Zero-turn? Stand-on? Your guide to modern mowing options

Posted on:Jan 12, 2023

Choosing a mower used to be much simpler. The options were limited to a handful of manufacturers and models. But today, you can’t really say the same. Not only are there more models and lawn care brands than ever—there are new types of mowers to fit your specific needs. How do you know where to start?

All this can be overwhelming to say the least, but we’re here to make the process a bit simpler with this quick guide.

Keep in mind as you go through this list that everyone’s needs are different. The mower that’s right for you depends on many factors: the size of your lawn or properties for which you care, the terrain you’re mowing and your budget. Generally speaking, the value of your mower usually goes hand in hand with its cost. As the old saying goes, “Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten.” But there are some key differences between the types of mowers that may have you leaning one way or the other.

Zero-Turn Mowers

In our opinion zero-turn mowers are the standard. As opposed to push mowers and ride-ons with steering wheels, zero-turns offer more control and maneuverability. The rear-mounted, dual-lever design lets your mower make sharp turns without leaving tracks or clumps of cut grass in its wake. Plus, they’re so fun to drive, they just make you want to mow. 

Here are a few more reasons you should consider them:

• — Faster than many other types of mowers, zero-turns get more done in less time.
• — Greater precision and control makes them perfect for mowing around obstacles.
• — With adjustable, swing-out arms, zero-turns are easy and intuitive to use.
• — Intuitive design makes it easy to learn and use even for beginners.

MidMount™ Mowers

If you’re new to zero-turn mowers, MidMount mowers are the perfect introduction. Versatile, efficient and compact, these are the best choice for medium- to large-sized properties.

• — Great for productive, straightaway mowing.
• — Grasshopper MidMounts deliver an even cut in one pass, no edging necessary.
• — Compact and comfortable, these fit easily in most yard gates and garages. 
• — Superior performance in residential yards all the way to commercial applications.

FrontMount™ Mowers

If you’re working with a large property with features like a fence line, tree line or other obstacles, you’ll likely want a FrontMount mower. And not to toot our own horn, but no one does this like the original—The Grasshopper Mower. The quality cut and smooth ride is unbeatable. So much so, that you probably won't believe it until you try it for yourself. Plus, they’re built to last you longer than competing machines and still perform like no other the entire time. How’s that for “bang for your buck”?

Here’s everything else you’ll love about FrontMounts:

• — Grasshopper’s PowerFold™ deck raises with the press of a button for easy maintenance and blade exchange. 
• — Out-front deck slides under fence line with ease and easily maneuvers around obstacles for more efficient mowing.
• — Compatible with an array of seasonal implements for productivity all year round.

Stand-On Mowers

If you’ve got a need for speed, these innovative mowers might be for you. They’re built for productivity with wide operator platforms and visibility of the whole job. Spot a dog toy in the grass? Water hose not rolled up? Step off and back on to get right back to mowing. 

Some of their other benefits include:

• — Adjustable standing heights for maximum comfort and control on Grasshopper Mower models.
• — Grasshopper Mowers also include an Innovative configuration lets the operator stand closer to the zero-turn pivot point for greater stability. This avoids the “slingshot effect” sometimes found in zero-turn mowers.
• — Maximum control and maneuverability for around trees or flower beds and other lawn obstacles.
• — Unmatched visibility while you’re mowing.
• — Compact design makes it easily fit on trailers for transport to multiple locations.

There’s a lot to consider when you’re purchasing a new lawnmower, but we hope this list helps make your choice a little easier. Depending on your needs, you’ll likely have multiple mower options to choose from. So make sure you do your research, talk to your local mower dealer and ask for a demo to feel it for yourself. Then you’re almost guaranteed to get the machine that’s best for you.

If your eye is on a Grasshopper Mower, check out our Model Chooser to narrow it down even further.