Zero Turn Lawn Mower

[Montanalo]

I am exploring zero turn lawn movers. I have about 5 acres of gently sloping land and was thinking about something in the range of 42" to 50". I have narrowed it down to Cub Cadet, Stihl or Husqvarna. I have eliminated John Deere based on my experience years ago with their tractor products - I am still pi$$Ed at them.

Any zero turn owners out there? What do you suggest?

 

[jsb357]

IMO stay away from Cub Cadet

I have a old TORO 50" that's been used and abused

For 5 acres on a regular basis get as wide a deck as you can afford.

 

[Runwildboys]

I only know one person who has one, and he says it's great until you cross a hill laterally. Then, he says, it slides sideways. I don't know what brand it is, but I doubt that would vary.

 

[Montanalo]

IMO stay away from Cub Cadet

I have a old TORO 50" that's been used and abused

For 5 acres on a regular basis get as wide a deck as you can afford.

Can you say more about the Cub Cadet. The recent reviews are generally good.

 

[DMOB]

I have a Hustler Raptor, and now 4-5 others in my neighborhood own one. Highly recommend just make sure you get one with the Kawasaki motor. As far as size I would definitely go larger than a 42". That's recommended up to 1/2 an acre. Just my suggestion of course. LOL

 

[rags747]

I am exploring zero turn lawn movers. I have about 5 acres of gently sloping land and was thinking about something in the range of 42" to 50". I have narrowed it down to Cub Cadet, Stihl or Husqvarna. I have eliminated John Deere based on my experience years ago with their tractor products - I am still pi$$Ed at them.

Any zero turn owners out there? What do you suggest?

Per Grok:

For a 5-acre property, a zero-turn mower is a solid choice due to its speed, maneuverability, and efficiency. You’re right that a larger cutting deck is generally better for bigger areas—it reduces the number of passes you need to make. However, it’s also worth considering engine power, durability, and comfort, especially for a job that size. Based on what’s out there and well-regarded for larger lawns, here are my top 5 suggestions:

1. John Deere Z530R 60-Inch Zero-Turn Mower
   • Deck Size: 60 inches
   • Engine: 24 HP V-Twin
   • Why It’s Great: This mower’s 60-inch deck is perfect for covering 5 acres quickly, and the 24 HP engine handles thick grass and uneven terrain with ease. It’s got a comfy high-back seat and smooth hydrostatic transmission for long mowing sessions. John Deere’s build quality means it’ll last.
   • Consideration: Fuel capacity is 4.5 gallons, so you can likely finish 5 acres without refueling, depending on conditions.
2. Cub Cadet Ultima ZTX4 60-Inch Zero-Turn Mower
   • Deck Size: 60 inches
   • Engine: 24 HP Kohler V-Twin
   • Why It’s Great: Another 60-inch option, this one’s built tough with a fabricated deck for durability. The 24 HP engine keeps it powerful, and it’s got a 5.5-gallon fuel tank—plenty for 5 acres. It’s also got a decent top speed (up to 7.5 MPH) and good stability on slopes.
   • Consideration: Slightly pricier, but the extra features like adjustable lap bars make it worth it for comfort.
3. Toro Titan 60-Inch Zero-Turn Mower with MyRIDE
   • Deck Size: 60 inches
   • Engine: 24.5 HP Toro V-Twin
   • Why It’s Great: The 60-inch fabricated deck cuts wide swaths, and the MyRIDE suspension system smooths out bumps—key for 5 acres of potentially rough ground. The 24.5 HP engine is a beast, and it’s got a 7-gallon fuel tank, overkill for 5 acres but nice for uninterrupted work.
   • Consideration: Toro’s known for clean cuts, so your lawn will look sharp.
4. Husqvarna MZ61 61-Inch Zero-Turn Mower
   • Deck Size: 61 inches
   • Engine: 24 HP Kawasaki V-Twin
   • Why It’s Great: With a 61-inch deck, this is one of the widest residential options, shaving even more time off your mowing. The 24 HP Kawasaki engine is reliable and strong, and the 5-gallon fuel tank should cover 5 acres easily. It’s got a solid frame and good traction for varied terrain.
   • Consideration: A bit heavier, but that adds stability.
5. DeWalt Z260 Commercial 60-Inch Zero-Turn Mower
   • Deck Size: 60 inches
   • Engine: 24 HP Kawasaki V-Twin
   • Why It’s Great: Built for near-commercial use, this 60-inch mower flies at up to 8.5 MPH, making it one of the fastest for quick 5-acre jobs. The 24 HP engine and 5-gallon tank keep it going, and the reinforced frame handles tough conditions.
   • Consideration: It’s rugged but might feel overbuilt if your lawn’s mostly flat and simple.

Quick Thoughts: A 60- or 61-inch deck is ideal for 5 acres—big enough to cut time but not so huge it’s unwieldy. Engines around 24 HP strike a balance between power and efficiency. If your land’s flat and open, lean toward speed (DeWalt or Toro). If it’s hilly or obstacle-heavy, prioritize stability and comfort (John Deere or Cub Cadet). Any of these will get the job done; it’s just about what fits your specific yard and budget. Which way are you leaning?

 

[jsb357]

Can you say more about the Cub Cadet.

Cub Cadet and craftsman ZTR's are MTD products.

5 acres is a lot even for a commercial ZTR
you don't want to have issues and get behind
this time of year.

 

[Montanalo]

Update:

First, I appreciate the feedback and recommendations. In the end, I purchased a Stihl 52" RZ 152 zero turn. In a few words... love it.

