The Most Affordable Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers You Can Find While Shopping At Lowe's

A simple push mower is fine when your lawn is the size of a postage stamp. However, if you're maintaining a spacious backyard — especially one with several acres — a zero-turn mower makes more sense. Zero-turn mowers are built for speed and maneuverability, with most featuring two levers independently moving the rear wheels. This configuration facilitates a zero-degree turning radius. 

Zero-turns are the mower of choice for many professional landscapers who need to get the job done quickly, but that efficiency comes with a premium price. Fortunately, there are several highly-rated and relatively affordable zero-turn lawn mowers you can find while shopping at Lowe's from brands like Toro, John Deere, and Craftsman.

While high purchasing and fuel costs are among the disadvantages of zero-turn mowers, hundreds of Lowe's customers are thrilled by the store's lower-priced zero-turn options. The most expensive Lowe's zero-turn mower clocks in at $13,999. Still, when focusing on the cheapest options, we found several products well under that price. To narrow your choices, we focused on zero-turn mowers under $4,000 with an overall rating of four stars or higher. We also aimed to include a wide variety of brands and features. One electric model even made the cut, which is surprising, given this product type's higher upfront cost.

Since you can find manual and electric push mowers for under $100 at Lowe's, the investment in a zero-turn mower probably doesn't make sense if you're simply maintaining a small suburban yard. If mowing your property takes hours every week, hop on one of the zero-turn mowers below to save time and energy. Just note that prices may be subject to change over time.

At $2,999, the most affordable zero-turn lawn mower you can find at Lowe's is the Ariens EDGE 42-Inch LT. Powered by a Briggs & Stratton 19-horsepower engine, this mower's compact design is best for small-to-medium-sized lawns or properties with tricky angles. The mower is also equipped with twin Hydro-Gear EZT Transaxles, a low-maintenance integrated unit with an internal mesh oil filter that extends the mower's lifespan. The high-back seat, turn-key start, and electric deck engagement are intended to make this gas-powered mower user-friendly with more lumbar support, no manual pull cord or pesky choke start-ups, and no manual physical lever or cable. Seven unique deck height settings and a three-inch cutting height range can help make your lawn the greenest on the block.

Despite having one of the lowest horsepower engines on our list, the Ariens EDGE is capable of a six mph maximum forward speed. Since it's only recommended for lawns up to one to two acres, this model doesn't have features like cruise control or a standard built-in trailer hitch. Mulching and bagger accessories are also sold separately. However, it is backed by a two-year or 150-hour limited warranty, whichever comes first, and you can purchase a trailer hitch separately.

This affordable zero-turn mower has a 4.3-star average rating based on 120-plus Lowe's customer reviews. One satisfied customer wrote, "The machine runs well and cuts like a dream." That said, a handful of customers reported belt detachment and motor defects. Another buyer cautioned that the warranty requires you to transport the 498-pound mower for repairs.

As soaring fuel costs are changing how people care for their lawns, some people are ditching gas-guzzling mowers for electric options. The Greenworks Crossover 42-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower is priced at $3,108, which is at least $1,400 less than every other electric mower at Lowe's. Powered by a removable 80V lithium-ion battery compatible with more than 75 Greenworks products, this zero-turn mower has a brushless motor, facilitating a longer lifespan, more energy efficiency, and smoother torque control. The mower — intended for lawns up to two to three acres — also features dual-action blades for precise, consistent cuts. Its 42-inch size is identical to other finds on our list, while the 32-horsepower engine and four-year limited warranty make it stand out. 

Other specs like its high-intensity LED headlights, cup holder, and padded seat with foldable armrests increase convenience and comfort. An integrated trailer hitch and cargo bed that can haul up to 200 pounds of mulch, soil, and more could be convenient for landscaping. 

Even though this zero-turn mower is rated for residential use, it's the fastest one on our list, maxing out at eight miles per hour in forward speed. A 600-watt wall-mounted charger is included.

