Looking for a Way to Reduce Mowing Time?
Zero-Turning-Radius Mowers are Tops for Busy Homeowners

If you feel like
you have better things to do than mowing your lawn and are looking for
a way to reduce mowing time, then a zero-turning-radius mower should be
at the top of your “must-buy” list. That’s because zero-turning-radius
mowers save time mowing and trimming since there’s no need to back up
when cutting around trees and other objects around the yard.



You can also mow tightly around beds and other obstacles to reduce
the need for trimming. In fact, compared to mowing with a traditional
lawn or garden tractor, use of a zero-turning-radius mower can cut
mowing time by as much as 50 percent! And you’ll also benefit from a
professionally manicured look.



It’s little wonder then that these innovative products are topping
the list as the fastest-selling products in the mowing industry. Once
used exclusively by commercial lawn and landscape contractors trying to
increase productivity, zero-turning-radius mowers are today finding
their way into the hearts and yards of busy homeowners who are willing
to pay for the latest timesaving technology. It makes sense that the
industry is projecting another year of double-digit sales growth for
residential zero-turning-radius products – a trend that is expected to
continue for at least the next several years.



So why all the fuss? Of course there is the tremendous time
savings. But beyond the labor savings, there’s another big attraction.


“It comes down to the fact that zero-turning-radius mowers are just
a lot of fun to drive,” says Dan Lamb, brand manager for Cub Cadet, the
largest manufacturer of zero-turning-radius mowers in the U.S. “The
superb maneuverability of these units, along with the speed, turns a
routine lawn chore into fun and enjoyment.”



The secret of zero-turning-radius technology is independent
hydraulic wheel motors that allow the mowers to turn on a dime. This
makes maneuvering around sidewalks, trees, fences and other obstacles
faster and easier than ever imagined by owners of traditional lawn
tractors.



“With a zero-turning-radius mower, you can literally do an
about-face and turn 360 degrees while remaining in the same spot,” says
Lamb. “It is absolutely amazing!”



Dual ergonomic steering levers, or “lap bars,” control a zero-turn
mower. Simply move one lap bar forward and the other back, and the
mower literally turns in its own tracks, which means there is no big
loop at the end of the row to make the turn.


Because of their superior maneuverability, zero-turning-radius
mowers help homeowners mow a lot of lawn in a little time, making them
the ideal choice for larger yards. Of course, deck size (which
determines cutting width) plays an important part, too. That’s why Cub
Cadet offers a broad range of deck sizes – from 48-inches wide to
60-inches wide – to match the needs of different types of yards.



These new zero-turning-radius models also offer a pivoting front
axle, semi-floating deck and anti-scalping wheels to assure a more
professional looking cut. Of course it helps to always observe the rule
of cutting only the top third of the grass blade to promote a thick,
healthy turf. If you mow more than a third of the grass blade, you can
damage the root system of the turf and create a thatch problem which
will inhibit your lawn’s ability to absorb nutrients.


To help maintain the unit and keep it in prime working condition,
the Cub Cadet models additionally feature an innovative deck wash
system. Simply attach a garden hose and a high-pressure water blast
cleans out grass and debris after each mowing.