Zero-turn riding lawn mowers are the sports cars of the yard care world—fast, smooth, and super fun to drive! When your lawn’s getting wild and your push mower feels more like a fitness test than a simple chore, it might be time to level up. Unlike conventional riding mowers, zero-turn mowers pivot around their own axis, allowing you to mow faster and maneuver around trees, garden beds, and fence lines with ease. They can even cut your mow time in half if you have a large or complex yard!
That said, choosing the best zero-turn lawn mower can make all the difference in both performance and time saved. And if you’re wondering whether today’s electric models can keep up with gas-powered machines, we’re here to clear the air (literally). In this Greenworks guide, we’ll give you the full rundown on zero-turn mowers and how you can find the best ZTR for your yard.
How Do Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers Work?
Also known as zero-turn-radius or “ZTR” mowers, zero turn lawn mowers pivot on a dime, lay down clean stripes—and usually cut your mow time in half. Instead of a steering wheel, ZTR mowers are controlled by two lap bars (one for each wheel). Push both forward and you cruise ahead. Pull them back and you’re in reverse. Want to turn in place? Just push one bar forward and the other back and presto—a perfect 360-degree spin!
Features to Look for in the Best Zero Turn Lawn Mower
DECK SIZE
Larger mowing decks (42"–60"+) let you cover more ground in less time. This translates to more efficient mowing, especially for homeowners with larger yards. Just make sure your zero-turn mower fits your gates and storage space!
BATTERY POWER/MOTOR OUTPUT
Look for high-voltage systems (typically 56V or more) that match or exceed the torque of gas engines. All Greenworks ZTR mowers are engineered to deliver commercial-grade cutting power without a drop of fuel.
COMFORT AND ERGONOMICS
A high-back seat, adjustable levers, and smooth ride suspension make a big difference over long mowing sessions. A higher seat can improve posture, reduce strain, and enhance safety by providing a better view of the area you’re mowing.
SMART FEATURES
Many zero-turn mowers are packed with smart features designed to make mowing more efficient, intuitive, and secure. For example, many Greenworks models use advanced brushless motors with intelligent microchips that continuously monitor grass conditions and adjust power output as needed—helping to prevent bogging in tall or wet grass! SmartCut™ Technology further enhances performance by automatically maintaining consistent blade speed for a cleaner, more even cut.
See what the hype is about. Shop all Greenworks zero-turn lawn mowers!
Gas vs. Electric Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Can an electric zero-turn mower really compete with gas? Absolutely! If you’re looking for the best zero-turn lawn mower, there’s never been a better time to go electric. Our Greenworks ZTR lineup delivers everything you expect from high-performance mowers: speed, strength, and a flawless cut without the hassle of gas or a complicated maintenance routine. In fact, today’s electric ZTR mowers aren’t just equal to gas—they often outperform them in three key areas:
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Instant Torque and Responsive Power
Electric motors deliver peak performance the moment you hit the throttle. No revving, no delay—just smooth, consistent cutting power from start to finish. -
Quieter Operation and Zero Emissions
Say goodbye to a roaring engine and exhaust fumes. Electric mowers let you mow early, mow often, and still hear yourself think. -
Less Maintenance and Fewer costs
No oil changes, fuel stabilizers, or carburetor issues. Over time, your investment pays off through lower upkeep and fuel savings.
Concerned about runtime? For most residential users, runtime is a non-issue. At Greenworks, our top-performing electric zero turn mowers are designed to mow up to 2.5 acres on a single charge! That’s more than enough for the average yard.
Greenworks Tip: If you’re mowing multiple properties or large acreage, we recommend keeping a backup battery on hand or using one of our rapid chargers, which can power up your battery in as little as 30 minutes!
Power, Performance, and Peace of Mind
When the heat index is up and free time is down, efficiency matters . Choosing the best zero-turn mower isn’t only about horsepower—it’s about making yardwork faster, easier, and more satisfying. A ZTR may cost more up front, but if you’re mowing a big lawn regularly, it’s an investment that pays off in time saved and effort spared!
Read more from the Greenworks blog:
The Best Tools to Use for Each Lawn Size
How to Switch from Gas to Electric Lawn Tools
Greenworks Electric Riding Lawn Mowers – What You Need to Know
Written by The Green Team, a creative arm within Greenworks Tools.
Our team of writers, designers and content creators bring a breadth of experience and a touch of fun to all things tools. With an assist from the Greenworks product teams and technology experts, we’re here to provide helpful and engaging content to make your yard (and life!) beautiful.
