Illinois' independent zero-turn resource

Find the Right Zero-Turn Mower — Without the Guesswork

Buying a zero-turn mower is a multi-thousand-dollar decision you'll live with for a decade or more. We make it clearer: plain-English buying guides, side-by-side brand comparisons, feature explanations, and maintenance advice from people who actually work on these machines — written for Illinois properties and Illinois winters.

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.

See the Best Zero-Turn Mowers → Compare Brands →

A zero-turn mower cutting grass on an open property — A zero-turn mower at work · Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons

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New to zero-turns?

How to Choose a Zero-Turn Mower

A step-by-step buyer's guide: size, deck type, engine, duty rating, and budget.

Comparing brands?

Head-to-Head Comparisons

Grasshopper vs. Ferris, Exmark, Toro, Scag and more — honest, side-by-side.

Already own one?

Maintenance Schedule

Exactly what to service, by engine hours and Illinois season.

Why we rank it #1

Why We Rank Grasshopper First

Grasshopper's 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, blower, dethatcher — turns one machine into a year-round tool, which matters through a long Illinois winter. Add a build made for 15+ seasons and genuine serviceability, and it's the machine we'd keep for the long haul.

See our full rankings and reasoning →