Lawn mower for 1 acre lot

[Mikhail]

Looking to buy lawn tractor or zero turn for 1 acre flat lot.
Preferable something not huge to save garage space. My budget is up to $4000.
Any input or recommendations?

 

[mike93lx]

Are you maintaining it yourself or relying on someone for service. If the latter, the dealers in your area will matter a ton.

I chose to hire it out vs buying equipment. At about 2800 a year, I don't have to maintain or store anything, plus get back over an hour every week. It's not for everyone, but works great for many

 

[a_thiel24]

A little bit over your budget but I use a Ferris 400S to mow about an acre. It's a little overkill, but the full suspension helps my back and I can get it mowed in about 30 minutes. There is also a local dealer which plays a big factor.

 

[isonic]

Looking to buy lawn tractor or zero turn for 1 acre flat lot.
Preferable something not huge to save garage space. My budget is up to $4000.
Any input or recommendations?

Lawn tractor if you need the utility of performing other tasks besides mowing. Otherwise for pure mowing a zero turn is faster and more maneuverable. For my 1 acre of mowed grass I ended up with a John Deere Z530R, a bit higher than your $4K budget. Depending on what your long term goals are you could go down to the upper end of the Z3 series or the lower end of the Z5 series and get a great machine.

Get a brand that can be serviced or get parts from a dealer that is close to you. I have JD, Ariens, and Gravely dealers all close to me so I got to choose. Also don't buy from big box store. Many of those machines are assembled by the people who work there...

 

[mikedodge]

You don't need anything commercial for just an acre. Buy something with a decent size deck and motor and don't look back.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Simply mowing, zero turn will probably win every time... However, if you want to include other tasks, lawn cart, pushing/blowing snow, start looking at lawn tractors.

Don't be afraid to buy something used. You can still find decent used stuff, especially at estate sales or auctions.

 

[Citation]

Having used both ZTR and the tractor layout I prefer a tractor with hydrostatic drive. They are less expensive than ZTRs and have, to me, the primary benefit. To me the big ZTR advantage is you can easily go fast where it's straight and slow for the turns. With a hydrostatic tractor you can do the same. Something I don't like about ZTRs is dealing with side slopes or mowing under trees etc. You really need to keep both hands on the sticks. With a wheel and pedal you have one hand free and it's easy to handle slopes with a steering wheel.

I will note, with a riding mower I typically spiral in vs going back and forth.

 

[bakmopar]

I have a 1 acre flat lot in Ohio. In July 2020 I purchased a Husquvarna TS348D riding mower, 48" deck. $3,200+Tax from a local dealer. All has been good. Also looked at John Deere riding mowers (Dealer grade not Lowes or HD) and they were significantly more expensive.

 

[Mikhail]

Any comments for John Deere S130 and Bad Boy MZ rambler 42" ?

​

 

[Mike65]

We have a 1 acre lot in southwestern Virginia & we got a killer deal on a DeWalt Z148 48" ZTR mower. It is overkill but it was a deal we could not pass up.

 

[Jazz1]

Push mower,,the exercise is good for you.
I push my 1/2 acre its maybe 20 minutes. Got a old Sears SS16 with mower deck but have not mounted the deck since i got my back repair few years back.

 

[mike93lx]

Push mower,,the exercise is good for you.
I push my 1/2 acre its maybe 20 minutes. Got a old Sears SS16 with mower deck but have not mounted the deck since i got my back repair few years back.

I have a 1 acre lot and it was over an hour to push mow it. You must either be running or not have much grass.

Summers are probably also a touch different in DC vs Ontario

 

[larry_g]

I'm curious, do you own an acre lot with a house and garage on it, or do you own a house with an acre of lawns to mow? Me I'm a ZTR guy with all the twists and turns around flower beds and trees. If you have all straight line/openfield mowing there is little difference tractor vs ZTR. But if you have to maneuver a lot then the ZTR is hands down faster.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[gizardlizard]

I second anything Ferris. Built like a tank. Don’t buy some POS homeowner mower from Home Depot that will have deck rot in a few years. Better off with a used commercial quality mower. I mow just under and acre with my little 44” Ferris ZTR. Got it new for $4200.00. Heavy *** welded deck. Not some cheap stamped garbage. Grade 8 fasteners on these tractors. High quality pumps with complete separate hydraulic systems for left and right side.

