Tag: Zero-turn mower

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When To Buy A Riding Mower: 2024 Buying Guide

Toro timecutter zero turn

When should you make the leap to buying a riding mower? During the Spring, Summer, and Fall months, you’re going to need to mow your lawn regularly to keep it healthy and attractive. It can be a back-breaking task, especially if you use a push mower. 

You may have considered a riding mower, but is it the right choice for you and your property? Your physical abilities, yard size, and type are all factors to consider. After reading about my experiences with both push and riding mowers, you’ll be able to make the decision that best suits the needs of your yard.

And make your neighbors jealous.

My experience with riding mowers

When I was a kid and it was my older brother’s turn to mow the lawn, I remember my parents screaming at him for having the speed all the way up to “bunny” when it should have been on “turtle”. The mower was dang fast and my brother took every chance he could to max that thing out.

And at the risk of sounding old, they don’t make them like they used to. But there are still some great brands out there that make awesome riding mowers. Between zero turns and lawn tractors, you can get a high quality piece of equipment that is still made with serious care. I’ve had the pleasure of using dozens of different mowers and have found consistencies across some that have stuck with me over the years.

When to get a riding mower: my process

That is a difficult question for anyone to answer, except you. However, we can say that the type of lawn mower,  lawn tractor, zero turn or push behind, that will work best for you depends on a few things. Before you change over to a new type of mower, ask yourself a few key questions:

Is Your Lawn a Half-Acre or Less?

If you have a smaller yard, a push mower is generally going to be your best option. They are more maneuverable than a riding mower, which is essential for a small space. For lawns more than a half-acre in size, a riding mower will make the job faster and easier.

Here’s how I think about it:

Yard sizeType of mower
0 to ½ of an acrePush mower or self-propelled walk-behind
½ to 1.5 acresLawn tractor
1.5 acres and upZero turn mower
How I approach when to buy a riding mower.

Are You Physically Able to Push a Mower?

Your physical condition and stamina should be a top consideration when deciding on the type of mower to use. Starting a push mower is tough, and pushing it around is even harder. If you’re older, not fit, or suffer from health issues, a riding mower is a safer, more practical option.

A nice self-propelled mower.

You can definitely get self-propelled push mowers which take a lot of the burden off of the operator, but nothing compares to the speed and ease of use of a riding mower.

Do You Want to Decrease the Amount of Time Mowing Takes?

If you have a tiny yard, it might only take a few minutes, but mowing a larger yard with a push mower can be time consuming. If you would rather spend your free time doing things you enjoy, you want to ditch the push mower and get yourself a rider.

My family friend has a .92 acre lot of land where their home sits. Last time I went over there, I spoke with him about how he mows his lawn. One thing I noticed was the narrow stripes in his lawn. I was aghast to learn that he still uses a push mower in his lawn. 

Yeah, this one will save you time.

A whopping one hour and 15 minutes he spends every week pushing a mower across his lawn. A glutton for punishment or someone who uses their mower for cardio? Not sure. Either way, you would find me in a riding mower so fast you wouldn’t know what hit you.

Have Trees, Stones, or Other Landscape Obstructions?

Mowing around landscape features with a push mower can be time-consuming and exhausting.You’ll be pushing and pulling, turning, and back-tracking just to get the job done.Even if your yard is less than a half acre, a riding mower makes it easier on you to mow around obstructions. .

Can NOT disrupt this beautiful scene.

This is where zero-turn mowers have a huge advantage. They are extremely nimble navigators and make quick work of complex lawns. Because you can turn so quickly and tightly, you don’t have to make 8-point turns just to get around your landscaping bed. 

Even riding mowers can do a great job of getting the vast majority of grass, which can then be followed with a nice weed eater to finish the job. Can’t do all that nearly as easily as you can with a push mower.

What’s the Terrain of Your Property Like?

If your lawn is sloped, the downhill strip will be relatively easy with a push mower, but the uphill strip will be much more difficult. With a riding mower, you can handle slopes and other terrain issues without all the physical strain.

One advantage of zero turn mowers vs lawn tractors is lawn scalping. Your lawn can get scalped, or random bald patches where you cut way too deep, because lawn tractors are more rigid in their construction and don’t flow as freely as zero turns.

Do You Need to Move Items on Your Property?

One of the major benefits of a riding lawn mower is that they are often equipped with a hitch on the back. That means you can attach a cart to carry whatever you need to. A dump cart, for example, is a great way to move garden supplies, debris, and more.

A lot of folks reach out to me to ask about what kinds of attachments you can pull. I wrote a long article about the best trailers for lawn mowers that can really up your lawn mower game. Some of them even have little carts on the back, covers for use in the snow, and collection bags – which are great for leaf clean up.

Rider or Push Mower? What’s Your Choice?

Mowing your lawn is a necessity. Working too hard isn’t. Choosing the right kind of new lawn mower can be a bit daunting. But, now you have a few guidelines to help you make the right choice between a riding mower and a push mower.

Why we started writing about mowers

The reason we started The Lawn Review in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something. 

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Zero Turn Mowers vs Lawn Tractors: Which Is Better?

Zero turn mowers are the better choice when compared to lawn tractors because they have more control, are faster, and are nearly equally priced.

Zero turns and lawn tractors are two types of riding mowers that can majorly up your lawn care game. But a lot of people don’t know when you need which kind of mower.

You know you need a ride-on mower to take on your large, challenging property. As you begin to shop, you’ll notice that the most powerful riding lawn equipment options are zero-turn mowers and lawn tractors. Most folks also think zero turns are just for commercial landscapers and “overkill” for homeowners (they’re wrong and jealous). 

Let’s break down when it’s best to get a zero turn and when it is best to get a lawn tractor.

What Is a Zero Turn Mower?

In basic terms, a zero-turn mower is a standard rider with a very tight turning radius – some might even say a zero-degree turning radius. Now, I’ve never gotten my protractor out, but the top of the mower can freely spin over the back tires. This type of riding lawn mower makes it easy to mow closely around trees, flower beds, retaining walls and other obstacles.As you may suspect, there are pros and cons to consider before investing in a zero-turn mower:

  • Speed –  Zero-turn mowers are much faster than any standard riding mower and most lawn tractors.
  • Control – Improved visibility of the front of the mower helps you achieve precise control as you maneuver around plants and other obstacles.
  • Results – Zero-turn riding mowers help homeowners achieve professional results without spending hundreds of dollars on professional lawn mowing services.
  • Confidence – Sitting on a zero-turn mower instills you with the confidence to tackle that lawn, knowing it will be fast and easy. 
  • Cost – You’ll pay more for a zero-turn mower, but it may be worth it.

Who uses zero-turn mowers?

Zero turn mowers are the mower of choice for any landscaper – commercial or residential. Because they are extremely fast, they help get the job done way more quickly than lawn tractors or push mowers. 

It is becoming increasingly more common for homeowners to grab a zero turn as well. If you go buy any Home Depot you will likely see a nice John Deere or Toro zero turn mower sitting right out in front for all to see. For homeowners – look for a smaller width zero turn mower. One major consideration for buying a zero turn mower is making sure it fits into the back gate of your house (if you have one).

Price range of zero turn mowers

Zero turn mowers can be very expensive, but don’t have to be. You can get a great zero turn mower from Home Depot at an awesome price, for example:

You can also grab a used zero turn for a better price as long as it has low hours.

What Is a Lawn Tractor?

Generally between 15 and 22 horsepower, a lawn tractor is the ideal mower for yards spanning ½ to 1.5 acres.  They’re also a good choice for yards with slopes or other challenging topography. Here are a few things to know about lawn tractors:

  • Fast – Most lawn tractors provide cutting widths of up to 48 inches for fast results.
  • Powerful – A high horsepower engine provides the “umph” you need to get the yard work done.
  • Versatile – Not only can a lawn tractor mow, it can also pull a cart to help move supplies and even a trailer, materials, and debris.
  • Durable and Tough – Lawn tractors are made to handle hard work. From the paint job to the frame, it will stand up to whatever you throw at it.
  • It’s an Investment – Because it’s a much larger, more powerful, and versatile machine, expect to pay a premium. But, you’ll be getting a piece of lawn equipment you will use for years.

