• Zero turn radius lawn mowers are unusual in the way they move. They allow users to ride in comfort even in very tight spaces where other riding mowers cannot operate; the mower turns in a tight circle in its own path to get around trees, rocks and other obstacles. Several styles of zero turn radius mowers are available and each style has an impact on how the mower operates and how it affects the environment and grounds it's used on.
  
  

Propane Powered

• Zero turn radius mowers come in most fuel propulsion styles. Gas powered and diesel powered models are joined by propane fueled machines. Propane lowers emissions and is an environmentally-friendly fuel. Propane costs less and also has longer running times than oil-based fuels. Propane models of the zero turn radius mowers are produced by many companies, including Cub Cadet, Bad Boy, Kawasaki, Scag, Ferris and EnviroGuard.
  
  

Front Wheels

• The two main types of front wheel assemblies on a zero turn radius mower are free rotating or directional. Free rotating front wheels are mounted on bearings that spin as the machine is propelled by the rear wheels. They act similar to the front wheels on a shopping cart. The directional front wheel assembly is more powerful and offers a front-wheel drive propulsion system where the steering handles of the mower move the front wheels independently to turn the mower. Four-wheel drive is the most powerful option. The individual wheel movement of a four-wheel drive system gives better traction on uneven, or soft ground, and is ideal for larger and heavier duty jobs. Front and four-wheel drive zero turn radius mowers are made by Cub Cadet, John Deere, Craftsman and Toro.
  
  

Super Duty

• Super duty zero turn mowers are made for commercial users or homeowners with a difficult piece of property. These types of property are those with steep inclines, loose, soft soil or heavy brush areas. Commercial super duty zero turn mowers have larger decks, heavier counterbalance weights so they can handle steep grades, and larger wheels so soft, or uneven ground won't stop them. Kawasaki makes "the Beast;" other commercial super-duty style zero turn radius mowers are made by Stanley, Dixon, Toro, John Deere, Scag, Kubota and Bob-Cat.
  
  

Fuel Injection

• Scag, John deere, Toro, Husqvarna and Kohler all make fuel-injected zero turn radius mowers. Fuel injection makes startup easy and fast. Fuel injection is available on all three engine styles as well as on flex-fuel models.