Best Zero Turn Mowers Under $5,000 (A Buyer’s Guide)

Written By Kenneth Wilson  |  0 Comments

Picking the best zero-turn mowers that give you the most bang for your buck can be challenging, considering you need to pick one that meets your yard work needs. How do you choose the best one with so many sizes and innovative features in the market today?

Now, let's get you to find reliable zero-turn mowers under the $5,000 mark to get started. All the picks we've included below will surely help you get your money's worth.

8 of The Best Zero Turn Mowers in the Market Under $5,000

If you're searching for the best commercial zero-turn mowers for your money, here are our top picks that won't cost you more than $5,000.

With its versatility on just about any landscape, the Husqvarna Z254F 54″ 26HP Kohler Zero Turn Mower is an excellent choice! It is equipped with a powerful 25 HP Kohler 7000 series V twin engine to make your grass cutting experience a breeze, ranging from 3 to 4 acres per hour meter. Its quick-start choke system allows you to go from zero to 6.5 mph.

Additionally, it has six-blade cutting positions and three mower blades to accommodate different landscapes. It also has a ClearCut inch blade 54-inch cutting deck to ensure the most precise cut possible. You're guaranteed to have a beautiful, fresh lawn with this machine!

Product Highlights:

  • It comes with a V twin engine
  • ClearCut 54 inches cutting deck to provide a neat, uniform cut
  • Hydrostatic zero turn riding
  • Variable cutting height
  • Front and Rear-engine guard
  • Anti-scalp caster wheels

Under the $5,000 mark, this next zero-turn mower won't disappoint if you're looking for optimal performance. It comes with a 22HP engine that works with its 46-inch deck.

This machine is ideal for large lawns (as it can accommodate incredible mowing speeds). Its dual hydro transmission system also provides precise control over your mowing experience. The 3.5-gallon fuel tank enables you to mow for extended periods without refueling. Authorized purchases also come with a generous 10-year warranty. Undoubtedly, many homeowners swear by this zero turn's exceptional durability and reliability.

Product Highlights:

  • It has a 22 HP engine
  • 46-inch cutting deck
  • 10-year warranty
  • Dual hydro transmission
  • Electric clutch

If you only need to mow a small piece of rough land, you may want to avoid getting large mowers (54 to 60 inches). It isn't the right size for your yard work needs, and it will only cost you more than what you'd typically need to pay for.

The Toro TimeCutter Zero-Turn Riding Mower is a great option to consider in this situation. Note that it doesn't have active suspension, though. This feature is commonly not available on small zero-turns. Instead, you get vibration reduction in this Toro time cutter ZTR mower.

Product Highlights:

  • Engine power: 452 cc
  • Cutting height minimum: 1.5 inch
  • Cutting height maximum: 4.5 inch
  • Different presets of different cut height is available
  • Tire size: 11″ x 4″ (27.9 cm x 10.2 cm) Front, 18″ x 6″ (45.7 cm x 15.2 cm) Rear

This next zero-turn mower is a crowd-favorite choice, and it's not difficult to understand why. Under $5,000, you'll have a machine you can depend on for your mowing needs for a long time! This 61-inch zero-turn lawn mower cutting deck features an adjustable cutting height, allowing you to shift between 1.5 to 4.5 inches seamlessly.

Additionally, it is equipped with a powerful 25 HP to 27 HP Briggs endurance motor. You can also enjoy maximum control as you can easily make adjustments without leaving the control station. With its air induction mowing technology, you're guaranteed to create neat, uniform cuts in every pass.

Product Highlights:

  • 27 HP Briggs Stratton hydrostatic engine
  • Up to 60-inch fuel tank capacity
  • Maximum ground speeds of 8 mph
  • Hydraulic wheel-drive that allows the Z61 to rotate around its axis
  • Suitable for heavy-duty landscaping needs

If you seek the best zero-turn mower below $5,000, you will hit the jackpot with this heavy-duty mower. The Ariens IKON-X is a smaller, but no less capable, variant of the Ariens IKON-XL and apex 60.

