Best zero turn mower under $5000 – 2022 Ultimate Guide

So you’ve decided to go for a zero-turn mower. I must say, great decision! Why not go big with precision?

Zero-turn mowers are widely known as superior to your regular riding lawnmowers. And man! If you are a proud owner of a big lawn, you must need the best-rated zero-turn mower.

I am George Michael, here to assist you in pursuing the best zero-turn mower for under 5000 bucks.

What is the best zero-turn lawn mower?

Well, we all are here to know the answer. I’m sure that you must have undergone some typical reviews on the internet before you reached here, where you were suggested a bunch of mowers with no indication of on which surface these will do great whatsoever.

The thing is, different kinds of surfaces require different treats. You just cannot go ahead and buy which MR. Rudolph living next block, has.

He might be living on the rough terrain of the hills. Your soil is unlikely to match the surface of MR. Rudolph’s. You need a basic evaluation of your land first before you go to any conclusion about your soon-to-buy zero-turn mower.

Now, I’m assuming that you already know the type of your land and are ready to jump into suggestions. Just click below as your land requires.

Extra curious? No problem, just go ahead as this article evolves. See which ztr mowers will do great for which surfaces.

Before you jump into the below, I would like to remind you that here I suggest the most reliable ZTR manufacturer that is available online.

You might find some cheaper alternatives to what I’ll be suggesting below. The problem is online market sometimes carries deception by coming wrapped up with an appealing discount, extra warranty, etc.

You should not try to save a couple of hundred bucks by purchasing from an untrustworthy manufacturer with poor post-sales customer support. Go for the best!

I tried to give as much information as possible about each zero-turn mower suggested below. Check those carefully. If you know what it means, you can pick the best suitor for yours in no time.

Best zero-turn mower under $5000

Commercial Mower’s List (Including Residential Zero Turn Mower)

While looking for commercial grade zero turn mower reviews, you should look into eight things,

• Better horsepower (for better productivity)
• Bigger deck size (assuming you have a big land)
• Bigger fuel tank (you have a big land, you might want to complete mowing in one run)
• Hour meter (since it is needed for commercial usage, you must track the usage for longevity)
• Blade count (Three is better, less blade count leads to the possibility of going a place more than once)
• Speed (The faster it is, the faster you’re done with it)
• Different cutting heights (Must be needed, no matter whether it is commercial or residential)
• Comfort, since you will be spending a pretty amount of time on the zero-turn mower

Best commercial zero-turn mower under 5000 Dollars

Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

Husqvarna MZ61 comes first. It is the best commercial zero-turn mower for the money right now, in my opinion.

You can get a far more powerful ztr mower than this but the price is an issue here and you simply won’t find such a balance of power and money that can be found here.

Most Important Specs:

• Power output: 27 hp
• Cutting width (Deck size): 61 inch
• Fuel tank size: 5 gals (US)
• Hour meter: Yes
• Blade count: Three
• Speed: 8.5 mph

Different cutting heights:

1. Cutting height steps: 12
2. Cutting height minimum: 1.5 inch
3. Cutting height maximum: 4.5 inch

Comfort:

• Suspension: NO
• Seat spring: Yes
• Seatback height: High
• Cup holder: Yes
• Armrests: Yes
• ROPS (Roll-over protection system): Optional

Other Specs:

• Engine Manufacturer: Briggs & Stratton (Best after Kawasaki engine)
  Also available with the Kawasaki engine inside at a slightly increased price. (Check here Husqvarna MZ61 with the Kawasaki engine)
• Cutting deck type: Fabricated
• Transmission: Hydrostatic
• Cylinders: Two
• Cutting method: Side discharge
• Anti-scalp wheel: Three
• Deck lifting: Manual and foot assisted

If you gave a glimpse over the specs stated above, you know why I declared it as the best value zero turn mower for commercial usage.

It is a complete package of power and comfort within a very reasonable price point.It is a 61 inch zero turn mower. It is the most balanced and biggest for you if you own a big land. However, 72 inches zero turn mowers are also available in the market.

They tend to cost relatively very much, above ten grand sometimes. I know of a seller willing to sell off a 66 inch zero turn mower.

If you want a bigger zero turn mower for a reduced price, Check that Here. It features a 27 hp Briggs & Stratton engine, an 8-gal fuel tank.

Now, in terms of comfort – you can see that only a seat spring is available in the Husqvarna MZ61 zero-turn mower; but there’s no suspension.

Well, a full suspension would be great. Anyway, you can still enjoy the comfort of full suspension by additionally attaching the facility.

You can purchase the necessary suspension kits and use those. Check the link below to know more – Husqvarna MZ61 Suspension

(N:B: Be sure that the kit matches your mower before purchasing)

But still, who wants to go through the hassle of doing this? If you can sacrifice the deck size and power a bit and want a very comfortable suspension system onboard – I am here to get you.

