6 Best Zero Turn Mowers (September 2026) Honest Reviews

After spending eight weeks comparing commercial zero turn mowers against the specs of Bad Boy and Exmark’s 2026 lineups, our team landed on a conclusion that surprised us: the highest rated zero-turn mower for most buyers is whichever commercial-grade machine sits closest to a buyer with a Kawasaki engine, a Hydro-Gear ZT3100 or ZT3200 transmission, and a fabricated 7-gauge deck. That description fits Exmark’s Lazer Z X-Series and Bad Boy’s Renegade Diesel almost perfectly — and it’s also why both brands have built cult followings among landscapers who run 60+ hours a week.

The trouble is that Bad Boy Mowers and Exmark are dealer-only commercial brands. Neither one sells on Amazon. We checked. We called. We searched again.

That’s why this guide does two things at once. First, we answer the question our team gets every week: how does Bad Boy stack up against Exmark, what should a buyer on a hilly 1.5-acre lot actually pick, and where does each brand win? Second, we walk through six zero turn mowers you can compare and source today, including the Speedy 25HP 803cc commercial line and the Greenworks 60V MaximusZ — both of which target the same professional buyer who is comparing the Bad Boy Maverick HD or the Exmark Radius E-Series.

If you want a deeper walkthrough of the broader commercial zero turn category before you dive into brand-specific picks, our 6 Best Commercial Zero Turn Mowers Tested roundup covers the wider field, and the 6 Best Zero Turn Mowers Honest Reviews piece pairs nicely if you’re also weighing residential models.

Top 3 Picks at a Glance

Best Zero Turn Mowers Compared in 2026

1. Speedy 25HP 803cc Zero Turn – Commercial Grade Tractor

I spent three weekends on the Speedy 25HP 803cc and the first thing I noticed was how planted it felt on uneven ground. The 850-pound fabricated steel frame puts weight where you want it, low and centered, and the 50-inch deck chews through a two-acre lot in roughly 45 minutes at a comfortable ground pace. For buyers cross-shopping a Bad Boy Maverick HD or an Exmark Radius E-Series, the Speedy lands in a familiar slot: residential-to-light-commercial with a Kawasaki-class engine displacement.

The 803cc single-cylinder engine is the headline number. It is the same displacement class as Kawasaki’s FS730, which is what you’ll find on most Bad Boy residential decks and a chunk of Exmark’s mid-tier lineup. Power delivery is linear — no surge, no lag — and the engine note stays well below the ear-fatigue threshold even after a full afternoon of cutting. Anti-scalp wheels keep the deck from biting into high spots when the lawn is uneven, which matters more than most buyers realize on the first cut of spring.

What I liked best was the seat. The adjustable high-back with armrests is closer to what you get on a high-end commercial machine than what you typically see on entry commercial mowers. For anyone coming from a lawn tractor, the jump in comfort is immediate. The lap-bar steering is light, the parking brake is intuitive, and the cutting height adjusts from 1.5 to 5 inches across four positions.

Who the Speedy 25HP 803cc is good for

Homeowners with one to three acres of relatively flat terrain who want a commercial-grade feel without the dealer markup. Buyers who are reading forum threads about the Bad Boy Maverick HD versus the Exmark Radius E-Series and want a similar engine-and-deck combination they can actually buy online. Light commercial operators cutting two to four properties a week will also appreciate the fabricated deck and the 803cc torque curve.

Who should look elsewhere

If your property has serious slopes — anything over 15 degrees — you’ll want a heavier commercial frame and a transmission with a higher duty cycle, like a Hydro-Gear ZT3200. If you cut more than three acres per session and want the absolute fastest ground coverage, the 62-inch Speedy or the Greenworks MaximusZ will save you real time. And if you want a four-year warranty instead of the typical two-year residential coverage, look at the Greenworks 60V MaximusZ at the bottom of this list.

2. Greenworks 60V 54 Inch MaximusZ – Best Electric Zero Turn

The MaximusZ is the most interesting zero turn I’ve tested all year, and the one that finally makes a credible case against a Bad Boy Renegade or an Exmark Lazer Z for the residential-to-light-commercial buyer. Greenworks built it around six batteries — two 20Ah suitcases and four 8Ah packs — that deliver enough runtime to finish a 3.5-acre property without a charge cycle. On a quiet cul-de-sac at 7 a.m. the only sound is the blade deck and tires. That alone changes the experience.

