The Best Zero-Turn Mowers for 5 Acres

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Cut large areas of grass in much less time with one of these fast, powerful zero-turn mowers.

If you’re caring for a large property, it pays to become familiar with zero-turn mowers. In the old days, a lawn tractor was the go-to machine for tasks like mowing the grass, plowing the driveway in winter, hauling firewood, and toting tools and supplies. Unfortunately, these tractors are not efficient when it comes to lawn care. Those who want to mow their acreage quickly and efficiently—and achieve a great-looking finish—are increasingly opting for zero-turn mowers.

Unlike a lawn tractor, a zero-turn mower is a grass-cutting specialist. These machines are built to navigate the landscape with maximum maneuverability, which is made possible by independent wheel motors that let them turn on a dime. While a conventional lawn tractor may be capable of rounding a 16-inch-diameter circle, a zero-turn mower can trace a zero-diameter circle, or even pivot 180 degrees to retrace its previous path. Thanks to this extreme dexterity, a zero-turn mower can cut an acre of grass in half the time of a lawn tractor with the same mower deck size, saving operating time, fuel, and maintenance costs.

If you need a mower for 5 acres or more, there are several excellent zero-turn mowers that could be just right for your property. Ahead, learn more about the key specifications and features that we considered while compiling this list, and see why these models are some of the best zero-turn mowers for 5 acres.

1. BEST OVERALL: John Deere Z530R 60-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Mower
2. RUNNER-UP: Cub Cadet Ultima ZTX4 60-Inch Zero-Turn Mower
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: John Deere Z515E 60-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Mower
4. QUICKEST CUT: DeWalt Z260 Commercial Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
5. MOST COMFORTABLE: Toro Titan 60-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Mower With MyRIDE
6. BEST SEMIPRO: Husqvarna MZ61 Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower
7. BEST FOR HILLS: Troy-Bilt 54-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Mower
8. BEST COMMERCIAL: Toro TimeCutter 60-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Mower
9. ALSO CONSIDER: Bad Boy ZT Elite 60-Inch Zero-Turn Mower

How We Chose the Best Zero-Turn Mowers for 5 Acres

We scoured the internet for medium to large zero-turn mowers built with homeowners in mind. We quickly honed in on the right-size combination of 54- to 60-inch three-blade decks and a 24-horsepower (hp) engine. Finally, we settled on several industry-leading brands to choose from, including John Deere, Cub Cadet, and Toro. Each brand offers its own nuanced approach to designing and manufacturing zero-turn mowers. These brands also happen to be widely available through nationwide retailers and dealer networks.

We included high-quality picks at a variety of price points without sacrificing reliability or durability. The value-priced zero-turn lawn mowers in our lineup offer excellent engine power and performance, but they may not deliver top-end comfort or efficiency. Our higher-priced lawn mower models offer more in terms of comfort, speed, power, or styling. If you are serious about buying a new zero-turn mower, we believe that these recommendations will help narrow your search.

Our Top Picks

We examined dozens of lawn mower models from some of the top brands to find the ideal large-property mower. The models ahead represent some of the best zero-turn mowers for 5 acres.

Best Overall

John Deere Z530R 60-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Mower

Product Specs 

• Engine: Kawasaki 24 hp
• Deck: 60 inches; stamped 10-gauge steel
• Maximum forward speed: 9 miles per hour (mph)

Pros

• Maximum forward speed of 9 mph for quickly cutting 5 acres or more
• 3 sharpened cutting blades rapidly rotate to slice grass and lawn debris into fine mulch
• Large 4.5-gallon fuel tank increases the runtime of the mower
• Premium 22.5-inch sewn seat with armrests improves the comfort level of the rider

Cons

• Users may experience difficulty when cleaning debris from the spindles, pulleys, or belt cover

John Deere’s reputation for quality and performance shines through in the Z530R 60-inch zero-turn mower. It features a John Deere–branded Kawasaki V-twin 24-hp engine, a 60-inch triple-blade cutting deck stamped from 10-gauge steel, 23-inch rear wheels, and a cut-and-sewn 22.5-inch seat. The cutting height ranges from 1 to 4 inches, and the fuel tank holds 4.5 gallons. The Z530R weighs 842 pounds.

Additional features include LED headlights, a cupholder, covered side and under-seat storage compartments, a foot-operated deck lift, and a low-fuel warning light. The foldable roll guard and retractable seat belt provide added safety. The Z530R would make a solid choice for mostly flat terrain.

