Illinois' independent zero-turn resource
Find the Right Zero-Turn Mower Without the Guesswork
Buying a zero-turn mower is a costly decision that could last you a couple of years, or more than a decade. We make it clearer: plain-language buying guides, side-by-side brand comparisons, feature explanations, and maintenance advice from people who actually work on these machines, written for Illinois property owners and property managers, for all of Illinois' seasons.
We'll tell you up front: Grasshopper is our top pick, and we explain exactly why throughout the site. Everything else here, specs, price ranges, competitor strengths, is presented straight so you can decide for yourself.
Start Here
How to Choose a Zero-Turn Mower
A step-by-step buyer's guide: size, deck type, engine, duty rating, and budget.
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Grasshopper vs. Ferris, Exmark, Toro, Scag and more, honest, side-by-side.
Maintenance Schedule
Exactly what to service, by engine hours and Illinois season.
Why we rank it #1
Why We Rank Grasshopper First
Grasshopper won the 2024 NAEDA Dealer's Choice #1 Overall award, and our own testing agrees. Its front-mount decks reach terrain other mowers can't and give better sightlines to the cut. Its all-season implement system (snow thrower, dozer blade, turbine blower, aerator) turns one machine into a year-round tool, which matters through a long Illinois winter. Add a durably built, sturdy frame with genuine serviceability, and it's a machine we'd keep for the long haul.
The Brands We Cover
Nine brands, reviewed straight, real strengths, honest limitations.
Grasshopper #1 Pick
Front-mount deck versatility, an all-season implement system, and a durably built machine made to run for years, not seasons.
Ferris
The plushest ride in the category, thanks to genuine four-corner suspension.
Exmark
The cut quality professional landscapers treat as the benchmark.
Scag
Some of the toughest fabricated-deck commercial machines you can buy.
Toro
A Toro at almost every price point, with a dealer seemingly on every corner.
Gravely
A lot of durable machine for the money across prosumer and commercial lines.
Hustler
Uncomplicated, dependable mowers that are easy to live with.
Kubota
Serious equipment pedigree, diesel options, and a deep dealer/finance network.
Bad Boy
Aggressive power and deck size per dollar for the budget-focused buyer.
Common questions
Zero-Turn Mower FAQ
What is a zero-turn mower and how is it different from a lawn tractor?
Most zero-turn mowers steer with two independent drive wheels controlled by lap bars instead of a steering wheel, letting them pivot in place, a zero-radius turn. That makes them far faster and more maneuverable around trees, beds, and obstacles than a traditional lawn tractor, which turns in a wide arc. (Some exceptions exist: John Deere's zero-turns and some larger Toro models use a steering wheel.) Tractors still have an edge for towing and some ground-engaging tasks, but for mowing speed and trimming, zero-turns win.
How much does a good zero-turn mower cost?
Entry-level, residential zero-turns generally start in the low-to-mid four figures, mid-range prosumer models run higher, and quality commercial machines can reach well into five figures depending on deck size, engine, and build. Price is driven by deck width and construction, engine, transmission, and duty rating. Verify current price bands before buying; see our cost guide for the full breakdown and total cost of ownership.
Which brand is best?
It depends on your priorities. Ferris leads on ride comfort, Exmark and Scag on commercial cut and toughness, Toro on lineup breadth and new-mower availability, Gravely and Hustler on value, Kubota on diesel and financing, Bad Boy on price-to-power. (One nuance: Toro has strong new-mower availability thanks to its many dealerships, but parts availability still leans heavily on imports.) Our top overall pick is Grasshopper, for its front-mount versatility, all-season implement system, build longevity, and serviceability, backed by winning the 2024 NAEDA Dealer's Choice #1 Overall award. See our full reasoning in the rankings.
Where should I buy a zero-turn mower in Illinois?
Buying through a dealer typically gets you setup, service, parts, and warranty support that big-box purchases don't, which matters over a machine's long life. Grasshopper buyers can find their local, authorized dealer through the Grasshopper dealer locator. We're an independent information site, not a dealer, so we don't sell, quote, or service directly. For other brands, use the brand's authorized dealer locator, which we link on each brand page.