you forgot the most important advantage of the tractor. you can drink beer while mowing.

I expect this mower will last several seasons with decent care. kzfaq.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.

With the zero turn, it's very easy to pop wheelies. This should be a pro!

It all depends on which brand zero turn you go with. Some do have all kinds of attachments that can be used on them, including plowing. It all comes down to how much you are willing to spend on everything and how large your property is. Personally, I have both. The zero turn is far better at cutting grass and the tractor is good for everything else like hauling, sweeping, aerating etc. A zero turn's purpose is to cut grass, a tractor's purpose is to pull things.

I love how fast I can mow my yard with a ZTM.

The prices on these lawn mowers are too damn high!

Thank you for the presentation and even some of the comments were helpful. My 25 year old MTD was put to rest at the end of last season. I have been shopping and eagerly anticipating a new mower. I went from thinking tractor to zero turn and now realize as much as I want a zero turn, a tractor is more practical for my property. Still.....

Answered some questions for me. Very informative. Thank you. I never mowed in rows in a lawn tractor. I always did circles. A lot faster.

Our yard includes slopes >20 degrees -- covered with pine needles which act like roller bearings. Every dealer I talked to said zero turns would not handle that. Ended up with a JD X739 -- 4 wheel drive and steer. I spend more time pulling trailers etc. than I do mowing. The X739 handles both beautifully. It may be overkill for my needs, but is absolutely stable on the hills.

I have a JD 130 Ive owned for 7 years and it does a great job of mowing my 7.5 acres. I have hills to mow that would scare me on a ztr mower. Upkeep of the tractor is minimal. Im staying with tractor mowers. Also being 72 enters in to the decision as well.

I have a 2520 mid compact with a 60" 3pt grooming mower and pull a 60" DR tow behind for the 5 acres of pasture and I have a L111 i have had for years for the 1/4 acre hilly yard. Replace all the spindles and belts this year and adjusted the valves last year and it still goes great.

Good video, "in addition" it was very informative, "in addition" I learned a lot. Thanks.

I purchased my first ZTR last season. A 61" scag Cheetah. Great, but HEAVY machine. It is absolutely faster, however it does come at a cost when you factor in having to own multiple pieces of equipment for regular homeowner usage. Snow blower, leaf collection (I have a Cyclone Rake z-10 mated to my x590) Although it is a lot of fun with the Cheetah, I'm heavily considering unloading it simply because I feel like its a waste for my lot size and all around needs. Good, honest review!

Had a lawn tractor for 8 years. Took hours to mow the property. Finally bought a zero turn. cut mowing time by 3/4. Cuts better also. Moves leaves better also.

I just moved from a tiny little backyard to a full acre of backyard lol i always thought a zero turn would be best but now I'm aiming more towards the tractor. Thank you for the video

Wait, you listed popping wheelies as a con. 😋

I will soon be 70 years old. I had cut with tractor style mowers, snapper styled mowers and push mowers for around 60 years. I bought a zero turn about 10 years ago. I am about to replace it with another zero turn. The zero turn maintains traction much better than a tractor style on uneven ground, slopes, and wet ground. The tractors have a differential that lets one wheel spin, and stick you, before you know it. The zero turn is better than any differential lock, or positive traction. You have complete control over traction. This also means that the zrt climbs slopes much better than a tractor, but you do have to be careful of flipping over backwards. I can cut along slopes, with the zero turn that would turn a tractor style over, and the tractor style will also lose traction on the up hill tire, on a slope. You just have to learn how to keep the ztr on a slope by feathering your steering levers, and keeping your speed moderate. As far as implements, fabricating a rear hitch for the ztr has worked well for me. This video has already proved the cutting speed and relative safety of using that speed, is superior on the ztr. I won't buy another tractor style mower. Please pardon the length of this post.

I have both. As I mow in rounds or spiral from outside to inside, not back and forth, there is no time difference. And as mentioned before with tractor you have at least one hand free for beer or cigarette :)

Both are good, but the ones with the green paint cost 3 times as much to repair and maintain.

Well done and you hit a lot of great points. This helps a lot and I wanted to say thanks for taking the time to make this.

Good vid definitely learned something since I've never owned a zero turn.

Well organized, very informative and to the point. I feel much more educated on which way to go now for my large yard. Thank you for this kind of video.