Get the John Deere Z530R zero-turn mower at John Deere or VanWall.

Runner-up

Cub Cadet Ultima ZTX4 60-Inch Zero-Turn Mower

Product Specs 

• Engine: Kohler 24 hp
• Deck: 60 inches; fabricated 10-gauge steel
• Maximum forward speed: 8 mph

Pros

• Durable 10-gauge steel deck resists damage from dents and scratches
• Heavy weight and large 22-inch rear wheels help to navigate hills and slopes
• With a 5.5-gallon fuel capacity, users can mow more than 5 acres without refueling
• Built-in LED headlights allow you to wrap up large mowing jobs as evening falls

Cons

• Mower does not operate at the same high speed as other models

Weighing in at 1,092 pounds, the Cub Cadet Ultima ZTX4 is a heavier mower, giving it an edge on sloped ground where good traction is critical. This zero-turn mower features a professional-grade 24-hp Kohler 7000 Series V-twin engine, a 60-inch fabricated 10-gauge steel deck, 22-inch rear wheels, and a 20-inch high-back seat with armrests. The cutting deck adjusts from 1 to 4.75 inches in height, and the fuel tank holds 5.5 gallons.

Other notable features on the ZTX4 include a super-strong 1.5-inch-by-3-inch tubular steel frame, standard roll-over protective structures (ROPS), an ergonomic design with adjustable lap bars, electric blade engagement, and LED headlights. This would make a strong choice for mixed terrain.

Get the Cub Cadet zero-turn mower at Cub Cadet.

Best Bang for the Buck

John Deere Z515E 60-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Mower

Product Specs 

• Engine: Briggs and Stratton 24 hp
• Deck: 60 inches; stamped 10-gauge steel
• Maximum forward speed: 8.5 mph

Pros

• Mulch grass trimmings and other lawn debris with 3 cutting blades
• Adjust the mowing height from 1 to 4 inches to get the ideal cut
• Avoid refueling in the middle of a job with the 4.5-gallon fuel tank
• Mower capable of operating at a forward speed of up to 8.5 mph

Cons

• Not intended for use on steep slopes or hills

There is no need to sacrifice performance quality to save on the bottom line. John Deere’s Z515E 60-inch zero-turn riding mower offers similar performance to its premium model, the Z530R, at a discounted price. The John Deere–branded Briggs & Stratton V-twin 24-hp engine, 60-inch triple-blade 10-gauge steel stamped deck, 22-inch rear wheels, and 18-inch cut-and-sewn seat provide outstanding comfort and performance for the money. Mowing heights range from 1 to 4 inches, and the fuel tank holds 4.5 gallons. The mower is also relatively lightweight, coming in at 631 pounds, which makes it better suited for flat terrain.

Value is the key here. Although the Z515E lacks some premium upgrades found on other John Deere models, it holds up very well within the industry in terms of power, performance, and comfort.

Get the John Deere Z515E zero-turn riding mower at Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or VanWall.

Quickest Cut

DeWalt Z260 Commercial Zero-Turn Lawn Mower

Product Specs 

• Engine: Kawasaki 24 hp
• Deck: 60 inches; fabricated 10-gauge steel
• Maximum forward speed: 9 mph

Pros

• Speed across flat open spaces at up to 9 mph with this mower
• Powerful 24-hp commercial-grade engine to drive the wheels and cutting blades
• Mower is compatible with the DeWalt bagger or mulching kit
• Large 23-inch tires and heavy design improves traction and control on hills and slopes

Cons

• Heavy design of the mower may reduce the fuel efficiency
• DeWalt bagger or mulching kit must be purchased separately from this product

At 1,130 pounds, the DeWalt Z260 commercial zero-turn mower weighs nearly twice as much as the lightest mower in this roundup. The heavy build and aggressive 23-inch rear tires give it superior traction on sloped ground, while the 9-mph maximum forward speed allows it to blaze across flat ground. This mower is powered by a 24-hp commercial-grade Kawasaki engine. The automotive-inspired adjustable high-back seat and large tires provide excellent cushion for the ride. Its 60-inch 10-gauge steel fabricated deck adjusts from 1 to 4.75 inches in height, and the tank holds 5.5 gallons.

This mower includes a standard ROPS for safety on sloped ground. It is compatible with a DeWalt bagger or mulching kit (both sold separately). The deck’s offset wheel-and-caster system is designed for high-accuracy cutting and optimal trim capability while operating at high speeds. Ergonomic, adjustable lap bars and a wide foot pan add to the comfort. The DeWalt Z260 is an excellent option for large properties with tough terrain.

