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If you’re caring for a large property, it pays to become familiar with zero-turn mowers. In the old days, a lawn tractor was the go-to machine for tasks like mowing the grass, plowing the driveway in winter, hauling firewood, and toting tools and supplies. Unfortunately, these tractors are not efficient when it comes to lawn care. Those who want to mow their acreage quickly and efficiently—and achieve a great-looking finish—are increasingly opting for zero-turn mowers.
Unlike a lawn tractor, a zero-turn mower is a grass-cutting specialist. These machines are built to navigate the landscape with maximum maneuverability, which is made possible by independent wheel motors that let them turn on a dime. While a conventional lawn tractor may be capable of rounding a 16-inch-diameter circle, a zero-turn mower can trace a zero-diameter circle, or even pivot 180 degrees to retrace its previous path. Thanks to this extreme dexterity, a zero-turn mower can cut an acre of grass in half the time of a lawn tractor with the same mower deck size, saving operating time, fuel, and maintenance costs.
If you need a mower for 5 acres or more, there are several excellent zero-turn mowers that could be just right for your property. Ahead, learn more about the key specifications and features that we considered while compiling this list, and see why these models are some of the best zero-turn mowers for 5 acres.
- BEST OVERALL: John Deere Z530R 60-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Mower
- RUNNER-UP: Cub Cadet Ultima ZTX4 60-Inch Zero-Turn Mower
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: John Deere Z515E 60-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Mower
- QUICKEST CUT: DeWalt Z260 Commercial Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
- MOST COMFORTABLE: Toro Titan 60-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Mower With MyRIDE
- BEST SEMIPRO: Husqvarna MZ61 Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower
- BEST FOR HILLS: Troy-Bilt 54-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Mower
- BEST COMMERCIAL: Toro TimeCutter 60-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Mower
- ALSO CONSIDER: Bad Boy ZT Elite 60-Inch Zero-Turn Mower
How We Chose the Best Zero-Turn Mowers for 5 Acres
We scoured the internet for medium to large zero-turn mowers built with homeowners in mind. We quickly honed in on the right-size combination of 54- to 60-inch three-blade decks and a 24-horsepower (hp) engine. Finally, we settled on several industry-leading brands to choose from, including John Deere, Cub Cadet, and Toro. Each brand offers its own nuanced approach to designing and manufacturing zero-turn mowers. These brands also happen to be widely available through nationwide retailers and dealer networks.
We included high-quality picks at a variety of price points without sacrificing reliability or durability. The value-priced zero-turn lawn mowers in our lineup offer excellent engine power and performance, but they may not deliver top-end comfort or efficiency. Our higher-priced lawn mower models offer more in terms of comfort, speed, power, or styling. If you are serious about buying a new zero-turn mower, we believe that these recommendations will help narrow your search.
Our Top Picks
We examined dozens of lawn mower models from some of the top brands to find the ideal large-property mower. The models ahead represent some of the best zero-turn mowers for 5 acres.
Best Overall
John Deere Z530R 60-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Mower
Product Specs
- Engine: Kawasaki 24 hp
- Deck: 60 inches; stamped 10-gauge steel
- Maximum forward speed: 9 miles per hour (mph)
Pros
- Maximum forward speed of 9 mph for quickly cutting 5 acres or more
- 3 sharpened cutting blades rapidly rotate to slice grass and lawn debris into fine mulch
- Large 4.5-gallon fuel tank increases the runtime of the mower
- Premium 22.5-inch sewn seat with armrests improves the comfort level of the rider
Cons
- Users may experience difficulty when cleaning debris from the spindles, pulleys, or belt cover
John Deere’s reputation for quality and performance shines through in the Z530R 60-inch zero-turn mower. It features a John Deere–branded Kawasaki V-twin 24-hp engine, a 60-inch triple-blade cutting deck stamped from 10-gauge steel, 23-inch rear wheels, and a cut-and-sewn 22.5-inch seat. The cutting height ranges from 1 to 4 inches, and the fuel tank holds 4.5 gallons. The Z530R weighs 842 pounds.
Additional features include LED headlights, a cupholder, covered side and under-seat storage compartments, a foot-operated deck lift, and a low-fuel warning light. The foldable roll guard and retractable seat belt provide added safety. The Z530R would make a solid choice for mostly flat terrain.
Get the John Deere Z530R zero-turn mower at John Deere or VanWall.