 

[Metal-Marc]

Push mower,,the exercise is good for you.

This. Unless you're in a hurry and have lots of cash, then get a ZTR and a monthly gym membership.

 

[CombatNinja]

Flat, one acre? Zero turn 10 times out of 10. My favorite 'beefy' residential zero turns are the Ariens Ikon line. Buy whatever size you want. They make 'em from 42" up to 60".

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

One acre flat empty lot or 1 acre with hills, ditches, buildings and trees. If you are healthy (or want exercise) a push mower is doable. If buildings trees, landscaping etc it may even be the best option. Large wheels are recommended. Self propelled may make it easier.

Even the smallest riding mowers should do it in under 1 hour.
Large Zero turn about 17 minutes (BTW: if open lot a large lawn tractor will be about the same).
Flat open lot a gang reel mower could get it done in about 10 minutes.

 

[930dreamer]

I've been mowing on my four acres for three weeks, with a non-self propelled mower. It builds character but so does cleaning toilets.

 

[Citation]

Get a manual push reel mower or hire a service. Nothing in between!

 

[sloppyjoe]

I have a little over an acre a Bad Boy magnum 54 (bought when it was about a grand cheaper than they are now) it works well for me. I have also had an Ariens in the past it was a good machine.

 

[theoldwizard1]

What you want is a "Forest Gump"/Snapper rear engine 30" riding mower. Of course that exact model has been out of production for many years. MTD still makes a similar model sold under the Troy-Bilt or Craftsman or Murray brand name. These are adequate for flat lots under 2 acres. It is very important that you keep it clean and store it in a dry location. Sadly the price has gone up A LOT in the past few years.

 

[CombatNinja]

Push mower,,the exercise is good for you.
I push my 1/2 acre its maybe 20 minutes. Got a old Sears SS16 with mower deck but have not mounted the deck since i got my back repair few years back.

There is no way possible you push mow a 1/2 acre of grass in 20 minutes.

 

[rancherbill]

.....Also looked at John Deere riding mowers (Dealer grade not Lowes or HD) and they were significantly more expensive.

I totally agree. They are built at at lower quality level. You will get 400 hours relatively maintenance free but then they are way deep down worn out.

HD sell zero turns and I do not know their quality level.

I do know, in Canada, if you get a HD Credit card to purchase it, you get a 10% discount on your purchase. I imagine it is the same in the States. I bought my Toro zero turn and a bunch of other stuff and I got it all 10% off. Paid the bill next week and tore up the card.

 

[pcmeiners]

"Push mower,,the exercise is good for you."

Yes great exercise especially when it is >85, heat stroke is a lot of fun. Nothing like turning red from hand mowing at 95 degrees, a couple hours in AC fixes it though.

"push my 1/2 acre its maybe 20 minutes."

Your amazing, it takes me about 1 1/2 hours with a Cub Cadet with a 54" deck to do 1.08 acres, and I have the machine near 3/4 throttle. Please post a video of your 20 minute 1/2 acre lawn mowing, perhaps we could help you get in the next Olympics .

For 1 acre you do not need a zero turn, way over kill, I can mow around a 15" diameter tree in one tight turn with my Cub.

After I purchased my Cub on a non HD card, Home Depot set me a $200 gift card.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

A zero turn seems way overkill for 1 acre, but if it's in your budget and you want one, go for it. I'd prefer a less expensive lawn tractor for that size lawn that could also utilize a plow and snowblower attachment. If none of that interests you, it's another point for the zero turn.

