6 Best Electric Zero Turn Mowers: 2023 Reviews (2023)

With the latest advancements in battery technology, electric power equipment has started to give gas-engine models a real run for their money. That holds true even with extra-large pieces of outdoor equipment, and zero turn mowers are a perfect example.

Electric zero turn radius (ZTR) mowers are ideal for homeowners who have medium to large areas to mow, typically between 0.5 to 4 acres. The main benefits of electric ZTR mowers include no gas to deal with, no toxic fumes generated, no engine maintenance, excellent performance and standard 120V-outlet charging.

In this article, you’ll learn the details of 6 of the best electric zero turn mowers on the market. You’ll also learn about the key features to look for on a ZTR mower and key insights from lawn-care professionals regarding which ones are most important for your needs. Finally, we’ll also answer some common questions about zero turn mowers in general.

Best Electric Zero Turn Lawn Mowers

We’ll be looking at 6 models in this article. This table shows a quick breakdown of the key features/specs of each:

1. EGO Power+ ZT4204L 42-Inch Z6

**Best Overall Electric Zero Turn Mower

• Battery type: ARC Lithium-Ion
• Battery specs: 56V, 10Ah x 4
• Battery life: Cuts up to 2 acres with the included 4 batteries (option to add more batteries for longer lifespan)
• Deck type: Stamped
• Deck width: 42 inches
• Deck height settings: 10, ranging from 1.5-4.5 inches
• Ideal yard size: 1-2 acres with included batteries, can cut up to 3 acres with additional batteries
• Weight: 447 pounds
• Charging time: 2 hours
• Towing capacity: Not stated
• Safety features: Operator presence system, LED headlights
• Warranty: 5-year limited warranty

As the first ZTR mower from EGO, they went big with the goal of rivaling their gas-powered counterparts. And the results speak for themselves: Four brushless motors produce roughly 22 horsepower, dual cutting blades yield a smooth surface and the smooth controls make mowing just plain fun.

If you already have other EGO tools powered by the ARC Lithium battery platform, the Z6 uses the same 56V 10Ah batteries, and they’re fully interchangeable with other EGO products. As for included batteries, EGO stocks the Z6 with four batteries with your mower. But if you’d like a little extra power, there are two additional slots to accommodate a total of six batteries.

When using four batteries, the onboard quick charging system takes just 2 hours to charge a fully drained battery. If you were to use six batteries, charging time would be about 4 hours.

One really thoughtful feature is the eyes-forward power indicator located between your feet on the lower deck. Instead of having to turn your head, and therefore your attention, to a side control screen, you can instantly check your real-time battery charge level while keeping your eyes directed forward.

For operator comfort, EGO built the seat with cushy padding and adjustable suspension. Armrests, a USB port and Bluetooth capability add a few other friendly features. You’ve got plenty of storage for your personal belongings in the form of a narrow slot (perfect for a phone), a bin with magnetic lid closure and dual cupholders.

Located on the right-hand side of the operator seat, the LED control panel is large and easy to see. EGO gives you many setting options to choose from, including individual speed settings for the blades and the mower itself.

You have the option to choose one of three driving modes that dictate how fast the mower responds to your steering commands:

• Sport mode produces rapid turning capability and higher speed, and it’s best for experienced zero-turn mower users.
• Standard mode will probably be your go-to for residential use, producing smooth turns and medium overall speeds.
• Control mode produces the least aggressive handling, and it’s ideal for new zero-turn mower users and precision cutting.

When you have a long, straight cutting path ahead of you, turn on the high speed settings to cruise along at 7 MPH. For areas that require more turns and precision, use the 3-MPH low speed setting. And when you’re just moving from one work site to another, switch to transport speed to reach a quick 8 MPH.

Although EGO states that the included four batteries cut up to 2 acres per charge, you’ll probably struggle to get that much runtime if you’re dealing with dense grass, making frequent turns or running the blades at high speed for long periods. However, you always have the option to add two more batteries to extend the life significantly.

2. EGO Power+ ZT5207L 52-Inch Z6

**Best High-Performance Electric Zero Turn Mower

• Battery type: ARC Lithium-Ion
• Battery specs: 56V, 12Ah x 6
• Battery life: Cuts up to 4 acres with the six included batteries
• Deck type: Fabricated
• Deck width: 52 inches
• Deck height settings: 10, ranging from 1.5-4.5 inches
• Ideal yard size: 3-4 acres
• Weight: 463 pounds
• Charging time: 4 hours
• Towing capacity: Not stated
• Safety features: Operator presence system, LED headlights
• Warranty: 5-year limited warranty

EGO promotes their Power+ 52-inch Z6 as having “Power Like No Other, ” and with the features this mower has, that tagline doesn’t seem like too much of a stretch.