Who uses lawn tractors?

Lawn tractors are almost exclusively used by homeowners. I recommended one to my friend recently who just moved into a house with about one acre. Lawn tractors have a huge advantage to zero turn mowers – they are more narrow and can fit into back gates relatively easily. These mowers are relatively easy to operate but don’t offer the same versatility that the zero turns have. For those of us that aren’t commercial landscapers or massive yards, lawn tractors will do just fine.

Price range of lawn tractors

Lawn tractors are much more affordable than zero turns. You can grab a nice Troy Bilt lawn tractor for around $2,000. That’s a great deal. But most lawn tractors are between $2,000 and $3,500. One thing to keep an eye out for is the upper range of lawn tractors – you get dangerously close and can often overlap the price range for a zero turn.

In my opinion, getting a cheaper zero turn mower is better than an expensive lawn tractor if they are about the same price. Might as well get the nice benefits of a zero turn mower.

Should I Get a Zero-Turn or a Lawn Tractor?

That really depends upon your property and your needs. Zero-turn riding mowers are ideal for just about any yard, especially when there are landscape elements and plantings that must be mowed around. A lawn tractor, on the other hand, is the right choice for larger lawns and gardens. 

Bear in mind this is a basic guide and you should carefully consider your options before making a purchase. Consider the shape and topographical features of your yard, Decide how much time you want to spend on lawn care like mowing. Ask yourself if you need the machine for more than mowing. Finally, choose a mower that fits your budget.

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

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Cub Cadet ZT1 vs Toro TimeCutter Zero Turn Mower Comparison

Toro timecutter zero turn

The Cub Cadet ZT1 vs Toro TimeCutter SS4225 mower is a true battle of the giants. Think Godzilla vs. King Kong – except much more is at stake. These mowers are two of the hottest zero-turn mowers on the market for homeowners. Today, we are going ringside to battle it out.

Bottom line: Both the Toro TimeCutter and the Cub Cadet ZT1 are great mowers, but I really like the bells and whistles provided by the Cub Cadet ZT1.

Everyone when they see the ZT1 and the TimeCutter.

Check out our review of the new electric 60V Toro TimeCutter zero-turn mower here.

Cub Cadet ZT1 vs Toro TimeCutter: A breakdown

Okay – now that we have done some background information, let’s hop on to brass tacks. These are two beasts that are super popular. Make sure you understand their power, comfort and ridability, and cutting experience before making a purchase. 

Power comparison: Cub Cadet vs Toro TimeCutter

One of the most important components of a zero-turn mower is power (duh). The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 has a 22HP Kohler Engine (if you get the 42 inch version, Kawasaki if you get the 50). Kohler and Kawasaki make great small engines. This one can get your mower up to 8 mph in forward motion, and 4 in reverse, making it a pretty speedy lawn mower.

The Toro TimeCutter SS4225 has a 22.5 HP V-twin engine, manufactured by Toro. In most cases, I like when companies outsource their engines to folks like Kohler, Kawasaki, or Briggs & Stratton. 

FeatureCub Cadet Ultima ZT1Toro TimeCutter SS4225
Horsepower22 HP22.5 HP V-twin
Engine typeKohler, KawasakiToro
Speed8 FWD, 4 REV7 FWD, 4 REV
Transmission TypeHydrostaticHydrostatic

While the TimeCutter has slightly more power output, the ZT1 has a little bit more speed. For this round, I’ve gotta give it to the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1.

Comfort and Rideability comparison: Toro vs Cub Cadet

Comfort isn’t everything, but it is incredibly important. You can have all the power in the world, but want to get back inside in five minutes because you are insanely uncomfortable. When picking a zero-turn, I look for things like a high seat back, arm rests, and a cup holder. It sounds bougie, but it makes a difference if you can have a nicer ride.

Nice little handles.

The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 has details like an anti-vibration floor mat that helps provide a smooth ride. This zero turn mower also has a fully adjustable 18 inch seat back, adjustable arm rests, and ergonomic hand groups that allow for more comfort.

The nice suspension system on the Toro TimeCutter.

The Toro TimeCutter SS4225 also has an 18 inch seat back with arm rests. The TimeCutter (one of my favorite from Toro) also comes with a beer holder and a little storage cubby under the seat for storing other things (like your tired arms). 

This is a super tough call, but I think I’m going to have to call it a tie between the Toro TimeCutter and the Cub Cadet ZT1.

Cutting experience on Cub Cadet ZT1 compared to Toro TimeCutter

Both of these mowers are fantastic cuts. When taking these for a spin, the Toro TimeCutter SS4225 feels slightly cheaper or “stock” compared to the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1, but overall the cut seems exactly the same.

One thing I dislike about both of these machines is that they lack an hour meter. Hour meters are used to measure how long you’ve been riding and help you figure out when you need an oil change. 

I also dislike that the Cub Cadet lacks a fuel meter – you are kind of flying blind. Another thing that bothers me about the TimeCutter SS4225 is that it has a “hand crank” deck height lever. Most of the more advanced zero-turns have a knob or something more sophisticated. 

The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 is like Honey Bee from Transformers.

All-in-all, I can’t complain too much about either of these machines. They are both very reliable, have great warranties, and come from higher-end, trusted brands. 

Price comparison: Toro TimeCutter vs Cub Cadet ZT1

Now that we know these machines are both quality and comfort, let’s see how they stack up on price.

The Toro TimeCutter SS4225 is for sale from some retailers for around $3,000 – about $3,200 at Home Depot right now.

The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 is for sale for about $3,500 as well, and it sells almost exclusively at Home Depot.

The final ruling: Cub Cadet ZT1 vs Toro TimeCutter SS4225

FeatureCub Cadet ZT1Toro TimeCutter SS4225
Power+++++++
Comfort+++++++
Cutting Experience++++++++
Price++++

This is super, super close. Basically these are identical lawn mowers. To me, it comes down to reliability over the long term and I’m going to have to go with the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1. The engine being from Kohler/Kawasaki just makes me feel more secure going with them. 

To see our full review of the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1, click here.

To see our full review of the Toro TimeCutter SS4225 featured in this post, click here.

We also compared the Toro to a classic John Deere Zero turn mower here.

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

Things sometimes get out of hand.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

Zero-turn mowers 101

People love zero turn mowers because they are generally faster than your traditional lawn tractor and provide much more agility. Zero turn mowers are especially popular for commercial lawn mowing companies as they provide much more speed and power, have larger gas capacity, and are more nimble than the traditional lawn tractor. 

Iconic.

Zero turn mowers have continued to grow in popularity but are still intimidating to others. While lawn tractors have a steering wheel similar to any other automobile, zero-turn mowers have large handles that stick up and meet in the middle of the mower. To operate the mower, you push forward and use the individual horizontal handles to either push the mower to the right or to the left. 

What to look for in a zero-turn mower

Zero-turn mowers are all about comfort and size. If you are a commercial landscaper, you will likely want a mower with a large deck. The deck houses the blades and the wider the deck, the wider the blade. 

For us residential mowers, we will want to take into account yard-size into our selection process. For those with less than one acre of land, I don’t often recommend zero-turn mowers. They take up too much space for smaller lots and are difficult to store. For those with more than one acre, zero-turn mowers are great. The larger the acreage, the wider the deck you will want. 

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The Husqvarna Z246 Is A Perfect Residential Zero-Turn

The Husqvarna Z246 zero-turn mower is an absolute beast. If you are looking for a zero-turn mower that is somewhere between a residential and commercial mower, this one can do both!