 

[American Locomotive]

I agree 1 acre sounds overkill for a $4,000 mower. You may want to consider one of the "wide area" walk behind mowers. Several manufacturers offer "wide" self propelled mowers in 30-36" widths that may do what you want for much less money and wasted space. You could probably mow that with a wide walk behind in just under an hour.

33 in. 344 cc Gas Gear-Drive Wide-Area Walk-Behind Zero-Turn Mower | DEWALT

Designed to help you cover more ground with less effort, this 33 in. 344 cc Gas Gear-Drive Wide-Area Walk-Behind Zero-Turn Mower is built for the most demanding yardwork. Its 344 cc engine delivers ...

www.dewalt.com

There is no way possible you push mow a 1/2 acre of grass in 20 minutes.

0.5 acres is 21780 square feet. 21" mower is 1.75 feet diameter. So that would be a strip of grass 2.3 miles long. 20 minutes would be pretty fast (like a jog), but 30-35 minutes is definitely doable without killing yourself if you're in good shape.

Your amazing, it takes me about 1 1/2 hours with a Cub Cadet with a 54" deck to do 1.08 acres, and I have the machine near 3/4 throttle.

For it to take a 1.5 hours to mow 1 acres with a 54" deck, you have to be averaging a ground speed of 1.9 mph. That's half of a normal walking speed.

 

[mike93lx]

A zero turn seems way overkill for 1 acre, but if it's in your budget and you want one, go for it. I'd prefer a less expensive lawn tractor for that size lawn that could also utilize a plow and snowblower attachment. If none of that interests you, it's another point for the zero turn.

I disagree. All depends on the complexity of the yard. Mine would be a real pain in the *** with a regular rider and takes too long with a push

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I disagree. All depends on the complexity of the yard. Mine would be a real pain in the *** with a regular rider and takes too long with a push

1 acre is a hell of a lot for a push mower, that's for sure. But not nearly enough to justify a zero turn unless it's wanted for the "cool factor." The smaller the lawn, the less time a zero turn saves. I mow 2.5 acres with my rider in about 1hr 15min. I could probably cut off 20-30 minutes with a rider. If I only mowed 1 acre here I might save 8-10 minutes with a zero turn, maybe.

 

[bakmopar]

I agree 1 acre sounds overkill for a $4,000 mower. You may want to consider one of the "wide area" walk behind mowers. Several manufacturers offer "wide" self propelled mowers in 30-36" widths that may do what you want for much less money and wasted space. You could probably mow that with a wide walk behind in just under an hour.

33 in. 344 cc Gas Gear-Drive Wide-Area Walk-Behind Zero-Turn Mower | DEWALT

Designed to help you cover more ground with less effort, this 33 in. 344 cc Gas Gear-Drive Wide-Area Walk-Behind Zero-Turn Mower is built for the most demanding yardwork. Its 344 cc engine delivers ...

www.dewalt.com

0.5 acres is 21780 square feet. 21" mower is 1.75 feet diameter. So that would be a strip of grass 2.3 miles long. 20 minutes would be pretty fast (like a jog), but 30-35 minutes is definitely doable without killing yourself if you're in good shape.

For it to take a 1.5 hours to mow 1 acres with a 54" deck, you have to be averaging a ground speed of 1.9 mph. That's half of a normal walking

Love the analysis

 

[Kpaige]

Got rid of my zero turn because it leaves a lot of ruts around all the trees. I now use a 48” cut 4 wheel steer Deere.

 

[jonesg]

I see perfectly good craftsman rider mowers all the time on craigslist for under $700.
I paid $600 from a repair shop with new battery, new blades and belts , oil etc.
Past 5 years its only cost me a $16 drive belt, a $90 battery and pure gas, they are thirsty when the blades are turning.
We have an acre, addition of a tilt trailer was a good idea, I don't care how long it takes to mow as long as I'm sitting down on the job.

 

[regguy1]

I have about 1 acre of grass, bought 54" Ariens ZT 10 years ago and it's been great.

