Should I Buy a Zero Turn or Lawn Tractor?

AHW's Pete Farm gives you the complete pros and cons list of whether you should buy a zero-turn lawn mower or a lawn tractor.
The mower's Pete talks about in this video include the John Deere Z530R Zero-Turn, and the John Deere X570 Lawn Tractor.
AHW LLC is dedicated to getting you set up with the perfect piece of equipment to get the job done!
For more information, visit www.ahwllc.com/
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[@mrbubetube]

It''s easier to drink beer while mowing on a tractor

[@1on1c5]

FACTS!!!!!!

[@doogansdoinreviews1285]

hahah solid point I didnt consider. I like to mow down my lunch while I work - never thought about that on a zero turn...maybe I should opt for tractor...

[@TheSwampChicken-II]

Not legal. I don't know why people glorify drinking on lawn mowers. It says don't operate the damn machine while drunk. What the Fiskars is wrong with you? What part of not drinking while operating your mower doesn't get to you?

[@mrbubetube]

@@TheSwampChicken-II it's a beer holder. what the Fu Manchu is wrong with you? ALWAYS keep the beer holder filled with the proper fluid for optimal performance.

[@TheSwampChicken-II]

@@mrbubetube I guess it's just me being a stinker because I can't drink beer due to medical reasons. Just saying, that's what the manuals say, lol.

[@Solo-5050]

I feel like so many people buy a zero turn because it's the "cool" thing to do and everyone has one. For me, personally, a tractor style is everything I need and nothing I don't want.

[@michaelstcyr1075]

Right plus the Zero turns are way more expensive! Like 4 or 5 grand. I can get the job done just fine with tractor style.

[@benjaminramirez35]

As someone who has had both I can say the zero turn is slightly faster but they are both good

[@johncarlos7810]

I'm trying to decide. I have 5 acres. Currently 42 in craftsman takes 4 hours. I'd like to be done n a lot shorter time. So zero turn is making sense for time.

[@Finnmarken91]

I know there are ton of people who prefer zero turns but I will always be lawn tractor guy.

[@deseretfire6093]

I mow with both regularly on a small town cemetery. I’ve mowed town parks and residential areas since I was 10 years old on a JD 317 tractor. My first mowing with a zero turn mower was about 10 years ago. I thought it would be a game changer and that I’d ultimately be choosing zero turn mowers in the future. Years later, I can earnestly state that the tractor will not go away. The zero turn skid-steering can be too aggressive on grass so I end up making my mow patterns in most applications the same as if I were mowing on a lawn tractor. Also, tractors, though slower, are just more versatile. As for comfort, I am more used to swinging a leg over than stepping up onto a zero turn platform and having to then turn around to sit down, and I like having better hand contact and control with a steering wheel.

[@erichvonmolder9310]

I notice my neighbor who has a zero turn keeps going over the same area, but I think he goes too fast, then you miss areas. Might as well have the tractor though, but you don't know that until you get the experience in driving it.

[@RoadieWingZZ]

The Cub Cadet hybrid that puts synchronized active steering wheels on a zero turn platform is a great alternative to the two basic forms.

[@Jangocat]

I got a 15+ year old LA 115 John Deer to mow my acre+ mostly hill lawn, it still cuts good as new. Never had a better mower and it pulls many implements like trailers and lawn sweepers. Two of my neighbors copied me and bought John Deere lawn tractors too. They can't be beat. Zero turns are for landscapers.

[@sdgdfgdasdgsdf7354]

I expect this mower will last several seasons with decent care. kzbin.infoUgkx1VWTrayKBdCKAjzAcZ_Eg4dhHTae3LkN also recommend Also, I ran across the problem with it not starting the 2nd time I used it. There is a safety switch which is pushed in by the chute or mulching piece being attached to the deck. I took the cover off and it wouldn't start. Put it back on, no problem. It takes only a minute with 2 easily accessible wingnuts and no tools. This mower starts up first crank each time and it is a joy to use. It also mows in reverse by putting the key to the reverse area after starting and pushing in the triangular button. It will stay in reverse mode until you turn it off. All in all, for my homeowner needs, I really like this mower-and at 70 bucks a cut here in Miami, it's already more than 1/3 paid for itself in a month.

[@PremiumTrees]

after mowing for so many years with a tractor, i'm really excited for our new z365r to arrive. i loved riding around on it when i tested it out, so much so that i might mow my neighbor's lawn just for fun.

[@AHWLLC]

Zaero-turns are a different experience for sure. Have fun!

[@karpetech]

Good video, Thank you

[@John-rw2zf]

If you are mowing on flat ground most of the time the ZTR is an ok machine. If you are mowing in the hill country or boonies you definitely DO NOT want a ZTR. They get stuck much easier and do not turn well on the slopes. They are definitely hard on your back and stomach muscles in the hill country because you do not have the stability of a steering wheel to hang on to. I would definitely advise owning a conventional rider with a steering wheel for the most comfort and versatility.

[@dharrison6832]

On the walker brand and I think exmark you can put snow blades on them ...also some other things like rakes ...I believe snow blowers as well just saying

[@MaryFredette]

Thanks for the info 🎉

[@AHWLLC]

Any time!