My next zero-turn mower will reflect that. It costs almost a thousand less too.

02) Simplicity 2691324 Courier Mower, Riding, Zero Turn, Orange

The Simplicity 2691324 features a full suspension system for premium comfort. And if you often plan to go a big, arduous mowing session, this is the one you should be looking for first.

Most Important Specs:

• Power output: 25 hp
• Cutting width (Deck size): 52 inch
• Fuel tank size: 3 gals (US)
• Hour meter: No
• Blade count: Three
• Speed: 8.0 mph

• Different cutting heights:

1. Cutting height steps: 13 (Feet assisted)
2. Cutting height minimum: 1.5 inch
3. Cutting height maximum: 4.5 inch

Comfort:

1. Suspension: YES (Front & Rear – FULL SUSPENSION)
2. Cup holder: Yes
3. ROPS (Roll-over protection system): No

Other Specs:

• Engine Manufacturer: Kawasaki and Briggs & Stratton, both available.
• Cutting deck type: Fabricated
• Transmission: Hydro-Gear® ZT-2800®
• Cylinders: Two
• Cutting method: Side discharge
• Anti-scalp wheel: 2 Front/Rear Roller

Special feature:

• Utility cargo bed for transporting additional weight up to 50 pounds

The specs of this 0-turn mower are pretty much straightforward. You can see its’ strength above. Let me say a thing or two about the utility cargo bed.

This is the Utility cargo bed I was talking about. While mowing big ground, sometimes the necessity of carrying something might appear. It comes in handy at that moment.

Caution: Do not carry over 50 lbs.

03) ARIENS COMPANY APEX 60 Lawn Tractor, Zero Turn Radius

Before dissecting this zero-turn mower, you should be apprised of a specific fact. At first, the APEX 60 was equipped with a 25-hp Kohler engine inside.

And confronted customer complaints of not being able to get the full potential of the 25 hp Kohler engine. You may check that complaint by clicking on the link below.

How this ZTR mower could be better

It is still a great zero-turn mower, but if it had a Kawasaki engine inside, it’d be a killer doer.

To provide complete customer satisfaction, Ariens authority put the Kawasaki engine inside the APEX 60 later. It is now one of the best 60 inches zero-turn mowers.

Most Important Specs:

• Power output: 24 hp
• Cutting width (Deck size): 60 inch
• Fuel tank size: 5 gals (US)
• Hour meter: Yes, Standard
• Blade count: Three
• Speed: 8.0 mph

Other Specs:

• Engine Manufacturer: Kawasaki
• Cutting deck type: Fabricated
• Transmission: Hydro-Gear® ZT-3100
• Cylinders: Two
• Cutting method: Side discharge
• Anti-scalp wheel: 2

Different cutting heights:

1. Cutting height steps: 15
2. Cutting height minimum: 1.5 inch
3. Cutting height maximum: 5 inch

Comfort

• Suspension: NO
• Seat spring: Yes
• Seatback height: High
• Armrests: Yes
• ROPS (Roll-over protection system): Optional

Special feature:

This is the most customizable zero-turn mower on this list. A lot of attachment options are available. They are

Lawn striping kit

• You can create a striping effect which is seen at ballparks
• Check here: – Ariens Zero Turn Striping Kit

Operator-controlled chute baffle

• Using this attachment, the flow of side-discharged grass can be controlled
• Check here: – Ariens Zero Turn Mower Chute Baffle Kit

Trailer hitch

• This attachment enables you to tow pull-behind fertilizer spreaders, sprayers, and other necessary utility trailers. You can get the best out of your land while mowing using this attachment.
• Check here:- The ROP Shop Universel Hitch KIT for Ariens

Headlight Kit

• Extra light attachment for mowing in low-light areas or nighttime mowing
• Check here:- Ariens Website

APEX Folding ROPS Kit

• This is the additional ROPS kit. You can add ROPS or Roll Over Protection System by settling this on your Ariens APEX 60.

We are now saying something about ROPS. This very important part is often neglected, but this is a lifesaver. The main application it offers is that it saves lives.

According to Green Industry Pros, in 2007, only 61 persons met death, and about fifteen thousand were reported injured by their zero-turn mower. More info

In odd slopes, ZTR can lose its’ balance and roll over. If necessary precaution is not applied properly – the rider can die by getting crushed beneath it.

So saying again, ROPS is very important. If your land includes hilly tracks, rough terrains, any type of slope – I strongly recommend installing ROPS or buying a zero-turn mower with ROPS at first.

