Did you know that using the best zero-turn mowers reduces the amount of effort and time spent mowing your lawn? These mowers are robust, sturdy, and ready to get the job done as soon as possible.
Unmatched in terms of power, maneuverability, and speed, zero-turn mowers are perfect for keeping vast lawns even and tidy. These impressive machines steer the rear wheels with its lap bars, which pivot 180 degrees, ensuring there is no uncut grass as you turn. Likewise, it cuts perfectly around tight spaces without forcing you to get the weed whacker for additional touchups.
Among other vital factors, the deck size of a mower determines the time spent mowing your lawn. The larger the deck size, the less amount of time spent mowing grass. A 42-inch zero-turn mower is the best residential zero-turn mower for those with less than 2.2 acres of lawn to mow. Without further ado, let us quickly delve into the best 42-inch zero-turn mowers available on the market.
| Product name | Horsepower | Fuel capacity | Check on Amazon |
| Toro 75742 With Smart Speed Zero-Turn Mower | 22.5HP | 3-gallon | Check price |
| John Deere Z345M Zero-Turn lawnmower | 22HP | 3-gallons | Check price |
Cub Cadet ZT1 Zero-Turn Mower | 22HP | 3.5-gallons | Check price |
| RYOBI RY48ZTR100 Electric Zero-Turn Mower | Cuts 3 acres per charge | Battery-powered | Check price |
| Troy-Bilt 42-Inch Mustang Z42 Zero-Turn lawnmower | 22HP | 3.5-gallon | Check price |
The best 42-inch zero-turn mowers
Toro 75742 With Smart Speed Zero-Turn Mower- A premium quality and powerful residential mower
Despite Toro’s reputation of delivering mowers for commercial purposes, the Toro 75742 Zero-Turn Mower is an exquisite residential mower packed with premium features as well as an affordable price tag.
Specs
- 22.5Hp/708cc Toro Commercial V-twin motor with Self-Cleaning Air Filter Housing
- Dual hydrostatic transmission
- Smart Speed technology
- Dual wrap around levers and steering controls
- 3-gallon fuel tank storage capacity
- Cup holder and handcrafted seat
If you have a small lawn that requires regular mowing, the Toro 75742 Mower with Smart Speed is an ideal choice. This mower features a 22.5HP Toro Commercial V-twin engine, a fuel-sipping dual-cylinder engine with plenty of power for weekly mowing. One of its most impressive features is its Smart Speed Control, which enables you to move a 3-position lever to increase or decrease the ground speed to allow effective pulling of loads or accurate trimming of your lawn.
Combined with its Smart Control Technology, its hydrostatic transmission allows you to slow down without reducing blade speed for hills and towing and increase speed when mowing flat grounds. The mower also has a 42″ 10-gauge steel fabricated deck, which is durable and robust enough to withstand even the toughest mowing jobs.
With its hydraulic dampeners on its steering levers, this impressive piece of equipment guarantees smooth operation without any jerkiness. As a result, when getting on or off the mower, the brakes automatically set, and the deck disengages. When in park, the engine keeps on running.
Another incredible feature of this mower is its comfortable and handcrafted seat with armrests. The seat is easy to adjust through its quick up-top lever and step-through feature, and it also has a suspension feature that isolates the operator vibrations and bumps, ensuring better traction and better cut quality when mowing on rough terrains. It also has rear fenders that keep the moisture and mud off the operator during long mowing and trimming hours.
Pros
- Robust 22.5HP engine
- Durable fabricated deck
- Easy to operate controls
- Comfortable
- It comes with a standard cup holder
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Mulch kit blades are of a lower quality
Verdict
Toro’s mower is an efficient cutting machine that is strong and well-built to last for years to come. The 75742 zero-turn mower has an impressive combination of features, including a brilliant commercial engine, the impeccable speed with large tires, and comfortable steering controls that guarantee accuracy.
John Deere Z345M Zero-Turn lawnmower– A brilliant and comfortable zero-turn mower
If you have about 2-5 acres of land and looking for an exceptional mower with smooth and precise maneuverability, the John Deere Z345M Zero-Turn lawnmower is a fantastic choice.
Specs
- 42-inch Accel Deep cutting deck
- 22HP full-pressure V-twin engine
- Ready Start Technology
- Ergonomic seat and armrests
- EZT Hydro-Gear transmission
- 3-gallon fuel tank capacity
Thanks to its large rear wheels and sturdy deck frame, this John Deere Mower can withstand small hills and bumps with ease. It features a robust 22HP John Deere branded engine with a top forward speed of 7mph, ensuring high output performance. With its Ready Start Technology, you can easily start the engine like a vehicle, unlike the pull start engine that features in most zero-turn mowers.
