6 Best Small Zero Turn Mowers | Smallest Deck (2024)

You probably know all about the outstanding efficiency and precision that a zero-turn mower brings to your landscaping. But let’s put it straight out there, these machines are big. So it stands to reason that most residential users want to find the best small zero-turn mowers.

In this article, I unwrap the best mowers on the market that retain all of the functionality you should expect from a larger machine.

Whether you’re looking for a compact gas mower that can manage 3 acres on a single tank of fuel. Or whether you need a battery-powered mower with 8mph speeds, this article will offer you options.

Best Small Zero Turn Mowers

If you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to read through each product review, then here are my top recommendations at a glance.

Best Small Riding Zero Turn

1. Husqvarna Z242F 42” Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower

The Husqvarna Z242F 42 utilizes a 603cc V-Twin Cylinder 18 hp engine. A 3.5 gallons fuel tank will mow up to 3 acres at 6.5mph.

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Smallest Electric Zero Turn Mower

2. EGO POWER+ Z6 Zero Turn Mower 42”

4 EGO POWER+ 56-Volt 5.0Ah batteries will mow through 2 acres. The 22hp equivalent motor allows for speeds up to 8mph.

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Smallest Zero Turn Mower

3. Troy-Bilt WC33 Wide-cut 33″ Zero Turn Mower

A great alternative to a ride-on mower. This wide-cut 33″ Walk behind Zero Turn Mower is powered by a 382cc OHV engine.

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What is the Smallest Zero Turn Mower?

A zero-turn mower is a special type of lawn mower known for its ability to make 360-degree turns on a zero radius. Which in short means it can turn on the spot. These are large machines, and I am regularly asked about the best small zero-turns for getting around smaller yards or tight spaces.

Small vs Smallest

Now when I talk you through each of the products on the list below we need to appreciate the difference between a small zero-turn mower and the smallest. Typically a small zero-turn mower is a machine with a 42” cutting deck. There are mowers with smaller decks but to be straight with you, I am not comfortable recommending them, as they just don’t cut it!

However, I have included the Troy-Bilt WC33 which is a walk-behind zero-turn mower that is a great alternative for anyone looking for a much smaller product.

Unlike the typical mower, a zero-turn mower features rear-wheel drive. Additionally, their operators use levers rather than a steering wheel to control the mower.

Reports from experienced landscapers indicate that zero-turn mowers are 50% faster than mowing tractors. However, they are more challenging to operate on uneven and steep terrains than the typical lawnmowers.

Choosing A Small Zero Turn Mower

Zero-turn mowers are designed differently in terms of their power sources, power/fuel consumption, speed, deck heights, operating speeds, etc. With the different designs, it becomes difficult to find the perfect mower for your needs.

This section outlines the factors you need to consider to streamline the otherwise complex process.

Gas Vs. Electric

This product is available as either gas or electric-powered, so we need to discuss which option will be better suited to your requirements. This section will take you through various aspects of both models to help you decide which one to use in your mowing project.

Gas-Powered

As the name suggests, the gas-powered zero-turn mowers use gasoline to power their 4-stroke engines. Their runtime depends on the size of their fuel tanks. For instance, a mower with 3 gallons fuel tank has a longer runtime than a 2-gallon mower.

If you opt for this option, you must be ready to refill the fuel tank frequently to see your mowing project to the end.

It is also worth noting that gas-powered zero-turn mowers are noisy and release carbon emissions. On top of that, they require regular maintenance like replacing spark plugs, changing oil, and other repairs to keep them in top-notch condition.

Electric Battery Powered

Battery-powered mowers can utilize lithium-ion or deep cycle Absorbent Glass Mat batteries (AGM) lead-acid batteries to run their motor. They are more eco-friendly than their gas-powered counterparts.

However, the battery-powered zero-turn mowers feature some differences in their:

Motor Power

This refers to the torque that their brushless motor transmits to the transaxle and the blades. I recommend you go for a mower with the highest amperage if you need more torque.

Battery Power, Charging

The battery power determines how long a battery will last before running out of juice. The lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries are almost equally effective in their run time. However, the latter tends to lose its charge when in storage and has fewer charging cycles, which tramples its efficiency.

Most batteries will charge effectively when used with the recommended charger.

Electric Zero Turn Mower Benefits

The main benefit of electric zero-turn mowers over their gas-powered counterparts is their eco-friendly nature. They don’t produce gas emissions and do away with the loud engines associated with gas mowers.

Cutting Deck

The cutting deck is a compartment that houses the cutting blades. Typically, the deck in your mower can either be stamped or fabricated. Before looking at their differences, I want to first look at:

Smallest Cutting Deck Size

According to experts in zero-turn mowers manufacturing, the mowing decks should not go below 18 inches, which is ideal for mowing a one-acre lawn and below.

