Cheapest Zero Turn Mower: Top Budget Picks (2024)

So you’ve got a lawn that stretches as far as the eye can see, and the thought of pushing a mower around it makes you want to run for the hills, am I right?

What you really need is a zero-turn mower — those bad boys that swivel on a dime and cut grass like they’re dancing the tango.

But your wallet’s crying out for mercy and you’re wondering if you’ve gotta sell a kidney to afford one.

Hold your horses and put that organ back where it belongs.

As your go-to green thumb and bargain-hunting maven, I’ve turned every rock and scoured every corner of the mower market to bring you the cheapest zero-turn mowers that won’t skimp on performance.

So we’re gonna explore the wallet-friendly warriors of the zero-turn world.

We’re talking about machines that’ll have you zipping around your yard like a pro, leaving behind a lawn that looks like it’s been manicured by angels, all without breaking the bank.

Cheapest Zero Turn Mowers

We’ve compiled a list of the most affordable zero turn mowers available, ensuring you get exceptional value for your money. Check out our top picks below!

Husqvarna Z254 54 in. 26 HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

The Husqvarna Z254 is an affordable and efficient zero-turn mower that delivers excellent cutting performance for any lawn care enthusiast.

Pros

• 26 HP Kohler engine with reliable startups and 6.5 MPH max speed
• Innovative park brake system for added safety
• Air induction mowing technology for superior cutting

Cons

• Small back tires may result in a bumpy ride
• Assembly can be difficult for those with large hands
• Missing blade reported in some cases

We recently tried the Husqvarna Z254 zero-turn mower, and we were impressed with its powerful 26 HP Kohler engine, which provided reliable startups and a maximum speed of 6.5 MPH.

Maneuvering this machine was smooth, thanks to its innovative park brake system that automatically activates or deactivates as the steering levers are moved.

This mower also features air induction mowing technology, which works by drawing air from both the top and bottom of the deck, improving the grass lift and delivering a superior cut.

The reinforced steel stamped cutting deck is constructed of heavy flat-stock steel, ensuring durability and long-lasting performance.

However, we noticed a few drawbacks: the small back tires resulted in a somewhat bumpy ride.

Additionally, assembling the mower can be difficult for people with larger hands, especially if they lack the proper tools.

Furthermore, there have been reports of missing blades, so it’s crucial to inspect all components upon arrival.

Overall, the Husqvarna Z254 is a powerful and efficient zero-turn mower that’s perfect for anyone looking to maintain their lawn with ease.

Its performance and affordability make it an excellent pick for people on a budget without compromising on quality.

Ariens Edge 34 Zero Turn Lawn Mower

A great option for budget-conscious buyers, combining efficiency and maneuverability for small yards.

Pros

• 20HP Briggs & Stratton engine
• 34-inch cutting width
• Hydro-Gear EZT transmission

Cons

• Manual foot-operated deck lift
• 2 gallon fuel capacity
• 2-year consumer warranty

Upon testing the Ariens Edge 34, we immediately noticed its sleek appearance with a new design.

The 20HP Briggs & Stratton EXi2000 Intek engine provided enough power to tackle our small lawn quickly and without any effort.

The 34-inch, 2-blade stamped deck was perfect for cutting grass in tight spaces and around obstacles.

The Hydro-Gear EZT transmission impressed us with its smooth operation, allowing us to reach a ground speed of up to 6 mph forward and 3 mph in reverse.

This feature allowed us to complete our lawn care tasks more efficiently.

However, we found that the manual foot-operated deck lift system could be a bit challenging to use, especially for those who might prefer more automated systems.

The 2-gallon fuel capacity might prove insufficient for larger yards or extended mowing sessions, requiring a refuel more frequently.

Additionally, the 2-year consumer warranty might not be ideal for those seeking longer-term coverage in case of issues down the road.

Overall, the Ariens Edge 34 is a reliable, budget-friendly zero turn mower for small yards.

Its maneuverability and power provide great value, but potential buyers should consider the manual deck lift and fuel capacity before making a purchase decision.