Runner-up
Cub Cadet Ultima ZTX4 60-Inch Zero-Turn Mower
Product Specs
- Engine: Kohler 24 hp
- Deck: 60 inches; fabricated 10-gauge steel
- Maximum forward speed: 8 mph
Pros
- Durable 10-gauge steel deck resists damage from dents and scratches
- Heavy weight and large 22-inch rear wheels help to navigate hills and slopes
- With a 5.5-gallon fuel capacity, users can mow more than 5 acres without refueling
- Built-in LED headlights allow you to wrap up large mowing jobs as evening falls
Cons
- Mower does not operate at the same high speed as other models
Weighing in at 1,092 pounds, the Cub Cadet Ultima ZTX4 is a heavier mower, giving it an edge on sloped ground where good traction is critical. This zero-turn mower features a professional-grade 24-hp Kohler 7000 Series V-twin engine, a 60-inch fabricated 10-gauge steel deck, 22-inch rear wheels, and a 20-inch high-back seat with armrests. The cutting deck adjusts from 1 to 4.75 inches in height, and the fuel tank holds 5.5 gallons.
Other notable features on the ZTX4 include a super-strong 1.5-inch-by-3-inch tubular steel frame, standard roll-over protective structures (ROPS), an ergonomic design with adjustable lap bars, electric blade engagement, and LED headlights. This would make a strong choice for mixed terrain.
Get the Cub Cadet zero-turn mower at Cub Cadet.
Best Bang for the Buck
John Deere Z515E 60-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Mower
Product Specs
- Engine: Briggs and Stratton 24 hp
- Deck: 60 inches; stamped 10-gauge steel
- Maximum forward speed: 8.5 mph
Pros
- Mulch grass trimmings and other lawn debris with 3 cutting blades
- Adjust the mowing height from 1 to 4 inches to get the ideal cut
- Avoid refueling in the middle of a job with the 4.5-gallon fuel tank
- Mower capable of operating at a forward speed of up to 8.5 mph
Cons
- Not intended for use on steep slopes or hills
There is no need to sacrifice performance quality to save on the bottom line. John Deere’s Z515E 60-inch zero-turn riding mower offers similar performance to its premium model, the Z530R, at a discounted price. The John Deere–branded Briggs & Stratton V-twin 24-hp engine, 60-inch triple-blade 10-gauge steel stamped deck, 22-inch rear wheels, and 18-inch cut-and-sewn seat provide outstanding comfort and performance for the money. Mowing heights range from 1 to 4 inches, and the fuel tank holds 4.5 gallons. The mower is also relatively lightweight, coming in at 631 pounds, which makes it better suited for flat terrain.
Value is the key here. Although the Z515E lacks some premium upgrades found on other John Deere models, it holds up very well within the industry in terms of power, performance, and comfort.
Get the John Deere Z515E zero-turn riding mower at Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or VanWall.
Quickest Cut
DeWalt Z260 Commercial Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
Product Specs
- Engine: Kawasaki 24 hp
- Deck: 60 inches; fabricated 10-gauge steel
- Maximum forward speed: 9 mph
Pros
- Speed across flat open spaces at up to 9 mph with this mower
- Powerful 24-hp commercial-grade engine to drive the wheels and cutting blades
- Mower is compatible with the DeWalt bagger or mulching kit
- Large 23-inch tires and heavy design improves traction and control on hills and slopes
Cons
- Heavy design of the mower may reduce the fuel efficiency
- DeWalt bagger or mulching kit must be purchased separately from this product
At 1,130 pounds, the DeWalt Z260 commercial zero-turn mower weighs nearly twice as much as the lightest mower in this roundup. The heavy build and aggressive 23-inch rear tires give it superior traction on sloped ground, while the 9-mph maximum forward speed allows it to blaze across flat ground. This mower is powered by a 24-hp commercial-grade Kawasaki engine. The automotive-inspired adjustable high-back seat and large tires provide excellent cushion for the ride. Its 60-inch 10-gauge steel fabricated deck adjusts from 1 to 4.75 inches in height, and the tank holds 5.5 gallons.
This mower includes a standard ROPS for safety on sloped ground. It is compatible with a DeWalt bagger or mulching kit (both sold separately). The deck’s offset wheel-and-caster system is designed for high-accuracy cutting and optimal trim capability while operating at high speeds. Ergonomic, adjustable lap bars and a wide foot pan add to the comfort. The DeWalt Z260 is an excellent option for large properties with tough terrain.