The battery port holds six 56V, 12Ah batteries that power five individual brushless motors. This construction provides performance that’s roughly equivalent to 25 horsepower in gas engines. As of now, this is the most powerful electric zero turn mower available on the market.

And combined with that power are three cutting blades and a 52-inch deck that lets you cover more ground in less time. In ideal conditions, you should be able to mow an area up to 4 acres on a single charge. Also, EGO constructed this mower with a fabricated deck made from thick 10-gauge steel for outstanding durability against bumps and the assault of time.

Even if the batteries are completely drained, the on-board charging system gets you back up to full power in four hours. And if you own other tools on the EGO 56V ARC Lithium platform, the batteries in the 52-inch mower are fully interchangeable.

In addition to these feature upgrades, this mower also has the same comfortable and convenient features as the standard 42-inch Z6 we looked at in spot #1:

• Intuitive LCD control panel and battery life indicator
• Adjustable seat suspension
• Arm rests and cushy seat padding
• USB port and Bluetooth capability
• 3 driving modes (Sport, Standard and Control)
• Lots of storage
• Large tires for excellent traction
• Front and rear LED lights
• Speed range from 3 to 8 MPH
• Long warranty period

The only thing to be aware of is that the maximum area you can mow per charge can vary quite a but depending on your terrain. If you have lots of slopes to mow or your grass is a bit overgrown, you may not be able to cover the full 4 acres on a single charge.

Also, while this mower is packed with fantastic features, it’s very new on the market, and as such, it has not yet had the opportunity to stand the test of time. But if other EGO products are any indicator, this ZTR should be a good return on investment.

3. Ryobi RY48140

**Best for Large Lawns

• Battery type: Lead-acid
• Battery specs: 48V, 115 Ah
• Battery life: Up to 3.5 acres per charge
• Deck type: Fabricated
• Deck width: 54 inches
• Deck height settings: 12, ranging from 1.5-4.5 inches
• Ideal yard size: 2-3.5 acres
• Weight: 796 pounds
• Charging time: Overnight
• Maximum speed: 7 MPH in forward, 4 MPH in reverse
• Towing capacity: 500 pounds
• Safety features: Operator presence system, LED headlights
• Warranty: 3-year limited warranty on mower, 1-year limited warranty on battery

Ryobi built this mower with five brushless motors for maximum efficiency and power: Two for the rear-drive wheels and one for each of the three blades. This gives you plenty of power in the drive train for barreling over your lawn surface as well as excellent cutting performance since each blade has a direct power supply.

For maximum durability, Ryobi crafted this mower with a fabricated deck made from 10-gauge steel. The deck has 12 height settings between 1.5 and 4.5 inches tall, which is a great range that covers pretty much any mowing task you’ll run into.

With its ultra-wide 54-inch cutting deck, this mower is capable of cutting up to 3.5 acres on a single charge. So it’s perfect if you’ve got a large area to cover.

When it’s time to re-charge the batteries, a direct charging port makes for an easy task- no need to remove batteries and plug them into a separate charger. But while charging is easy, it is time-consuming. Ryobi states that charging time is overnight, and they’re not kidding! So don’t plan to get back to work later in the day if the batteries drain in the morning.

With two generously-sized cupholders and two additional deep storage bins, you’ve got plenty of room to hold some extra essentials while you’re working. If you’d like to charge your phone or another small piece of electronics while you cut the grass, a 1-amp USB port allows you to do that. Also, the storage bins and USB port have spring-loaded covers that keep everything safely in place.

One thing to be aware of is that this mower does not have bagging capability. Side discharge is the standard construction, and there is also a mulch kit available for additional purchase.

COMING SOON!

Ryobi has a new line of 80V lithium-ion battery zero turn mowers to be released soon. Besides an improved battery, this line also features an innovative joystick control, making the learning curve much easier for new operators and a bit more fun for experienced ones. The line includes models with 30-inch, 42-inch and 54-inch cutting deck sizes.

These mowers look absolutely amazing, and we’ll update this post with a feature review as soon as they officially hit the market.