Stamped Vs. Fabricated Deck

As mentioned above, cutting decks are manufactured as stamped or fabricated steel. The stamped decks feature a thinner construction of 1/16 inch steel, whilst fabricated decks, are typically ⅛ inch steel.

With double steel thickness, the fabricated decks are the sturdier option and are ideal for rough terrains.

Transmission

Transmission refers to how the motor transfers power to the axle to turn the wheels. In the case of zero-turn mowers, you can either go for automatic transmission or the hydrostatic option.

Steering

Typically, zero-turn mowers feature two control levers. You need to push the right lever forward and the left lever backward to turn left. Push both levers forward to move forward and backward to reverse.

Comfort & Controls

When looking for a zero-turn mower, I recommend picking the one with the best safety features to give you unparalleled comfort while mowing. Below are the elements to consider:

Seat

Look for a mower with an adjustable seat to allow you to tailor your most comfortable seating position.

Display and Controls

Some zero-turn mowers feature a display screen with control options for blade speed, deck height, and displays for the remaining juice level and run time. I recommend you go for such mowers to give you hassle-free time on the lawn.

Tires

All Zero-turn tires feature rear-wheel drive. You should go for a mower whose tires have deep treads to better grip. On the other hand, the front wheels should have a soft texture to counter friction and allow for efficient turns.

Small Zero Turn Mowers Reviewed

Here are the best zero-turn mowers based on my extensive research and testing:

1. Husqvarna Z242F 42″ Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower

Best Small Riding Zero Turn Mower

• Cutting Deck: 42 inches
• Deck Type: Fabricated
• Cutting Height: 1.5 – 4 inches
• Base Dimensions: 75 x 51 inches
• Assembled Weight: 551 lbs
• Power: Gas 603cc V-Twin Cyl 18 hp
• Speed: 6.5mph
• Fuel Capacity: 3.5 gallons (3 acres)
• Transmission: Hydrostatic
• Warranty: 3 Years

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Pros

• Offers a 3-year manufacturer warranty
• It is a comfortable machine given the padded seats, non-slip footrest area, and ergonomic tires
• It offers multiple gears for tackling different types of load
• Durable 10-gauge stainless steel construction
• Multiple waste disposal options

Cons

• Not eco-friendly

Use the Z242F 42″ gas-powered Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower by Husqvarna to make clean and precise cuts on your lawn.

The Husqvarna Z242F 42″ mower model features 10-gauge steel construction with reinforcement strips to ensure long-lasting service.

It utilizes a 603cc, V-Twin, 18 hp Kawasaki engine, which delivers enough power to cut through the lawn smoothly, at 6.5 miles per hour (mph).

Another notable feature of this mower is the 42-inch fabricated steel deck, which offers two steel blades to give you uninterrupted cutting service in the long term.

Use the featured height adjustment lever to tailor the deck height between 1.5 and 4 inches.

Want more speed? Z242F 42 mower model utilizes a hydrostatic transmission system to allow you to mow at different gear speeds, depending on the density of the grass and the nature of the terrain.

The mower is comfortable with its adjustable padded seats and sturdy rubber wheels.

The integrated ergonomic handles allow you to turn and stop the mower. And if you need some more air while mowing, the mower’s open back will get you sorted.

During the cuts, you can mulch the grass clippings back to the ground, discharge them or bag them up for disposal in a designated dumping place.

The mower comes with a 3-year manufacturer warranty, promising you long-lasting service.

2. EGO POWER+ Z6 Zero Turn Mower 42″

Smallest Electric Zero Turn Mower

• Cutting Deck: 42 inches
• Deck Type: Fabricated
• Cutting Height: 1.5 – 4 inches
• Base Dimensions: 83.46 x 43.93 inches
• Assembled Weight: 570.97 lbs
• Power: 4-56V ARC 10Ah Batteries, 22 hp
• Speed: Up to 8mph
• Battery Capacity: 4 x 56-Volt 5.0Ah battery (2 acres)
• Transmission: N/A
• Warranty: 5 Years

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Pros

• Durable IPX4 construction
• Multiple discharge options
• It comes with four powerful (22hp) brushless motor
• Easy to use given the featured user-interface

Cons

• It lacks a proper bumper for mounting your items
• Not powerful enough to efficiently handle steep and uneven terrains

The 42-inch Z6 Zero Turn mower by Ego Power is your go-to option if you are looking for a powerful and emission-free mower to help you maintain a lush lawn.