Get the DeWalt zero-turn lawn mower at The Home Depot or DeWalt.
Most Comfortable
Toro Titan 60-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Mower With MyRIDE
Product Specs
- Engine: Kohler 26 hp
- Deck: 60 inches; fabricated 10-gauge steel
- Maximum forward speed: 8.5 mph
Pros
- Users get a smooth ride across rough terrain due to the MyRIDE suspension system
- Adjust the cutting deck height from 1.5 to 4.5 inches for the ideal cut
- The 5-gallon fuel tank reduces the need for frequent refueling on large jobs
- The 26-hp engine provides increased power to the wheels and cutting blades for optimal operation
Cons
- Mower is not designed for use on steep slopes or hilly areas
With a top forward speed of 8.5 mph and a weight of 819 pounds, the Titan by Toro is built for traction and stability on relatively flat ground. Powered by a 26-hp Kohler engine, the mower rides on 22-inch rear wheels. The fabricated 10-gauge steel deck adjusts from 1.5 to 4.5 inches, and the fuel tank holds 5 gallons.
Toro Titan’s MyRIDE suspension system smooths out the roughest terrain for unparalleled operator comfort at top speed. The suspended platform allows for more than 3 inches of isolated, cushioned movement so that the frame takes the pounding, not the operator. Plus, the adjustable high-back seat offers plenty of cushion as well. With ample cutting power and a butter-smooth ride, the Titan would be a strong choice for any large, mostly flat property.
Get the Toro Titan zero-turn mower at The Home Depot, Tractor Supply Co., or Toro.
Best Semipro
Husqvarna MZ61 Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower
Product Specs
- Engine: Kawasaki 24 hp
- Deck: 61 inches; fabricated 11-gauge steel
- Maximum forward speed: 8 mph
Pros
- Broad 61-inch cutting deck makes quick work of expansive lawns
- Commercial-grade hydraulic system improves control and acceleration
- Operates at up to 8 mph due to the powerful 24-hp engine
- Ergonomic high-back seat with armrests improves user comfort while working
Cons
- 11-gauge steel deck is more susceptible to damage than standard 10-gauge steel decks
This mower comes at a bargain price, but that affordability is no sign of poor quality. The Husqvarna MZ61 features a strong, sturdy build for a full day’s work. The 61-inch fabricated 11-gauge steel deck adjusts to cutting heights from 1 to 4.5 inches. It is compatible with Husqvarna’s mulch kit and bagger (sold separately). The mower is powered by a 24-hp Kawasaki engine and reaches a top speed of 8 mph. The 5.5-gallon fuel tank will cover 5 acres and keep going. At 770 pounds, this midweight zero-turn mower gets good traction for the flats and slight inclines.
The high-back operator’s seat with armrests sets up a comfortable ride, and it’s enhanced by the ergonomic padded hand grips with vibration dampeners. Commercial-grade hydraulics ensure smooth acceleration and effortless steering. A foldable ROPS protects against accidents while operating on slopes. The Husqvarna MZ61 makes a thrifty value choice for large-property owners or small-business owners.
Get the Husqvarna zero-turn mower at Amazon, Safford Equipment, or your local Husqvarna dealer.
Best for Hills
Troy-Bilt 54-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Mower
Product Specs
- Engine: Kohler 24 hp
- Deck: 54 inches; fabricated 12-gauge steel
- Maximum forward speed: 5.5 mph
Pros
- Heavy-duty 2-inch tubular frame helps absorb impact and provide stability
- Improved control and enhanced mobility on steep slopes and hills
- Integrated parking brake in the lap bar controls quickly stops the mower
- Dual hydrostatic transmission increases maneuverability for quicker mow times
Cons
- Small 54-inch cutting deck will take longer to mow large-open spaces
When mowing a yard that is 5 acres or more in size, there will often be hilly areas and steep slopes that many zero-turn mowers have issues navigating. However, the Troy-Bilt 54-inch zero-turn riding mower is designed with a powerful 24-hp engine, a solid steel frame, and anti-scalp wheels that grip slippery slopes and hilly terrain without damaging the turf.
The zero-turn mower comes with a built-in cupholder and an integrated parking brake located in the lap bar controls, allowing you to quickly stop the mower to refill the 3.5-gallon fuel tank or move an obstruction out of the path of the mower. The dual hydrostatic transmission system improves mowing time by increasing maneuverability, though the narrow 54-inch cutting deck may not be able to mow broad lawns as quickly as a 60-inch zero-turn mower.