Like apex 60, this model offers super efficiency, such as a 24 HP Kawasaki engine/ 726cc Kawasaki engine, EZT transmission, and a 52-inch cutting deck that works well for vast areas in less time. There's even a load bay for whatever equipment you bring in the rear.

The 10-gauge fully tubular steel frame fabricated deck design of the IKON-X 52-inch built with fabricated deck enhances its longevity factor for ultimate durability. It also has a speed of seven mph, which is ideal for mowing a large lawn. However, it's still the 24 HP Kawasaki engine ten gauge steel that enhances it, giving it the ability to climb up slopes, inclines, and rocky terrain without a hitch in less time.

Product Highlights:

  • Low-cost commercial zero turn mower
  • Fuel-efficient
  • Ergonomic controls
  • High back seat with armrests that is comfortable and padded.
  • Enhanced durability due to 12 gauged steel
  • Operation only produces minimal noise
  • Ideal for both residential and commercial mowing

Being one of the best zero-turn mowers does not mean that we all need a massive 11 gauge steel 50-inch cutting deck. As a 46-inch zero-turn mower under 5000, this medium-sized Craftsman still has a fairly wide one.

It's just enough to trim down two to five acres. Customers may also opt for a 679cc twin-engine, dual hydro-gear 2800 EZT drive system, a comfortable seat, dual steering levers, a 360-degree turning radius, and an automatic choke system. This adds up to the Craftsman Z525 being one of the finest zero-turn mowers for mowing the thick lawn under 5000. It can operate freely on hills or rocky terrain and start as quickly as a vehicle. Additionally, the integrated deck wash saves time when it comes to cleaning the underside.

Product Highlights:

  • Like a car, the ready starts engine assures its quick start.
  • For obstacles and small hills, the large rear roller wheels provide stability.
  • A top speed of 7 mph
  • The cutting height is adjustable
  • Easy-to-operate cruise control

This mower is ideal for performance on a budget because of its incredible mixture of power and speed. As we've seen before, the 52-inch cutting deck is suitable for most medium-sized lawns and much bigger ones. The mower has outstanding performance, but it also has a bunch of additional features that complement it well. It comes with a powerful 25HP engine that works with the deck to get the highest performance. The mower is also relatively fast, with a top forward speed of 7 mph and a reverse speed of 2.5 mph.

Product Highlights:

  • 25HP engine
  • 54-inch cutting deck
  • It mows fast
  • Comfortable to use
  • Inexpensive

One of the most powerful mowers on our list, this mower is ideal for those who want something simple to operate yet need to mow extensive lawns. To achieve the best results, this mower is recommended in flat areas. Unlike any other mower on our list, this comes with a built-in cargo bed, making it very user-friendly.

This mower is an excellent choice for those who want to mow fast. The 54-inch mower deck adjusts easily with a foot pedal, providing you with better control over the entire mowing process. The mower boasts a 24HP engine and 8-gallon fuel capacity that offers you an uninterrupted riding experience.

Product Highlights:

  • 24HP engine.
  • 54-inch cutting deck.
  • Fast and easy mowing
  • High durability
  • Ogura clutch and Hydro-Gear 2800 transmissions

Given that you're working with a budget of under $5,000– choosing the best zero-turn mower without sacrificing quality is still possible. With the top picks we've listed above, we are confident that you will find a model to meet your yard work needs (Related: Best Zero Turn Mowers By Price Point ($2000, $3000, & $4000))

About the Author

I can build it, and I can help you get the patio enclosure you want! I got my start in the Florida patio industry back in the 70s as a young general laborer looking for something to make a few bucks. At the time I never thought it would end up as my career. Over the years I grew beyond the laborer position, becoming a foreman, superintendent, and then into executive management for some of the largest patio contractors, and material vendors. Now into retirement and slightly bored, I offer consulting services to new and existing contractors, and publish this website to help the people who love their patio's and screen enclosures the most - YOU!

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}
>