It runs on 4 EGO 56V ARC Lithium™ Batteries, which allow you to clear up to two acres on a single charge.

If you want to clear a larger area before going for the next charge, you can install 6 EGO 56V ARC Lithium™ Batteries instead of four to clear 3 acres in a single charge. All thanks to the integrated Peak Power™+ technology.

The mower utilizes four independent brushless motors, which work in tandem to deliver the power of a 22-hp gas engine to the transaxle.

It comes with an easy-to-use interface, which offers you three driving modes, including the standard, control, and sport modes, which you can access with a finger.

Another notable feature of this mower is the adjustable suspension seat, which allows you to tailor your most comfortable sitting position.

Its 42-inch deck houses two stainless steel blades to let you overcome most obstacles on the lawn.

You can adjust the deck height into ten different positions between 1.5 and 4.5 inches.

The mower offers you mulching, side-discharge, and bagging options when it comes to disposing of the grass clippings.

Use the mulching option to add some organic nutrients to the soil.

Use the side discharge to prevent large chunks of grass from choking the mower.

Utilize the bagging option if you don’t want to leave the cut grass scattered everywhere in the field. It is the best option for cutting grass on golf courses.

The mower is built to last, given its IPX4 construction. It comes with a 5-year warranty to assure you of riskless investment.

3. Troy-Bilt WC33 Wide-cut 33″ Zero Turn Mower

Smallest Zero Turn Mower

• Cutting Deck: 33 inches
• Deck Type: Stamped deck
• Cutting Height: 1.25″ – 3.5″ inches
• Base Dimensions: 56.88″(L) x 38.38″(W)
• Assembled Weight: 323 lbs
• Power: 382cc* Troy-Bilt OHV engine,
• Speed: Variable Speed
• Fuel tank Capacity: 2 gallons
• Transmission: Variable Throttle Control
• Warranty: 3-year limited

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Pros

• The variable throttle allows for on-demand power adjustment
• Offers multiple cutting heights
• Offers multiple cutting speeds
• 2-in-1 waste disposal options
• It offers the best form of work-out

Cons

• Lacks bagging option
• Operating a walk-behind mower can be tiring

The TB WC33 XP small zero-turn mower boasts a 382cc* Troy-Bilt OHV engine, which works with the 33″ deck’s twin blades to deliver clean and precise cuts.

Unlike the zero-turn mowers in the above section, the TB WC33 XP is a walk-behind model, making it ideal for landscapers who want to shed a bit of their body weight.

The mower offers four forward speeds and a rear-wheel drive to let you choose your most comfortable mowing speed.

Using the mower is a breeze. Use the integrated variable throttle controls to adjust the cutting power of the blades according to the density of the grass.

The mower can cut up to 33 inches wide in a single pass.

Use the Single-lever height adjuster to tailor the cutting height to any of the eight positions within 1.25 – 3.5 inches.

The mower offers mulching and side discharge options for disposing of the waste grass. While the two options add nutrients to the soil, the latter is the most ideal when cutting through long and thick grass.

4. Toro TimeCutter Zero Turn Riding Mower 42″

Smallest Zero Turn Mower

• Cutting Deck: 42 inches
• Deck Type: Fabricated deck
• Cutting Height: 1.5 – 4.5 inches
• Base Dimensions: 56.88″(L) x 38.38″(W)
• Assembled Weight: 502 lbs
• Power: 708cc, gas v-twin, 22.5 hp
• Speed: Up to 7mph
• Fuel tank Capacity: 2 gallons
• Transmission: Hydrostatic
• Warranty: 3-year limited

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Pros

• Easy maneuverability gave the smart speed technology
• Offers convenient storage for water and essential items (cubby)
• Great user experience due to the ergonomic seat and controls
• Durable steel frame

Cons

• Lacks bagging option

When looking for a powerful mower to cut through the grass in confined spaces, do not look beyond the 42-inch zero-turn riding mower by Toro time cutter.

The 42-inch zero-turn mower features a 708cc, 22.5 hp motor, which powers the mower’s dual blades to make efficient cuts.

The integrated smart speed technology lets you tailor the mower and the blade speeds to your preference.

Using the mower is a breeze. For instance, getting on and off the mower is super-easy given the featured Step-Through Front End. The mower’s handcrafted seat also features soft padding to absorb shock and offer sufficient back support for ultimate comfort.

Beneath the handcrafted seat is a storage cubby where you can keep your items.

The mower’s ergonomic handles allow you to easily turn and stop the mower.

Better still, the power comes with a convenient cup holder where you can keep your water bottle for hydration purposes.