@The Tractor Factor: Excellent video. I was torn about which one to go with. After watching the video, there’s 0 doubt I need the tractor. Thank you.

You did an epic job with this video!

Great video and very helpful...One thing not mentioned regarding the zero-turn vs a tractor was how much easier it is on your neck and arms to turn w/handles vs. the steering wheel. I'm 69 w/neck issues. I had a JD X380 tractor that aggravated my neck severely due to the lack of power steering, and all the three point turns I had to make on my 3.2-acre manicured lawn. Yes, I did more than my share of kidney-shaped turns to avoid the additional steering required for a 3 point turn, but 3 point turning just comes more than I liked w/ the tractor. I have a Z540R on order, though I have used a Bobcat in the past and tested my neighbors zero turn. The zero-turn not only is more maneuverable than a tractor, but it is also much easier on your body to steer, once you get the steering technique down. As w/anything new, it does take a bit of getting used to at first.

buy one of each, I did and love them both

Good demonstration The other gator to consider is the ride The zero turn has more discomfort and bounce compared to a garden mower or tractor

I gave up my big bulky tractor and went with the zero turn. I have no trouble pulling a wagon, spreader, aerator or dethatcher with it. It's just different, but plenty versatile for a suburban lawn. I would only have a tractor if you want to use the plow attachments or have to pull a heavy load.

I like the zero turn ones but they are very expensive. As it is I paid $1800 and some change for my Husqvarna tractor and I am extremely pleased with it. It has a very tight turning radius and is a quality build. I can even mow in reverse so that alone makes a huge difference.

This was perfect. Super helpful!

Thank you for the video, very helpful and informative!

The thing to consider is that a base residential zero-turn is going to be significantly more expensive than a base residential tractor. A lot of people get hung up on ground speed (some ZTs go 10+ mph) but the reality is that you're only going to be able to go so fast when you're cutting grass and still do an adequate job. Then there's the maintenance. The weak link of any entry level mower is going to be the hydrostatic transmission, and a ZT has twice the number of them to break.

A yard with a lot of obstacles, yeah, I mow a cemetery I guess that counts, I use a Cub Cadet Tank M48 for the open field and rougher areas and a Gravely Compact Pro 34 around the grave stones, both are fantastic machines. The Tank has a ball hitch on it and will pull a 4x8 trailer full of dirt no with problems.

Great video just what I needed and right on time

Thanks for the tip about not locking one wheel on a zero turn as it tears up the yard, I was wondering why on even slow turns mine was leaving a bit of a mess.

A zero-turn on a lawn with hills is very dangerous

I have many ruts on the surface of our 2-acre property due to its sandy soil. Also, there are many rocky areas. I want a mower that can raise its mower height to avoid the rocks (up to 4-5" diameter) in the soil, plus larger wheels (especially in front) that will help prevent "plowing" of the wheels where the soil is soft and sandy and rutted in several areas. The tractor is to be used for mowing weeds only. The pasture once housed horses, owned by the former owner, and the horses took care of the weeds and clumps of wild grasses. The pasture is on a gentle slope. It would also be a "plus" if some sort of wagon could be trailed behind the tractor so as to make it easier to reduce the amount of rocks in the soil without having to manually drag a small wagon. I'm 82 and my wife is 73. Although we can keep up with the work using a walk-behind string trimmer, my working time on a hot day is restricted to about two hours. With the string trimmer, it takes a total of about six hours to trim all the weeds. A motorized vehicle such as a tractor with attachment for some sort of bed to toss rocks into would be a godsend.

I have a big farm,and own 3 zero-turn's and 4 big lawn and garden trackers so to me both styles come in handy for me now!!!!!

zero turn is also much heavier and will dig up your yard or get stuck to where the tractor mower will ride right over where the zero turn gets stuck.

Good discussion, great presentation. IMHO wanted a zero turn but bought a tractor for versatility (it is 4x4 for hills, a blade for light snowfalls, and blower for heavy snowfalls)

Great insight. Great explanations. Definitely help me determine what I need for my yard. Thanks.

I have a Husqvarna TS354XD GT. I absolutely love it, it's a little beast, has never let me down, and for the money you can't beat it. However those John Deere 700 series GTs are absolutely on a whole other level! They are definitely extremely expensive, but they come decked out with a lot of top tier features. I would definitely sacrifice my mother's first born son to own one!