[@erichvonmolder9310]

I have almost 3/4 acre flat lawn for the most part, with several trees and bushes, so zero turn would be ideal, but it is about $1200-$1500 difference in price to the tractor. So far, depending on finances, I'm pointing towards the tractor option. Now will it be Deere or Husqvarna? I like that Kawasaki engine in the Hus though.

[@TheFlatlander440]

I purchased my very first Zero Turn Toro mower 2 months ago and I'll tell ya, there is a learning curve for sure. Going from a Cub Cadet XT2 garden tractor with a 54" fab deck to a Toro Z Master 2000 commercial zero turn mower was a huge change. I compare driving a Zero Turn like trying to ride a bicycle for the first time without training wheels. It's a challenge especially on hilly terrain like my 3 acres which has grades over 30%. I'm on my 6th time driving it now and I still look for the foot brake with my left foot, lol. Going down hill then trying to turn before I dead end into a ditch is really really hard to do., I'm getting better with practice but it's still an adventure.

[@AStanton1966]

I too was looking to high grade to a zero turn. However, I got some 20% slopes and currently use a Husqvarna tractor with a locking rear-diff. Why argue with success?

[@ChrisBryantVideo]

As a viewer, this is a super clear, fantastic video with an engaging, knowledgeable host that helped me make my decision. As a video professional, this was REALLY well produced. Whoever you guys use, hang on to them!

[@AHWLLC]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for such kind words as well. This is the best feedback we could get!

[@paulkeck121]

We w41

[@kike3142]

When he first start to talk about the tractor the guy in the background cutting a yard with the exact same tractor🤣

[@lildrake2519]

How did you even catch that 😂

[@grandwaha]

I went from a 2009 LA135 42" cut to a x580 54" cut last year. Night in day on build quality and overall everything. It was alot more money but so far after 50hrs, I love it. Once it's properly set up it mows beautiful. Bought the 14 bushel bagger and a plow. Would have loved a 700 series but didn't want to sell a kidney.

[@AHWLLC]

Congratulations on the new machine! You made quite a big jump. The X500 series is a great multipurpose series.

[@Arcanus31]

Gotta be a paid actor in the back , there's no way. 🤣 "quick the neighbor is on he's John start the filming ! Go go go ! "

[@knottreel]

My John Deere zero turn gets the job done quick, but is a beast on the stomach muscles. I'm mowing 5 acres of mostly sloped land and have to lean back without much back support. It's like doing crunches all day long. I also hate how much debris it blows back on you.

[@NeedForSpeed.2004]

My grandpa has a relatively modern craftsman compact riding mower, and I absolutely hate it. The brake pedal is like a light switch, it’s so jerky, and out of all the times it’s been used, I’m surprised nobody’s had to go to the hospital

[@kenfox22]

Thank You. This video helped me to decide to get a Lawn Tractor because of it's more versitile and is better on hills. Plus I can put a snow ❄️ plow on in the winter

[@AHWLLC]

Glad we could help! These are two different types of machines built for different purposes.

[@gwlemus]

Looking for one as well and the tractor wins for the same reasons ...plow!

[@TheDroneDad]

I just built our home, and the builders didn't seed or grade the ground much at all as we closed in the winter. I plan on topdressing some erosion spots to level it out over the summer to prep for fall overseeding again, but need a mower sooner than that. Can either of these handle pretty bumpy yards? Our land used to be pasture, so pretty thick and bumpy, and as I said the part the builders touched has eroded significantly the last 6 months. Can a regular tractor or zero turn mower handle bumpy conditions like that?

[@Will-tm5bj]

I use my zero turn all year long. It's a beast. Z720e, absolutely love it. It does well on slopes if you aren't a knucklehead

[@AHWLLC]

You are correct, zero-turns can handle hills and ditches. Tractor style mowers, however, have the tendency to outperform zero-turns when the slopes get big enough.

[@Will-tm5bj]

@@AHWLLC oh without a doubt. I'll have a tractor soon enough. I'll never go back to tractor style mowers if I can help it though, brush hog is another story

[@Jackyjack655]

Yeah but driving 1 is more fun with a steering wheel..

[@Will-tm5bj]

@@Jackyjack655 I have plenty of fun cutting 1.2 acres in about 37 minutes

[@rackemmm1947]

1 minute in and there's some1 riding a john deere tractor style in the background lol. Definitely a common choice.

[@NicholasTricarico-rz6kd]

Hank you didn't talk about how difficult to repair a zero turn to a tractor. The cost factor too. Tech for 20 years on lawn tractors and 15 years as turf tech golf courses.

[@hugoglenn9741]

Steeper hills, seems like the Zero turn has a lower CG and wider stance so it can take a steeper hill.

[@rush_17]

Could you use a S120 for commercial mowing?

[@bretthovis9088]

Yes, but it's going to take longer. Commercial mowing is almost always recommended for a zero turn because it had faster speed and a larger cut radius. I have the S100 with a single cylinder 17.5 hp engine, a 42" deck, and it mows grass 8 inches high with ease. But I had to mow it at half the speed a zero turn would have been able to do.