4. Greenworks CrossoverZ

**Best for Fast Charging

• Battery type: Lithium-ion
• Battery specs: 60V, 8Ah x 6
• Battery life: Up to 2 acres
• Deck type: Stamped
• Deck width: 42 inches
• Deck height settings: 16, ranging from 1.5-4.5 inches
• Ideal yard size: 1-2 acres
• Weight: 456 pounds
• Charging time: 90 minutes
• Towing capacity: 250 pounds
• Safety features: Operator presence system, LED headlights
• Warranty: 4-year limited warranty

The Crossover Z uses a six-battery manifold to deliver the equivalent of 24 HP. That’s pretty impressive, and rivals many gas models. Two brushless motors produce maximum efficiency and power the wheels and dual blades. Each blade spins a 3,000 RPM, making for a fast, clean cut.

As busy homeowners or lawn-care professionals, time is usually of the essence. Greenworks includes three dual-port Turbo battery chargers that bring the Crossover Z to a full charge in just 90 minutes, which is the fastest of any model on our list today. If you’d prefer, onboard charging is also another convenient (although a bit slower) option.

If you already have other 60V Greenworks tools, you’ll appreciate that the Crossover Z uses batteries on the same platform. However, be sure to double-check the battery size- some of the 60V Greenworks tools batteries with slightly different measurements, rendering them incompatible with Crossover Z’s batteries.

Another feature we think is really handy is the rear cargo bed. It holds up to 200 pounds, and it’s perfect for transporting compost, large seed bags, jugs of water or anything else you want to move from point A to point B.

For comfort while you’re working, the high-back seat provides cushy back support and armrests relieve stress on your shoulders and elbows. There are two USB chargers, a slot for holding your phone and one cup holder. Beefy 20-inch rear wheels help make your ride a bit smoother and provide additional traction.

When moving forward, the Crossover Z speeds along at a brisk top speed of 8 MPH. When you need to back up, top reverse speed is 3 MPH.

The Crossover Z is fairly new to the market, and because of that, it may have some as-of-yet undiscovered flaws. That’s a risk of buying a recently-released product, but Greenworks does offer a generous 4-year limited warranty.

5. Ryobi RY48ZTR100

• Battery type: Lead-acid
• Battery specs: 48V, 100 Ah
• Battery life: Up to 3 acres per charge
• Deck type: Stamped
• Deck width: 42 inches
• Deck height settings: 12, ranging from 1.5-4.5 inches
• Ideal yard size: 1-3 acres
• Weight: 597 pounds
• Charging time: Overnight
• Maximum speed: 7 MPH in forward, 3 MPH in reverse
• Towing capacity: 250 pounds
• Safety features: Operator presence system, LED headlights
• Warranty: 3-year limited warranty on mower, 1-year limited warranty on battery

The Ryobi RY48ZTR100 has several similarities to the Ryobi RY48140 we looked at in spot #2, but there are enough differences to warrant a separate mention here.

Firstly, the deck on this mower is 42 inches, which is smaller than the 54 inches that the RY48140 model offers. But 42 inches is pretty standard for residential zero-turn mowers and should handle most jobs with no problem. And since the overall frame is quite a bit smaller, you won’t need to dedicate so much storage space.

This mower features a stamped deck made from 12-gauge steel, making it durable and capable of handling standard obstacles around the yard.

Ryobi outfitted this mower with a combo side-discharge/mulching blade. For an additional purchase, you can also add a bagging kit to your mower, which is a nice feature that the larger Ryobi model does not offer.

For onboard comfort/convenience, the seat has comfortable cushioning and plenty of room to adjust the position to your preference. A dual cup holder, covered storage bins and a USB charging port provide spaces for your personal belongings.

This mower uses four high-efficiency brushless motors and twin blades to evenly slice through grass at either low or high speeds. Low speed is a battery-saver, and it should do just fine for routine grass trims on a well-maintained lawn.

However, if your grass is denser or a bit overgrown, low speed tends to get bogged down easily. So be sure to switch to high speed to power through those tougher patches.

6. Cub Cadet ZT1 42E

• Battery type: Lithium-Ion
• Battery specs: 56V, 60 Ah
• Battery life: Up to 2 acres per charge
• Deck type: Stamped
• Deck width: 42 inches
• Deck height settings: 15, ranging from 1-4.5 inches
• Ideal yard size: Up to 2 acres
• Weight: 600 pounds
• Charging time: 4 hours
• Maximum speed: 7 MPH in forward, 3 in reverse
• Towing capacity: 250 pounds
• Safety features: Operator presence sensor, LED headlights
• Warranty: 3-year limited warranty on mower, 4-year limited warranty on battery

Cub Cadet constructed the ZT1 42E with a solid automotive-grade 2×2 tubular frame that resists rusting/corrosion and adds an extra layer of durability. The cutting deck is stamped from 13-gauge steel.