He made a good statement saying this is from a residential point because if you go commercial you will never ever use a garden style tractor for a lawn care business. Also whichever one you choose please go to a local dealer and not a big box store. For one you're not getting a true John Deere or whatever brand you are buying. You're basically getting an MTD with different paint stickers slapped on to them. They have completely different numbers and parts. Plus when something goes down you can take it to your local dealer instead of having to mess with a big box store and they're long gone out ways of fulfilling their guarantee or just tune-ups. I really wish people would stay clear of big box stores. They really are not all that much cheaper and you sure as hell don't get the quality that you get from the actual manufacturer. It's all a scam and I wish it was illegal. Really pisses me off. I'm not even a local dealer but like I say I have a business and I see it all the time. Zero turn baby that's the only way to go. Once you mow with a zero turn you will never go back. LOL

I bought a 2021 Craftsman Tight turn T240 Lawn/Garden tractor paid a total $2,700 for it has a Kohler 7000 series engine 22 horsepower 725cc V Twin engine based on the Kohler command commercial pro engine..has a 3 year unlimited hours warranty weighs 630 pounds has a thick cast iron front Axle Tuff torque hydrostatic transmission with steel gears..5 inch turning radius cruise control 3.1 gallon fuel tank so why in the world would I spend $11,000 on a mower when in reality it's not better or not that much what I already have and paid $2,700

I have used both zero turns and tractors and in my opinion the tractor would be a much more comfortable ride then the zero turn also zero turns suck on hills and will get stuck easily when the ground is just a little wet I have had to pull many of the zero turn mowers out of wet areas that a yard tractor would have easily made it through.

Tractor is relaxing,zero turn feels like a fighter pilot in a dog fight plus less reaction time to avoid an accident. John Deere x730 is a quick lawn tractor.

I have lots of steep hills and obstacles so I went with the tractor. I am super glad I did! I think the zero turns are cool! Thankfully, I got the tractor because it turns out that I need to bag sometimes, mulch sometimes, spray occasionally, and pull a trailer from time to time. Not to mention in the winter how much stupid heavy wet ridiculous snow the snow blower on my tractor breezes through.

All your pros and cons are spot on. I own both and you exactly right. Hills on a zero turn can't be overstated. The rear wheels will spin going cross hills sideways and going down the hills can be dangerous because they don't have brakes on the front casters. On my machines the Scag zero turn mows much better than the tractor which clumps the grass underneath. I added the attachments with a tow hitch on a zero turn. Just be mindful when backing up or turning.

A zero turn cuts quicker due to better maneuverability, but a tractor does better on hills and is easier to stripe with due to the steering being less touchy. So it all depends on what you're cutting. Just like comparing a stand on zero turn to a sit down zero turn to a tractor, the stand ons are more maneuverable than sit downs but are only suited for small tight areas due to being slower and more touchy. If I want to make perfectly straight stripes and am mowing on a hill, then I prefer the tractor, if I'm cutting a large area and if I'm going around trees and power poles, then I prefer the sit down zero turn. If I'm cutting small islands or tight areas such as around buildings, then I prefer the stand on.

32 acres of my property to mower, We have been Z turn John Deere on near house including trees. Extra acrage has been using John Deere 770 tractor for mowing , snow removal and other heavy works for many years. John Deere Tracters are best equipments and very little problem.

Thanks I will need the tractor!!!

I find that I have to do a lot of weed eating after mowing with the zero-turn. The little side casters tend to force me away from border walls and other obstacles (or tear rocks out of the border). I don’t know if the same is true for the tractors. I keep a rotary mower to do the “finish” work.

The zero turn actually has many more capabilities than just mowing. You can attach dump carts, seeders, yard rakes, aerators and water attachments. Even on some zero turns you can add a plow. On the newer models you can even add these things.

One of the biggest things that made my decision wasnt addressed in this video, and that is~ am I ok with having my hands locked into a position as if I were riding a motorcycle with very badly adjusted handlebars, or would I rather have a steering wheel which I can use one handed, left or right hand whatever I choose at any time, or both handed.

Thank you , very informative

Best to have both. The lawn tractor will be appreciated more. The zero turn is wonderful.

