When it comes to maintaining your lawn, selecting the right ride-on mower can make all the difference in efficiency, ease of use, and satisfaction. Whether you’re a homeowner or a commercial operator, understanding the key differences between steering wheel mowers and zero-turn lever steer mowers is essential.
While the differences may seem obvious, it helps to fully understand the pros and cons of the different variations of controls available. In this article, we share our insights to help you decide on the right mower for your needs.
A steering wheel mower is often considered the ‘safe choice’ because they are familiar and intuitive. Similarly to a car, the steering wheel turns the vehicle in the direction you wish to go.
Most people know how to use a steering wheel, meaning almost anyone could operate these mowers with relative ease. This is particularly helpful if the mowing job is shared between multiple people.
Compared to zero-turn level steering, a steering wheel mower will generally be less complicated and more affordable. These are most popular in residential applications.
However, be wary that you don’t use these mowers above the intended purpose as this will cost more. To ensure the most cost-effective combination, always make sure you match the right machine with your specific property and needs. If you aren’t sure which ride-on mower is right for you, try our helpful selector tool. Simply select the best options based on your property’s specific requirements and find the best match for your needs.
The intuitive nature of a steering wheel makes it safer, particularly on hills and sloped sites. Many of the mowers that are specifically designed for slopes feature steering wheels for this reason.
The main challenge with steering wheel mowers is that they are slower. If you are looking for ultimate efficiency and faster mowing times, a zero-turn option may be more suitable.
A zero-turn lever steer mower is controlled with two levers, instead of a steering wheel. These levers allow the mower to turn in place, meaning it has a zero turning radius. This makes it much easier to manoeuvre around trees, garden beds, and tight corners. While the level control may require a few extra minutes of learning, it is usually worth the faster mowing speeds.
Unlike a conventional steering wheel turning arc, a zero-turn mower can turn on its axis without moving forward or backward. This means you can complete a 360-degree turn in one place. This is worthwhile in many applications, becoming the new industry standard.
Zero-turn mowers are faster and reduce mowing time significantly. Most zero-turn mowers have a faster ground speed than a steering wheel mower, making them ideal for large flat lawns.
With its zero-turn ability, the mower will easily navigate around obstacles or into tight corners. As a result, it is common for the mowing time to halve when compared to a steering wheel alternative. After all, there is no substitute for seat time and after one or two mows, you will be taking full advantage of all the benefits these machines will afford you.
Due to the zero-turn ability, you can reach narrower places for a more precise mowing result. This also makes the mower more versatile around your property.
Zero-turn mowers are popular among commercial mowing contractors because they offer higher productivity and efficiency. Many models are designed with the power and durability needed to handle demanding commercial tasks, making them an ideal choice for professional use.
The main downside of a zero-turn mower is that they aren’t suited to slopes or hills. Their design relies on rear-wheel steering and independent wheel control, which can make them less stable on steep terrain. They also pose a higher risk of losing traction or tipping over, making steering wheel models a safer and more reliable choice for hills.
As always, the best way to choose a ride-on mower is to speak to a mower specialist in-store. This way, they can show you the differences in person and offer you a demonstration to experience the option for yourself.
Whether you have a small yard or large acreage, factors like property size, terrain, climate, and type of grass you have will all play a role in determining the best mower for your needs.
You can start by trying our Product Selector tool to see what models would suit best to your needs. You can also find curated information from commercial to residential mowers in the TurfForce guide. Download the guide and find all details you need to make an informed decision.