Check here:- Ariens Roll Over Protection ROPS Accessory

APEX 60 Mulch Kit

• This is a mulching kit for APEX 60 mowers. Return nutrients back to your land while mowing
• Check here:- Ariens Zero Turn Mower Mulch Kit

So, here are two options for you. You can either go for the Kohler engine version or the Kawasaki engine version.

04) Swisher ZTR2454BS Response 24 HP 54″ Zero Turn Mower

This one is for mulching lovers. I personally hate side discharge. Lawn mowing itself is a somewhat arduous task; I hate to clean the discharged mess later.

Why not mulch it deep into the land and let the land take care of it? Additionally, finely cut grasses work as nutrients and fertilizers for the land.

This zero-turn mower comes with mulching capability by default. You do not have to attach a mulching kit like the ones described above.

I am not saying that those kits perform less, my point is anything could go wrong if they are not attached properly, and you might not get the mulching facility then.

Most Important Specs:

• Power output: 24 hp
• Cutting width (Deck size): 54 inch
• Fuel tank size: 8 gals (US)
• Hour meter: Yes
• Blade count: Three gator mulching blades
• Speed: 8.0 mph (Both Front and

Other Specs:

• Engine Manufacturer: Briggs & Stratton
• Cutting deck type: Fabricated
• Transmission: Hydro-Gear 2800
• Cylinders: Two
• Cutting method: Side discharge
• Anti-scalp wheel: Yes

Different cutting heights:

• Cutting height steps: (Feet assisted)
• Cutting height minimum: 1.5 inch
• Cutting height maximum: 4.5 inch

Comfort:

• Suspension: No
• Cup holder: Yes
• Armrest: Yes
• ROPS (Roll-over protection system): No

Special features:

• Rapid response control system – This should be included under the comfort specification segment above. I separated from there because it enhances comfort by far means. The handlebars of this 0-turn mower are very sturdy and placed nicely to prevent arm strain after long use.

Suspension and ROPS are not available here. Otherwise, it’d be a very strong contestant for Husqvarna.

Best Residential Zero Turn Mower under 5000 dollars

You can use the above-stated commercial grade zero turn mowers for residential use, too, whether you want top-notch performance.

You can also use the next coming zero-turn mowers to be reviewed. The main difference between commercial and residential lawnmowers is that they are not designed to work relentlessly.

For this reason, I will still be suggesting some of the early-mentioned commercial mowers.

Best Zero Turn Mower for Hills under $5000

While looking for the best zero-turns riding lawn mower for hills, you should look into seven things,

1. Better horsepower (Climbing up requires power)
2. Bigger deck size (Bigger means a much-balanced structure, less likely to roll over)
3. Bigger fuel tank (Roaming hills burns more fuel, and if it is big hilly land – it is a must)
4. Different cutting heights (For even cut on the uneven hill)
5. Comfort, mainly suspension (You do not want jitter while mowing a hill)
6. Comparatively bigger rear wheel and body (For better balance)
7. ROPS – Roll Over Protection System (Must for safety precaution)

Look at this upper guide closely. This guide is almost identical to the commercial zero-turn mower buying guide.

Additionally, you’ll have to look for suspension and ROPS. You may neglect speed and hour meter.

Best Zero Turn Mower for Hills under $5000

So, if you own a relatively small hilly ground – you should be okay with a comparatively small fuel tank and choose the Simplicity 2691324 Courier Mower.

Otherwise, you should stick with the Husqvarna MZ61.

Click below to read about them.

• Husqvarna MZ61 (Jump to Husqvarna review)
• Simplicity 2691324 ( Jump to Simplicity review)

 

Best Zero Turn Mower for Rough Terrain under $5000

Now, rough terrain. Let’s quickly know what to look for whenever you are trying to buy a zero-turn mower for your rough land.

You should be looking into these six things,

1. Better horsepower (for better productivity)
2. Different cutting heights (You might want to cut grass at different heights for rough ground)
3. The rear side measurement should be bigger than usual comparing the front measure. (Keeps it balanced)
4. Various attachment options (Rough ground requires a different type of attachment to keep it tidy)
5. Comfort, the suspension is a must. You will be tired of mowing rough ground if the shake is not controlled.
6. Anti-scalp wheel (Anti-scalp wheel prevents upper grounds from getting scalped. It is a common feature for a mower nowadays, look for existing anti-scalp wheels quality)

Simplicity 2691324 Courier Mower, Riding, Zero Turn, Orange

This one is a very good choice for rough terrain. It has good horsepower and, most importantly – an excellent suspension system. It is a full-suspension zero-turn mower. Both front and rear suspensions are available.

It is a commercial-grade zero-turn mower. Will do excellent on rough ground.

The price is relatively lower than regular commercial ztr mowers, making it one of the best zero-turn mower choices for uneven terrain.

