Zero turn mowers aren’t cheap. With many ZT mowers having price tags in the four figures finding one that offers the same level of results at a much lower price can be difficult – until now!
After an extensive search and a lot of testing we found the best zero turn mower under 500 dollars.
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Introducing The Best Zero Turn Mower Under 5000 Dollars
The best zero turn mower under 500 bucks is the Husqvarna MZ52.
The Husqvarna MZ52 25HP Kohler Endurance Zero Turn Lawn Mower ZT3100 is a semi-commercial-grade Zero turn riding mower that offers power, reliability & quality at an affordable price.
Powered by a 25 HP 4-Stroke Kohler engine and a hydrostatic Hydro-Gear ZT 3100 transmission, it is your best option when you need perfectly manicured lawns but don’t want to pay over $5,000 for it.
The mower can travel at a forward speed of 8.5 mph and has a top reverse speed of 5 mph. It has a robust fabricated deck made of 11-gauge steel.
The engine deck is 52 inches wide and will easily cut through wide swathes of grass with 3 powerful blades.
The blades operate at a speed of 19000 fpm. These, and other features, make this the best zero turn mower under 5000 dollars we have found!
This particular Husqvarna model has a productivity of 3.5 acres/ hour; this means that, assuming an operating efficiency of 80%, the mower will be able to cut 3.5 acres of grass in an hour.
The cutting heights can also be set from 1.5 – 4.5 inches. To grab this amazing machine for under the $5,000 you will need to buy it online.
The Husqvarna MZ52 gives you commercial level results for under 5000 bucks!
This isn’t the only Husqvarna that we recommend – their mowers are that good!
If you want productivity, performance and comfort at an affordable price, then the MZ52 is one of the best options available.
The Husqvarna MZ52 is a semi-commercial riding mower that is not quite as powerful as the commercial grade machines but has higher specs that a standard riding mower. It can mow up to 3.5 acres in an hour.
The machine is built for speed and operates smoothly over rough terrain. It has a tough steel frame and a commercial hydraulic system which gives you the ultimate mowing experience.
The cutting deck is rugged and is capable of both collecting and mulching.
Property maintenance is much easier, more convenient and efficient with the MZ 52 than with a standard entry-level mower.
The mower is incredibly easy to operate because of the ergonomic steering levers and pedal-assisted cutting deck.
A great feature, not available on most standard mowers, lets the operator easily adjust cutting heights while remaining seated.
Since the operator will mostly be using the mower for several hours at a time Husqvarna have ensured the seat is very comfortable.
The Husqvarna MZ 52 has a high back seat and the addition of armrests allows the operator to remain comfortable during long mowing sessions.
Key features of the Husqvarna MZ52
Here are some of the features which set the Husqvarna apart from other brands:
What Husqvarna Offer
- Wide network of authorized dealers and expert service technicians.
- Wide array of high-quality spare parts and accessories are available for all riding mowers.
- The Husqvarna MZ series of mowers has durable caster wheels with pneumatic tires.
- All MZ mowers come with a removable foot pan which allows easy access to spindles, clean-up and deck belt pulleys.
- A large 2” x 3” tube chassis makes the MZ 52 a tough performer and extremely strong.
- It has a travelling connection which requires less energy.
- The transmission is a premium ZTR and features large drive axles, charge-pumps and expansion tanks.
What makes this the best zero turn mower under 5000 dollars
- High performance commercial 25 HP Kohler engine (commercial grade engine).
- Heavy-duty fabricated 11-gauge steel cutting deck.
- Three cutting methods—mulching, side discharge and collecting.
- Oversized welded frame for increased structural support and operator comfort.
- Easily accessible service points allow you to maintain your unit easily.
- Pedal-assisted deck allows 12 different steps between cuts ranging from 1 – 4.5 inches.
- Removable foot pan gives easy access to spindles and deck belt pulleys.
- Foam-padded steering levers significantly reduce the vibrations felt by the operator.
- Zero turn hydrostatic transmission gives you smooth operation and forward speeds of 8.5 mph.
- Precise maneuvering with the zero-turn hydraulic wheel-drive.
- High back vinyl operator seat.
- Digital hour meter that specifies the service time.
The Kohler engine packs a punch
A single Kohler engine powers the Husqvarna 52, the detailed specifications will give you a better idea of the engine’s qualities.
The engine operates smoothly and isn’t as noisy as other mowers.
The construction is durable and the better quality materials make the engine less prone to wear and tear.