5. RYOBI 42 in. Electric Riding Zero Turn Mower

• Cutting Deck: 42 inches
• Deck Type: Stamped deck
• Cutting Height: 1.5 – 4.5 inches
• Base Dimensions: N/A
• Assembled Weight: 700 lbs
• Power: 708cc, gas v-twin, 22.5 hp
• Speed: up to 7mph
• Battery Capacity: 100 AH
• Transmission: Automatic
• Warranty: 3-year limited

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Pros

• Easy to use given the easy-to-use panel
• Powerful motor
• Offers a 3-year warranty
• It comes with an adjustable deck height
• Provides multiple discharge options for grass clippings

Cons

• Expensive option

The RYOBI 42 in. Electric Riding Zero Turn Mower is your go-to option if you are looking for a powerful yet emission-free mower to help with your cutting emissions.

It utilizes four high-powered brushless motors, which work in hand with its two blades to make precise cuts.

It can clear up to three acres in a single charge.

The mower offers 12 deck positions between 1.5 and 4.5 inches to allow you to tailor your favorite cutting height.

You will find an advanced control panel containing the knobs for activating the blades, headlights, and operating speed in the front section. It also displays the remaining battery juice level and the remaining runtime.

When it comes to disposing of the clippings, the mower offers you mulching and side discharge options. The mower is also designed to allow for bagging. However, you have to order the bag online to install it on your ride.

Investing in the mower is riskless given the 3-year manufacturer warranty.

6. Cub CadetUltima ZT1 42 in Electric Zero Turn Mower

• Cutting Deck: 42 inches
• Deck Type: Stamped deck
• Cutting Height: 1 – 4.5 inches
• Base Dimensions: N/A
• Assembled Weight: 500 lbs
• Power: 708cc, gas v-twin, 22.5 hp
• Speed: Up to 6mph
• Battery Capacity: 60Ah
• Transmission: Dual Electric, 56V MAX
• Warranty: 3-year unlimited hours

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Pros

• It comes with an adjustable seat
• Features adjustable deck height
• Emission-free mowing device
• Efficient controls

Cons

• Expensive option

Enjoy precise and emission-free cuts using the Ultima ZT1 42 in Electric Zero Turn Mower by Cub Cadet.

Its brushless motor utilizes a 56-Volt max, 60 Ah, 1500-Watt-hour lithium-ion battery to power the dual blades to make precise cuts. This is an excellent zero-turn mower for up to 2 acres and recharges in 4 hours after a complete discharge on a full charge.

Another notable feature of this mower is the 42-inch 11-gauge steel deck, which delivers clean cuts throughout your lawn.

You can adjust its cutting height between 1 and 4.5 inches.

Ultima ZT1 42 offers mulching, side-discharge, and bagging options for ridding the grass clippings. Use the mulching and side discharge options to add nutrients to the soil. Alternatively, you can go for the bagging option to keep the lawn in its pristine condition after mowing.

The efficiency of this mower is further enhanced by:

• The featured headlights for illuminating the lawn for night mowing
• The 20-inch adjustable seat lets you customize your comfortable mowing position
• The adjustable lap bars and ergonomic handles for efficient control of the mower

Verdict: Best Smallest Zero Turn

Now that you have a detailed guide on the best small zero-turn mowers on the market, it’s your turn to pick your favorite mower for shaping your lawn.

My best overall choice is the ego power +Z6 zero-turn mower. I love it because its brushless motor runs under 4-56V ARC Lithium 10Ah Batteries, releasing no emissions, fumes, noise, or bad smell to the environment. Its 5-year warranty is also a plus.

Best Small Riding Zero Turn

Husqvarna Z242F 42” Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower

The Husqvarna Z242F 42 utilizes a 603cc V-Twin Cylinder 18 hp engine. A 3.5 gallons fuel tank will mow up to 3 acres at 6.5mph.

Check Price

Smallest Electric Zero Turn Mower

EGO POWER+ Z6 Zero Turn Mower 42”

4 EGO POWER+ 56-Volt 5.0Ah batteries will mow through 2 acres. The 22hp equivalent motor allows for speeds up to 8mph.

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Smallest Zero Turn Mower

Troy-Bilt WC33 Wide-cut 33″ Zero Turn Mower

A great alternative to a ride-on mower. This wide-cut 33″ Walk behind Zero Turn Mower is powered by a 382cc OHV engine.

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If you love gas-powered zero-turn mowers, then Husqvarna Z242F 42″ Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower might be a great option for you.

However, that doesn’t mean that other zero-turn mowers are compromised quality. I included the products on my list after thorough research and testing. So, you should not hesitate to pick any of them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to various questions that landscapers have asked about zero-turn mowers.