Two brushless motors deliver power to the drive train and two cutting blades. Dual electric automatic transmissions work in tandem to produce a clean, professional-looking cut.

The lithium-ion battery cuts up to 2 acres in a single charge, although the grade of your terrain and height/type of grass you’re cutting can influence that timeframe quite a bit. Battery recharging time is rapid, at just about 4 hours.

There are 15 deck height settings to choose from, ranging from as low as 1 inch high to a maximum of 4.5 inches. No matter what kind of mowing job you have to do, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding an appropriate setting.

The operator seat has a high 20-inch backrest with comfortable padding, and a lever adjustment allows you to tailor the seat height to your preference. The 20×8-inch rear tires help absorb shock for a smoother ride while also enhancing traction. The lap bar is adjustable to your comfort, and the fully padded, ergonomic handgrips are nice extra touch.

Something to be aware of is that the handling can be quite jerky on this machine, especially when you’re traveling at the low speed setting. However, jerkiness tends to be a fairly widespread issue for electric mowers simply due to the power delivery system.

So dedicate some time to acclimating yourself to the handling and turn the speed down to turtle mode during precision cutting. Also, Cub Cadet advises a throttle calibration process to help address the jerkiness, which you can see in this video:

One major concern to point out is that the battery seems to be a fairly frequent weak point on this machine, with overheating and short lifespan being the primary issues. While the 4-year limited battery warranty is comforting, we hope Cub Cadet takes this issue seriously and makes some upgrades in the near future.

Shopping for the Best Electric Zero Turn Mower: Pro Tips

An electric ZTR mower is a significant investment. So you want to make sure you understand the features, how they relate to performance/usage and which ones are worth the money in your situation.

We asked several professional landscapers for their input on key features. Here’s what they had to say, along with information on other main features.

Safety Features

Electric ZTR mowers are large, heavy pieces of equipment, and they can be a serious safety hazard in certain situations or for new operators. So safety features are a key point that Trevor Lively, president of Blue Jay Irrigation Company, looks for.

“Some of the recent models come with emergency brakes to stop the machines when they experience technical difficulties, and when something comes in front of the machine unexpectedly,” says Trevor. “Some of the others have auto shutdown features that turn the mower off as soon as the driver leaves the seat.” (NOTE: This feature may be called either an Operator Presence System or a Safety Interlock System.)

Trevor continues, “Along with contemporary safety features like seatbelts and LED headlights, it is important to look for these features to ensure the maximum level of safety.”

Battery Type: Lead-Acid vs Lithium-Ion

Electric ZTR mowers come in two battery types:

• Lead-acid
• Lithium-ion

Here’s a breakdown of the main differences between the two battery types:

We asked Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love, which battery type he prefers in his fleet’s electric ZTR mowers. “I prefer lithium-ion batteries. I haven’t noticed much of a direct performance difference between the two while mowing, however I have dealt with lead-acid batteries leaking before. And my mowers with lithium-ion batteries seem to have a longer lifespan.”

And Robert Frankson of Wild Yards agrees that lithium-ion is the better choice. “There is quite a difference in the performance of a turn mower powered by a lithium-ion battery compared to a lead-acid one. Lithium-ion batteries have a higher energy density which means they have a higher power output. This is especially helpful for people who have to mow larger acreage.”

However, the main benefit of a lead-acid battery is the lower cost, both in the initial purchase price and in the cost to replace worn-out batteries. If you’ve got a smaller area to mow, don’t mind waiting for a longer charging time and want to save some cash, a lead-acid battery may be the way to go.

Battery Life

Most electric ZTR mowers have enough battery life to cut between 2-4 acres of relatively flat ground under normal grass growth conditions (up to about 6 inches tall). This usually translates to somewhere between 1 and 2 hours of continuous use.

This is where the amp hours (Ah) come into play. The higher the Ah rating, the more run-time per charge you can expect to get.

In general, you can expect to get about 1 hour of run-time from a 75 Ah battery, which roughly corresponds to 2 acres under ideal conditions. With a 115 Ah battery, you should be able to cut up to 3.5-4 acres, again, under ideal conditions.

If you have these factors in your yard, expect to get a shorter run-time per charge:

• Frequent turns
• Sloped ground (NOTE: Anything >10-15 degree slope is not safe for an electric ZTR)
• Lots of obstacles that require precision steering
• Long or dense grass that requires the high-speed blade rotation

Most electric zero turn mowers have an automatic blade shut-off that stops blade rotation when the battery charge reaches 5%. This is a helpful feature that gives you enough juice to make it back to the power outlet instead of getting stuck in the middle of your lawn with a dead battery.