Ariens IKON 52″ Kawasaki Zero Turn Mower

This brand new Ariens IKON mower offers impressive performance at an affordable price, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Pros

• 23 HP Kawasaki FR691V Twin Engine
• 52-inch, 3-blade fabricated deck
• Hydro-Gear EZT transmission

Cons

• Limited to 7 mph forward speed
• 3.5-gallon fuel capacity
• 3-year consumer warranty

We recently tried the Ariens IKON 52-inch Zero Turn Mower and found it to be quite an impressive machine.

With its powerful 23 HP Kawasaki engine, it had no trouble tackling large yards in a relatively quick time.

The mower’s 52-inch cutting width makes it incredibly efficient, able to cover significant ground in fewer passes.

The Hydro-Gear EZT transmission ensures smooth and efficient operation.

While maneuvering this mower, we appreciated the responsive controls and the ease with which it navigated obstacles.

Moreover, the IKON’s foot-operated deck lift assist made adjusting the cutting height a breeze, providing 13 different cutting positions to choose from.

On the flip side, we noticed that the 7 mph forward speed might not be enough for some users who require a faster mowing experience.

Furthermore, the 3.5-gallon fuel capacity might be a bit limiting for those with extensive yards, necessitating more frequent refueling.

Lastly, the 3-year consumer warranty may not provide a sense of security for long-term users, especially when other competitors offer more extended warranty options.

Overall, the Ariens IKON 52-inch Zero Turn Mower provides excellent performance at a budget-friendly price.

Despite some minor drawbacks, we believe this mower is a solid choice for individuals looking for a reliable and efficient machine for their lawn care needs.

Husqvarna Z248F 23HP Kawasaki Zero Turn Lawn Mower

The Husqvarna Z248F is a reliable and budget-friendly zero turn mower that offers a great balance of power and performance.

Pros

• Powerful 23HP Kawasaki engine
• 48-inch fabricated cutting deck
• Unique automatic park brake system

Cons

• Noisy operation
• Basic armrests
• Headlights are not very bright

We recently tested out the Husqvarna Z248F zero turn lawn mower and were impressed by its overall performance.

The powerful 23HP Kawasaki engine provided a smooth and efficient mowing experience.

With the 48-inch fabricated cutting deck, we were able to cover a large area in a short amount of time.

The cutting deck also has high-performance blades and air flow control baffles, which provided an even and precise cut.

One unique feature of this mower is its patent-pending automatic park brake system.

When the steering levers are moved outward and inward, the brakes automatically activate, making it incredibly easy to control and a great safety feature.

However, we did notice that the Husqvarna Z248F is quite noisy during operation.

While it may not be an issue for those mowing during the day, it could be bothersome for early morning or evening mowing sessions.

The armrests on this mower are also very basic and may not provide enough comfort during prolonged use.

Lastly, we found the headlights to be lackluster in terms of brightness, so mowing in low light conditions can be challenging.

Despite these drawbacks, the Husqvarna Z248F is still an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable, reliable, and powerful zero turn mower.

Its combination of power, performance, and ease of use make it a great addition to any homeowner’s lawn care arsenal.

Husqvarna Z242F 42 in. 21.5HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

We recommend the Husqvarna Z242F for those seeking a budget-friendly zero turn mower with solid performance and features.

Pros

• Powerful 21.5HP Kawasaki engine
• 42-inch ClearCut fabricated steel deck
• Comfortable padded seat with armrests

Cons

• Steering adjustment required upon arrival
• Lightweight design may cause tire spin
• Headlights may not be very durable

The Husqvarna Z242F 42 in. 21.5HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower is a new addition to the Z200 series, offering both performance and style.

We found the 21.5HP Kawasaki engine to be powerful and efficient, allowing us to mow our lawn quickly and smoothly.

The 42-inch ClearCut fabricated steel deck is built to last and made even the toughest cutting jobs seem effortless.

While we enjoyed the comfort and support provided by the thick padded seat with armrests, we experienced some steering issues upon arrival that required adjustments.

The lightweight design of the mower is convenient for maneuvering, but it can cause the tires to spin on uneven terrain.

This could be a concern for those with hilly or bumpy yards.

Moreover, although the headlights are a nice feature, we noticed that they might not be as durable as we hoped.

Overall, the Husqvarna Z242F is a reliable and reasonably-priced zero turn mower that gets the job done.