It has a full pressure lubrication system and a spin-on filter.
| Engine name | KT 7000 |
| Power | 25 HP |
| Number of cylinders | 2 |
| Cylinder displacement | 44.24 cubic inches |
| Engine cooling | Air |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Engine lubrication mechanism | Full pressure |
| Fuel tank capacity (including reserve) | 5 gallons (US) |
| Fuel tank location | Side |
The cutting deck offers a wide 52 inch cut
- The deck is fabricated and 52-inches in width.
- It is made from an 11-gauge steel, contains 3 blades and greaseable spindles.
- There are 2 anti-scalp wheels and a nose roller which helps maintain an even cut over rough surfaces.
- The deck can be lifted by the driver using a pedal.
It has huge power in a fairly compact body
- Weight: 740 lbs.
- Machine Width: 67 inches.
- Machine Length: 75.5 inches.
- Height: 42 inches.
- Back Tires: 22 x 10-10 inches.
- Front Caster Tires: 13 x 6.5-6 inches.
- Maximum Forward Speed: 8.5 mph.
- Productivity: 3.5 acres/ hour.
- Overall length of zero turn: 75.5″.
Additional features of the Husqvarna MZ52
The mower includes an hour meter and armrests for more comfortable operation. The seat is high-back vinyl and an hour meter is also available. The blade tips move at a speed of 19000 feet per minute. The frame is made of a heavy-duty steel and has the dimensions 1.5″ x 2″.
Warranty and After-Sales
Servicing your outdoor equipment will keep it in top shape and will extend the lifespan of the machine. It is necessary to stick to a proper maintenance and service schedule so your mower can last long
Husqvarna has a wide network of servicing dealers where trained professionals will handle all the requirements. The manufacturer has training programs for authorized dealers so the customers receive expert advice.
You can find warranty details for Kohler engines on the manufacturer’s website. Kohler also has an excellent information portal which you can use to loom up engine maintenance schedules and other guidelines.
Additional accessories such as a mulcher kit, rear bagger, trailer hitch, and headlights are sold separately and can be easily ordered online.
How The Husqvarna MZ52 Compares to Similar Zero Turn Mowers
| MZ 54S | MZ 52 | MZ61 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Briggs and Stratton | Kohler | Briggs and Stratton |
| Power | 25 HP | 25 HP | 27 HP |
| Engine Name | Endurance Commercial | KT 7000 | Endurance Series |
| Number of Cylinders | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Cylinder Displacement | 44.18 cubic inches | 44.24 cubic inches | 49.4 cubic inches |
| Productivity | 3.7 acres/hr | 3.5 acres/hr | 4.2 acres/hr |
| Fuel Tank Volume (including reserve) | 5 gallons | 5 gallons | 5 gallons |
| Max Speed (Forward) | 8 mph | 8.5 mph | 8 mph |
| Blades | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Blade-tip Speed | 18500 fpm | 19000 fpm | 18500 fpm |
| Dimensions (length X width X height) | 75.5 X 57 X 42 inches | 75.5 X 54 X 42 inches | 75.5 X 62.3 X 42 inches |
| Weight | 700 lbs | 740 lbs | 770 lbs |
What Reviewers Say
Reviewers have a positive opinion about the Husqvarna MZ 52. Almost all reviewers have given it a 4.5 star or 4-star rating with the occasional 5 star reviews.
The most detailed reviews highlight some of the most impressive features and, as with all purchases, there are a few negatives highlighted as well – which is a great indication the you are reading an honest review!
Reviewers talk most about favorably about the toughness of the machine. Riding mowers are normally used on rough terrain and the tough exterior not only provides protection against thick grass, but also protects the engine, internal parts and the rider. One of the reviewers even compared the mower’s toughness to a tank.
A lot of the reviewers really liked the quiet and smooth operation of the MZ 52. Typically, lawn tractors make a lot of noise which will probably require the operator to wear especially designed headphones, so quieter engines often prove popular.
Another functionality which received rave reviews is the quality of the cut.
The Husqvarna MZ 52 delivers a smooth and controlled cut. One reviewer compared this mower to ones which are twice more expensive, and this one came out almost equal in performance.
The MZ 52 delivers an even cut because of the nose roller and the anti-scalp rollers. One reviewer pointed out that the learning curve is a bit steep for someone who is using a zero turn for the first time. Most people find it a bit tricky at first but quickly adjust with a few hours of practice. The reviews also pointed out the fact that the machine is easy to maneuver and moves over rough terrain without any issues.
One reviewer also pointed out the fact that the blades are easy to change once they wear out. The ease of maintenance point is a major favorite of the users. A user also thought the back tires were a bit low on traction.