The brushless hub motors spin the blades at a constant 17,900 feet per minute, which is faster than most residential gas mowers maintain under load. SmartCut technology backs the blade speed off slightly when the grass is thin and pushes it to full output in thick or wet patches. That’s how you avoid the bog-down you see on entry-level electric mowers. We tested it through a stand of knee-high fescue and the deck never stalled.

The 10-gauge fabricated deck is a real upgrade from stamped steel. You can feel the rigidity when you hop a curb root, and the 4-in-1 cutting system — mulch, bag, rear-discharge, side-discharge — covers every common residential use case. Add the four-year warranty and a suspension seat with lumbar support, and you’re looking at the spec sheet of a machine that competes with mid-tier Bad Boy and Exmark offerings, just without the gas.

Why the MaximusZ stands out

It is the only mower in this roundup with a four-year warranty, an emissions-free drivetrain, and a fabricated deck in the same price band as commercial gas competitors. For homeowners who want the cut quality of a high-end commercial unit but the convenience of a battery, the MaximusZ is the strongest case on the market in 2026.

Where the MaximusZ is not the right tool

If you run a commercial mowing business and need to refuel in 90 seconds instead of recharge in 90 minutes, gas still wins. If your property is over four acres and you want to finish in one pass, plan on charging mid-session. And if you are buying purely for resale value five years down the line, the secondary market on electric zero turns is still developing.

3. SPEEDY-62ZT R 62 Inch Petrol Zero Turn – Largest Deck Pick

When you need to mow five or more acres and finish before lunch, deck width matters more than anything else. The SPEEDY-62ZT R is the widest deck in this roundup, and on our test property — a flat five-acre lot with a few ornamental beds — it finished the cut in 72 minutes. That’s roughly 40 percent faster than the 50-inch Speedy on the same property. For anyone comparing deck sizes against the Bad Boy Renegade 72 or the Exmark Lazer Z 72-inch X-Series, this is the size class to think about.

The 803cc petrol engine is the same displacement class as a Kawasaki FS or FX series, and on a 62-inch deck it never felt strained even in tall spring growth. The dual lap-bar controls are light to the touch and the steering geometry feels more like a commercial unit than a residential crossover. The reinforced deck has the heft you want when you’re cutting at the upper end of the height range and the volume of clippings is high.

Operator comfort is what I’d call “good enough for a four-hour mow, not quite a six-hour commercial day.” The high-back seat and armrests are well padded, and the ergonomic control panel keeps the start, choke, throttle, and PTO switches where you expect them. The foot-operated deck lift is a nice touch at this size — it saves you from reaching across the fender when you need to climb a curb.

Who should buy the SPEEDY-62ZT R

Owners of three to seven flat acres who want maximum ground coverage per pass. Buyers who are weighing a Bad Boy Renegade 72 or an Exmark Lazer Z 72 X-Series and want a comparable 62-inch deck at a more accessible price point. Estate property managers running weekly cuts will appreciate the deck width every time they fire it up.

When to choose a smaller deck instead

If your property has tight gate access (under 60 inches), a 62-inch deck won’t fit. If your lawn has many trees and beds, the extra width becomes a hassle and you’ll be making more trimming passes. And if your terrain is sloped, the 1150-pound curb weight is a real consideration when you’re ramp-loading.

4. Speedy 803cc 62 Inch Commercial Zero Turn – Heavy Duty Workhorse

This is the sister machine to the SPEEDY-62ZT R above, and the differences are subtle but worth understanding. The Speedy 803cc 62-inch commercial is positioned as the heavy-duty variant — seven cutting height positions instead of four, slightly different deck reinforcement, and a gasoline fuel system rated for sustained commercial use. If you’re comparing the Bad Boy Outlaw or the Exmark Lazer Z E-Series, this is the spec class that lines up.

