Introduction To Zero Turn Push / Walk Behind Mowers
There are many lawn mowers currently available on the UK market, trying to decide what engine powered mower is most suitable for you and your garden (petrol, cordless, corded, robot, manual push, robotic), what features your new lawn mower should have (self-propelled, mulching, side discharge, wash port etc) is not an easy decision. When you add “zero turn mowers” into the mix, many people feel that this is yet another option and do not know if just a gimmick or a value-added feature that should be considered.
The main problem here in the UK is that there are very few push zero turn mowers on the market. There is no shortage of ride-on zero turn mowers suitable for very large gardens, but when it comes to walk behind mowers, this is a different story.
To help you out, below I have selected the best push / walk behind zero turn mowers available here in the UK. There is a full review of each mower, should you want to investigate each in more detail. But before that, let’s take a look whether or not zero turn mowers are all that they are cracked up to be.
Zero Turn Lawn Mowers Explained
A zero turn mower is a standard mower with turning radius zero. The mower can turn in a circle of any radius or direction. These mowers typically complete the job of cutting your lawn faster compared to a non-zero turn mower due to the easier manoeuvrability at the end of each run and around obstacles.
Why Zero Turn Mowers faster?
Typically, when you cut your lawn and reach the far side, you need to turn around (that may not always be easy with flower beds and other obstacles), then align the wheel marks and come back. This process will for sure take some time compared to the simple and time efficient 180 degree turn with a zero turn mower.
Yes, many people will tilt a standard mower back on its rear wheels to turn around, however this will require physical effort on your part, particularly with heavy petrol mowers, and will not cut the grass on the point at which it turned. Not to mention that this method is likely to dislodge the grass collection box if the non-zero turn mower is tilted too much.
Best Zero Turn Petrol Mowers
Below I have included the best zero turn petrol mowers you should consider, if you are looking for this type of mower.
Types of Zero Turn Lawn Mower?
Zero turn mowers can be purchased mainly as ride-on mowers, but also as petrol mowers with 4 wheels (as you would expect). There are also some 3 wheeled petrol models available on the market in the UK.
Petrol 3 Wheeled Zero Turn Mower vs 4 Wheeled Zero Turn Mower
From my experience there are many issues with the 3 wheeled petrol models, the front wheel is prone to getting stuck and it can be challenging when mowing on a slope as the mower keeps running away from you in its own direction. Of course, you have the option to lock the front wheel, but then you can just as well purchase a 4-wheel model with no issues to overcome at a cheaper cost. In summary, in my opinion the 3 wheeled zero turn petrol mowers are not worth the investment unless your lawn is flat with no significant slopes or hills.
Talking about the 4 wheeled zero turn mowers, that is a completely different story. They are much easier to use, reliable, efficient and produce outstanding results.
Is It Worth Buying A Zero Turn Push Mower?
There are many advantages to purchasing a zero turn mower. Yes, they are more expensive, but at the same time they are efficient, quick and easier to manoeuvre around the lawn and are used by many professional lawn companies.
In terms of cutting your lawn, zero turn mowers are identical to a standard rotary lawn mower, the only difference is the configuration of the front wheels allowing them to turn more quickly and with no turning circle. If needed, the front wheels can be locked in position reverting them back to a standard rotary petrol lawn mower.
They are designed to cut very close to any obstacles and therefore reduce the need to use a grass trimmer afterwards. They have the ability to spin on their own footprint, allowing them to reach tricky areas in a much more efficient and effective way.
Zero turn mowers are a popular choice for homeowners looking to save time and make the job of cutting their lawn easier. They are reliable and versatile not just for commercial use, but also suitable for domestic use with larger lawns.
In summary, zero turn mowers offer a feature that will genuinely assist in speeding up your lawn care maintenance. The question is, are they worth the additional investment? Well, now with all the advantages listed above you will need to make a decision whether or not this additional feature is worth your hard-earned cash.
Conclusion
The limited number of petrol zero turn mowers currently available on the market are supplied with additional features to suit your requirements. You can purchase them with a large grass collection box or without, with a mulching plug to enjoy all the benefits of mulching (free organic fertiliser), side discharge and self-propulsion with variable speed. Some models also have a hose wash port for easy cleaning and maintenance.
To choose your best lawn mower may sound very daunting, so to help you out I have created a free mower selection tool that will recommend the perfect mower/s for you in seconds, based on your requirements. Why not click on the image link below to try it out.
As a seasoned expert in the field of garden power tools, I have dedicated over a decade to working with and reviewing a wide variety of lawn mowers. My extensive experience has allowed me to gain a deep understanding of the benefits and limitations of different types of mowers and garden tools.
Over the years, I have honed my skills in writing informative articles and creating helpful videos for various blogs and publications. This has given me the ability to not only recognise what makes a good lawn mower, but also to help you choose the perfect garden tool for your specific needs and requirements.
With my wealth of knowledge and expertise, I am confident that I can provide you with valuable insights and recommendations when it comes to selecting the right lawn mower for your lawn. So, whether you're looking for a battery cordless, electric, petrol, or robotic mower, you can trust in my expertise to guide you towards the best option for your garden.