If you’re willing to spend some coin for dear ol’ Dad this Father’s Day, get him a new riding lawnmower.
Men like working outdoors – sunshine and fresh air are good for the soul. And thanks to the riding mower, dad can get plenty of both with breaking much of a sweat, which he will surely like.
With that in mind, we turn to our friends at ZDNet.com for the top 5 ultra-maneuverable, zero-turn riding mowers – any of which will make a choice gift for Dad this Father’s Day (Sunday, June 19.)
#1 – Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 (Best zero-turn mower overall)
Cutting width: 50 inches | Power source: Gasoline | Transmission: Variable speed hydrostatic | Engine: 23HP 726cc | Mulching and bagger capable: Yes | Max cutting area: 4 acres
Pros:
Hydrostatic drive
Ergonomic seat and lap bars
Steel deck and frame
Cons:
Expensive
Steep learning curve with lap bar steering
No accessories included
#2 – Ryobi 48V (Best electric zero-turn mower)
Cutting width: 54 inches | Power source: 48V integrated battery | Transmission: Variable speed hydrostatic | Engine: Brushless electric motor | Mulching and bagger capable: Mulching only| Max cutting area: 3.5 acres
Pros:
Zero emissions
120V outlet charging
Mow-in-reverse feature
USB ports
Cons:
Very expensive
Not compatible with bagger attachments
#3 – John Deere Z345R CARB (Best, most affordable zero-turn mower)
Cutting width: 42 inches | Power source: Gasoline | Transmission: Variable speed hydrostatic | Engine: 22HP 724cc | Mulching and bagger capable: Yes | Max cutting area: 2 acres
Pros:
Under $3,000
22HP V-twin engine
Hydrostatic drive
Cons:
Somewhat limited 2-year/120 engine hour warranty
Mulching and bagger kits sold separately
Requires John Deere branded parts for repair/maintenance
#4 – Toro Titan MAX (Best zero-turn mower for large properties)
Cutting width: 60 inches | Power source: Gasoline | Transmission: Variable speed hydrostatic | Engine: 26HP 747cc | Mulching and bagger capable: Yes | Max cutting area: 7 acres
Pros:
7-gallon fuel tank
10-Gauge, hardened steel deck and frame
26HP engine
7-acre cutting area
Cons:
Very, very expensive
Steering bars have steep learning curve
#5 – Craftsman Z5200 with blower and edger (Best zero-turn mower bundle)
Cutting width: 42 inches | Power source: Gasoline | Transmission: Variable speed hydrostatic | Engine: 20HP 656cc | Mulching and bagger capable: Yes | Max cutting area: 2 acres
Pros:
3-in-1 equipment package
2-acre cutting area for mower
Great package price
Good warranty
Cons:
Blower and edge trimmer require 2-cycle oil/fuel mix
Edge trimmer has no guide wheel
Mower doesn’t have suspension system for seat
Now do washer & dryers for mother’s day. Jeeezzz.