Get the Troy-Bilt zero-turn mower at The Home Depot, Troy-Bilt, or Brand New Mowers.
Best Commercial
Toro TimeCutter 60-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Mower
Product Specs
- Engine: Toro 24.5 hp
- Deck: 60 inches; fabricated 10-gauge steel
- Maximum forward speed: 7 mph
Pros
- Tool-free oil change and filter replacement for easy maintenance
- Powerful 24.5-hp engine and broad 60-inch cutting deck are ideal for large yards
- Adjustable cutting height from 1.5 to 4.5 inches to get the ideal cut
- Stay hydrated while mowing with the built-in cupholder for user beverages
Cons
- The 3-gallon fuel tank may need to be refilled to finish large mowing jobs
For those looking to add to a fleet of commercial mowers or individuals wanting to earn a little extra on the side with a personal commercial mower, the Toro TimeCutter is a great option. This zero-turn mower has a powerful 24.5-hp engine and a broad 60-inch cutting deck that is made of tough, durable 10-gauge steel.
Users can adjust the cutting deck height from 1.5 to 4.5 inches, depending on the optimal lawn height for the property. Sip a coffee while working with the built-in cupholder and take advantage of the tool-free oil change and filter replacement design for easier mower maintenance. Just keep in mind that the small 3-gallon fuel tank will need to be regularly refilled during larger mowing jobs.
Get the Toro TimeCutter zero-turn mower at The Home Depot, Toro, or Tractor Supply Co.
Also Consider
Bad Boy ZT Elite 60-Inch Zero-Turn Mower
Product Specs
- Engine: Kohler 26 hp
- Deck: 60 inches; fabricated 7-gauge steel
- Maximum forward speed: 7 mph
Pros
- Heavy-duty 7-gauge steel cutting deck resists damage from dents and scratches
- 3 sharpened cutting blades cut grass and lawn debris into a fine mulch
- The 6.5-gallon fuel tank is large enough to tackle yards more than 5 acres in size
- Adjustable cutting deck can be set between 1.5 to 4.5 inches in height
Cons
- Reduced traction and control due to the narrow 11-inch rear tires
Starting with its 7-gauge steel deck and continuing through the 26-hp Kohler engine and commercial-grade hydraulics, the Bad Boy ZT Elite is overbuilt—in a good way. The thicker steel and more powerful engine add up to a stout 841-pound mower that will handle flat and rolling terrain with ease. The 60-inch deck adjusts to mowing heights from 1.5 to 4.5 inches, and the fuel tank holds 6.5 gallons of gas.
When it comes to comfort, the ZT Elite offers an 18-inch high-back seat with armrests, along with a patented independent front-suspension system to cushion the ride. The 22-inch tires are slightly narrower than comparable models at 11 inches wide, as opposed to the 12-inch widths seen on the others in this lineup, which likely improves traction but may temper comfort slightly.
Get the Bad Boy zero-turn mower at Tractor Supply Co., Rural King, or your local Bad Boy dealer.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Zero-Turn Mower for 5 Acres
After settling on the idea of a zero-turn mower, there are numerous choices to make. For those with large acreage, the key shopping considerations include the cutting deck, engine, fuel capacity, transmission and, of course, operator comfort.
Cutting Deck
The construction and adjustability of the mower deck is arguably the most important feature on the mower. “The wider the better” only holds true to a certain extent. Most owners of 5 acres or more choose a 60-inch zero-turn mower deck. However, decks as narrow as 54 inches may be more appropriate for maintaining shorter grass on undulating terrain, or where narrow passages and other obstructions factor in. If the grassy area is open and flat, though, commercial mowers with wider decks may be a better choice.
The deck itself may be either fabricated or stamped. A fabricated deck is assembled by welding individual pieces of steel together, while a stamped deck is pressed from a single sheet of steel. Fabricated decks offer superior rigidity and durability, but stamped decks offer better airflow. Deeper decks, both fabricated and stamped, pull the grass up straighter for a cleaner cut than shallower alternatives.
Other factors to consider include the number of blades, height-adjustment increments, overall height-adjustment range, and bagging and mulching capabilities. When the deck size is the same, a mower with three shorter blades cuts cleaner with less risk of clogging than one with two longer blades. The more height-adjustment options, the greater overall flexibility the mower has for different types of grasses and growing conditions. The same goes for bagging and mulching capabilities.
