Zero turn mowers really do make mowing your lawn incredibly easy. However, with hundreds of models on the market, you need to be selective to truly get the best value for your money. Currently, the Poulan Pro 967331001 P54ZX (from here referred to as Poulan Pro P54ZX) is the best product out there for professionals and power users who have numerous acres of grass to tend to.
The modest online price means this mower is a powerhouse of efficiency and effectiveness yet very affordable. Simply put; the Poulan Pro P54ZX is the best zero turn mower on the market.
If you want to learn what makes the Poulan Pro P54ZX a great tool, read on.
Contents
Powerful 24 HP Briggs T-Twin Pro Engine
The Poulan Pro P54ZX is powered by a Briggs & Stratton Professional Series engine.
In case you did not know, Briggs and Stratton is one of the major engine makers that design products for the best landscape equipment. Its highly robust consumer grade engine ensures that the Poulan Pro P54ZX packs in quite a punch in terms of power and speed. Its performance meets high expectations and then some.
Moreover, the gasoline-fueled T-Twin pro engine assures users of an easy and comfortable ride even over tough terrains.
Note that there is also a 26HP version of this mower available on Amazon for that extra push that commercial power-users may need.
54-inch Reinforced Cutting Deck
The Poulan Pro P54ZX has a 54-inch, 13-gauge steel, stamped cutting deck. It has three robust blades, four anti-scalp wheels, greasable vented mandrels, and an aluminum spindle.
The cutting height is adjustable in increments of 0.5 inches. The lowest height is 1.5 inch and you can easily go up to 4 inches. The anti-scalping wheels enable the mower to operate over uneven terrains with relative ease. Their design will stop the deck from bottoming out and prevent uneven cutting.
Therefore, the grass will be trimmed smoothly without scalping the grass or divots.
Additional Specs
Additional cutting deck specs you may be interested in learning about are:
- The cutting methods of this mower are Collect, Mulch, and Side Ejection cycle.
- Blade engagement uses an electric clutch with a rating of 90 ft. lb.
- The deck can be lifted manually.
A great improvement over other models is that the cutting deck does not have to be removed when you are changing the belt or blades. You can simply remove the footrest above the deck by unscrewing one wing bolt.
Hydro-Gear EZT Transmission
This is the most commonly used transmission in zero turn mowers. The Hydro-Gear EZT has a proven track record in the industry. You will find that the Poulan Pro P54ZX will offer excellent maneuverability and durability. The transmission is what allows each rear wheel of the mower to operate independently and flaunt a zero turn radius status.
You also do not have to worry about maintenance as the Hydro-Gear EZT is a sealed unit which does not require oil or filter changes.
The Poulan Pro P54ZX is also convenient as it is fairly easy to get used to the controls. However, you may want to test it out on flat terrain before taking it out to a hilly area. The throttle response will take some getting used to, so test it out carefully if this is your first time operating a riding mower.
The Poulan Pro P54ZX can operate on an uneven terrain. Some slopes may be too steep for it to tackle, so listen to the transmission and decide. If pushing the control levers is making the transmission emit a growling noise, the slope is too steep. Do not continue to operate the machine under these conditions, or else you will damage the transmission.
A Highly Efficient Riding Mower
Aside from the power of the riding mower, buyers look for efficiency. Most people looking to buy a riding mower have at least a couple of acres of land to take care of. This is impossible even if you own one of the best motorized push mowers; a riding mower is the best option in this case. The efficiency of your riding mower will dictate how fast you get the job done.
To determine the ideal deck size, use the table below. The calculation involves the size of the deck, number of acres, and the speed of operation of the riding mower.
Table of Full Specs
mph = mile per hour
aph = acres per hour
| Deck Size: | 30” | 42” | 48” | 54” | 60” | 72” |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Efficiency: | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% |
| Speed | aph | aph | aph | aph | aph | aph |
| 4 mph | 1 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 1.8 | 2 | 2.4 |
| 5 mph | 1.3 | 1.75 | 2 | 2.3 | 2.5 | 3 |
| 6 mph | 1.5 | 2.1 | 2.4 | 2.6 | 3 | 3.6 |
| 7 mph | 1.8 | 2.45 | 2.8 | 3.2 | 3.5 | 4.2 |
| 8 mph | 2 | 2.8 | 3.2 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.8 |
| 9 mph | 4.5 | 5.4 | ||||
| 10 mph | 5 | 6 | ||||
| 11 mph | 5.5 | 6.6 | ||||
| 12 mph | 6.5 | 7.8 |
How to Read the Table
The intersection of the size and speed gives you the output of your mower (i.e. Productivity) in Acres/hour.
According to the chart, a mower with a 60-inch deck travelling at the speed of 6 mph will easily cut 3 acres in an hour. The Acres/hour figure assumes 80% operator accuracy.
The productivity of the Poulan Pro P54ZX is 2.8 acres/hr. The maximum forward speed of this mower is 6 mph. In reverse, the mower reaches a max speed of 3 mph.
