Buying Guides

Lawn tractor vs zero turn mower: 5 factors to help you choose the right one for your lawn

Choosing a ride-on mower isn’t always straightforward, especially when you’re weighing up a zero turn mower against a lawn tractor. Each type has its strengths, and the right fit depends on more than just lawn size. Do you need speed and precision? Or traction on uneven ground? Maybe you want both.

In this guide, we’ll break down the five most important factors to consider when deciding between a zero turn mower and a lawn tractor, so you can pick the Snapper that’s built for the way you mow.

1. Garden layout

How your garden is laid out plays a big role in choosing between a lawn tractor and a zero turn mower. If you have a long, straight lawn with no obstacles or narrow spaces, a lawn tractor is often a solid choice.

But if your garden has curves, separate sections, trees, flower beds, paths or other landscaping features, you’ll likely benefit more from a zero turn mower. With a turning radius of zero degrees, zero turns are designed to navigate around obstacles without the need to stop, reverse or reposition. Find out what makes zero turn mowers ideal for precise, efficient mowing.

Lawn tractors, on the other hand, have a wider turning circle. That means manoeuvring through tight spaces can be awkward, especially on damp grass, and repeated reversing can damage the turf.

2. Hills and slopes

If your lawn includes any hills or is generally uneven, a lawn tractor is usually the better choice. It offers more grip and stability, especially when mowing uphill or along sloped areas. With its fixed front wheels and balanced weight distribution, a lawn tractor keeps better traction and gives you more control.

Zero turn mowers, by contrast, have pivoting front wheels that tend to pull downhill on a slope. That can make them harder to steer accurately , and if you try to correct the direction too aggressively, you risk damaging the turf beneath you.

Looking for a mower that’s made for slopes and tougher terrain? The Snapper RTX102XD combines four-wheel drive with a high-dump system for easier unloading. It’s ideal for larger gardens and doesn't break a sweat when faced with tough conditions.

Not sure where to start? Explore our full range of Snapper lawn tractors to compare features, cutting widths, and drivetrain options.

3. More possibilities

Snapper machines can do more than just mow. If you’re looking for a bit of extra functionality, it’s worth considering how you plan to use your mower beyond cutting grass.

Some of our larger zero turn models come with a cargo bed, great for transporting tools, bags of feed, or anything else around the garden. Lawn tractors, on the other hand, offer even more flexibility. You can attach accessories like a sweeping brush, and in winter you can swap it out for a snow blade or snow thrower to keep your garden paths clear.

So before choosing your mower, think about what else you’d like it to handle. That way, you can pick a Snapper machine that fits your garden all year round.

4. Speed vs collection

If you want to mow your lawn as quickly as possible, a zero turn mower is hard to beat. These machines are built for speed and agility. With a clear view of the mowing deck, you also get more precision in where and how you cut.

But speed isn’t everything, especially if you care about collecting clippings. Most zero turn mowers are designed to mulch grass and leave it on the lawn. While there are collector kits available for our zero turn mowers, they add bulk to the back of the machine and reduce some of the nimble handling that makes zero turns so effective.

Lawn tractors, on the other hand, are typically built with collection in mind. Many come with large rear collectors as standard, and higher-end models, like the Snapper RTX122HD, offer high dump systems that make emptying clippings easier than ever.

Looking for more info on zero turn mowers before you decide? Check out our Zero Turn FAQ for answers to the most common questions.

5. How each mower steers

The way each machine steers is one of the biggest differences between a lawn tractor and a zero turn mower, and the final choice often comes down to personal driving preference.

A lawn tractor handles a lot like a car. You sit behind a steering wheel, use pedals to accelerate and brake, and turn the wheel to change direction. If you’re used to that setup, it feels familiar right away.

Zero turn mowers steer using two levers instead of a steering wheel. Each lever controls one of the rear wheels. To drive straight, you push both levers forward. The further you push, the faster you go. To turn, you adjust the pressure on each lever. For a true zero-degree turn, you can push one lever forward while pulling the other back. This lets the mower pivot on the spot, which gives zero turns their signature manoeuvrability. There’s a short learning curve if you haven’t used levers before, but most people get the hang of it quickly.

Which is the best fit for you, a lawn tractor or zero turn mower?

Both lawn tractors and zero turn mowers have their strengths, the key is choosing the one that fits how you mow.

Go for a zero turn mower if your lawn is flat, has trees, paths or awkward corners, and you want speed, agility, and a sharp finish. Choose a lawn tractor if you’ve got hills to tackle, want extra grip on uneven ground, or plan to use your mower year-round with attachments like a snow plough or sweeping brush.