Battery Charging Time

The time you’ll spend charging your electric ZTR mower depends primarily on the battery type:

• Lithium-ion batteries are much faster to charge, typically going from drained to full power in 2-4 hours.
• Lead-acid batteries will cost you more time, usually requiring at least 8 hours to regain their full charge.

Most battery powered zero turn lawn mowers have an onboard charging system that makes the re-charging process as easy as plugging into an outlet. And a standard 120V residential outlet is all the power you need.

For faster charging, some manufacturers also include turbo chargers for lithium-ion batteries, which require you to manually remove batteries from the mower and insert them into the separate chargers. This can cut your charging time all the way down to 90 minutes, so it’s a great option if you need a quick turn-around.

Motor Power and Performance

Most of the newer electric ZTR mowers on the market feature two to five individual brushless motors. As opposed to the older brushed motor design, brushless motors use fewer components to deliver high power with greater efficiency, as demonstrated well by Renesas.

Thanks to their powerful motor construction, these mowers deliver somewhere between 15HP to 25HP, which is on par with many gas-powered ZTR mowers. With this much power, your mower should be more than capable of handling most residential properties with ease.

As for the transmission, all the electric ZTR mowers we’re looking at today have automatic transmissions, so you don’t have to worry about any manual gear shifting.

Deck Type: Stamped and Fabricated

Electric ZTR mowers come in 2 cutting deck styles:

• Stamped decks are made from a single piece of steel that’s been molded into the deck shape. They’re typically made from thinner, lower-gauge steel, usually 14-gauge to 12-gauge.
• Fabricated decks are made from several individual pieces of steel welded together to create the deck shape. They’re usually made from heavier steel, with 10-gauge steel being the standard.

Stamped decks are usually the less durable of the two types, and they’re more prone to getting bent or dented in the case of a collision with an object. The benefit is that they cost less, and in most cases, stamped decks are perfectly sufficient for residential use.

Since they have the additional stability of thicker steel and sturdy welds, fabricated decks usually have a longer lifespan and are less likely to pick up damage. A fabricated deck is a better choice if your cutting area has lots of challenging, rough areas or you’ve got a lot of acreage to cover regularly. But since it requires heavier steel and manual assembly, mowers with fabricated decks tend to cost more.

Deck Width and Height

The most common deck width is roughly 42 inches, although many brands also offer wider cutting deck options.

One thing to be aware of is that the deck size measures how wide the actual deck is, not necessarily how wide your cutting path will be. Most electric ZTR mowers have two or three cutting blades, and you might have a couple of inches of open space between the blade radius and the deck edge. but while it’s something to keep in mind, the discrepancy probably won’t make too much of a difference in your overall cutting time.

Deck heights are adjustable, often with 10+ settings that range from 1.5 inches to 4.5 inches. Most electric ZTR mowers use a lever adjustment located just below and off the side of the operator seat, so it’s easy to make adjustments when needed.

Electric Zero Turn Mower Maintenance

Routine maintenance for an electric ZTR mower is quite simple, and for many homeowners, this is one of the biggest draws to electric power equipment.

• Store your ZTR mower under a fitted cover or in a sheltered location to protect it from rain and weather exposure.

• Read the manufacturer’s instructions for how to best clean the deck of your specific model; some models have a built-in wash port that let you attach a hose for rinsing the deck underside. If your mower does not have a wash port, don’t use a pressure washer or a garden hose on any part of your mower- the water could get into the electrical components and cause severe damage. For the most part, a leaf blower will remove the majority of leftover debris, and hand-wiping the surface with a rag or sponge cleans the remaining bits away.

• To prolong the life of your battery and avoid damage, store it in an area that has moderate temperatures, neither freezing nor in direct heat. If treated properly, you should expect to get at least 4 years of battery life.

• Blade sharpening should also be on your maintenance radar, but you’ll only have to do that on an as-needed basis. Pay attention to your cut quality during each mowing session, and re-sharpen your blades when you start noticing rough patches and random grass blades left standing.

Final Thoughts

We hope you’ve found these electric zero turn mower reviews helpful. Battery technology has advanced by leaps and bounds over the past decade, and these electric models offer outstanding performance with less hassle than their gas counterparts. And of course, zero emissions.

And with exciting new models hitting the market, the time’s never been better to make the investment in an electric mower. Not to mention, they can also save time and make mowing more enjoyable.

We want to hear from you! Do you have any other questions about electric zero turn mowers? Have you used one and have some experience to share? Your thoughts may be just the thing that answers someone else’s questions, so please share in the comments!