How Much Does a Zero Turn Mower Weigh? Pros and Cons by Weight

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 a zero-turn mower weighs 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 mowers weigh less than 700 pounds. These mowers often come with a smaller engine and a 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 riding 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 on 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

1. 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.
2. They also come with larger wheels and better traction to prevent the vehicle from mowing anywhere else than its destination.
3. Its center of gravity is heavier making it a great mower for hills.
4. Larger mowers also come with advanced safety and security measures
5. 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:

1. The overall cost is more expensive because not only are these machines pricier, but they are also more expensive to maintain and keep up with.
2. 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. 
3. Larger mowers do not go well with areas near water banks and marshes because they sink faster.

The Weights of Renowned Zero-Turn Brands

Husqvarna zero-turn weight

Cub Cadet zero-turn weight

Bad Boy zero-turn weight

Toro zero-turn weight

Ariens zero-turn weight

Kubota zero-turn weight

John Deere zero-turn weight

13 Example Zero-Turn Mower Weights:

1. Troy-Bilt Mustang Z42: 580 lb
2. Swisher Big Mow 66 in. 31-HP: 1380 lb
3. Ryobi RY48ZTR100 42 in. 100 Ah: 700 lb
4. Beast 62 in. 25 HP: 1100 lb
5. Beast 48 in. 20 HP: 850 lb
6. Dewalt Z260 Commercial 60 in. 24 HP: 1130 lb
7. Craftsman Z5200 20-HP: 600 lb
8. Craftsman Z5400 22-HP: 710 lb
9. Craftsman Z5800 24-HP: 865 lb
10. Exmark Quest E-Series: 415 lb
11. Exmark Quest S-Series: 616 lb
12. Exmark Radius E-Series: 850 lb
13. Exmark Radius S-Series: 900 lb

The weight of a mower is significant to homeowners who need a stronger machine to mow their land. It is also important for commercial landscaping and gardening companies because their efficiency can either be increased or compromised.