The ‘zero turn lawn mower’ is slowly taking the market by storm with contractors and homeowners alike. Nonetheless, precision engineering has enabled the incorporation of powerful engines that allow people to rotate on their axis and tilt rapidly into the design which makes mowing a effortless task. We must admit it’s not all roses, as there are negatives that these mechanical aids proffer too. Balancing the pros and cons can really aid in deciding if purchasing a zero turn rider would suit you best. In this case, I will concentrate on the disadvantages for a zero turn lawn mower. 1: Higher Cost To put it frankly, for the most part zero turn mowers will simply not be feasible for those on a budget. Their intricate design and advanced technology means their cost will be unfathomably high, especially compared to basic riding or push lawn mowers. The price is further based on the sophistication of engineering that goes into making the steering engine and the determined turning chain. Even for larger property owners, such equipment is incredibly damaging for a budget and fence lawn maintenance.
Steep Learning Curve
At first, operating a zero turn mower seems complicated, but once mastered, it becomes one of the fastest tasks to complete. That being said, the maneuvers a novice must learn to manipulate the mower’s features are quite elaborate. Instead of a standard steering wheel, zero-turn mowers are managed with two levers or joysticks that independently control the speed and direction of each wheel. Each lever must be managed singularly. These features require adequate coordination and practice, otherwise, they may prove to be far too effete. This often leads to unintentional damage of the user’s flowerbeds, landscapes, and lawns, as the mower becomes more difficult to control.
Less Effective on Uneven Terrain
Zero turn mowers are very efficient on flat and even surfaces but tend to be less effective on slopes or rough terrain. The traditional styled rear wheel steering allows for these mowers to be very ineffective at controlling bumps and hills. ZTR mowers make the process of mowing on steep slopes dangerous and difficult due to their increased risk of tipping on the side. In more extreme cases of tough landscaping with drastic elevation changes, traditional riding or slope mowers are more effective and safe.
Inflexible Modification Approach
While they are useful for mowing in wide open areas, zero turn mowers are limited to just mowing. Aerating the lawn, snow plowing, and even towing heavy machinery gets impractical with these mowers. The absence of a steering wheel makes these mowers compact, but also makes it cumbersome to maneuver around trees, garden beds, fences, and other obstacles. If versatile mowing machinery is required, a traditional tractor style mower will be a suitable option for such users.
Drastic Cost of Repairs
Complex zero turn mowers are costly to maintain due to the advanced parts they come with. The fully integrated, high-performing engine along with the hydraulic system makes “routine” maintenance more and more required, and thus expensive. Not to mention, many of these components are considered specialty parts which adds to their already exorbitant pricing. With the sheer cost associated with zero turn mowers, one should really analyze their long term investment capability before making a purchase decision.
Not the Best for Extended Duration Aeration Sessions
The majority of premium zero turn mowers with comfortable dual suspension seating trade comfort for speed and maneuverability. Absent a conventional steering wheel, operators have to frequently move their arms to actively operate the machine with levers. This can become very tiresome during extended mowing sessions. In addition, the open design of many zero turn mowers provides little to no shielding from debris, sun and wind which only complicates issues for the operators.
Not Suitable for Smaller Yards
Designed for large open spaces with a measurable efficiency, zero turn mowers suit an expansive yard best. If your yard is small or contains trees, flower beds, or other garden ornaments, then it is highly likely that a zero turn mower would not be your best option. These mowers have a wide turning radius alongside a fast pace which makes it highly likely that both the operator and the plants suffer. In these scenarios, a compact riding mower or even a push mower performs best.
Considerations for the Environment
In addition to being a source of sound pollution, emissions caused by environmental gas consumption engines found on zero-turn mowers are their primary source of noise. Although there are electric and battery-powered options, they are not as common and, like other self-propelled tools, come with additional limitations, such as weakened output and shorter operating durations. If you aspire to be environmentally friendly, then a zero-turn mower would not coincide with your principles.
Concluding Remarks
As noted above, zero-turn lawnmowers are simple machines tailored for fast routine care of large lawns with minimal obstacles. These machines also have some disadvantages including slow power output, high cost, fuel wastage, along with the inability to function well on difficult landscapes, uneven ground surfaces, and smaller yards. As such, a majority of consumers will find that these options do not fully meet their requirements. Examine your expectations, the funds that you have available, and the layout of the land if a zero turn mower is advantageous to your needs before buying one.
As for additional advice, my recommendation would be to contact a landscaping professional or take one of the models for a test drive to better help you with your decision. This way, you can combine the benefits and drawbacks to lock in your verdict regarding how you choose to take care of your lawn and ensure that it looks visually stunning.