It was a bit more expensive than the competitors, but I was sold on the rugged construction, Briggs & Stratten 25 hp engine and my previous experience with Stihl.

Conjure up the image of Forrest Gump mowing the Greenbo football field... that's me with a stupid guy grin on my face.

 

[TheKey]

I have the Kubota 54” for 3 acres. Glad you found one you like

 

[HungryLion]

I am exploring zero turn lawn movers. I have about 5 acres of gently sloping land and was thinking about something in the range of 42" to 50". I have narrowed it down to Cub Cadet, Stihl or Husqvarna. I have eliminated John Deere based on my experience years ago with their tractor products - I am still pi$$Ed at them.

Any zero turn owners out there? What do you suggest?

I used to use one doing landscaping work on the side. Honestly it made mowing fun. They are a blast to drive.

Go for it!

 

[HungryLion]

I only know one person who has one, and he says it's great until you cross a hill laterally. Then, he says, it slides sideways. I don't know what brand it is, but I doubt that would vary.

That’s part of the fun man.

Doing some draft racing with it while mowing.

 

[SlammedZero]

Update:

First, I appreciate the feedback and recommendations. In the end, I purchased a Stihl 52" RZ 152 zero turn. In a few words... love it.

It was a bit more expensive than the competitors, but I was sold on the rugged construction, Briggs & Stratten 25 hp engine and my previous experience with Stihl.

Conjure up the image of Forrest Gump mowing the Greenbo football field... that's me with a stupid guy grin on my face.

Briggs & Stratton make fantastic engines. I had a mower that took a beating....left outside year-round through rain, snow, and sun....and that thing still fired up every time, right up until its final day. Honestly, the only reason we got rid of it was because I bent the mower shaft. Lol

 

[Blackrain]

I have a John Deere Kubota and a Cub cadet.
I think I like the Kubota the best most stable on hills best cut although the John Deere cuts better in wet grass.

Keep your oil changed in the Briggs & Stratton and it should last you quite a while.

 

[kskboys]

Can you say more about the Cub Cadet. The recent reviews are generally good.

They are most likely paying people for those reviews.

I own a mowing service. Cub Cadets are complete and utter junk. Can't keep the deck straight and belts wear out continuously.

Bobcat makes a great zero turn. I've heard lots of good things about the BadBoys.

Right now I am running a Kubota, and it's just OK.

 

[Silverz1972]

i love my ego electric riding lawn mower. But your yard might be a little large for that without an extra set of batteries.

 

[Montanalo]

i love my ego electric riding lawn mower. But your yard might be a little large for that without an extra set of batteries.

I've got about 4+ acres to mow... the rest is covered in fir, larch, maple and oak trees.

I actually have a conventional electric lawnmower which, until I get much better at the zero turn, I will use to trim around the lawn border.

 

[Catpappy]

I have a Cub Cadet 60 inch deck. I paid over 5 grand a few years ago. It’ll get the job done but I use my old John Deer usually. Blades are thicker and I have limbs sometimes. Clean your carb and keep air filter changed or you will have problems. They are also gas hogs if you ask me. It’s been a decent mower. Also raise up deck and clean blades every few mowings.

 

[Point-of-the-Star]

I know you (OP) just got your Stihl. I think all but 2 major brands are now owned by corporations that make multiple brands. I have 3 ZTR mowers out here on the farm, some of which only gets mowed twice a hear just to keep the woods beat back and new growth brush (youpon holly is the main culprit) cut. They all get used hard on up to 8 or so acres with LOTS of trees to circle. And once or twice a month I mow our church grounds which is around 5 acres. This is warm and wet SE Tx so grass gets mowed from mid March to early November.


My mowers are a 2011 48" cut Hustler Fastrac with Kawasaki 23hp residential engine good for around 1500 hrs. 2015 54" Hustler SDX Fastrac with Kawasaki 22hp industrial engine good to about 4,000 hrs. Both of these have serviceable hydraulic drives. My son bought a 2017 60" Hyperdrive Hustler with a B&S Industrial Vanguard motor. It'll legit mow at 16mph. Just a beast! (He's a mechanic and bought this as a trade in at the tractor/mower dealership where he was working at the time.) These are almost$18K.
https://www.hustlerturf.com/products/hyperdrive

Hustler has been bought out by Stanley Black and Decker since 2021. Don't know if the quality has declined. Before 2021 they were family owned for over 50 years.

This is all JFYI if you're in the market. Whatever you do when purchasing a ZTR mower get serviceable hydro drives and the best drive system you can afford. That is the heart of the machine IMO.

 

[HungryLion]

I only know one person who has one, and he says it's great until you cross a hill laterally. Then, he says, it slides sideways. I don't know what brand it is, but I doubt that would vary.

On a serious note. Never go down a hill laterally with one. lol very serious risk to flip it.

You have to drive straight up or straight down hills with them.

 

[HungryLion]

Briggs & Stratton make fantastic engines. I had a mower that took a beating....left outside year-round through rain, snow, and sun....and that thing still fired up every time, right up until its final day. Honestly, the only reason we got rid of it was because I bent the mower shaft. Lol

Growing up as a kid. My dad had a craftsman push mower with a Briggs and Stratton engine.

He literally didn’t bother changing the oil for over 20 years and it still fired up every time no problem.

It was honestly like a game to him. He wanted to see how long he could use it before the engine died and it just literally never missed a beat.