You put your existing zero-turn mower to work frequently. And in order to ensure the mowing you do continues to be the envy of all, you think it might be time to upgrade.
But when’s the best time to buy one?
And what do you need to know about your mower before you make a purchase?
There will be differing opinions on these topics.
One thing always remains true: At Ty’s Outdoor Power, we offer an extensive inventory of zero-turn mowers.
This equipment is a popular purchase over other types of turn lawn mowers and other riding lawn mowers for both residential and commercial customers. We break down who needs a zero-turn mower, the advantages to owning one, the best season to buy one (and everything you’ll want to know when you do) below.
Who benefits from using a zero-turn mower?
Zero-turn mowers are a type of lawn mower that offers several advantages over traditional riding lawn mowers or walk-behind mowers for both residential and commercial users.
The name “zero-turn” comes from the mower’s ability to turn on its own axis, allowing for quick and precise maneuvering around obstacles and tight spaces. This makes them ideal for residential customers with large or irregularly shaped lawns. They’re also a great choice for professional landscapers and municipal customers who need to maintain parks and golf courses.
For residential customers, a zero-turn mower saves time and effort. With its speed and agility, you can quickly navigate around trees, flower beds, and other obstacles, cutting down on both time and effort. This is especially true for larger yards, but even smaller yards can benefit if there is sufficient space for the mower to move around.
Professional landscapers also know the value of a zero-turn mower. Relying on these mowers to get work done quickly and efficiently, they often find that they can take on more jobs in a day. And whether they are mowing large lawns or maneuvering around obstacles, a zero-turn mower will provide speed and precision that other riding lawnmowers don’t have.
Municipal customers can also take advantage of a zero-turn mower to maintain parks and golf courses. These mowers are designed to handle heavy usage and can mow daily without breaking down.
What are the advantages of a zero-turn mower over other mowers?
At the top of the list is its exceptional maneuverability. Unlike tractor-style mowers, zero-turn mowers can significantly reduce your mowing time, sometimes cutting it in half. This is because they can easily navigate around obstacles and make tight turns, allowing for a more efficient and effective mowing experience.
Another benefit of a zero-turn mower is its ease of operation. There are fewer controls to keep track of compared to a tractor mower, which makes it a more user-friendly option. Additionally, zero-turn mowers often come standard with variable speed control, making it easier to match your mowing speed to specific cutting conditions. This results in a more consistent and even cut, regardless of terrain or obstacles.
Let’s not forget that zero-turn mowers also offer stronger decks when compared to tractor-mowers. The deck’s strength can directly impact the speed at which the blade can spin, affecting the final cut. A more robust deck means that the blade can spin faster, resulting in a cleaner and more precise cut.
Lastly, these mowers generally have a lower center of gravity than tractor-mowers. This design feature helps when mowing on inclines, as it provides improved stability and control. This means that you can mow on hilly terrain with confidence, knowing that your mower will handle the terrain with ease.
Seasonal advantages when purchasing a zero-turn mower
Are you thinking about purchasing a lawn mower in the off-season? Demand is low and you could potentially score great closeout deals.
On the other hand, shopping for a lawn mower in the late winter or early spring can offer you better inventory and newer models.
There are a few more seasons to consider, too!
In the spring, you’ll have access to new models and spring savings sales. Not to mention the fact that you’ll get to use your new zero-turn mower relatively soon, if not immediately due to it being the start of the mowing season.
Come summertime, dealerships are less busy. This usually translates to more 1:1 attention. So if you’re somewhat new to purchasing mowers or you have a lot of questions about specific models, this could be your time of year.
Similarly in the fall, dealerships are much less busy than they are in the spring. Another big benefit to this time of year is that dealerships may begin having closeout sales, ensuring you get a better deal on a zero-turn mower. However, being later in the year, it’s possible the model you want will no longer be in stock.
Winter can be a fantastic time to buy. While it means you don’t get to use your new mower right away, and stock can be low, there can be incredible incentives available as dealers and manufacturers try to drum up business. You may get an extra warranty, a financing promotion, or other toss-in to gain off-season business.
Why is timing important when purchasing a zero-turn mower?
Zero-turn mowers are an essential tool for maintaining a lawn. That said, the timing of your purchase can play a crucial role in making the best decision. For many customers, pricing is a major consideration when purchasing a zero-turn mower. So, to get the best deal, it is important to keep an eye out for sales, promotions, or year-end closeouts.
Another factor to consider is the selection that is available to you. Do you want a wide range of options to choose from? Then the best time to purchase a zero-turn mower is in the spring. That’s because this is the time when inventory tends to be at its peak, with manufacturers introducing new models and retailers stocking up on the latest models. Customers can choose from a range of zero-turn mowers with different features and specifications, such as engine size, cutting width, and maneuverability, to name a few. Needless to say, it pays to consider the timing of your zero-turn mower purchase. This is true whether you want to save money or choose from a wide range of options.
What questions should you ask when purchasing a zero-turn mower?
A new mower is a big purchase. So, it’s important to be informed before buying one. Knowing what to ask prior to purchasing can make all the difference in finding the right zero-turn mower for your needs.
One of the first questions to ask is about the mower’s rating in terms of how many acres it can effectively mow. This will help you determine if the mower is suitable for your needs and property size.
On a similar topic, it’s important to inquire about the mower’s performance on hills, as this can impact its ability to handle different types of terrain.
Another important consideration is the warranty offered with the mower. Make sure to ask about the length of the warranty, both in years and hours, as well as the warranty specifically for the engine.
Additionally, it’s important to inquire about the serviceability of the transmissions, as this can impact the long-term functionality of the mower.
Don’t hesitate to ask about maintenance considerations, such as how easy it is to change a deck belt. It’s also helpful to know how many blades are on the mower, as this can impact the quality of the cut.
Something else you may want to consider asking about is whether the mower is able to mow in reverse. This is an important feature that not every mower will have.
Finally, ask about the recommended break-in service for the mower.
At Ty’s Outdoor Power, we promote spring as the best time to purchase a zero-turn mower. Not only is the selection best but if timed correctly, there tend to be sales and promotions, including on new models like at our annual open house event.
We carry a variety of zero-turn mowers guaranteeing that no matter what your needs are, we can help.
Don’t forget that every new purchase is gassed up, and oiled up. Delivery to your home is available. Plus, we’ll train you on how to use it, so you’re ready come spring.