Get the DeWalt zero-turn lawn mower at The Home Depot or DeWalt.

Most Comfortable

Toro Titan 60-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Mower With MyRIDE

Product Specs 

• Engine: Kohler 26 hp
• Deck: 60 inches; fabricated 10-gauge steel
• Maximum forward speed: 8.5 mph

Pros

• Users get a smooth ride across rough terrain due to the MyRIDE suspension system
• Adjust the cutting deck height from 1.5 to 4.5 inches for the ideal cut
• The 5-gallon fuel tank reduces the need for frequent refueling on large jobs
• The 26-hp engine provides increased power to the wheels and cutting blades for optimal operation

Cons

• Mower is not designed for use on steep slopes or hilly areas

With a top forward speed of 8.5 mph and a weight of 819 pounds, the Titan by Toro is built for traction and stability on relatively flat ground. Powered by a 26-hp Kohler engine, the mower rides on 22-inch rear wheels. The fabricated 10-gauge steel deck adjusts from 1.5 to 4.5 inches, and the fuel tank holds 5 gallons.

Toro Titan’s MyRIDE suspension system smooths out the roughest terrain for unparalleled operator comfort at top speed. The suspended platform allows for more than 3 inches of isolated, cushioned movement so that the frame takes the pounding, not the operator. Plus, the adjustable high-back seat offers plenty of cushion as well. With ample cutting power and a butter-smooth ride, the Titan would be a strong choice for any large, mostly flat property.

Get the Toro Titan zero-turn mower at The Home Depot, Tractor Supply Co., or Toro.

Best Semipro

Husqvarna MZ61 Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower

Product Specs 

• Engine: Kawasaki 24 hp
• Deck: 61 inches; fabricated 11-gauge steel
• Maximum forward speed: 8 mph

Pros

• Broad 61-inch cutting deck makes quick work of expansive lawns
• Commercial-grade hydraulic system improves control and acceleration
• Operates at up to 8 mph due to the powerful 24-hp engine
• Ergonomic high-back seat with armrests improves user comfort while working

Cons

• 11-gauge steel deck is more susceptible to damage than standard 10-gauge steel decks

This mower comes at a bargain price, but that affordability is no sign of poor quality. The Husqvarna MZ61 features a strong, sturdy build for a full day’s work. The 61-inch fabricated 11-gauge steel deck adjusts to cutting heights from 1 to 4.5 inches. It is compatible with Husqvarna’s mulch kit and bagger (sold separately). The mower is powered by a 24-hp Kawasaki engine and reaches a top speed of 8 mph. The 5.5-gallon fuel tank will cover 5 acres and keep going. At 770 pounds, this midweight zero-turn mower gets good traction for the flats and slight inclines.

The high-back operator’s seat with armrests sets up a comfortable ride, and it’s enhanced by the ergonomic padded hand grips with vibration dampeners. Commercial-grade hydraulics ensure smooth acceleration and effortless steering. A foldable ROPS protects against accidents while operating on slopes. The Husqvarna MZ61 makes a thrifty value choice for large-property owners or small-business owners.

Get the Husqvarna zero-turn mower at Amazon, Safford Equipment, or your local Husqvarna dealer.

Best for Hills

Troy-Bilt 54-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Mower

Product Specs 

• Engine: Kohler 24 hp
• Deck: 54 inches; fabricated 12-gauge steel
• Maximum forward speed: 5.5 mph

Pros

• Heavy-duty 2-inch tubular frame helps absorb impact and provide stability
• Improved control and enhanced mobility on steep slopes and hills
• Integrated parking brake in the lap bar controls quickly stops the mower
• Dual hydrostatic transmission increases maneuverability for quicker mow times

Cons

• Small 54-inch cutting deck will take longer to mow large-open spaces

When mowing a yard that is 5 acres or more in size, there will often be hilly areas and steep slopes that many zero-turn mowers have issues navigating. However, the Troy-Bilt 54-inch zero-turn riding mower is designed with a powerful 24-hp engine, a solid steel frame, and anti-scalp wheels that grip slippery slopes and hilly terrain without damaging the turf.

The zero-turn mower comes with a built-in cupholder and an integrated parking brake located in the lap bar controls, allowing you to quickly stop the mower to refill the 3.5-gallon fuel tank or move an obstruction out of the path of the mower. The dual hydrostatic transmission system improves mowing time by increasing maneuverability, though the narrow 54-inch cutting deck may n