Figure 1. Commercial ZTR mower with two steering levers.

Figure 2. ZTR mower with joystick control.

Figure 3. Homeowner ZTR mower with steering wheel and front wheels that caster.

ZTR stands for Zero Turning Radius. ZTR mowers have separate hydraulic pumps driving the left and right wheels, and each side is controlled separately.
 
One tire can be turning forward while the other is turning in reverse so the mower can pivot around its own center. This feature allows amazing versatility in trimming while mowing. ZTR mowers have taken over the commercial riding mower market, and homeowner models are available. Should you consider one for your lawn?

Advantages
The biggest advantage of ZTR mowers is their ability to maneuver easily and trim around obstacles. They can easily spin around after a mowing pass and be immediately ready for a return pass with no clutching, shifting or braking. Speed control is infinitely continuous from full forward to full reverse, and speed changes can be very smooth. Mowing effort and mowing time are dramatically reduced for lawns with small areas or many obstacles.

Disadvantages
A primary disadvantage is cost; these machines tend to be more expensive than comparably sized tractor mowers. However, for a fair comparison, they should be compared with top-of-the-line tractor mowers since they fit that category. Another disadvantage is that ZTR mowers are dedicated machines, not garden tractors. They are not designed to do anything except mow. Some commercial ZTR mower manufacturers offer other accessories such as brushes or dethatchers, but these are normally not available for home lawn ZTR machines. If you want a garden tractor, a ZTR mower is not for you.

Operational Factors
Most ZTR mowers are steered with two levers, one operating each hydraulic pump (Figure 1). Some use a single joystick for speed and steering control (Figure 2). When using a ZTR mower, be careful to avoid turf damage or accidents. If the lever(s) are moved too rapidly, a wheel can slide or spin, causing a loss of control and unexpected steering reactions. Tire sliding or spinning can also damage turfgrass. Smooth, deliberate movement of the steering mechanism is highly desirable. One manufacturer offered a model with a steering wheel (Figure 3), but it has been discontinued.

Learning to Use One
ZTR mowers are easy to operate, but they are very different from conventional garden tractors. Most folks are used to driving with a steering wheel and pedals; most ZTR mowers use levers. If you are the type who can’t walk and chew gum at the same time, expect to spend time learning to operate a ZTR. You can be driving one in a few minutes, but it may take several hours of actual operation before you are marginally comfortable and a full season before it feels natural to you. Once you become comfortable with one, you’ll never go back to anything else!

Availability
Homeowner ZTR mowers are available from some companies. Some are smaller versions of commercial machines.  Some homeowners buy commercial machines. The commercial machines are more expensive, but they are powerful and very heavy duty. They are priced similar to a large, high-quality garden tractor.

Note: ZTR is a registered trademark of Dixon Industries, Inc. The letters ZTR used in this article do not refer to any particular product and are used solely as a convenient abbreviation for zero turning radius.