Engine Power and Type
Battery-powered zero-turn mowers are available, though it is not clear if a residential electric model exists yet that has adequate size and battery runtime to mow 5 acres without stopping to change batteries or recharge. Even then, electric zero-turn mower deck sizes rarely go beyond 42 inches. Most are self-rated for properties “up to 2 acres.”
At this time, a fast, efficient cut on larger properties still requires gasoline engine power. Typically, a zero-turn lawn mower for 5 acres will be powered by a two-cylinder gas engine, like a V-twin engine. The engine power of the lawn mower ranges from 22 to about 27 hp. The most common engine size for mowers with 60-inch decks is 24 hp, which delivers plenty of power to the drive wheels and two or three blades.
In addition to their maneuverability mentioned earlier, the other way that zero-turn mowers outpace lawn tractors is with faster mowing speed. Zero-turn mowers boast an average maximum speed of about 8 miles per hour; lawn tractors mow 4 to 5 miles per hour at most.
Fuel Capacity and Battery Runtime
Residential zero-turn lawn mowers usually hold between 3 and 7 gallons of fuel, while some commercial-grade models hold more than 12 gallons. Ideally, the fuel capacity of the mower will be high enough for you to cut all the grass without stopping to refuel.
However, this isn’t always the case, especially when looking for a suitable mower for 5 acres or more of lawn. For 5 acres of grass, look for a zero-turn mower with a fuel capacity of at least 3 gallons, but keep in mind that tough terrain with lots of obstacles may increase fuel consumption.
Transmission
Residential zero-turn riding mowers use dual hydrostatic transmissions to power the two-drive wheels independently. The hydrostatic system uses fluid pressure to transfer power from the engine to the wheels. This configuration eliminates clutch and gears for smooth acceleration when the drive lever is moved forward or backward. The additional transmission is reflected in the higher cost of a zero-turn mower relative to that of a lawn tractor.
Safety and Comfort
Performance may be top of mind while shopping for lawn mowers, but safety and comfort features make the difference between a machine that is simply adequate and one that’s enjoyable to operate. Look for features like a seat-safety switch, ROPS, seatbelt, and automatic parking brake to prevent accidents and injuries. In terms of comfort, a high-back seat, armrests, cupholder, large rear wheels, and seat-suspension system can make mowing a pleasure.
FAQs
If you’ve made it this far, you may have additional questions. Read on for answers to common concerns.
Q. What should I look for in a machine that can mow 5 acres?
To mow 5 acres of grass without having to dedicate an entire day to the task, look for a mower with a 60-inch deck with three blades, a 24-horsepower engine, and a fast mowing speed of at least 6 miles per hour. A machine like that should do the job in 1.5 hours or less.
Q. What is a zero-turn grass mower?
Zero-turn mowers feature independently controlled drive wheels in the back and swivel caster wheels up front. They are capable of pivoting or turning in place without driving around in a circle. This maneuverability helps them to navigate smoothly around landscape obstacles. These machines also travel at twice the speed of conventional lawn tractors.
Q. Can I use a zero-turn mower at my home?
Zero-turn mowers are most effective when mowing lawns a half acre and larger. They excel where there is lots of grass with obstacles like trees but few dead ends or bottlenecks (such as gates) to navigate. Most zero-turn mowers do not perform well—or safely—on steep slopes.
Q. How do I steer a zero-turn mower?
Movement is controlled by the two hand levers, and it becomes intuitive after a short practice session. When you first sit down, the levers are separated in the “park” position. Bring the levers together over your lap to the “neutral” position. Push them both forward or backward to move forward or backward. To turn right, push forward on the left side lever. To turn left, push forward on the right side lever. To pivot, push forward on either side while pulling back on the other.
Q. Are zero-turn mowers efficient on hills?
Most zero-turn mowers are not as efficient or safe for use on hills. Larger, heavier machines are more stable, but they should be equipped with ROPS. Steep hills increase the risk of rolling the mower over. Consult the manufacturer’s specifications for gradient maximums before purchasing any zero-turn mower for hilly terrain.
Q. How do I pull a zero-turn mower?
When towing a zero-turn mower on a trailer behind a vehicle, remember that the heaviest part of the mower is at the rear. Load the mower by backing it onto the trailer. Be sure the mower is centered and the rear wheels of the mower are slightly forward of the trailer axle. Once everything is well balanced, strap it down.
