Looking to buy a zero-turn mower soon? How much a zero turn mower weighs affects the abilities and safety of a zero turn mower as well as the ease of transporting it and towing with it.
On average, a zero-turn mower weighs 500 to 800 lbs. (227-363kg). However many fall under or over this range making them lightweight or heavyweight zero turn mowers. Larger commercial zero turn mowers weigh between 1,000 and 2,000 lbs. (454-907kg).
Want to know what other zero-turn mowers weigh? We have included a list below of various zero-turn mowers from different brands and their weights.
Read this if you are having steering issues: How You Can Adjust Steering On Zero Turn Mower?
List of Popular Zero Turn Mowers and Their Weight
Need a clearer distinction of how much a zero-turn mower weighs? Take a look at this list of various zero turn mowers and their weights. We have included both heavy, light, and medium-weight options.
| Zero Turn Mower | Weight |
|---|---|
| 2010 Toro Z Master Commercial Riding Mower | 1,088 lbs (490kg) |
| Ariens IKON XD 60 inch (Kawasaki) Zero Turn Mower 915273 | 850 lbs (385kg) |
| 2021 John Deere Z740M ZTrack Zero Turn Mower | 1,040 lbs (472kg) |
| 2014 John Deere X748E Zero Turn Mower | 580 lbs (262kg) |
| Ariens IKON XD 52 inch (Kawasaki) Zero Turn Mower 915267 | 681 lbs (308.80kg) |
| Bad Boy Renegade Diesel Zero Turn Mower | 1,862 lbs (845kg) |
| The Z-Beast 50 in. Zero Turn mower | 850 lbs (385kg) |
| Craftsman Z5400 22 HP | 710 lbs (322kg) |
| Ariens Edge 42 (Kohler) | 497 lbs (225kg) |
| Toro Titan 75316 | 819 lbs (371kg) |
What is a Zero Turn Mower?
A Zero Turn Mower also known as a Zero Turn Radius is a machine used to cut large areas of grass. This includes golf courses, sports fields, and even estates with large areas of grass.
The Zero Turn Mower is preferred over most mowers because it is small, easily cuts large areas of grass fast, reaches high speeds, offers great maneuverability, and it can closely cut around obstacles to make your garden scenic.
While these machines were first brought about in 1969, the ones you see today are much better. Not only are they more powerful, but they also are much safer. They even have more purposes than just mowing the lawn.
However, a zero-turn mower is still not a perfect mowing machine. There are still a few limitations when using a zero-turn mower that should be clearly understood as their weight plays a role in it.
Why Does Zero Turn Mower Weight Matter?
You currently may be wondering why there is so much discussion about the weight of a zero-turn mower. The fact is weight is very important to know before, during, and after buying a zero-turn mower.
Because let’s face it, the weight will influence several important things about maintaining and keeping your zero-turn mower.
1. Storage
Depending on where you are storing the zero-turn mower, you will definitely want to have an accurate figure to work with. The weight of the machine could influence where you will be storing your mower.
A heavyweight zero-turn mower cannot be stored on a single-plank wooden floor that is structurally compromised. It could end up breaking and falling through the floor.
Also, storing the mower on wooden pallets can lead to difficult parking on or getting off the pallets.
2. Transporting / Shipping
If you plan on moving on transporting your ZTM from your home to another premises, weight is crucial. The more it weighs the more expensive the transportation cost because it weighs a lot and takes up more space!
3. Influences on Towing Weight
A heavy zero-turn mower has the ability to pull a larger weight.
That said, if you know you will be towing some big weights it is best to get a heavy zero-turn mower even if it costs more.
If you own a large garden or estate, it’s likely you will need to be transporting garden equipment here and there. This is where the towing capacity and weight of the zero-turn mower will be important.
Why Do Zero Turn Mower Weights Vary?
As you have seen, zero-turn mowers can feature a great difference in weight. Some are light while some are heavier. There is quite a large contrast in weights because of various factors.
It could be as simple as size or as complex as materials used that are responsible for machine weight. Take a look at the factors affecting zero turn mower weight.
a. Material Used
The materials used in your zero-turn mower will affect the final weight of your machine.
Some materials are rather light, examples are plastic and aluminum. While others are heavy such as stainless steel, and cast iron. Lightweight materials may not always be the best option to choose.
b. Size
A zero-turn mower could be small meant for private use or large for commercial use. This greatly affects the size of the machine and in turn, size affects weight. Also, the addition of various attachments will also influence the final size and weight of the machine.
c. Gas or Electric Powered
Whether your ZTM is gas or electric powered does play a role in weight. What particular type and size of the battery can also influence the weight. Also, for a fuel-powered machine, every liter of fuel will add weight. Again tank capacity and which fuel it uses do matter!
- 1 Liter petrol = approx 0.740kg
- 1 Liter diesel = approx 0.840kg
d. Engine
Some mowers are more powerful than others, coming at a cost. More powerful engines are larger in size and will obviously weigh more. So, even if the size of the mower is rather small, its weight can be quite a lot due to the engine power and ultimately the engine size.
Looking for a 60-inch zero-turn mower to buy? Check out the Best 60-in Zero Turn Mower for Large Properties (5 acres & above).