The mower also has a 42″ Accel Deep cutting deck, which aids when mowing at full speed. It also has three large blades with several cutting heights, allowing different and precise cut quality. The deck also comes with plastic covers over its spindles for easy maintenance and cleaning. It also has a removable foot platform for easy cleaning and maintenance of the deck.
Furthermore, the Z345M Zero-Turn Mower from John Deere was designed with the operator’s comfort in mind. It comes with an 18-inch adjustable seat and two armrests for a completely comfortable ride. The mower also has two cup holders, including an over-sized one to hold large cups, and a floor mat to prevent slipping when getting on and off.
Pros
- Sturdy and high-performing engine
- Strong frame
- Ergonomic design
- Reputable brand
- Ready Start Technology
Cons
- Auto-choke feature may not work
Verdict
Being a reputable brand, John Deere offers high-quality and durable products to consumers all over the whole. The John Deere Z345M Zero-Turn Lawnmower is a fast mower that moves around objects and turns quickly without compromising the comfort of the operator. Some of the impressive features of this mower are its powerful 22HP engine, 42-inch Accel Deep deck with three large blades, comfortable seat, and armrest, as well as its Ready Start Technology.
Cub Cadet ZT1 Zero-Turn Mower– A reliable zero-turn mower with intuitive steering
The Cub Cadet ZT1 Zero-turn mower has become one o the most popular mowers used across the globe. Its excellent engine performance, unique cut quality, unmatched comfort, and effective cut bagging make it a top contender.
Specs
- 22HP/725cc Kohler 7000 Series V-twin OHV engine
- Lap-bar controlled EZT dual Hydro-Gear transmission
- 3.5-gallon fuel tank capacity
- 42” 13-gauge stamped steel cutting deck with SmartJet deck wash system
- twin blades
- advanced polymer seat suspension system
A unique feature that sets this mower apart from its competitors is its steering wheel that allows you to control all the four wheels, instead of using lap-bars that control only the rear wheels. As a result, you can comfortably navigate your mower through rough and hilly terrain without fear of losing control.
The mower also features a 42-inch 13-gauge stamped steel cutting deck with twin blades that allow you to mow your lawn into beautiful stripes and offers precise maneuverability to mow in tight spaces and around any obstacles. Its robust 22HP Kohler 700 Series V-twin mower delivers a smooth start and high performance.
The ZT1 42-inch zero-turn mower from Cub Cadet has two large and ergonomic lap bars that aid in controlling the mower’s speed as well as easy reach to the cutting height control levers. With its 15 setting cutting height system that ranges from 1″ to 5″, the machine provides versatility and efficiency to give you a precise and flexible cut quality. The deck also comes with a SmartJet washing system that cleans out the grass and debris from the mower’s underside.
Cub Cadet does not compromise the operator’s comfort in its ZT1 42″ zero-turn mower. The mower boasts of a fully adjustable and premium 18″ high back seat integrate with a durable seat suspension advanced system that absorbs the bumps and dampens road vibrations. It also comes with a cup holder and an easy access storage console for maximum operator convenience.
Pros
- Durable 42-inch cutting deck with twin blades
- Effective deck washing system
- Robust Kohler engine
- Comfortable seat
- Easy to use controls
- 3.5-gallon fuel tank capacity
- LED headlights
Cons
- It takes some time to get used to using it
Verdict
Cub Cadet has an impeccable reputation when it comes to delivering garden power tools, and the ZT1 42-inch is no exception. With this mower, you can be sure of reduced operator fatigue, brilliant and efficient performance and an attractive deck that will last for years to come.
RYOBI RY48ZTR100 Electric Zero-Turn Mower– A unique and electric zero-turn mower
The RYOBI Electric Zero-Turn mower is a fully electric mower with zero emissions that claims to clear three acres with just a single charge by using its four brushless motors and 100Ah lead-acid battery.
Specs
- 4-high-powered brushless motors
- 42-inch heavy-duty steel cutting deck frame
- Twin precision-cut steel blades
- 100Ah lead-acid battery-powered
- It charges through a standard 120-volt outlet
- 12-position manual deck adjustment
With this electric zero-turn mower, you can quietly mow your lawn with no fuss with oil fumes, gas, filters, belts, or sparkplugs, meaning reduced maintenance costs. It can handle approximately 3 acres on a single charge, which is equivalent to three hours of use. The mower has a lap bar steering that provides a cutting height adjustment ranging from 1.5″ to 4.5″, giving you an accurate and versatile cut quality.
Powered by a powerful 100Ah lead-acid battery and four Absorbent Glass Matt 12V brushless motors, this zero-turn mower provides a high and reliable output performance. It also keeps you aware of how much charge you have left using its readout display that shows battery bars and an accurate countdown of the time you have left before running out of charge.