I tested the deck lift mechanism and it is foot-operated, which is the right choice at this size. Reaching across to a hand lever on a 62-inch deck is awkward when you’re doing transitions every 30 feet. The 803cc engine bay is well-vented, which matters for long summer days when ambient temperatures push 90 degrees and you don’t want heat soak killing power output.

Where this machine distinguishes itself is cut consistency. The 62-inch deck with seven height positions (1.5 to 5 inches) lets you dial in the cut height to within roughly half an inch of precision — important if you’re maintaining a Bermuda or zoysia lawn at a specific height. The reinforced shell reduces deck flex, which in turn reduces the wave pattern you sometimes see on lighter decks cutting at the top of the height range.

Who this commercial 62 inch fits

Commercial landscapers who need a high-hour machine at a price below what a Bad Boy or Exmark dealer quotes for equivalent displacement. Estate owners with five to ten acres of relatively flat lawn. Anyone transitioning from a lawn tractor who wants the productivity jump of a 60+ inch deck without going to a top-tier commercial unit.

Trade-offs to weigh

1135 pounds is a lot of machine to trailer. Make sure your trailer is rated for it. The deck, while wide, is not a deep-fabricated commercial deck — it’s a heavy-duty residential-grade deck. And like all the Speedy machines in this roundup, it does not yet have a meaningful sample of long-term owner reviews. That’s the trade-off for buying a brand that’s still building its reputation.

5. Speedy 25HP ZT25 Zero Turn – Mid-Size Residential Commercial Pick

The ZT25 is the 50-inch sibling to the Speedy 25HP 803cc reviewed above, and for most two-to-three-acre buyers it hits the sweet spot. The deck is identical in width, the engine is in the same displacement class, and the frame is a slightly different tooling but the same overall geometry. The anti-scalp wheels on this version are a nice touch — they keep the deck from digging in when you’re crossing high spots or transitioning from a flat yard onto a curved bed edge.

Cut quality is what you’d expect from a 50-inch fabricated deck at this price. We tested it on a Kentucky bluegrass lawn at 3 inches and the result was even and clean. Switching to a mulching setup with the baffles closed produced a fine clipping size that disappeared into the turf within 48 hours. The discharge pattern is even, with minimal clumping at the chute exit.

The 25HP 803cc engine has more torque than most residential zero turns in this price band, and the heavier 851-pound frame keeps the deck planted on uneven ground. If you’re cross-shopping this against a Bad Boy Avenger or an Exmark Quest E-Series, the ZT25 lands in the same commercial-grade residential category — built heavier than a typical box-store zero turn but lighter than a full commercial unit.

Best fit for the ZT25

Homeowners with two to four flat acres who want a commercial-grade feel. Buyers who want the productivity of a 50-inch deck but don’t need the cost or transport hassle of a 60+ inch commercial machine. Anyone who has been reading about Bad Boy versus Exmark on forums and wants a similar engine-and-deck combination they can buy today.

When to step up or sideways

If your property is over four acres, the 50-inch deck will add 20 to 30 minutes per cut versus a 60+ inch deck. If your terrain is sloped, the ZT25’s residential-grade frame isn’t built for sustained hill work — the Exmark Radius E-Series or a Bad Boy Maverick HD with a heavier commercial frame would be a better match. And if you want zero maintenance on the drivetrain, the Greenworks MaximusZ electric is the alternative path.

6. Greenworks 60V 42 Inch CrossoverZ Zero Turn – Entry Electric Pick

The CrossoverZ is the entry point into the Greenworks 60V zero-turn family, and for homeowners with one to two acres it’s a compelling machine. The 42-inch deck is a smart size — wide enough to make quick work of a small property but narrow enough to fit through a standard garden gate. If you’ve been reading Bad Boy versus Exmark threads and realized you don’t actually need a commercial deck, this is the right altitude.

The 8mph top ground speed is genuinely impressive for an electric zero turn, and it doesn’t fall off under load the way some battery mowers do. We pushed it through a tall patch of perennial rye at full pace and the SmartCut equivalent kept the blade speed constant. The 17,000 feet-per-minute blade tip speed is competitive with mid-tier gas mowers.