I like the reinforced cutting deck on the Z246.

Bottom Line: The Husqvarna Z246’s combination of an absolute beast of an engine, larger deck, and Husqvarna quality make for one of the best zero-turn mowers on the market. The Z246 is great for residential lawns that are large or smaller commercial projects.

Let’s take a look at the outline for this Husqvarna Z246 zero-turn mower review:

The Husqvarna Z246 review: Features

The Husqvarna Z246 is a high-end residential zero-turn mower. This mower has a great combination of a super powerful, reliable engine, a wide cutting deck, and some nice bells and whistles.

Power breakdown

The Husqvarna Z246 has a 20-horsepower Briggs and Stratton engine. Although the Z254 has a bit more horsepower and width, this bad boy has a little bit smaller of a deck. Don’t be concerned, the 20 horsepower engine is plenty and will not have a much more noticeable difference than the 24hp Z254 mower.

All that being said, the Husqvarna Z246 has some power under the hood. The one thing I love about all Husqvarna products is that they are flat out powerful. The oversized cooling fan, premium air filtration, chrome plated valves and smooth bearings all give this engine a high-end performance that you won’t find from some of the big box retailers.

This thing is a beast.

Another thing I love about Husqvarna is that they know what to outsource. Many of these companies try to vertically integrate and make sure that they own every single part of the mower. Husqvarna has the humility to ensure that their owners are getting a super refined product. Many mowers rely on Briggs and Stratton for their engines because they simply dominate the engineering of that space. When you get into the high horsepower range, you will be glad they decided to loop in Briggs and Stratton. 

Using the Husqvarna Z246 zero-turn mower

One element I love about the Husqvarna Z246 is that the folks over at Husqvarna have mowed lawns before. When putting together machines, they always consider the mowers’ experiences. This one uniquely feels like it was designed for commercial property landscaping, but also able to be used in your backyard. 

For starters, the Z246 comes with an automatic park brake system. When the steering levers are deactivated (resting in a separated form), the parking brake is automatically activated. For context, most zero turn mowers have a separate brake that you have to engage. This is a part of all of their Z200 series mowers and something that is so intuitive, you couldn’t imagine buying a mower without it.  

The Husqvarna Z246 also has an ergonomic control panel. Ergonomic is a label placed on anything, so I rolled my eyes when I first saw this. But it is nice having a panel that includes the ignition, hour meter, and speed control all together in one spot. On the other side of the control panel, there is the deck lift system, which is extremely standard on really any riding mower. Nothing special here. 

This mower does come with the ability for some attachments. One attachment I absolutely love is the striping kit. Just makes your yard pop. The 46 inch mower deck on this is over double the size of your average push mower, so you can save time and money by upgrading to one of these puppies. Compare this to the 42 inch deck on the Z242f, which is slightly smaller.

Drivability

Earlier, when I mentioned that this was designed for commercial folks, I meant it. An example of this is the rubber bellows (little rubber part at the bottom of gear shifters in manual cars), that are at the bottom of the handles. 

You see, these rubber bellows are actually very important and you will see them on industrial equipment for a reason. When moving joints on any metal tool get a lot of use (especially outdoors), they get exposed to grass, twigs, debris, rain, wind, extreme temperature fluctuations, etc.. As we all know, water is the biggest destroyer on the planet. The rubber bellows protect the moving joints on the steering levers and maintain the integrity of the steering components for much longer than its peers.

Lastly, the anti-slip foot area is just another common sense detail found on this mower that actually is missing from a lot. Others will have the smooth, finished steel with holes in it. That is great and all for when you want to hose down the mower, but when you actually need to make an awkward step in or out, you will wish you had an anti-slip surface available. 

The mowing deck has something called “air induction technology” that actually sucks the grass up so the blades can get the most complete cut. For an analogy of this, imagine your hairdresser pulling your hair out with a comb to cut it evenly. The design of this deck does the same thing with air. 

Maintaining zero-turns is a lot of work

The hydrostatic transmission means that this zero-turn mower is going to be relatively maintenance free. The 3-year bumper to bumper warranty is a good faith pledge from the people at Husqvarna that they stand behind their equipment. My suggestion is always to ride the wheels off of this for the first few years while you are still under warranty. 

The durability of this thing is high quality as well. Once you step on and feel the “thud” of your boots on the footplate, you will know that this was constructed with thick steel. The frame and casters as well are pretty dang thick. In some of the other mowers I have tried and reviewed, I read about folks actually cracking the chassis of their mower going over a weird hill or bump. I mean my word people, just put some reinforced steel and wheels on there and avoid losing $3,000+ on a mower. 

Cost and value

The Husqvarna Z246 costs about $3,000. All things considered, this is a tremendous value. In fact for the quality, power, and durability, this is probably the best value of any zero-turn mower I reviewed. I absolutely recommend this product. 

The official review: The Husqvarna Z246

FeatureHusqvarna Z246Comparable residential ZT mower
Difficulty to useBelow average difficultyAverage
DurabilityAbove average durabilityAverage durability
MaintenanceAverage maintenanceAverage maintenance
ValueSuper high valueMedium value
For lots <10,000 sq. ftWould not fitWould not fit
For lots <1 acreProbably overkill but is fun and looks coolProbably overkill but is fun and looks cool
For lots >1 acreHighly recommendedHighly recommended

Looking for something bigger? Gravely makes some zero turn mowers adored by landscapers.

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

How we spend our time now.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

About Husqvarna

Husqvarna makes chainsaws, lawn mowers, trimmers,  leaf blowers, snow blowers, pressure washers, edgers, – basically every tool under the sun. Their color scheme of grey and bright orange sticks out like a sore thumb. When you pass by the big commercial mowers, you can almost always spot a Husqvarna product.

Beast mode.

Husqvarna is one of the leading product suppliers for commercial lawn care companies including government and public agencies. Ever wonder how a vast open area at a park gets trimmed? Golf courses, national parks, etc.? It is likely a Husqvarna product. 

If you are wondering how to pronounce Husqvarna, you have come to the wrong place. But this company’s 330 year history started in Sweden by manufacturing muskets. In 1919, they began engineering their first lawnmower engines. Since then, they have become a dominant force in all outdoor equipment.

Zero-turn mowers

A few things to look for in zero-turn mowers are blade size, transmission, accessory capabilities and cost. Blade size is important to keep consistent with the size of your lawn. Obviously longer blades are best for larger lawns, but begin to sacrifice a little bit of the agility afforded by a smaller blade. 

Transmission is also an important consideration for a zero-turn mower. Most zero turn mowers do not have manual transmissions, but have either automatic or hydrostatic transmissions. Automatic works just like an automatic car does with a gas pedal and belts. Hydrostatic transmissions use fluid to transfer their power to the blades and the rest of the engine. I prefer and recommend hydrostatic transmissions because they typically require less maintenance and have a longer life (plus it sounds cooler).

Cost is generally of the utmost importance as well. Zero-turn mowers are expensive. In fact, you can buy an old Honda Civic for less than most zero turn mowers. Expect to spend no less than $3,000 for a good zero turn mower. Keep in mind that these will last a long time and save you a ton of weekend time.

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Testing Out My Brother’s Husqvarna Z242F Zero-Turn

The Husqvarna Z242f is one of the more affordable residential zero-turn mowers on the market. One thing we know about Husqvarna is their consistent power output and reliability. Let’s review the critical components of what you need to know before considering the Husqvarna Z242f for a purchase.

Jump ahead:

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

The face test.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something. Always feel free to leave a comment or request a review using the form you see at the top of this page.

About Husqvarna

Husqvarna is one of the most respected names in lawn care. Not only are they producers of great, high quality lawn care tools for residential property owners, but they also create really great machinery for commercial use in parks, golf courses, and all over construction sites.

Really what they’re known for.