Its 42-inch heavy-duty steel cutting deck frame is strong and durable to handle the toughest mowing jobs. The mower features 12 different cutting height positions, achieved by using an adjustable and easy-to-reach lever, ranging from 1.5″ to 4.5″, giving you an accurate cut quality. Two padded lap bars control the steering of this machine, allowing subtle and precise controls.
Another exceptional feature of this electric mower comes with a phone holder, a USB charger, and a cup holder to add to the operator’s comfort when doing the job. It also has a dual spring support system on its saddle that aids in absorbing ride vibrations and bumps. The control grips also have a soft mold for operator comfort and accuracy, even after extended use
Pros
- Clears three-acres of lawn in a single charge
- Zero-turn electric controls
- 12 adjustable cutting height positions
- Powerful battery performance
- Plough attachment
- It comes with onboard conveniences, like a USB charger, cup holder, and phone holder
- Responsive lap bar steering controls
Cons
- Three cutting blades are more efficient than two
- The mower can bog down quickly when engaging its low-speed setting
Verdict
Although it is not the best for commercial use, the RYOBI 42-inch Electric Zero-Turn Lawnmower is suitable for residential use for land of up to three acres. It works particularly well for those who do not let their yards get too out of control as thick grass can potentially bog down the cutting blades.
Troy-Bilt 42-Inch Mustang Z42 Zero-Turn lawnmower– Ideal for mid-sized residential lawns
If you are looking for a zero-turn mower that easily maneuvers around bushes, trees, flower beds, and fences, the Troy-Bilt Mustang Z42 zero-turn lawnmower is an ideal option.
Specs
- 679cc Troy-Bilt Twin motor
- Dual EZT Hydro-Gear transmission
- 3.5-gallon fuel tank capacity
- 42” stamped twin cutting deck with deck wash system
- Reinforced heavy-duty deck frame
- High back-seat
Specifically designed for small to medium-sized lawns, Troy-Bilt Mustang Z42 Zero-Turn lawnmower is a 42-inch machine that comes with a 679cc Troy-Bilt twin-cylinder engine that supercharges your productivity to offer you more cut in less time. It contains solid frames for exceptional durability, even on tough terrains.
The Mustang Z42 features an innovative, reinforced heavy-duty tubular frame built with extra durability and resilience in mind. The mower offers nine different cutting height positions and has a maximum forward speed of 7.5MPH and a maximum reverse speed of 2.5MPH.
Furthermore, this impressive piece of gardening equipment comes with large rear tires that provide additional traction and a high back seat to ensure the operator’s comfort. With its robust engine, the mower’s dual hydrostatic transmission gives it sufficient power to tackle slightly hilly yards in record time.
Pros
- 3.5-gallon fuel tank capacity
- Powerful motor and hydrostatic transmission for smooth operation
- Sleek design with sturdy deck frame
- Accurate maneuverability
- In-built deck washing system
- Easy access to service belt for easy maintenance
Cons
- It has no mulch-kit
Verdict
Troy-Bilt Mustang Z42 Zero-Turn lawnmower is an exquisite piece of machinery as it features an excellent combination of performance and build quality. As a result, this mower is ideal for use on lawns less than 3-acres.
What should you consider when buying a 42-inch zero-turn mower?
Horsepower
When it comes to demanding tasks like mowing your lawn, engine power is a crucial consideration. The more power your engine packs, the faster and more efficiently you will mow your lawn. Robust engines offer precision and high speed to ensure that you get the job done in the least amount of time possible. However, if your mowing property is less than an acre, you can effectively work with a zero-turn mower with low horsepower since you do not demand much power and speed, unlike when mowing a large estate.
Fuel capacity
The capacity of a mower’s fuel tank is another vital factor to consider. If you intend to perform professional tasks with your mower or mow a large estate, you do not want to frequently stop to refuel it as it results in taking more time to mow. As a result, you want to choose a zero-turn mower with a decent fuel tank capacity, capable of taking care of your needs when doing demanding mowing jobs.
Transmission
The type of transmission on your mower determines how efficiently you can operate the machine. If you have a small yard, you can opt to invest in a mower with a lower transmission level. On the other hand, if you intend to mow a large estate, you need a machine that can withstand the demands of a full-time landscaping job, meaning one with a more robust transmission. Many experts recommend investing in a zero-turn mower with a hydrostatic transmission as it is easier to use, and it provides smooth operations even on the toughest of jobs.
Conclusion
Many homeowners do not enjoy taking care of their lawns, as it is a tedious and time-consuming process. However, when you invest in a sturdy and durable zero-turn lawnmower, you can perform such tasks in a shorter amount of time and use the least amount of energy. Take into consideration the picks mentioned above, and you are sure to enjoy a hassle-free mowing job that leaves your lawn looking nice and clean.