Despite some minor drawbacks, it is a suitable option for anyone looking for an efficient lawn maintenance solution on a budget.

Husqvarna Z254F Zero Turn Lawn Mower with LED Headlights

This mower offers great performance at an affordable price, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Pros

• Powerful 24HP Kawasaki engine
• Durable frame and casters
• Convenient and easy-to-use deck lift system

Cons

• Limited to 54-inch cutting width
• Not suited for larger lawns
• LED headlights may not be sufficient in very dark conditions

We recently had the pleasure of using the Husqvarna Z254F Zero Turn Lawn Mower, which offers an excellent mowing experience at an affordable price.

The 24HP Kawasaki engine ensures that the mower runs smoothly, providing ample power for cutting grass efficiently.

This is particularly beneficial for those looking to get their lawn maintenance done quickly and without hassle.

The robust frame and casters of the Husqvarna Z254F ensure durability and reduced chassis flex, which means we didn’t have to worry about the mower breaking down during operation.

Additionally, the deck lift system is spring-assisted, making it incredibly easy for us to adjust the cutting height even with minimal effort.

The ergonomic control panel places everything neatly at our fingertips, allowing us to control the mower with ease and comfort.

However, there are a few drawbacks to the Husqvarna Z254F Zero Turn Lawn Mower.

With a cutting width of 54 inches, it may not be suitable for those with larger lawns.

The LED headlights, while a nice added feature, may not provide enough illumination in very dark conditions.

All in all, we found the Husqvarna Z254F Zero Turn Lawn Mower to be a fantastic option for those looking to purchase a budget-friendly, yet powerful lawn mower.

Its impressive features and ease of use make it a highly recommended choice for maintaining lawns both big and small.

What To Consider When Buying A Cheap Zero Turn Mower

When looking for the cheapest zero turn mower, it’s important that you consider several factors to ensure we’re getting the best product for our money.

The combination of quality and affordability is the ultimate goal.

First, let’s focus on the size and power of the engine.

A larger engine means more power, which is crucial for tackling bigger lawns and tougher terrains.

However, it’s essential to keep in mind that more powerful engines usually come with a higher price tag.

Balance the engine size and power with our budget and the size of the lawn we’re mowing.

The cutting deck size is another crucial factor.

A wider cutting deck allows for quicker mowing as it covers more area in a single pass.

However, wider decks can be harder to maneuver in tight spaces.

Consider the size of our lawn and the obstacles we need to navigate while mowing when choosing the cutting deck size.

Now, let’s discuss the mower’s comfort.

Consider aspects such as seat design and suspension, as well as adjustable parts (like steering levers) for customizability.

These features can make a significant difference during extended mowing sessions.

But again, don’t forget to keep our budget in mind – additional comfort features may come with a higher price.

Finally, take a look at the overall durability and quality of the mower’s materials and construction.

A zero turn mower is an investment, and we want ours to last for years.

Check for reinforced parts, such as the frame and deck, as these have the most wear and tear.

Also, make sure that replacement parts are readily available and affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most affordable yet reliable zero turn mower?

In our experience, the most affordable yet reliable zero turn mower is the Toro TimeCutter SS4200.

This mower offers a combination of reliability, maneuverability, and efficiency at a reasonable price point.

With its 42-inch cutting deck and powerful engine, it is capable of handling various lawn sizes and conditions.

Which retailers offer the best deals on zero turn mowers?

Some of the top retailers for getting the best deals on zero turn mowers include The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., and local authorized dealers.

We recommend comparing prices and available promotions, as deals can vary depending on location and the specific model in question.

Are used zero turn mowers worth considering for a lower price?

Yes, used zero turn mowers can be a viable option for those on a budget.

Just like with any used machinery, it’s essential to do your research and thoroughly inspect the mower before purchasing it.

We advise inquiring about the mower’s maintenance history, checking for signs of wear and tear, and possibly having a mechanic look at it if you’re not confident in your abilities to assess its condition.

When is the best time of year to purchase a zero turn mower?

The best time to buy a zero turn mower is usually during the offseason when demand is lower, and retailers may be looking to clear out their inventory.

This period typically falls between late autumn and early spring.

Additionally, holiday sales and end-of-season clearances can also offer excellent opportunities to score a good deal on a zero turn mower.