris might harbor moisture that increases the rate of rusting of the deck, reducing the life of the zero-turn mower.

iv) Tire Pressure

Just like your car, the tires of the zero-turn mower need a lot of maintenance. The lawn tractor has the objective of cutting the grass at a precise height. The tire pressure can be an essential factor in evening out the grass height. In addition, good pressure on the tires will save you a lot of fuel because the riding mower will not need to do more work than it already is. Even the best zero-turn mowers need good pressure on the tires to support your weight and still get the job done.

v) Storage

You need to store the riding lawn mower in the garage if not in use. The weather elements could quickly destroy the parts of the mower. Whether you have an electric mower, gas-powered mowers, or a robotic mower, the weather can still do a number to the parts. Ensure the battery has enough power when storing the mower. You do not want to jumpstart the mower each time you are about to mow your lawn because there is no battery power to start or run the tractor.

Final Take

A zero-turn mower can be the best thing to get as a professional or for your use. The mowers will save you time and cost in the long run. All you need to do is take good care of the mower, and you will be well on your way to achieving an all-year-long neat yard.