Zero Turn and Tractor Mowers: A Comparison

Zero Turn and Tractor Mowers: A Comparison

When comparing Zero Turn and Tractor Mowers for residential users, it comes down to a few key points. At Douglas Forest and Garden, we have a large selection of both Zero Turn and tractor lawnmowers.

Why Choose a Zero Turn?

A Zero Turn’s biggest pro is its manoeuvrability. They can quickly get around flower beds, shrubs, trees, rocks and other obstacles without issue. If you have a relatively flat garden, this is an excellent machine for getting around quickly and efficiently. You can also see what you’re going to mow next as there’s much higher visibility.

The disadvantage is that it might take a few sessions to figure out the controls. When you’re turning, you have to keep both wheels moving or else you’ll tear up the grass. Zero turns don’t have the versatility of tractor mowers. They’re a one-trick pony that can mow grass effectively, but they don’t have the option for towing. They also have low traction due to the 360-degree turnability of the wheels. Because of its uneven centre of gravity, there’s also a risk of lifting the wheels off the ground on slopes.

Lawn Tractor Mowers

The most significant advantage of a regular tractor mower over a zero turn is its versatility. It’s not just about cutting grass, it can tow, spray, spread and mulch. It’s straightforward to drive with a regular steering wheel. The disadvantage is that they’re far less manoeuvrable compared with the Zero Turn. If your lawn has many obstacles, you’re going to be reversing, going over the same spots, getting stuck, and more. The Tractor Mowers are far cheaper than Zero Turns.

Mowing Speed

With a zero turn mower, you can cut the grass at much more efficient speeds. Even straight back-and-forth cutting can be significantly sped up with a zero turn; it’s usually the rotation at the end of a strip that slows you down – especially if your lawn runs up against obstacles like a low-lying wall, enclosing structure or garden shed. For a regular flat garden space, the Zero Turn is roughly 30% faster. And for areas that need tighter turns, such as around outdoor lamp posts, fences, trees, etc., you can expect a performance increase of about 40%.

You can view our full range zero turn and tractor mowers. If you have any further questions, contact us today on 021 4965132