 

[bb29510]

i want grass that doesnt grow

 

[CombatNinja]

A lot of you guys are not factoring in some of the considerations that make lawn tractors completely impractical. Lots of obstacles and a fence render them useless compared to a zero turn. And to anyone who claims a zero turn is leaving 'ruts' around trees, you were just using it incorrectly. You never, never want to execute a turn with the inside wheel not turning. I see homeowners do it all the time. Heck, I see lawn care 'pros' do it.

 

[BillK]

Push mower,,the exercise is good for you.
I push my 1/2 acre its maybe 20 minutes. Got a old Sears SS16 with mower deck but have not mounted the deck since i got my back repair few years back.

You must be running or not all of the lot is grass. My lot is 1/2 acre but only about half is grass. Maybe 1/4 acre grass ? I cut it with a 20" push mower and also cut the 40" diameter circle in out cul-de-sac and it usually takes me about 35 - 40 minutes. And I walk pretty quick.

 

[CombatNinja]

To all the guys claiming these rapid cutting rates with push mowers: I guarantee you guys have thin, unhealthy lawns to be able to do a half acre in under an hour. I little single blade push mower will never give you a quality cut on a thick, healthy lawn at those speeds. You simply can't mow that fast without missing a bunch of blades of grass. The dinky little blade and shallow deck won't create enough suction to get it all if you are cruising that fast. You guys sound like your typical 14 year-old when he is ordered by Dad to go out and mow. Scalp it at mach 5 so you can go back inside and play video games.

 

[Augus7us]

I mow two acres with a scag zt. Takes me almost 1.5 hours at mach 10. I would never mow grass with a lawn tractor again, even a half acre. They are no where near as efficient as a zt.

 

[PoorUB]

My dad's lot was about 3/4 acre. When I was a teen I push mowed it with a cheap 20" mower. No way in hell I would push mow if I had cash to buy a mower. I would buy a 48" tractor or ZTR without much thought!

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

A lot of you guys are not factoring in some of the considerations that make lawn tractors completely impractical. Lots of obstacles and a fence render them useless compared to a zero turn. And to anyone who claims a zero turn is leaving 'ruts' around trees, you were just using it incorrectly. You never, never want to execute a turn with the inside wheel not turning. I see homeowners do it all the time. Heck, I see lawn care 'pros' do it.

I mow 3 acres with a compact tractor, 60" deck. Partially fenced, 3 buildings, about 3 dozen trees, LP tanks, driveways etc.
One neighbor has a zero turn with 48" deck. We have mowed each others yards and used each others mowers on our own yards.
Conclusion no significant difference in mowing time.
Another neighbor has a John Deere zero turn, 60" deck. The property he has next to mine is about 3 acres, mostly open and a large portion of it is long and narrow. His zero turn is 10-15 minutes quicker than my tractor (on his property). I haven't tried his zero turn on mine.

Clearing snow, driveway maintenance, tilling gardens, post holes........... Tractor very useful. Zero turns completely impractical.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

Any comments for John Deere S130 and Bad Boy MZ rambler 42" ?

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I have an acre lot. It has some hilly areas, a patio to navigate as well as some landscaping to mow around. About two months ago, I bought a John Deere S130. Admittedly, for a very long time, I have had a service cut my grass so my experience with mowers may be dated, but I absolutely love the S130. The V-twin has plenty of power, very little vibration, hydrostatic transmission is crisp, electric PTO engages well and the electronic gas gauge is very handy. Great to have cruise control as well. I leveled the deck after Lowes delivered it and the cut is very even.

The two things I did not care about were easily fixable: (i) You have to keep a button pressed to be able to mow in reverse. I fixed that by shortening the two wires that go into that switch; (ii) It takes a special oil filter that has oil in it; they call it 30 second oil change. It does not change all the oil. Easily fixable by replacing that setup with JD parts for under $40. That makes it take a regular oil filter and drain.

I have a 40-inch spike aerator as well and I don't think this will have any trouble pulling it.

I would recommend the S130. The turning radius is perfectly fine around all my landscaping, patios etc.