I prefer the tractor over the ZTR, with the sole exception of the stand on. I find the stand on type to be easier to control than the sit down ZTR. But no one makes a home owner stand on, so tractor it is, unless I find a good deal on the other.

Tractors are alittle more rugged and versatile.. I've pulled out stumps, pushed/pulled cars.. pulled a 4wheeler out of a pond etc..

Excellent comparison.

I have a ZT2 cub cadet 60 inch. It's awesome no complaints.

Thanks for the video. I am actually considering going back to the tractor due to the rougher ride of the zero turn. No doubt the zero turn is maneuverable and takes some frustration out of turning around or going around objects. How does the zero turn compare to the 4 wheel steer John Deere tractor (which is what I am contemplating purchasing). Seems pretty close in turn around time although still a little longer with the 4WS model vrs zero turn.

Depends on what you are doing. If you like using attatchments and implements, get a tractor. But if you want to mow quickly, get the zero turn. I have a L110 and LT150 with Kohler command single cylinder engines, both are amazing. I dont have a large area to cut at all, im just using them to tow some carts around and cut larger lawns on occasion.

Residential mowing......time in seconds has not bearing! I traded in my Farris zero for the X590 and have no regrets. I love the power steering and power lift......very important when you're over 75.

I cut grass for 24 years and I fell in love with this zero turn best machine I ever sat on in my opinion it's absolutely the best mower on the market.

Last commercial zero I saw in a showroom was listed at about $18K or more. Thought about it for a few seconds and figured I could have somebody mow my lawn for the rest of my life for that price while I am relaxing!!

Great video. What about the quality of cut though? Is the blade speed the same for both mowers?

We bought an $8100 X590 Tractor four years ago. Yes it IS a bit slower, but leisurely grass cutting with a cold iced tea or a frosty beer in one hand just can't be beat. I don't want to have to use both hands nor concentrate on a ZTR banging into stuff and I can tow a freaking pickup truck out of a ditch with my X590. The John Deere transmission on it is almost bomb proof. Just last week I loaded a trailer behind my X590 with 18 50-lb bags of concrete, and I pulled it thru a pasture at nearly an idle and it didn't even act like there was 900 pounds of load behind it. With a 16-oz cold beer in my hand. It can take a box blade behind it. Do all that with a zero turn.

i have had both. zero turn is rougher riding unless maybe you get the commercial mower. i have the Z445. i have had it since 08. It is a mowing machine.

I'll take two of those tractors at that price!

I have a large yard with pecan trees and small limbs are always on the ground. Both can pull a dump cart and i use grabbers to pick up the limbs while i mow. Its harder to throw them in the cart with the zero turn.

I just got my JDs100 lawn tractor delivered today. People asks me if I was getting a zero turn I told them my yard wasn’t big enough for a zero turn so I went with the lawn tractor. Either way both the lawn tractor and zero turn beats out a push mower all day every day, I’ve been using a push mower for the last 11 years but no more.

You probably just saved me big bucks. I live on a mountain side property and have trouble mowing with tractors, they don't get the traction I need if the grass is damp at all and they are tippy with the seat sitting way up in the air for visibility. I was about to buy a zero turn because of it's wide, low stance and the factor that both rear wheels are powered. But your assessment shows that I'm better off staying with the tractor. Oh ... and ... yeah ... popping a wheelie while climbing a 30° hill would not be a good thing.

If you ever go zero turn you will never go back. Better mower you get the faster you cut.

I want a steering wheel ! I grew up driving a farm tractor.

The biggest issue I have is there is no gas peddle on the floor where I can control the speed, go back as well as forward. The speed, back and forth is controlled by a stick with hand. These newer lawn tractors are much more complicated than the old Bolens I use. I never did like that Craftsman thing and was quick to get rid of it when I knew I was going to get my deceased brother's old Bolens lawn tractor. However I would like the seat to be mowed forward a couple inches because of my short stubby legs and the seat is as forward as it will go.

Most consumer grade lawn tractors have open differentials; my Cub Cadet tractor was always getting stuck on wet parts of lawn. All ZTRs have both wheels powered. I find it very difficult to get my Kubota stuck - plus it cut my mowing time in half!

Fair review but you definitely missed a major drawback with zero turns in that the small caster front wheels do not hold a line on side sloping yards and the user must constantly be adjusting the steering to compensate as the mower will want to follow the down slope. I know one could mow up and down the block which is what I’d do but some people prefer cutting across the slope - why? I’ll never know!

