One of the factors we consider when getting a zero turn mower is the engine and the cutting width. However, we don’t often realize that one great factor in choosing a mower is its weight. Weight comes with a variety of pros and cons. Learning how much does a zero turn mower weigh and how it affects your mowing efficiency are factors you should consider when you’re going to purchase a zero turn mower.
How much does a zero turn mower weigh?
The weight varies across the board. Smaller zero turn lawn mowers weigh less than 700 pounds. These mowers often come with a smaller engine and narrower mowing path. Heavy-duty mowers weigh more than 700 pounds. These weight differences also affect other things like mowing prowess, cost, and limitations.
Lightweight zero turn mowers
Most zero turn mowers weighing under 700 pounds have a mowing path of 42 inches and below.
Advantages
- Lightweight mowers are easier to navigate.
- They are also faster and tend to heat up a little slower.
- You cover more ground with a lighter ZTR mower
- they’re also considered to be much more affordable lawn mowers since they come with a smaller engine.
- Smaller mowers are more agile so they work best with gardens that have tons of obstacles with sharp turns and curving pathways.
Limitations
Unfortunately, smaller mowers also have limitations as well.
- Most lighter weight mowers have thin front tires that may end up digging into thin or loose soil
- Smaller zero turn mowers have lower traction, these can be challenging when mowing over smooth surfaces or sloping terrain. Basically, lightweight mowers work best when you have a flat lawn.
- Mowers with a smaller engine have no reverse. This can be tricky if you’re stuck in a dead-end or a tight corner.
- Lighter weight mowers have the tendency to tip-over much faster because they have a lower center of gravity. This can happen especially when mowing uphill a slope steeper than 15 degrees.
Heavyweight zero turn mowers
Weighing over 700 pounds, heavyweight mowers have an engine with at least 21 HP. The engine size also depends on the make and model of the mower. But one thing is for certain, they’re pretty big!
Advantages
- Larger ZTR mowers are incredibly fierce when it comes to mowing, they may not be as agile but they are equipped with larger mowing paths and stronger mowing power.
- They also come with larger wheels and better traction to prevent the vehicle from mowing anywhere else than its destination.
- Its center of gravity is heavier making it a great mower for hills.
- Larger mowers also come with advanced safety and security measures
- Since they have stronger cutting power, they can go over pebbles, small rocks, and tiny objects that can blog and clog a smaller mower.
Limitations
With weight comes liabilities such as:
- The overall cost is more expensive because not only are these machines pricier, they are also more expensive to maintain and keep up.
- Even if they’re built for commercial use, the size of these commercial zero turn mowers compromises their agility thus making it a challenge to make turns.
- Larger mowers do not go well with areas near water banks and marshes because they sink faster.
22 Example Zero-Turn Mower Weights:
- Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1-50: 570 lb
- Troy-Bilt Mustang Z42: 580 lb
- Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1-42: 492 lb
- Toro 50 in. 23 HP TimeCutter: 621 lb
- John Deere Z345R 42 in. 22 HP: 496 lb
- Toro 42 in. 22.5 HP TimeCutter: 502 lb
- Swisher Big Mow 66 in. 31-HP: 1380 lb
- Toro 50 in. 24.5 HP TimeCutter: 694 lb
- John Deere Z345M 42 in. 22 HP: 496 lb
- Ryobi RY48ZTR100 42 in. 100 Ah: 700 lb
- Toro TimeCutter 452cc: 477 lb
- Beast 62 in. 25 HP: 1100 lb
- Toro 60 in. 24.5 HP TimeCutter: 702 lb
- John Deere Z375R 54 in. 25 HP: 590 lb
- Toro Titan MAX 60 in. 26HP: 876 lb
- Cub Cadet Ultima ZTX4-60: 1092 lb
- Dewalt Z260 Commercial 60 in. 24 HP: 1130 lb
- Beast 48 in. 656cc 20 HP: 850 lb
- Ariens IKON X 52 in. 23 HP: 635 lb
- Husqvarna Z254: 542 lb
- Craftsman Z510: 600
- Husqvarna Z454X: 865 lb
The weight of a mower is significant to homeowners who need a stronger machine in mowing their lawn of land. It is also important for commercial landscaping and gardening companies because their efficiency can either be increased or compromised.