Husqvarna’s bread and butter is the heavier, commercial machinery for sure. For example, they don’t have a huge presence in the push mower space, but have some absolute units in the zero-turn mower space. Likewise, they produce big boy commercial lawn mowers and chainsaws that you will see clearing forests. 

That being said, you can see how all of Husqvarna’s industry experience could lead to them making the best zero-turn mowers for homeowners. 

Zero-turn mowers

A few things to look for in zero-turn mowers are blade size, transmission, accessory capabilities and cost. Blade size is important to keep consistent with the size of your lawn. Obviously longer blades are best for larger lawns, but begin to sacrifice a little bit of the agility afforded by a smaller blade. 

Transmission is also an important consideration for a zero-turn mower. Most zero turn mowers do not have manual transmissions, but have either automatic or hydrostatic transmissions. Automatic works just like an automatic car does with a gas pedal and belts. Hydrostatic transmissions use fluid to transfer their power to the blades and the rest of the engine. I prefer and recommend hydrostatic transmissions because they typically require less maintenance and have a longer life (plus it sounds cooler).

Cost is generally of the utmost importance as well. Zero-turn mowers are expensive. In fact, you can buy an old Honda Civic for less than most zero turn mowers. Expect to spend no less than $3,000 for a zero turn mower. Keep in mind that these will last a long time and save you a ton of weekend time when compared to a riding tractor or push mower. Zero turn mowers are an upfront investment, but reap a huge return over time.

Husqvarna Z242f: Feature review

Alright, now that we have wrapped our heads around ZT mowers and Husqvarna, let’s check out this specific mower from the Z200 series of Husqvarna.

The Z242f in all its glory.

Power

The Husqvarna Z242f packs a punch, no doubt. This mower has an 18hp Kawasaki engine from their FR series (which is where I think the “f” in Z242f) comes from. The Kawaski engine runs up to almost 7 miles per hour and can cover 2.2 acres in an hour. I don’t know about you, but that acre/hour statistic is pretty compelling, especially if you are looking to save time on the weekends (who isn’t?).

Just about everything you would need for a residential property is covered by this engine. No complaints from a power perspective – this is going to be more than enough to cover a multi-acre parcel of land.

One consideration for this mower, and for the Z200 series as a whole, is what size cutting deck do you need? The Z242f has a 42 inch cutting deck (the 42 in Z242f) that will leave three and a half feet of cut grass behind you. As you think through your land, consider a few things:

How many obstacles do I have to navigate? 

  • The more obstacles you have, the more nimble you will want to be. If you have a ton of trees, flower beds, or other structures, going any higher than a 42 inch deck will require some serious agility.

How much open land do I have?

  • If you have acres of open land and are making straight pass over straight pass, consider a larger deck than a 42 inch deck. If you go up to a 60 inch deck, you will cut an additional foot and a half with each pass. This foot and a half will add up tremendously after a handful of passes, saving you time. And time is money. 
You can see the 42 inch cutting deck clearly labeled on this mower.

Usability

Okay, all the power in the world is totally worthless if it is difficult to use. We have reviewed quite a few Husqvarna zero-turn mowers here at The Lawn Review, but absolutely love the features that come with the Husqvarna Z242f. 

First of all, Husqvarna has a sick automatic park brake system. After you find out what it is, you will wonder why all zero-turn mowers do not have this feature. The park brake system is activated when the steering levers fall to the side (as they naturally do when you let go of them). Yep – it is that simple. No crank you have to crank or anything else that you could forget, and then end up chasing your several thousand dollar mower down the street. 

Photo cred: Tractor Supply Co.

Another great feature of the Husqvarna Z242f is the nice little ergonomic control panel. This has things like an hour meter, choke, speed control, and ignition all in one spot. You would not believe how many manufacturers leave out something simple like an hour meter! 

Husqvarna has also addressed a few of the finer things in life, like a comfortable seat. Yes, a comfortable seat. This does have a downside of no arm rests BUT comes with a cup holder – a total game changer. Armrests are optional and are best suited for those of us with arms. 

Maintenance and durability

The Z242f comes with a hydrostatic transmission, which is an absolute must-have if you own a zero-turn mower. These will help keep your tranny (…) in good shape and tend to last longer than other transmission styles. 

From a maintenance perspective, you will have to do your regular oil changes and air filter changes, both of which are pretty standard and straight forward. Again, this is when the hour meter comes in handy so that you can freaking track when this needs to get done. Even better, it already has programmed service intervals that will remind you when this stuff needs to get done.

To top it off, as with most of their products Husqvarna offers a three year warranty for residential users. See below for reviews from their website:

People like it!

Price and value

Almost spit out my coffee when I checked the price on this bad boy. The Husqvarna Z242f comes in right at $3,000, otherwise known as three racks. 

This is a great price for a residential zero-turn mower. Shoot, there are some lawn tractors we have reviewed that cost this much and those things are not nearly as powerful. 

The official review: Husqvarna Z242f zero turn mower

FeatureHusqvarna Z242Comparable residential ZT mower
Difficulty to useSlightly above averageAverage
DurabilityAverage durabilityAverage durability
MaintenanceAvg. maintenanceAvg. maintenance
ValueVery high valueMedium value
For lots <10,000 sq. ftWould not fitWould not fit
For lots <1 acreProbably overkill but is fun and looks coolProbably overkill but is fun and looks cool
For lots >1 acreHighly recommendedHighly recommended
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Lawn Equipment Costs and Statistics: 2022 updates

Many people seeking to understand various lawn tools need a frame of reference for cost and power comparisons across types of lawn equipment. In this post, we will reference all types of residential lawn equipment to gather a reference resource for all savvy shoppers. Let’s get started!

Looking to update these numbers for 2023 lawn care costs? Click here!

Jump ahead:

Statistics about push mowers

When it comes to push mowers, there are really three main types of power sources:

  1. Battery-powered push mowers: These mowers are powered by a battery and can be easily re-charged and stored. Battery-powered mowers are typically less expensive, easier to store and maintain, and better suited for small yards.
  2. Gas-powered push mowers: These mowers are gasoline-powered and rely on refills, just like a car. Gas-powered push mowers tend to last much longer than electric mowers, but require yearly maintenance.
  3. Corded electric push mowers: Corded push mowers tend to be very similar to battery-powered mowers, except require a long extension cord for power. Be careful not to run it over with the blade!

The average cost of push mowers in 2022

Push mowers range in cost depending on how they are powered, the size of their engine, and the width of their cutting deck. Push mowers are one of the most popular types of mowers because most folks have relatively small yards.

As the rise of townhomes have grown, the small little yards associated with them can be easily taken care of with a small electric mower. Sun Joe offers a ton of these, but also has competition with Greenworks, Ryobi, and a handful of others.

Battery powered mower cost 2022

The average cost of a battery-powered push mower in 2022 is about $300, but can range from $75 – $550 depending on size and features.  

Some of the battery powered push mowers we have reviewed are:

The Greenworks cordless mower is very popular.

Interested in other electric mowers? Check out our list of Top 13 Best Electric Mowers for Small Yards in 2022.

Average cost of a gas push mower in 2022

The average cost of a gas-powered push mower in 2022 is about $250, but can range from $170 – $400.

Some of the gas-powered push mowers we have reviewed are:

The Troy Bilt TB160 was my first mower and still runs like new.

Average cost of an electric mower in 2022

The average cost of a corded electric push mower in 2022 is about $150, but can range from $70 to $200.

The average cost of a riding mower in 2022 (Lawn Tractor + Zero-Turn)

Riding mowers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The two you will recognize the most are lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers. 

Lawn tractors vs. zero-turn mowers

Lawn tractors tend to have a steering wheel where the engine sits between your legs. Zero-turn mowers have levers that help steer the mower. 

Lawn tractors are best for yards that are between ½ of an acre and 1.5 acres. Zero-turn mowers are great for those with 1.5 acres and above. 