[@achimborn5850]

Hello, I am German, have been living in Texas for 4 years in the country and bought a riding lawn mower right at the beginning. Since I had no idea about lawn mowers, as a German I first came across a European model and bought a Husqvarna YTH24V48 from Amzon. Now it smokes, leaks oil and I can no longer drive it. So I need a new one. Since my terrain (about 1.5 acres) is very uneven and has a lot of tractor tracks, so it's very bumpy, a lawn tractor probably makes more sense than a zero turn mower. Especially as I collect the grass afterwards with a grass collector. (Trailer!) As a layman, which model can you recommend that will give me the least amount of worry? As an artist and at 68 years old, I want to avoid repairs and problems. (Just mow the lawn when needed) I would be grateful for a quick answer, as the grass is growing fast at the moment and I will have to mow the lawn again in 2 weeks at the latest. Thank you in advance. Best regards from North Texas

[@AHWLLC]

Hi there! Thank you for your question. Choosing the right mower depends on various factors such as your yard type and the size of your yard. For 1-2 acres, we recommend considering the John Deere X300 Series. It's a great choice for a well-maintained, beautiful lawn. Best of luck with your mowing!

[@achimborn5850]

@@AHWLLC Thank you, You think it's better than Husqvarna YTH24K54 (54") 24HP Kohler Lawn Tractor? Maintance etc! THX

[@Buddha-of8fk]

Z turns are faster and you can pretty much eliminate trim work.

[@Rtx_Fred]

I'm getting a mower tractor for business and eating lunch while working

[@ciphercode2298]

I mow as a side hustle and I'm not in a ridiculous hurry. I mow 2 properties that are somewhat hilly. I've got a cub cadet tractor that's getting a little long in the tooth and a honda hrx217. I'm probably gonna order a John deere s220 later this winter with the mulch control kit. I would order something more substantial, but I'm wanting to pay cash and not finance anything. I dont have the most confidence in our economy right now.

[@Mixwell1983]

Any kid that had a 360 RC car where you push up on a joystoctand down on the other understands zero turn steering. Its not that complicated

[@airtow6766]

Dollar for dollar the traditional mower gives you better build quality, higher quality engine and easier maintenance. Z-turn only makes sense for pros and buyers that don't mind spending more to get less.

[@pleappleappleap]

A bunch of John Deere tractors have four wheel steering.

[@ReadingAreaRailfan]

I like my LA110

[@AHWLLC]

Glad to hear that your mower is still serving you well after 15 years.

[@ReadingAreaRailfan]

@@AHWLLC the deck rusted out but the tractor is good

[@carlthornton3076]

Very Good!... #61 ✝ {4-21-2023}

[@user-md1bh8ti8w]

zero turn makes markes i the ground...every time you turn around fast

[@tomanth4981]

It is not what I need to buy. It is about what I can afford !

[@steveb855]

Sigh. Sales rep told me the opposite. Ztr for slopes and tractor for flats. Who to believe?

[@sptrader6316]

Zero turns are dangerous on slopes, KZbin is full of zero turns flipping over.

[@troycassidy6177]

Tractor with a difflock

[@Flaaaaanders]

You can do other stuff with tractor style. If you can afford you should get zero turn

[@zachsheffield1325]

Craftsman lawn tractor has a 5 inch turn radius!

[@adgieem1]

Why?

[@LuciusKyrus]

I've never seen a mower with foot pedals on the right side. Why the hell did they do that? Mine has one on the left. Break and that's it. Simple is way better.

[@AHWLLC]

Hey there! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. The John Deere X570 Lawn Tractor features Twin Touch™ forward and reverse foot pedals on the right side for intuitive and efficient control. While it might seem unusual at first, this design allows for smoother operation and enhanced maneuverability, especially when mowing in tight spaces. Every design choice has its reasoning, and we're glad you're enjoying the simplicity of your mower's setup!

[@donaldducko6580]

You see ZTRs stuck in ditches all the time especially trying to climb out of a ditch and up a hill. That big heavy rear and turf tires mean instant stuck. The problem with either is buy quality. Most “tractors” people buy are really riding mowers. Most ZTRs people buy are residential garbage. It might look like a ZTR but check the specs and not just the engine. Basically ZTRs for grass and lawns. Tractors for anything less than ideal lawn. If you’re lucky you’ll have both because they both have their place. Neither works in all situations.

[@Mixwell1983]

A reason i didnt get a zero turn was cuz the previous owners left me a Husqvarna mower and my land is on a slope which i hear is better.. I think i coulda handled a zero turn in my yard. Ill risk it

[@aguilamexicana27]

IS LIKE COMPARING A LATIN AMERICAN OR SHORT ASIAN SOCCER PLAYER TO A VERY TALL AND HEAVY ITALIAN GERMAN OR ARGENTINIAN.

[@Aviator381]

Get a 0 turn lawn tractor

[@slowstang88]

After the advent of hydrostatic drive, there is no advantage.