Some zero-turning-radius mowers are designed with a serious fire safety hazard. These models should be avoided.

Commercial-size riding mowers, including the popular zero turning radius mowers, are covered by a safety standard promulgated by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Even though many of these mowers are used by homeowners, those that are designed primarily for commercial use are considered commercial machines and they fall under a commercial mower standard.

Zero-turning-radius mowers have taken over the commercial riding mower market. In the past, there were few low-cost models available to homeowners, but this has changed. Low-cost homeowner models are now available from several companies.