Lawn tractor costs in 2022

The average cost of a lawn tractor in 2022 is about $2,300, but can range between $2,000 and $4,200.

Most lawn tractors sit right around the $2,000 to $3,000 range, but some newer electric lawn tractors can cost over $4,000.

Lawn tractors vary in price depending on their engine horsepower and their cutting width. As you would expect, larger engines and larger cutting decks increase the price of the lawn tractor.

Some of the lawn tractors that we have reviewed are:

The Cub Cadet XT2 is so hot right now.

Zero-turn mower costs in 2022

The average cost of a zero-turn mower in 2022 is about $4,500, but can range from $2,900 to $5,300. Zero-turn mowers range in price depending on the features and the size of the mower. 

Commercial zero-turn mowers can run as high as $10,000 in 2022. 

Some popular zero-turn mowers that we have reviewed include

The Ariens IKON XD52 is an absolute unit.

The average cost of a lawn service in 2022

The average cost of a lawn mowing service in 2022 is about $60 for lots < 10,000 sq. ft.

The average cost of a lawn mowing service for yards between 10,000 sq. ft and ½ acre is about $100 in 2022. 

The average cost of a lawn mowing service for an acre is $150-200 in 2022. 

As a reminder, lawn service usually comes every week or every other week during peak season. These costs can add up extremely quickly, making do-it-yourself lawn mowing easily the most affordable option.

Leaf blowers: A 2022 guide to cost and choice

Leaf blowers come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from some that seem to have the power of a hair blower to others that can send a sailboat across the Atlantic. When it comes to leaf blowers, there are three main types: handheld electric, handheld gasoline, and backpack blowers. 

Handheld electric blowers are slightly more expensive than gas blowers and are often the least powerful. There are a few exceptions, but these hold true. 

Who should buy an electric blower?

Electric blowers are great for those looking for quick, small jobs around the yard. This would include blowing out the garage, blowing off the driveway or back deck, or collecting leaves for a smaller yard. 

Electric blowers have a huge upside in that they are very easy to start and maintain, only requiring a charged battery to begin the work

Average cost of an electric leaf blower in 2022

The average cost of an electric leaf blower in 2022 is $175, but can range from $70 to $350 depending on the quality. 

Some of our favorite electric leaf blowers include:

The Ryobi Brushless Whisper blower is a beast.

Who should buy a gas leaf blower?

Handheld gasoline blowers provide a step up in power, but often require air filter changes and other minorly inconvenient maintenance. Gas blowers are great for people who have up to an acre or so of land and feel comfortable walking around and using the blower. 

Likewise, gas blowers are great for folks who receive a significant amount of leaves, regardless of lawn size. Gas blowers can help move leaves off of your yard much more quickly and will leave less wet leaves stuck behind.

Average cost of a gas leaf blower in 2022

Gas blowers cost about $150, but range from $100 – $250 depending on size and power. 

One of our favorite handheld gas blowers that we have reviewed is the Husqvarna 125B. This blower has an attachment on the end that can provide a super concentrated stream of air, with the ability to blow anything away.

We also love the Stihl BG 86 C – check out our video review on YouTube!

The cool flat tip on the Husqvarna 125B.

Who should buy a backpack blower?

Backpack blowers are the most powerful, expensive, and loudest blowers on the market. These are made popular by commercial landscapers, but anyone with an acre or above could majorly benefit from these.

Backpack blowers provide very high amounts of power and come with the added comfort of straps, advanced features, and an easy to use handle. 

Average cost of a backpack blower in 2022

Backpack blowers will run you about $350 in 2022, but can range from $250 to $750 depending on the size and power.

Some of our favorite backpack blower reviews include:

The Stihl BR600 is a beast and you look like a teenage mutant ninja turtle when you wear it.

Trimmers or Weed Eaters costs in 2022

Trimmers, lovingly known as weed eaters, are tools used to cut grass precisely. These are often used in harder to reach areas, to clear brush, or to fine tune the edges of a property.

Trimmers come in both gas and electric powered forms, with electric becoming more popular. Electric trimmers are very easy to use, but can be less powerful. A plus side to electric trimmers is that they often come with multiple interchangeable heads, allowing for edger, blower, and hedge trimmer attachments to all fit the same body.

Gas trimmers provide relentless, reliable power and are often used by those with bigger yards and of course, commercial landscapers. 

Average cost of an electric trimmer in 2022

Some of our electric trimmer reviews can be found here:

I have the Ryobi 40V trimmer….and I do not like it.

Average cost of a gas trimmer in 2022

The average cost of a gas trimmer in 2022 is about $180, but ranges from $150 to $430 depending on power and included attachments.

Some of our favorite gas trimmer reviews are below:

The ECHO SRM 225 has a powerful trimmer head.

Pressure washer costs in 2022

Pressure washers come in two major forms: gas and electric. Electric pressure washers tend to have less power and lower reliability. Gas pressure washers are more powerful and can get extremely pricey.

Who should buy an electric pressure washer?

Electric pressure washers are great for people who are doing lighter jobs. The perfect person to buy an electric pressure washer is someone looking to clean their windows, their car or boat, or garage door. 

Electric pressure washers are less expensive and relatively easy to use. If you are looking to blast away all of the grime from your long driveway, electric pressure washers will not be the best choice for you.

Average cost of an electric pressure washer in 2022

The average cost of an electric pressure washer is about $190, but ranges from $60 to $300 depending on power and size.

Some of our favorite electric pressure washers include:

The Sun Joe SPX3000 is one of the hottest pressure washers on Amazon.

Who should buy a gas pressure washer?

Gas pressure washers are great for all of the same reasons as an electric pressure washer, but can also remove paint, blast dirt and grime off of old surfaces, and more. 

Gas pressure washers have serious power, but are also pretty loud. They will be more reliable, but also require a little bit of maintenance.

Average cost of a gas pressure washer in 2022

The average cost of a gas pressure washer in 2022 is about $400, but can range from $250 to $1,000 depending on power.

Some of our favorite gas pressure washers include:

The Dewalt 3400 PSI pressure washer provides intense power.

Dethatcher costs in 2022

Dethatchers are lawn tools that pull up thatch, or dead grass, from the bottom of your yard. Thatch forms over time and can suffocate your soil, leaving poor conditions for your healthy grass to grow.

Many people dethatch their lawns before they aerate and seed in the fall. Dethatchers have grown in popularity. They are often electric, corded devices that replace the traditional dethatching rakes. 

Dethatchers typically come corded, meaning you need a long extension cord to operate them in your yard. They are not a danger to your cord like a normal mower, but actually have small metal tines. The tines stick out (kind of like the metal springs in a chip bag clip), and kick up the thatch from the soil.

Average cost of a dethatcher in 2022

The average dethatcher will cost about $150, but ranges from $130 to $200 depending on the width of the machine.

Two of our favorite dethatcher reviews are below:

The Sun Joe Dethatcher is one of the hottest lawn care items in 2022.
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Husqvarna MZ61 Zero-Turn Mower: A Massive Beast

The Husqvarna MZ61 zero-turn mower is simply a beast. One of the biggest, baddest zero-turn mowers I have had the pleasure of reviewing, this thing absolutely means business.

Photo cred: Husqvarna

If you don’t want to read much further, here’s the bottom line: the Husqvarna MZ61 zero-turn mower is from an extremely high-performing class of mowers and is extremely wide, making your job way quicker. I recommend it.

The folks over at Husqvarna have a reputation for putting out monster equipment so I am excited for us to roll up our sleeves and dig in. 

Let’s get started, click these links to jump ahead:

The Husqvarna MZ61: Feature review

The first thing to know about the MZ61 is that it is one of the biggest zero-turn mowers offered by Husqvarna. The 61 obviously stands for a 61 inch cutting deck, which is over 5 feet wide. This is not your neighborhood lawn mower, but more for those of us with a lot of land or commercial obligations.

The Husqvarna MZ61 in all of its glory.