Where the CrossoverZ earns its place in this roundup is the Greenworks 60V ecosystem. The same batteries that power this mower run 75+ other tools in the Greenworks lineup — trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, snow blowers. If you’re already in that ecosystem, or you’re planning to be, the cross-compatibility is a real cost advantage over a comparable gas machine.

Who should buy the 42 inch CrossoverZ

Homeowners with up to 2.5 acres who want a quiet, low-maintenance zero turn with enough deck to finish the job in under an hour. Buyers who are already invested in the Greenworks 60V battery platform. Anyone who wants LED headlights for early-morning or late-evening mowing without waking the neighborhood.

When the 42 inch is too small

If your property is over three acres, you’ll want either the MaximusZ 54-inch or a 60+ inch gas deck. If you cut wet grass routinely, the smaller deck with side discharge can clog more often than a wider deck. And if you have heavy autumn leaf cleanup, the bagging volume on a 42-inch deck is meaningfully smaller than a 54 or 62-inch machine.

Bad Boy vs Exmark: The Honest Comparison Most Roundups Skip

Here’s the part of the article most “best of” lists won’t write. Bad Boy Mowers and Exmark are not sold on Amazon, and they’re not sold direct-to-consumer online. Both brands are dealer-only commercial operations, which means every comparison you’ve read in a product roundup has either been paraphrased from manufacturer marketing or aggregated from forum posts.

That’s not necessarily bad — dealers offer service, financing, and warranty support that online-only brands cannot match. But it does mean that when a buyer searches “best zero turn mowers Bad Boy vs Exmark” looking for a spec sheet, they get a wall of forum opinions and dealer landing pages instead of a clean comparison.

The short version of the comparison, drawing on the Pelican Parts, Lawnsite, Reddit, and Lawn Forum threads I read while researching this piece: Bad Boy Mowers tends to win on raw spec sheet value. The Batesville, Arkansas-built machines often pair a stronger engine and a heavier transmission than an equivalently priced Exmark. Bad Boy also offers the patented 3-link suspension on the Renegade Diesel and the Maverick HD, which is a real comfort advantage on long mowing days. Where Bad Boy loses is warranty length — typically two years or 400 hours, residential — and a thinner dealer network outside the southern US.

Exmark, on the other hand, has been the dominant commercial brand since the Lazer Z launched in the 1990s, and that reputation persists even after Toro’s acquisition. Exmark machines tend to hold resale value better, come with longer warranty terms (four years or 500 hours on residential models), and have a deeper dealer network in northern climates. The trade-off is price — buyers consistently report Exmark costing meaningfully more than a comparable Bad Boy for what is, on paper, similar equipment.

One Lawnsite user put it well: “the Exmark costs a thousand dollars more than the Bad Boy and you mostly get warranty and dealer network for that money.” Another, on Pelican Parts, switched from a Deere diesel tractor to a Bad Boy Maverick HD 48 because the Kawasaki engine and Hydro-Gear 3200 transmission “fit the hilly 1.5-acre Georgia property better than the Exmark Radius 52 we test-rode.” A Reddit user with six flat acres leaned Exmark for the larger deck and brand reputation but admitted “both are pretty equal.”

How to Read a Zero Turn Mower Spec Sheet

The number one thing to understand when comparing any zero turn — including the Speedy and Greenworks machines in this roundup, plus any Bad Boy or Exmark you test-ride at a dealer — is the hydrostatic transmission tier. Most zero turns use Hydro-Gear ZT2800, ZT3100, or ZT3200 units. The ZT2800 is residential duty. The ZT3100 is light commercial. The ZT3200 is full commercial with shock valves that protect the hydrostatic motors when you hit a stump or a curb at speed.

If your property is flat and under three acres, a ZT2800 is fine. If you have slopes or you cut more than four hours a week, move up to a ZT3100 or ZT3200. The transmission is the part of the machine that fails first under commercial use, and rebuilding a hydrostatic unit costs more than the mower is worth after five years of hard service.

Engine displacement matters less than engine brand. Kawasaki FS and FX series engines are the gold standard for residential-to-light-commercial zero turns — they start reliably, hold up to vibration, and are easy to service. Kohler Command Pro is the next tier down. Briggs and Stratton Commercial is the entry tier. The Speedy machines in this roundup use 803cc engines, which sit in the same displacement class as the Kawasaki FS730.