Lowe's affordable Greenworks mower has over 350 customer reviews forming a 4.4-star average rating. Although a couple of users were frustrated by bad customer service experiences, hundreds described the product as an excellent and efficient find. As one summed it up, "It far exceeds my expectations. Low noise, no exhaust fumes, easy maneuvering[,] and no oil or gas to deal with. Does a good job mulching and recharges in a little over 1 hour. What's not to love?"

The Toro TimeCutter 42-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower is another quality, affordable option. Priced at $3,199, this gas mower has smart technology that maintains the blade tip speed, whether you're cranking at seven miles per hour in mowing mode, cruising at 5.5 miles per hour in towing mode, or doing detailed trim work at four miles per hour. The 15.5 horsepower single-cylinder engine isn't the highest-powered option on our list. However, Toro did prioritize rider convenience with a low back seat providing easier mounting, dismounting, and upper body movement. This seat is complemented by a storage cubby underneath, a built-in cupholder, and a step-through front end designed to make getting on and off easier thanks to no obstruction.

Although several customers reported delivery and customer service issues, Toro claims it has over 3,000 service dealers if you have any problems. This 660-pound mower's three-year warranty (residential use) covers essential components like its Briggs and Stratton engine and battery. 

The Toro Timecutter has a 4.2-star overall rating based on 635-plus reviews. Over 400 users gave the affordable zero-turn mower five stars, raving about its superior cutting speed. Its compact size also received praise for being beginner- and female-friendly. For example, one person wrote, "I was very nervous being a widow who never had to do the yard before ... Before I could believe it[,] I was mowing my yard, about 2.5 acres worth!"

The Craftsman Z5400 Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower, priced at $3,399, has a 46-inch stamped steel deck, the largest you'll find at Lowe's under $3,500. It also has a 22-horsepower Kohler 7,000 twin-cylinder engine, large Turf Master tires for better traction, rubber foot pads to reduce ride vibration, and an adjustable lap bar. 

This mower doesn't have headlights or a trailer hitch like some of the smaller and cheaper Lowe's zero-turn mowers on our list. It also doesn't feature a standard grass deflector. Still, it's backed by a three-year limited product manufacturer warranty and a five-year warranty on its steel frame.

The larger size will definitely require more storage space in your garage or shed, especially if you pair it with a bagger. However, the adjustable seven-position cut height settings and 46-inch cut width mean you won't have to make as many passes when you mow your lawn. Dozens of customers described it as a major time-saver, with some estimating that the Craftsman Z5400 cut their mowing time in half.

Overall, this zero-turn mower has a 4.1-star rating based on 330 reviews, at the time of this writing. That's the lowest score on our list. While it still met our inclusion criteria, several customers experienced throttle issues, repair and warranty hassles, or problems with delivery and assembly. Nonetheless, the majority reported being pleased with the reliability, smooth handling, and cutting power even in overgrown lawns.

Although John Deere has been on the receiving end of some very unhappy customer feedback regarding its equipment repair policies, it remains a well-loved brand that sells an affordable zero-turn at Lowe's. Available for $3,599, the John Deere Z320M ZTrack 42-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower has a 21.5-horsepower twin engine and deep mower deck designed for residential use on lawns up to two acres. The popular mower has several features intended for user comfort and safety, including a high-back seat, color-coded operating controls, a spacious foot platform, front pneumatic caster wheels, and an integrated park brake that automatically engages when you're done.

While the deck is the same size as several others on our list at 42 inches, this is our only mower pick with 12-position cut-height adjustment (ranging from 1.25 inches short to 4.5 inches). The Z320M also has a more durable cast iron front axle instead of steel like our other selections. Although they're sold separately, accessories like a mulch control kit, bagger, and rear hitch-compatible dump carts extend use.

John Deere backs the mower with a bumper-to-bumper warranty lasting three years or 200 hours, but based on overwhelmingly positive feedback from Lowe's customers, you may not need it. Although several people shared unsatisfactory delivery experiences and a few reported receiving damaged or defective products, hundreds gave the mower a five-star rating for its speed and affordability.