Power provided by Briggs and Stratton

The Husqvarna MZ61 boasts a 27hp engine, which is on par for some motorcycles. This thing is an absolute beast. Briggs and Stratton manufactures the engine, which is a feature I love. Husqvarna often outsources their engines to Briggs and Stratton, who have perfected and refined small engines. They provide lawn mower engines to some Toro mowers as well. 

The engine is a V-twin Endurance engine that features premium air filtration, chrome plated valves, super finished bearing surfaces, and an oversized cooling fan. Translating all of this into English, this mower is super durable and can handle several days in a row of runtime, thick brush, and high speeds. 

Super wide cutting deck and operations

As mentioned earlier, the Husqvarna MZ61 has a 61 inch cutting deck (or 5 feet and 1 inch). That is huge. The deck itself is fabricated 11 gauge steel with three anti-scalp wheels. Anti-scalp wheels prevent against scalping, or when the blades run into the earth when maneuvering over uneven terrain or hills. The deck lifting system is manual and foot-operated whereas the blade engagement system is an electric clutch. The cutting height has 12 steps, or levels, that dictate the length of grass you would like to cut. 

The three (yes, three) blades underneath this beast rotate at about 18,500 fpm and can handle even the densest of brush. Unfortunately, the MZ61 does not come with a deck wash port that allows for a hose to be directly connected to the deck to remove any built up debris like caked-on grass. 

Another often overlooked feature of this mower is the 6 inch castor wheels on the front. These are massive front wheels that allow for a sturdy ride that is also easily maneuverable. 

Comfort

Of course one of the best things about Husqvarna zero-turn mowers like the MZ61 is the comfort. Husqvarna designers are definitely people who have used zero-turn mowers before and every user experience detail is confronted. 

First, the Husqvarna MZ61 has armrests. So many dang lawn mowers come without armrests and I always wonder why. They are absolutely essential for anyone who has to mow more than 10 minutes at a time, and they are a huge pain to go without.

Arm rests are game changers.

Second, the super high-back chair on the Husqvarna MZ61 is unrivaled. Most zero-turn mowers have a 15 inch chair, and that is being generous. The MZ61 has a 21 inch chair back. Yep, the designer has mowed a large property before. It is so crazy how this is easily overlooked – I am guessing that it is an expensive feature or something? 

I always love the other simple things like a cup holder and phone holder. The Husqvarna MZ61 has all of these. 

Durability and maintenance

Something missing from a lot of mowers is an hour meter. Hour meters keep track of how long you have been mowing so that you know when you need to do an oil change and other routine maintenance. The Husqvarna MZ61 has an hour meter with a service reminder built in, which helps keep you focused on the job instead of manually tracking. 

The built in hour meter on the MZ61, with a service reminder.

The transmission on the MZ61 is also an integrated zero-turn transmission with features that contribute to longer life like charge-pumps, larger axles, and expansion tanks. For other features underneath like belt replacements, etc. you can simply remove the foot pan to access a significant amount of deck-related hardware. 

The oversized chassis with massive dimensions help provide a durable frame. In combination with the 6-inch caster wheels and massive rear tires, the frame and drive on this mower are extremely durable. You can also buy a roll over protection system (ROPS) as an optional add-on to protect against any rollover concerns. 

The easy access points on the Husqvarna MZ61 for any service needs.

Frankly, this thing is built like a tank and you will not have any concerns about durability. 

Cost and value

I do not particularly like talking about the cost and price associated with mowers like these because these are truly investments. 

The MZ61 comes in at just over $5,000. To me, this is a high-value purchase. With proper maintenance and attention, this mower is going to last you for a decade or longer. If you have more than 2 acres, this mower is absolutely the top of the line.

The official review: Husqvarna MZ61 zero-turn mower

FeatureHusqvarna MZ61Comparable residential ZT mower
Difficulty to useBelow average difficultyAverage
DurabilityAbove average durabilityAverage durability
MaintenanceAverage maintenanceAverage maintenance
ValueSuper high valueMedium value
For lots <10,000 sq. ftWould not fitWould not fit
For lots <1 acreToo largeProbably overkill but is fun and looks cool
For lots >1 acreHighly recommendedHighly recommended

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

How we review and test tools.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

Husqvarna’s reputation

Husqvarna is one of the leading product suppliers for commercial lawn care companies including government and public agencies. Ever wonder how a vast open area at a park gets trimmed? Golf courses, national parks, etc.? It is likely a Husqvarna product. 

Everyone knows Husqvarna for these…

Husqvarna makes chainsaws, lawn mowers, trimmers, leaf blowers, snow blowers, pressure washers, edgers, – basically every tool under the sun. Their color scheme of grey and bright orange sticks out like a sore thumb. When you pass by the big commercial mowers, you can almost always spot a Husqvarna product.

If you are wondering how to pronounce Husqvarna, you have come to the wrong place. But this company’s 330 year history started in Sweden by manufacturing muskets. In 1919, they began engineering their first lawnmower engines. Since then, they have become a dominant force in all outdoor equipment. 

Zero-turn mowers

I usually give a run down of zero-turn mowers and why they are superior for large yards. I compare them to lawn tractors and push mowers and all that jazz. But if you searched for the Husqvarna MZ61 and stumbled upon this review, I am guessing you are an experienced mower and have had a zero-turn mower in the past. 

The long and the short of it is that Husqvarna’s are high quality machines. Their zero-turn mowers, particularly this one, are top of the line and absolutely sweet. Let’s not waste any time trying to explain what the best yards are for zero-turn mowers and get into the review.

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Why the Husqvarna Z254 is Both Beauty and Grace

The Husqvarna Z254 zero-turn mower is an absolute beast. If you are looking for a zero-turn mower that feels and looks like a commercial mower, look no further.

The combination of an absolute beast of an engine, massive deck, and Husqvarna quality make for one of the best zero-turn mowers on the market. 

Let’s take a look at the outline for this review:

The Husqvarna Z254 review: Features

Now that you understand the reputation of Husqvarna and the benefits of zero-turn mowers, let’s check out some of the features and highlights of the Husqvarna Z254. 

Power

The Husqvarna Z254 has a 24-horsepower Briggs and Stratton engine. Yep, you read that right, 24 horses! For reference, many of the other similar sized mowers are around 22-23 horsepower. Even some of the larger zero turn mowers with a 60 inch deck have 24 horsepower mowers. 

All that being said, this thing has some power under the hood. The one thing I love about all Husqvarna products is that they are flat out powerful. The oversized cooling fan, premium air filtration, chrome plated valves and smooth bearings all give this engine a high-end performance.

Another thing I love about Husqvarna is that they know what to outsource. Many of these companies try to vertically integrate and make sure that they own every single part of the mower. Husqvarna has the humility to ensure that their owners are getting a super refined product. Many mowers rely on Briggs and Stratton for their engines because they simply dominate the engineering of that space. When you get into the high horsepower range, you will be glad they decided to loop in Briggs and Stratton. 

Husqvarna Z254 zero-turn mower is an absolute beast!

User experience

One element I love about the Husqvarna Z254 is that the folks over at Husqvarna have mowed lawns before. When putting together machines, they always consider the mowers’ experiences. This one uniquely feels like it was designed for commercial property landscaping, but also able to be used in your backyard. 

For starters, the Z254 comes with an automatic park brake system. When the steering levers are deactivated (resting in a separated form), the parking brake is automatically activated. For context, most zero turn mowers have a separate brake that you have to engage. 

This thing is sweet.

The Husqvarna Z254 also has an ergonomic control panel. Ergonomic is a label placed on anything, so I rolled my eyes when I first saw this. But it is nice having a panel that includes the ignition, hour meter, and speed control all together in one spot. On the other side of the control panel, there is the deck lift system, which is extremely standard on really any riding mower. Nothing special here. 