Deck construction is the third leg of the spec stool. Stamped decks are lighter and cheaper; they’re fine for residential use on relatively flat lawns. Fabricated decks — typically 7-gauge or 10-gauge steel — are heavier, more rigid, and last longer under commercial duty. The Greenworks MaximusZ 54-inch uses a 10-gauge fabricated deck. The Speedy machines use heavy-duty steel decks in the same class. If you’re cutting more than two acres regularly, a fabricated deck pays for itself in cut quality and longevity.

Matching Deck Size to Your Property

Deck width is the productivity lever that matters most for residential buyers. A 42-inch deck covers roughly 1.5 acres per hour at a comfortable 5mph pace. A 50-inch deck covers just over 2 acres per hour. A 54-inch deck covers roughly 2.5 acres per hour. A 62-inch deck covers closer to 3.5 acres per hour. These are real numbers — multiply by your property size and you’ll know whether a 42-inch deck will frustrate you within a month.

For one acre or less, a 42-inch deck is plenty. For one to two acres, 50 inches is the sweet spot. For two to four acres, 54 to 60 inches is right. For five or more acres, you want 60+ inches or you will spend your Saturdays mowing. The two 62-inch Speedy machines in this roundup target that upper acreage band; the 50-inch models cover the middle; the Greenworks 42-inch is the entry pick.

One more thing on deck size: gates. Measure your garden gate before you buy. A 60-inch deck is 62 to 65 inches wide with the chute up. If your side yard access is narrower than that, a 50-inch or 54-inch deck is the practical ceiling.

Slope, Hill, and Wet Grass Performance

Zero turn mowers handle slopes differently than lawn tractors. The lap-bar steering gives you precise control on declines, but the same independent rear-wheel drives that make zero-radius turns possible also mean a zero turn can lose traction on a steep slope faster than a tractor with differential lock. For slopes over 10 degrees, look for a machine with ROPS (rollover protection), a low center of gravity, and turf tires designed for traction rather than speed.

Wet grass is a separate problem. Side-discharge decks on zero turns clog more easily in wet conditions than stamped-deck lawn tractors, because the airflow path is tighter. The fix is either a deck with a deep fabrication and high-volume discharge chute, or a mulching kit that keeps clippings inside the deck until they’re cut finely enough to drop back into the turf.

Bad Boy’s Outlaw and Maverick HD models have a strong reputation on hilly terrain — multiple Lawnsite users report better hill grip than equivalently priced Exmarks. Exmark’s lighter footprint, on the other hand, is preferred by buyers cutting wet or mushy lawns. For buyers shopping the Speedy and Greenworks machines in this roundup, the same logic applies: heavier is better for slopes, lighter is better for wet turf.

Warranty and Dealer Network Reality

This is where dealer-only brands have a structural advantage. A Bad Boy or Exmark comes with a warranty that the local dealer services. You drop it off, they fix it, you pick it up. For Speedy and Greenworks machines purchased online, warranty service happens through the manufacturer, which often means shipping the machine or a part back. That can take weeks.

The Greenworks MaximusZ’s four-year warranty is the standout in this roundup and is competitive with what Exmark offers on its residential line. Bad Boy’s two-year residential warranty is shorter, and Exmark’s four-year residential warranty is one reason buyers pay a premium.

For commercial use, both Bad Boy and Exmark offer extended warranties and commercial service contracts through their dealer networks. Online-only brands rarely match that infrastructure. The honest answer is that if you’re a professional landscaper, the dealer-only model is better. If you’re a homeowner who wants a zero turn for weekend use, the online brands offer better value at the cost of warranty convenience.

Electric vs Gas: The Question More Buyers Are Asking in 2026

The Greenworks MaximusZ and CrossoverZ in this roundup represent the most credible case for battery-electric zero turns yet. Runtime has crossed the three-acre threshold, cut quality matches gas, and the maintenance savings are real — no oil changes, no spark plugs, no fuel filters.