The Comfort Factor
Since you will be operating the mower for an hour at a time, you need to factor in the comfort of the seat before purchasing it. The seat has a 15″ high back and the material is made of vinyl. You can easily see the fuel level window and the hour meter while seated. Moreover, the adjustable seat has a high back which will support your spine and prevent backache even if you have been sitting for hours at a time.
The Poulan Pro P54ZX also comes with padded control levers that make it easy to operate the machine. You will need to assemble the seat and control arms though.
Aside from the aforementioned aspects, the Poulan Pro P54ZX includes a digital hour meter, four anti-scalp rollers, and easy-to-operate dual levers with foam padded hand grips.
A top speed of 6 mph and a 3.5-gallon fuel capacity allow this powerful and efficient ZTR to cut up to 2.8 acres per hour.
Size and Weight Specs
The Poulan Pro P54ZX is of moderate size and weighs about 538 lbs. The machine has a length of 75 inches, a width of 57 inches and stands up to 40 inches in height.
- Front tire size: 11×4-5″
- Rear tire size: 18×9.5-8″
- Wheelbase: 43.75”
A Word About the Alternate Kohler Engine Poulan Pro P54ZX
It is important to mention that there are two almost identical versions of the Poulan Pro P54ZX available in the market. The other Poulan Pro P54ZX is powered by a Kohler engine apart from this the other specs remain the same.
Kohler is a renowned company that has been in the engine manufacturing business since the 1920s. Large engines are its forte however, which is why commercial grade smaller engines are often used in mid-level riding mowers by Briggs and Stratton and are generally better for that purpose.
Remember most of these engines have small differences when it comes to quality and durability. Usually it is the level of maintenance that ensures the longer life of your mower.
What Reviewers Think About the Poulan Pro P54ZX
It is wise to look at all the reviews before making your final decision. Do not stick to biased guides; user reviews will give you a clearer picture. This is why we love Amazon.
Popular products on Amazon usually at least a few reviews that you can skim through. These are reviews by real people who have used the product and when you see a “Verified Purchaser” tag you can be sure the authentic review will give the pros and cons of the product.
Looking at the Poulan Pro P54ZX Amazon reviews, you will notice that almost all of them have the Verified Purchase tag attached. The reviews themselves are highly positive. In fact, most of the reviews give the product 5 stars. Some buyers faced slight issues with the product, but have still given higher than average star ratings.
We checked out at the details of these reviews to give you a better idea of the Poulan Pro P54ZX. A majority of reviewers rave about the power of the mower. A lot of them also comment on how smoothly the machine operates.
With large equipment, such as riding mowers, damage during shipping and handling is a definite concern. One reviewer expressed a favorable opinion about the Amazon delivery service and their customer service.
As for criticism, one customer pointed out that the mower has an issue with the belts. If the blades are engaged at higher RPMs, the machine throws a belt. Apparently this issue was also faced by another customer, but was resolved with some minor repairs.
Final Word—Is It Worth Buying?
A zero turn mower is a long-term investment. Whether you are a homeowner or a professional landscaper, choosing a mower is a difficult decision. The Poulan Pro P54ZX is a solid zero turn mower and will give you the most power for your money. It gives you the best mileage if you are looking for the best commercial grade zero turn mowers.
The Poulan Pro P54ZX comes with a two-year Limited Warranty and the Deck Warranty period is 10 Years. Be sure to read and follow the owner’s manual and the engine owner’s manual. It is also a good idea to keep a Service Journal for your machine. A written record of maintenance/ replacements will help your resale value.
Once you have made your decision and have purchased the mower, go through this safety guide published by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute to get great advice regarding operational safety.
Summary of the Best Zero Turn Mower
The Poulan Pro P54ZX is the best zero turn mower available in the market. If you are a homeowner or own a landscaping business, this machine can be a valuable asset. It is a powerful and durable machine that is getting solid reviews.
Most of the verified purchasers seem pretty happy with their decision. Priced at $2,979, the Poulan Pro P54ZX (Briggs and Stratton) will easily take care of 2.8 acres in an hour. It reaches top speeds of 6 mph and easily handles uneven terrain. The zero turn radius allows you to move freely and easily cut areas around tree trunks or other obstacles.
The machine weighs about 538 lbs. and stands at 40 inches in height. The cutting height ranges from 1.5-4 inches and is adjustable in increments of 0.5 inches. The cutting deck is made of steel and is 54 inches wide. The anti-scalp wheels allow the mower to smoothly negotiate across uneven or debris-strewn ground. Meanwhile, the blades are made of strong and durable materials.
As far as your comfort level is concerned, the P54ZX hits the mark. The seat is adjustable and has a good shape. The control levers are padded and are placed at a good height.
If you are looking to invest in a zero turn mower, then you can’t go wrong with a Poulan Pro and the P54ZX is one of the best. It has all the features one will need from a small engine, commercial grade zero turn mower. It is available to buy from a range of dealers but, not surprisingly, we found that although the price fluctuates it is also better online. This is undoubtedly the best zero turn mower we have tried.