This mower does come with the ability for some attachments. One attachment I absolutely love is the striping kit. Just makes your yard pop. The 54 inch mower deck on this is almost 3 times the size of your average push mower, so you can imagine how big of a stripe you can make on your yard with this. 

Drivability

Earlier, when I mentioned that this was designed for commercial folks, I meant it. An example of this is the rubber bellows (little rubber part at the bottom of gear shifters in manual cars), that are at the bottom of the handles. 

You see, these rubber bellows are actually very important and you will see them on industrial equipment for a reason. When moving joints on any metal tool get a lot of use (especially outdoors), they get exposed to grass, twigs, debris, rain, wind, extreme temperature fluctuations, etc.. As we all know, water is the biggest destroyer on the planet. The rubber bellows protect the moving joints on the steering levers and maintain the integrity of the steering components for much longer than its peers.

The rubber bellows on the Husqvarna Z254

Lastly, the anti-slip foot area is just another common sense detail found on this mower that actually is missing from a lot. Others will have the smooth, finished steel with holes in it. That is great and all for when you want to hose down the mower, but when you actually need to make an awkward step in or out, you will wish you had an anti-slip surface available. 

The 54 inch mowing deck has something called “air induction technology” that actually sucks the grass up so the blades can get the most complete cut. For an analogy of this, imagine your hairdresser pulling your hair out with a comb to cut it evenly. The design of this deck does the same thing with air. 

It’s so well constructed and roomy.

Maintenance and durability

The hydrostatic transmission means that this zero-turn mower is going to be relatively maintenance free. The 3-year bumper to bumper warranty is a good faith pledge from the people at Husqvarna that they stand behind their equipment. My suggestion is always to ride the wheels off of this for the first few years while you are still under warranty. 

The durability of this thing is high quality as well. Once you step on and feel the “thud” of your boots on the footplate, you will know that this was constructed with thick steel. The frame and casters as well are pretty dang thick. In some of the other mowers I have tried and reviewed, I read about folks actually cracking the chassis of their mower going over a weird hill or bump. I mean my word people, just put some reinforced steel and wheels on there and avoid losing $3,000+ on a mower. 

Cost and value: Husqvarna Z254 zero-turn mower

The Husqvarna Z254 costs about $3,800 and can actually be bought on Amazon and delivered to your house! All things considered, this is a tremendous value. In fact for the quality, power, and durability, this is probably the best value of any zero-turn mower I reviewed. I absolutely recommend this product. 

The official review: The Husqvarna Z254 zero-turn mower

Check out the table we made below that compare the Husvarna Z254 zero-turn mower to a comparable, average residential zero-turn mower.

FeatureHusqvarna Z254Comparable residential ZT mower
Difficulty to useBelow average difficultyAverage
DurabilityAbove average durabilityAverage durability
MaintenanceAverage maintenanceAverage maintenance
ValueSuper high valueMedium value
For lots <10,000 sq. ftWould not fitWould not fit
For lots <1 acreProbably overkill but is fun and looks coolProbably overkill but is fun and looks cool
For lots >1 acreHighly recommendedHighly recommended
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I Tested Out Toro’s New TimeCutter ZTR with MyRIDE

The Toro TimeCutter SS4225 is a zero-turn mower offered by Toro. The “SS” in the name refers to Smart Speed – a dynamic speed setting controlled by the handle levers. SmartSpeed allows for more maneuverability in making sure you get every last angle of your lawn.

More on that later, though. The TimeCutter is one of the best-selling residential zero-turn mowers on the market and also one of the most affordable. 

The bottom line about the Toro TimeCutter Zero Turn Mower:

  1. The TimeCutter is the Honda Accord of zero-turn mowers – affordable, reliable, nice
  2. This mower is super easy to use and has some cool features – like the deck wash-out
  3. It is available for a great price from Home Depot

Let’s check out why! Jump ahead to:

The Toro TimeCutter SS4225 Zero-turn mower features

The TimeCutter was aptly named because it boasts cutting your lawn mowing time by 50% when compared to a normal riding mower or lawn tractor. Yep, take back your Saturdays and spend more time watching football (or shopping with your wife). Let’s look at some of the features that make this thing special.

The nice thick rear tires on the TimeCutter.

Power output

The Toro TimeCutter SS 4225 boasts a 22.5 HP V-twin Toro engine (I think that is where the 225 in the name comes from). From what I can tell, Toro used to offer a Kawasaki or Kohler engine, but has made the switch to in-house engines. The 22.5 hp engine is marketed as a “commercial” engine, which is actually accurate. This is a powerful engine that goes above and beyond what you see in normal residential mowers.

With forward speeds up to 7mph and reverse at 4pmh, you can save a ton of time on your weekends by moving quickly. This thing means business and has a 42 inch deck. For scale, most push mowers are anywhere between 18 and 24 inches. This means that each pass you make is basically double the width of a push mower and (depending on how fast you move), three to four times faster. The 50% speed reduction is super conservative in my opinion.

Maneuverability

Something lovely about the Toro TimeCutter SS is the “SS” or SmartSpeed. The SmartSpeed functionality allows you to slow down when making tight maneuvers so that you can make sharp, smooth cuts around garden beds. 

Once you get used to using a zero-turn mower, you will understand how this works. You can simply pull back the levers slightly during tight squeezes and be precise with your cuts. Controlling the TimeCutter is super easy because this technology adjusts to your pace. This is a highly maneuverable mower, even for beginners.

Comfort is best in class

Again, a thing I love about Toro mowers is that they begin with the driver in mind. They truly think through the driver’s experience and craft their mowers to accommodate them. One of these features is simple – a cup holder. It is great to have nice cool water (beer) while mowing the lawn. Competitors have not figured out this simple amenity. 

Another great feature is the high back seat. This is an 18 inch seat back, which I believe is the highest I have ever reviewed. Seat height and comfort are some of the most important elements to me because it makes a world of difference. I love being able to lean a little further back and rest my arms on the levers. 

As mentioned previously, they have truly thought through everything and are appealing to experienced mowers that have requested these types of features. 

Maintenance schedule

Maintenance on the Toro TimeCutter SS 4225 is pretty standard for a zero turn mower. The two most common things you will have to do will be the oil change and air filter replacement. The hydrostatic transmission is another feature that helps improve the longevity of zero-turn mowers. 

The air filter is super accessible – just flip it open and replace it with ease. Likewise, the oil change just requires a quick empty and refill through the oil drain tube. Some other mowers I have seen, particularly standard riding mowers like the John Deere I reviewed, have easier to maintain features, but none of this is too cumbersome. 

The Toro TimeCutter SS4225 comes with a three-year, unlimited hour warranty. This is also the first time I have seen an unlimited hour warranty – which means Toro is not messing around with their confidence in this mower. 

Don’t like maintenance? Check out the electric version that comes with a bunch of big batteries that don’t require maintenance.

Potential downsides of this mower

While I love nearly everything about the Toro TimeCutter, I don’t love absolutely everything. One thing I dislike is the height adjustment for the deck. So many other decks have sophisticated systems where you simply twist a knob.

Oh, COME ON.

The Toro TimeCutter SS series has you cranking one of those metal levers to the desired blade height. Something that most people don’t mind, but an area where Toro has not yet innovated.

Sadly, this mower also does not have an hour meter or front lights – features that many other zero-turn mowers do have. An hour meter can be purchased separately, but you are on your own when it comes to lighting. 

Cost and value

Okay – now that we have reviewed all of the features I love and paired them with some of the criticisms I have, let’s talk cost. For context, most zero-turn mowers of the same size range between $3,000-$4,500. Basically mini cars. 

The Toro TimeCutter SS 4225 comes in just under $3,500 at Home Depot – making it a ridiculously good deal. I think this is a high-value mower for those with residential, mid-sized properties. 

We compare this mower to a popular competitor, the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 – check out our comparison post here or the John Deere Z315E comparison.