Lightweight vs Heavyweight Zero Turn Mower
Is there any difference in terms of benefits between a lightweight and a heavyweight zero-turn mower? Yes, there are. Both have their own set of advantages.
Depending on the advantages that suit your requirements best, you can choose a heavyweight or lightweight zero-turn mower.
Advantages of a Lightweight Zero Turn Mower
- Less weight means these mowers will move faster
- Easier to control a lighter mower
- Covering a larger area is faster with a lighter mower
- They usually come with a smaller engine and so they are cheaper
- Much more convenient for reaching small crevices and mowing around obstacles
- Smaller engines mean they will what up slower
Disadvantages of a Lightweight Zero Turn Mower
- They have smaller wheels which are not appropriate for loose or aery soil
- Lower wheel tractions mean these mowers are only suitable for level lawns and slopes or uneven surfaces
- Usually, these mowers lack reverse meaning they can be difficult to maneuver in tricky places
- A poor center of gravity means that there are greater chances of tipping over
Advantages of a Heavyweight Zero Turn Mower
- Larger engines prove to be more powerful
- Able to cut stronger and taller grass
- Bigger wheels mean the capability to work on several terrains due to more traction
- More stable and centered than lightweight ATMs
- They are equipped with better features and safety precautions
- Heavyweight mowers are not prone to common obstacles such as pebbles and sticks
- They are usually larger, making them slightly easier to drive
Disadvantages of a Heavyweight Zero Turn Mower
- Larger size and engine power mean they are more expensive and maintenance also costs more
- Larger size and higher weight make these machines harder to maneuver
- They cannot be used in wet areas as they are heavy and can sink faster or get stuck, as you can imagine getting them unstuck can be difficult
Best Heavyweight Zero Turn Mowers
Heavyweight zero-turn mowers are usually most efficient when you have large areas of flat lawn to mow. Also, they are more stable when operating over inclined and declined land. Here are three of the best heavyweight zero-turn mowers.
– 2010 Toro Z Master Commercial Riding Mower
The Toro Z Master happens to be one of the heaviest zero-turn mowers you can find with a dry weight of 1,088 lbs (490kg). This is a lot, meaning the final weight with fuel and a load could be around 3,200 lbs or 1,598kg!
– Ariens IKON XD (Kawasaki) Zero Turn Mower 915273
You’ll need a bit more space to house this larger and heavier zero-turn mower. It weighs a hefty 850 lbs (385kg) and expect it to be more with a full tank of fuel and attachments. This also comes with better capabilities than a lightweight zero-turn mower.
– 2021 John Deere Z740M ZTrack Zero Turn Mower
The highest HC variant of this zero-turn mower weighs 1,040 lbs (472kg) with fuel. Some of this is contributed by the 30.2 L fuel tank. This is considerably heavy if you plan on using it for your estate or large garden.
It holds up well for a multitude of activities and is a recent model meaning you will easily find spare parts and specialists to fix any problems if they occur.
Best Lightweight Zero Turn Mowers
Don’t have high requirements and lots of space, or are you on a budget? A lightweight zero turn mower would best suit your requirements especially if it is for small to medium garden use. Here are three of the best lightweight zero-turn mowers we can safely vouch for!
– Exmark Radius E Series
This series is undoubtedly the definition of a lightweight zero-turn mower! Weighing in at just 415lbs (188kg). It’s hard to beat this weight and we doubt you’ll find a bigger brand making machines of this weight range.
Don’t think twice about buying the Exmark Radius E Series if you manage to find it, that too at a special discount!
– 2014 John Deere X748E Zero Turn Mower
The machine alone weighs a mere 580 lbs (262kg) without fuel and attachments (load) which doesn’t seem like much! However, this number rapidly rises when you add the full fuel capacity and a grass load. Expect it to reach 1.100 lbs or (499kg).
– Ariens IKON XD 52 inch (Kawasaki) Zero Turn Mower 915267
This trusted brand offers a reliable garden zero-turn mower that only weighs a mere 681 lbs (308.80kg). Making it a great addition to your garden equipment collection as it is lighter and offers more operation convenience.
Conclusion
Knowing the weight of your zero-turn mower is considered an essential part of owning a zero-turn mower, private or commercial. So, if you are asking how much does a zero turn mower weigh, there is a great difference between commercial and private zero turn mower weights.
- Private zero turn mowers weigh between 500 – 800 lbs (227-363kg)
- Commercial zero turn mowers weigh between 1,000 – 2,000 lbs (454-907kg)
Often, these machines are grouped by weight in two groups, heavyweight zero turn mowers and lightweight zero turn mowers. Both come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages, most of which are based on the weight of the mower.
FAQs
Do heavier zero-turn mowers cost more?
Yes, the heavier a zero-turn mower is, the more likely its cost is to increase. The reasons for this are that heavy zero-turn mowers will naturally also have a larger, more powerful, and heavier engine. Also, a heavy ZTM will come with a better center of gravity meaning that it is harder to topple such machines than the lightweight variants.
Where will I find zero-turn mower weight?
You can check the brand’s official page to get an authorized figure of how much a zero-turn mower weighs. Otherwise, the instruction manual should have this vital information written in it under the specifications. Even the store you bought it from would be able to provide you with these weight details. Note the machine will show weight differences when dry (without fuel) and when it has a full tank.