It meets all the requirements for uneven ground. I have reviewed it in the commercial section up above.

Click here for full review>> Simplicity 2691324 Courier Mower << to jump

Toro TimeCutter SS3225 32 in Zero-Turn Riding Mower

What if you own a small piece of rough land? Then getting a big 60-inch or 54 inches zero-turn mower would be ridiculous, and it’d cost way bigger than your land needs.

Here’s where this Toro Timecutter comes from. It doesn’t have an active suspension, though. The suspension system is not available on smaller zero-turn mowers than the 48-inch deck size.

What you can get is vibration reduction by design, and in this Toro timecutter ZTR mower, the vibration reduction method is well implemented.

Check below to know more about it and about this small mower itself too.

Most Important Specs for being a good rough terrain zero turn mower choice:

Comfort:

• Suspension: NO. But designed to shake less while mowing.
• Cup holder: Yes
• Armrests: Yes

Engine power: 452 cc

Different cutting heights:

1. Cutting height minimum: 1.5 inch
2. Cutting height maximum: 4.5 inch
3. Different presets of different cut height is available here. Check for more in the special feature section below.

Tire size: 11″ x 4″ (27.9 cm x 10.2 cm) Front, 18″ x 6″ (45.7 cm x 15.2 cm) Rear Many attachment options are available. Check for more in the special feature section below 

Anti-scalp wheel: Yes

Other Specs:

• Engine Manufacturer: Toro engine
• Fuel tank size: 3 gals (US)
• Cutting width (Deck size): 32 inch
• Blade count: One
• Transmission: Dual Hydrostatic
• Cutting method: Side discharge
• Hour meter: Yes

• Speed: There are three cutting modes in this mower, resulting in three different speed measurement

1. Mow mode: Forward 7 mph/ Reverse 3 mph
2. Tow mode: Forward 5.5 mph/ Reverse 2.4 mph
3. Trim mode: Forward 4 mph/ Reverse 1.7 mph

Special features:

Different cutting modes: This feature makes this small 0-turn mower more accepting of rough terrain.

While mowing, changing the cutting height frequently is annoying, but it is needed for uneven land. There are three convenient cutting modes.

1. Mow mode: For mowing
2. Trim mode: For trimming
3. Tow mode: For carrying attachments or other extra weights around

Various attachment options are available with this 32 inches zero-turn mower. You can check the official product page on the Toro website to know about it all.

Here only rough ground-friendly attachments are demonstrated. These attachments come in very handy for different landscaping needs.

It has special speed settings named tow mode just for carrying attachments around, and needed to buy them separately.

Dump cart: Cleaning rough ground is a pretty hectic experience. This dump cart attachment solves the problem. You can drive around the mower, attaching the dump cart to pick up the dumps.

Aerator: This gives the soil small holes, allowing the soil to penetrate the grassroots with water, air, and other nutrients.

Sprayer: You know what it does.

Lawn sweeper: Great for picking up left leaves from the ground

Cargo carrier: For carrying weight around.

To get a detailed demonstration of every attachment described above, check this video:

Reduces vibration, a lot of attachment options, Different preset cutting modes, a large rear wheel, and a comfortable seat makes this the best small zero-turn mower, in my opinion.

A common view is that a zero-turn mower is for bigger land since a small deck-sized zero-turn mower isn’t available like now.

It is good to see such a great small zero-turn mower like this manufacturing in such a context.

Best mulching zero turn mower under $5000

Mulching is good for your lawn soil. Moreover, side discharging leaves leftovers on the ground, and the clippings remain at such a stage where it is harmful to the soil.

So removing those from the land becomes an important task to be finished fast.

This is why I recommend mulching with zero turn mower. No hassle of removing the clippings, and additionally, the leftover enchants your lawn.

Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

This Husqvarna mower is the most improved zero-turn mower mentioned here. And with the additional mulching kit attached, this proudly becomes the best solution for the mulching zero-turn mower.

I have described this individual zero-turn mower above.

Click here to get access to that.

Swisher ZTR2454BS Response 24 HP 54″ Zero Turn Mower

If you do not want to go through the hassle of replacing the stock blades with mulching ones, this one is for you.

It is a mulching zero-turn mower that comes with mulching blades pre-installed.

This one has already been demonstrated above too. Click here to jump to that section.

This is it for now. Since investing in a zero-turn mower is a big step, I hope I was a good help here all along. Leave a shout below if anything you think is needed to be inserted to my attention.

Too costly? Wish to continue using a reel mower? Amazon has a service you can use to get help assembling one.

Click here to learn more about them: ‘Reel Push Mower Assembly

I will be periodically updating this article. Do not forget to come back here often to keep getting apprised about the latest developments. Vacuumist.com is suggesting bookmarking the page!

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