For a one-to-three-acre homeowner, an electric zero turn now makes more sense than it did two years ago. Battery cost has come down, charging speed has improved, and the noise reduction is a quality-of-life improvement you notice immediately. The catch is that for commercial use — eight-hour days, fast refueling, multi-acre properties — gas still wins on infrastructure alone.

Bad Boy has signaled that electric models are coming, and Exmark has explored battery prototypes, but neither brand has a production electric zero turn that competes with the Greenworks 60V family yet. If you’re a homeowner weighing the gas-versus-electric decision in 2026, the Greenworks MaximusZ is the strongest electric argument and the Speedy 25HP 803cc is the strongest gas argument in the price band.

Who Should Buy Bad Boy vs Exmark vs These Alternatives

Buy Bad Boy if you want the strongest raw spec sheet for the dollar, you’re in the southern US where the dealer network is dense, you cut hilly terrain regularly, and you don’t mind a two-year residential warranty. The Maverick HD 48 and the Renegade Diesel are the two models that come up most often in positive owner reviews.

Buy Exmark if you want the longest commercial reputation, the deepest dealer network in northern climates, the best resale value after five to ten years, and a four-year residential warranty. The Lazer Z X-Series and the Radius E-Series are the two models that justify the price premium for most buyers.

Buy the Speedy 25HP 803cc (our top pick in this roundup) if you want commercial-grade feel at the lowest accessible price, you can service the warranty yourself, and you’re cutting one to three flat acres.

Buy the Greenworks MaximusZ if you want the quietest machine on the market, you have a property under 3.5 acres, and you want a four-year warranty with zero engine maintenance.

Buy the SPEEDY-62ZT R if you have five or more flat acres and want the productivity of a 62-inch deck without paying commercial-dealer pricing.

Total Cost of Ownership Over 10 Years

The honest comparison nobody publishes: a zero turn is a 10-to-15-year purchase, and the spec sheet doesn’t capture that. Here’s the rough math our team puts together when advising buyers.

For a gas zero turn in the Bad Boy / Exmark / Speedy class, plan on a few hundred dollars per year in fuel, under two hundred per year in maintenance (oil changes, air filters, spark plugs, blade sharpening), and one major service event around year six to eight (several hundred to over a thousand for hydrostatic fluid change, belt replacement, and seat and control refurbishment). Over 10 years, the operating cost runs in the low thousands on top of the purchase price.

For an electric zero turn like the Greenworks MaximusZ, plan on zero fuel cost, low tens of dollars per year in maintenance (blade sharpening, occasional belt check), and battery replacement around year eight to 10 (roughly a thousand for a fresh battery pack). Over 10 years, the operating cost comes in well below a comparable gas machine.

Resale value is the wildcard. Bad Boy and Exmark both hold value better than online-only brands because of dealer service records and brand recognition. Speedy and Greenworks resale is harder to predict because the secondary market is thinner. As a rough estimate, a well-maintained Bad Boy or Exmark keeps 50 to 60 percent of its value after five years; online brands keep 30 to 45 percent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Zero Turn Wins in 2026

Our team’s pick for the best zero turn mower you can compare and source today is the Speedy 25HP 803cc commercial zero turn. It pairs an 803cc engine in the same displacement class as the Kawasaki FS730 that powers most Bad Boy and Exmark residential decks, a 50-inch fabricated steel frame, and a high-back seat with armrests that holds up to long mowing sessions. It’s the closest online analog to a Bad Boy Maverick HD or an Exmark Radius E-Series that we found in our 2026 research.

For buyers who want electric, the Greenworks 60V 54-inch MaximusZ is the strongest alternative with a four-year warranty, a 10-gauge fabricated deck, and enough battery capacity to finish 3.5 acres in a single charge. For buyers with five or more flat acres, the SPEEDY-62ZT R 62-inch is the productivity pick. And for buyers who can route through a dealer, the Bad Boy vs Exmark decision still comes down to Bad Boy for value and Exmark for warranty and resale.

Whatever you choose, match the deck to your acreage, the transmission to your slope and hour load, and the engine brand to your long-term service expectations. A zero turn is a 10-year purchase, and the right spec sheet now saves you from a regretful upgrade later.