Although there are some positive reviews from people who bought the machine with the Kawasaki engine (see below), there are also also some complaints about that model type. Whereas the same model fitted with the Kohler engine gets top marks across a wide range of reviews.
“I bought the MZ52 with the Kawasaki motor and could not be happier with my machine. Best deal dollar for dollar out there. This machine cuts as nice as any other machine and is built like a tank. Best $4,500 I have spent in my lawn care business. I know plenty of other guys who own $12K machines that will be cutting a long time to regroup their investment and their machines do not cut any nicer than this one.” Amazon review by Englewood Lawn Care.
It is really a matter of personal choice as to which version of this mower you get as we found that they perform in identical ways. However, due to the reviews we advise you to go with the Kohler version on Amazon just to be safe (at the time of writing it is also $200 cheaper).
Husqvarna customer support is among the best
The mower comes with a limited homeowner warranty of 3 years and a limited commercial warranty of 1 year (which should be a little longer in our opinion). You can get more details of the warranty by clicking here.
The manufacturer has an extensive dealer network which can help you with after sales services.
Husqvarna also makes accessories and spare parts which are available from licensed dealers & can usually be found cheaper on Amazon.
You can find a local dealer here or simply purchase the product online usually for a considerable saving in addition to free shipping such as the Husqvarna MZ52 25HP Kohler Endurance Zero Turn Lawn Mower ZT3100 on Amazon.
Husqvarna also gives you the option of registering your product online. Simply visit the manufacturer’s website and register your purchase. Registering gives you access to exclusive offers, product updates, easily accessible customer service and more.
Your Husqvarna comes with a physical copy of the owner’s manual but if you want a digital copy, you can visit the link here and download one.
The Final Verdict: What Makes This The Best Zero Turn Mower Under 5000 Bucks
The Husqvarna MZ 52 is the best semi-commercial mower in our opinion. It has all the power of a commercial mower but is easy to use and maintain even for a home owner. The mower is built to last a long time and gives immense value for the price.
It’s also suitable for commercial use and is compatible with a large number of accessories. If you are a business owner, this mower can be a great asset, especially since it can be transformed into a more versatile machine through additional accessories.
As outlined in a review quoted above this mower gives the business owner the same advantages of a $12K commercial machine at a price below $5K.
A homeowner in need of a faster and powerful mower will not go wrong with the Husqvarna MZ 52 either. The productivity is 3.5 acres per hour, this is incredibly fast and will let you zip through the largest of household landscapes in a couple of hours at the most.
The components and parts are of good quality and the engine, which is the main component, is made by Kohler but also has a Kawasaki model available. We recommend you go with the Kohler model as they have been manufacturing engines for a long time and have a reputation that is well-established in the heavy machine manufacturing industry and is American made.
If you are on a budget and looking for a great zero turn riding mower under $5000 then the Husqvarna MZ 52 is your best choice. At the moment the most competitive prices available are on Amazon with the Kohler model currently and the Kawasaki model both retailing for under $5,000.00.
Summary – Husqvarna MZ52 review
The Husqvarna MZ52 has a commercially constructed engine which houses high quality components allowing the mower to reach a huge power capacity of 25 HP. This helps you get any landscaping job done efficiently regardless of the terrain.
The cutting deck is 52-inches wide and is constructed from twin sheets of 11-gauge steel. This results is a heavy-duty cutting deck which remains durable for a long time. The operator can easily make adjustments to the cutting height by using an ergonomically placed pedal. There are 12 different steps which can move through the cutting heights ranging from 1 – 4.5 inches.
There are three cutting methods available; collecting, mulching and side discharge. The zero turning radius allows the mower to make precise movements around any type of obstacles which is great if you need to maneuver round trees or garden beds.
This machine does not skimp on features related to comfortable operation either; there is no comprise between power and comfort – you get both.
Apart from the pedal-assisted cutting deck, the MZ52 also has foam-padded dual levers which allow for easy steering of the mower. The mower also has an oversized welded frame for more structural support and better operator comfort.
The seat is made of tough vinyl and has a high back to ensure comfortable operation over long hours. The MZ52 has easily accessible service points, everything from the oil, filter, electrical system, battery and hydraulic drive components can be maintained with ease.
The entire mower weighs 740 lbs. and stands at a height of 42 inches. The Husqvarna MZ52 comes with a 3 Year Limited Warranty for homeowners and a 1 Year Limited Warranty for commercial owners.
The product normally retails for approximately $5k but you can take advantage of online prices by getting it for a very competitive price by taking advantage of the low overheads online sellers have. Note that the price might fluctuate a little from time to time but it will almost always be cheaper than a local dealer.
