Zero-Turn vs. Walk-Behind Mowers: What’s Best for Small Lawns in Northern Virginia?

When it comes to choosing a mower for your Northern Virginia property, there are certainly plenty of options to choose from to meet a diverse range of needs. Areas with smaller lawns don’t need much to turn grass into a beautiful, lush lawn, making a walk-behind mower a suitable contender. However, the maneuverability and performance of zero-turn mowers make them an attractive choice as well. Let’s compare these two popular mowers to determine the best option for you.

Zero-Turn Mowers

Zero-turn mowers are riding mowers known for their impeccable maneuverability and speed thanks to their zero-radius turn technology. The mower is controlled by two levers that manage speed and direction, allowing the operator to make precise movements and turns. The versatility of the zero-turns makes them ideal for lawns with many obstacles, such as trees, shrubs, and flowerbeds.

Pros of Zero-Turn Mowers

Maneuverability: Zero-turns were made to help operators easily navigate complex spaces, so if you ever had trouble getting an even cut in tight spaces around your property, this mower can provide a solution.
Speed: Zero-turn mowers can reach higher speeds than traditional walk-behind mowers, making them ideal for homeowners wanting to cut mowing times in half

Cons of Zero-Turn Mowers

Larger footprint: The zero-turn mower was designed to cover large areas of land quickly, making it excellent for large lawns, but not always necessary for smaller properties.
More expensive: Due to the newer technology of the zero-turns, you can expect a higher initial investment, plus maintenance costs to keep your mower running efficiently.
Not suitable for sloped terrain: Zero-turns don’t remain as stable on hilly or sloped terrain, making them best for wide-open flat surfaces.

Walk-Behind Mowers

Walk-behind mowers are manually operated mowers that give the operator full control as they walk behind the equipment to guide it. There are many different walk-behind mowers on the market including push mowers, self-propelled mowers, and reel mowers. Walk-behinds are typically easier to manage than zero-turns, making them excellent for beginners looking for a simple mowing solution.

Pros of Walk-Behind Mowers

Nimble: Given the smaller size and manual control of walk-behind mowers, operators can get into hard-to-reach corners easily, having better control around edges and tight spaces.
Ease-of-use: Unlike with a zero-turn mower, you won’t experience a learning curve with operation. Simply get behind your mower and go.
Affordable: Walk-behind mowers are the most affordable options on the market, making them a great, cost-effective option for small lawns.

Cons of Walk-Behind Mowers

More physical labor: Walk-behind mowers are more physically demanding than zero-turns, which can cause operator fatigue.
Slower mowing times: While walk-behind mowers are best for small lawns, they can still require longer periods of mowing to get the job done.

What’s Better for Small Lawns in Northern Virginia

The best mower for you all comes down to your individual and landscaping needs. For small lawns, walk-behind mowers provide more than enough capability to provide a clean cut. Walk-behind mowers are the most practical, cost-effective, and user-friendly option for homeowners and landscapers in Northern Virginia with yards less than an acre. However, zero-turn mowers are also a great option for those wanting an upgrade in performance, speed, and comfort.

Virginia Maryland Tractor proudly serves homeowners, landscapers, and property owners across the Virginia and Maryland area by providing equipment and services for all your lawn and garden needs. Reach out to your nearest Virginia Maryland Tractor, for expert assistance in finding the right solution for your yard this year.