Lawn Tractors vs. Zero Turn Mowers

As nice as it is to have a big yard, it can also be a lot of work to maintain. For those of us with particularly large properties, it can take more time than it’s worth to maintain every square inch of the yard with standard tools and machines. Because of this, many property owners choose to upgrade their equipment to better suit the bigger land. When it comes to mowing, you’re probably looking at two options: lawn tractors and zero turn mowers. They’ll each help you get the job done, but which one is right for you? Mike Cooper Tractors has provided some of the pros and cons of each machine to help you narrow down your options. If you’d like to come talk to our experienced staff, then stop by our location in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. We proudly serve the area of Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Muskogee, and Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

Lawn Tractors

Lawnmowers are generally the preferred machine by private homeowners, as they offer the right amount of power and efficiency needed to tackle a sizeable area while still being easy to use. They’re recognizable by their steering wheel function and large front engine.

Pros

One of the biggest benefits of choosing a lawn tractor, especially for private owners, is the lower price. Lawn tractors can be as much as a quarter of the price that zero turn mowers are. They’re also easy to learn how to use as they use a steering wheel, much like your car. All in all, they’re simple and inexpensive, so they’re ideal for families and owners with large, but not expansive yards.

Cons

They are, however, slower than some of their counterparts, generally not reaching more than 3 or 4 mph. The steering system, while easy to use, makes these machines less agile and more difficult to handle in tight spots. The turn radius is fairly wide and it may take some extra maneuvering to get you in position. Also, if you have a yard with particularly tall grass, you may need to find something stronger, as lawn tractors are not particularly well built for this kind of work.

Zero Turn Mowers

Zero turn mowers are generally the preferred choice for businesses and parks with large properties that need to be maintained, although they’re certainly useful for homeowners as well.

Pros

One of the most attractive parts of the zero turn mower is in its name: these machines can turn on a dime. They’re also much better at handling a wide variety of fields, from flat ground to uneven areas. They also give you twice the speed as lawn tractors and some models can even reach 13 mph. This efficiency is what makes them a popular choice among professionals.

Cons

As we mentioned, zero turn mowers are the more expensive option. However, they’re also not suited for wild fields with tall grass. They’re better suited for fields and lawns with manageable material under six inches. In other words, if you’re looking to tame an overgrown area, you’ll need something even more powerful, but for many professional places, the zero turn mowers are the way to go.

As easy as it is to read about these machines, the only way you’re going to be able to decide which one is right for you is to see them for yourself. When you’re ready to start viewing some models and want to talk to some of our experienced staff, stop by Mike Cooper Tractors in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. We welcome all patrons from Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Muskogee, and Tahlequah, Oklahoma.