The official review

FeatureToro TimeCutter SS4225Comparable residential ZT mower
Difficulty to useEasiestAverage
DurabilityMore durableAverage durability
MaintenanceLess maintenance due to hydrostatic transmissionMore maintenance
ValueHigh valueMedium value
For lots <10,000 sq. ftWould not fitWould not fit
For lots <1 acreProbably overkill but is fun and looks coolProbably overkill but is fun and looks cool
For lots >1 acreHighly recommendedHighly recommended

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

How we spend our time reviewing tools.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

Toro equipment reputation

Toro is a well known company that serves lawn equipment for homeowners. They are also one of the preferred products for golf courses, sports fields, and agriculture. They clearly know what they are doing.

I’ve reviewed other Toro equipment, like their recycler push mower. One thing that stood out to me in that review is their engineering. I truly believe they have quality equipment and there’s a few ways to tell. The first is how heavy and solid their equipment is. Their quality stands out to me as top tier. 

Iconic.

Another thing I noticed when reviewing the recycler mower is the attention to details. The mower just grinds and grinds and grinds until it produces a fine consistency that feeds your lawn. Other mower manufacturers do not put considerations like this into their products. They even have a patent for the fine grass clippings that nourish your yard.

Zero-turn mowers

Zero-turn mowers have blown up. Everybody wants the most powerful zero turn mower now, even those with smaller lawns. They are cool as heck, save a ton of time, and are straight up fun to ride. Once you figure out how to use one, you get hooked.

Zero turn mowers like the Toro TimeCutter 4225 are powerful and fast. People love zero turn mowers because they are generally faster than your traditional riding mower or even electric lawn tractor and provide much more agility. Zero turn mowers are especially popular for commercial lawn mowing companies as they provide much more speed and power, have larger gas capacity, and are more nimble than the traditional lawn tractor.

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The Cadillac of Zero-Turn Mowers: The Arien IKON series

The Ariens IKON XD 52 is a zero turn mower that is an absolute beast. Ariens IKON XD series has a range of different options they offer depending on your yard size and goal, but the 52 inch is one of the most popular.

If you have a larger yard and are wanting to cut your mowing time in half, then you have stumbled upon the right review. There are a lot of things people love about these mowers, so let’s jump right in.

Today we will cover:

The Ariens IKON XD 52: Reviewing the features

Now that we have a good understanding of zero turn mowers and the American-made IKON series, let’s check out some of the features. 

The Ariens Ikon XD 52 is sleek and powerful.

The steel frame of the Ariens IKON XD 52

When it comes to durability, the steel frame matters. There are some inexpensive zero turn mowers that I have reviewed and looking at some of the comments – the thing is cheap. I have heard about the frame SNAPPING. Yep, these mowers are heavy as all get out, carry a lot of power, and drive vibration through the steel frame. For those that skimp on the frame material, you may end up with a totaled mower.

The Ariens IKON XD 52 has a tubular steel frame with thickness that will give you comfort. Looking up close at the thicker steel deck on the IKON then comparing it to a rival, you will notice a distinct difference. Other mowers will feel like simply sheet metal or recycled metal. 

When I first stepped foot on this mower (and I am 6’ 7”), the first thing I noticed was how it didn’t rattle around or shake. It truly felt like stepping onto the bed of my truck – a solid, unmovable, heavy beast. 

Comfort and rideability

As I just mentioned, I am a tall person. I have to slouch in just about every chair and get back problems pretty easily. This chair almost looks like one of those gaming chairs. Its got a nice plush seat-back with arm rests (which are an absolute must), with grooves that fit your body perfectly.

The higher handlebars allow for maximum leg room as well, not crunching your legs into a weird position or making you extend your arms out too much. The Ariens IKON is one of those mowers that you can just sort of chill, rest your arms, and have your arms comfortably grasped onto the handlebars.

The Ariens IKON XD 52 has comfortable armrests.

Power

If you have not been able to tell, I like this mower a lot. But owning a lawn mower is a lot more about a nice heavy steel deck and a comfortable chair. You need to get the job done as fast as possible. That’s why the Ariens IKON XD 52 comes with a big ole commercial-style deck. It truly offers a professional grade cut with 13 cutting positions that are adjustable in ¼ inch increments. That is pretty dang precise. 

The Ikon XD 52 comes with either a Kohler or Kawasaki engine. The Kohler is a 7000 series engine with 725cc of displacement and 24 horses. These things can run up to 7 miles per hour and can go about half of that in reverse. 

The Kawasaki is a FR691 engine with 726cc (an extra cc) of displacement. It has 23hp and otherwise offers the same speed. 

Maneuverability and cutting experience

Something I love about this mower is the Hydro-Gear EZT transaxles. That’s a ten dollar phrase right there, but these things are so smooth. They offer a good bit of torque and make the mower simple to control. Hydrostatic transmissions respond quickly and require less maintenance than your standard automatic transmission. Like most zero-turn mowers, this thing moves easily and smoothly across my lawn. 

Another consideration on this model is the easy to use and simplified control panel. I mentioned the dial-operated height adjuster earlier, but this needs to be said again. Remember the days when you had to jam and crank the gear on the side to the desired blade height? You would pull it out and it would just start falling, or go into the wrong setting. This is not my life anymore. Just spin the knob and the adjustment is made. One of my favorite features of this mower. 

Cost and value

These bad boys run you about $4,500 but I promise you that they are worth it. This price tag is comparable with other mowers that are much lower quality. I am actually surprised to see it priced this low. 

The Ariens Ikon XD 52 will make you feel like a badass. It is simply the top tier zero-turn mower in the game.

Where to buy Ariens Ikon XD52

Believe it or not, you can buy it on Amazon and have it shipped to your house for a pretty insane price.

Do not waste your time with other zero-turn mowers – you have found the best-in-class, American-made mower of your dreams. 

Official review: The Ariens Ikon XD 52 zero-turn mower

FeatureAriens IKON XD 52Comparable residential ZT mower
Difficulty to useLess difficult Average
DurabilityMore durableAverage durability
MaintenanceLess maintenance due to hydrostatic transmissionMore maintenance
ValueHigh valueMedium value
For lots <10,000 sq. ftWould not fitWould not fit
For lots <1 acreProbably overkill but is fun and looks coolProbably overkill but is fun and looks cool
For lots >1 acreHighly recommendedHighly recommended

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

We test things on our face.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

Ariens lawn mowers

Ariens is an American born and made company that has been creating gas-powered lawn tools for almost 100 years. With its home in Brillion, Wisconsin, they have always stayed true to American made products. With the durability (more to come) and comfort of these mowers, you can tell the American-made difference.

Ariens has a suite of zero-turn mowers as well as a smaller line of push mowers. They also sell things like snow blowers, power brushes and more. 

Zero-turn mowers

People love zero turn mowers because they are generally faster than your traditional lawn tractor and provide much more agility. Zero turn mowers are especially popular for commercial lawn mowing companies as they provide much more speed and power, have larger gas capacity, and are more nimble than the traditional lawn tractor. 

Zero turn mowers have continued to grow in popularity but are still intimidating to others. While lawn tractors have a steering wheel similar to any other automobile, zero-turn mowers have large handles that stick up and meet in the middle of the mower. To operate the mower, you push forward and use the individual horizontal handles to either push the mower to the right or to the left. 

Ariens is the parent company of Gravely, who also makes great zero-turns.

What to look for in a zero-turn mower

Zero-turn mowers are all about comfort and size. If you are a commercial landscaper, you will likely want a mower with a large deck. The deck houses the blades and the wider the deck, the wider the blade. 

For us residential mowers, we will want to take into account yard-size into our selection process. For those with less than one acre of land, I don’t often recommend zero-turn mowers. They take up too much space for smaller lots and are difficult to store. For those with more than one acre, zero-turn mowers are great. The larger the acreage, the wider the deck you will want. 

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