Good video! How about doing one with the X-734 AWS? Thx

Extremely good video very informative

I bought a 1984 782 d diesel cub cadette and it is a great mower with a 50 inch cutting deck it is a greatower I love it

I did not need a ZTR, but I bought it for the fun factor. I never regretted it.

Why so slow with the Z-turn? I sold my JD tractor and bought a Toro Zero-turn. This cut my mowing time on a 2-1/2 acre lot from 4 hours to 1-1/2 hours. Although the mower is 3 speeds forward, I mow using the slowest speed. If I don't I'll have whirlpools in my pee for about a week after each mowing. I also use the Toro for hauling a large trailer and I feel much safer going up steep slopes. I needed a 35 lb. weight on the front of my JD tractor to mow the same hills and I still didn't feel comfortable. I can't be sure but I think the zero turn has a lower center of gravity.

Great Job! You answered all my questions, thank you!

I have both. Mow with the zero turn and work with the tractor.

I’m using the Tractor

Faster is not always better. Move slowly sometimes to allow the blades to cut instead of just ripping the grass off. Going fast is not always best. Go COUNTER CLOCKWISE so you're not blowing the clippings on top of grass you still need to mow. If you go clockwise , on the next pass, you are chopping up the clipping you just cut ! They just keep building up. I see my neighbors doing that all the time. They can't seem to figure that out !

My old Snapper ZTM mower is 23 years old and has a Joy Stick for RH control use. Opens up the LH for beer cans. How come they don't used that design any more?

You can get both with the husqavarna zero turn it front deck gets under most tight spots and will take a snow blower plus utility trailer

well presented video in addition, I enjoyed it in addition, do you have any additions you wish to add?

I’m sorry if I have already asked this question but are zero turn mowers good to mow on a non flat lawns with slopes or is a tractor mower better for that ?

I mowed a huge steep hill at my brothers on a tractor style and went sideways. I got a zero turn this year and im mowing it up and backwards then up in a new row. I suggest a ariens mower. Made in the usa and its a bright color so you are visible from distance when unloading and loading. Thats just my opinion tho.

I narrow the mow time gap on a tractor by using a circular route. Always keep mowing and disable the reverse switch so you're mowing in reverse. If you want straight lines and stripes then it's a no go on this technique.

unfair mowing test on the tractor at the beginning there. you don't get to the end then reverse to come back directly next to your previous strip, you turn it full lock and come back one strip width apart then come back again one strip width apart on the opposite side of the first strip then return again on the strip missed then skip the remaining missed strip, leaving another missed strip on the next run and mowing each missed strip on each alternating pass.

If you are looking a zero turn lawn mower go look at a cub cadet zero time and I am not saying John Deere is bad i love John Deere but cub cadet makes a amazing zero turn we have one and we love it. You can easily mo steep hills with it because it has a steering wheel to drive it and it has weight in the front due to the steering wheel and you can pull wagons, sprayers and planters with no promblem

What about maintance? Are the belts any more difficult to change on a zero turn?

My zero turn cut mowing time from 4.20 hours from the tractor to just 1.20 hours for the JD zero turn and whats more it’s fun doing it! I use the tractor for towing a trailer now and it does that well.

I have a zero turn and a tractor to mow my five acre yard, I have a couple trees and my yard is flat but I will not buy a zero turn on my next round of purchases. The tractor is better in soft areas and mows my ditch better and it's a lot easier to drink beer while mowing.

The Zero turn seat is lower and makes it easier to mow under low hanging limbs. However, why is there such an emphasis on "faster"?? I think mowing is somewhat therapeutic and enjoy it. I mow slower than I really could just because it is enjoyable. Another factor, which is more likely to breakdown sooner or more often? Are parts equally available for both? Just some thoughts that were not addressed in the video.

The best solution is two machines, a ZT for mowing and a compact tractor for everything else. If you’re only buying one machine the lawn tractor is more versatile.

I have both these styles of mowers. I prefer my zero turn over my tractor type. My zero turn is a Troy-Bilt Mustang 50 inch and my tractor type is a John Deere D160 - 48 inch. I use the John Deere as my backup mower. My property is 2 acres of grass with a lot of trees and gardens.