When it comes to lawn mowing, especially for large or commercial properties, speed is everything. That’s where zero-turn mowers shine. Not only are they known for their unmatched maneuverability, but they also offer impressive forward speeds, significantly reducing the time it takes to get the job done.
In this post, we will showcase the forward speed of top zero-turn mower models across various brands and models.
Zero Turn Mower Speed Chart
Ariens
| Brand | Model | Mower Type | Max Speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ariens | Edge 52 | Residential | 6 |
| Ariens | Apex 60 | Prosumer | 8 |
| Ariens | Zenith 60 | Commercial | 11 |
| Ariens | Ikon XD 52 | Residential | 7 |
| Ariens | Zenith E 60 Electric | Commercial | 10 |
Bad Boy
| Brand | Model | Mower Type | Max Speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bad Boy | ZT Elite 60 | Residential | 7.5 |
| Bad Boy | Maverick HD | Prosumer | 9.5 |
| Bad Boy | Rogue 72 | Commercial | 13 |
| Bad Boy | ZT Avenger 54 | Residential | 7 |
| Bad Boy | Rebel 61 | Commercial | 12 |
Related Lawn Mower Blade Tip Speed Chart(For All Brands + Models)
Cub Cadet
| Brand | Model | Mower Type | Max Speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cub Cadet | Ultima ZT1 50 | Residential | 7.5 |
| Cub Cadet | Ultima ZTX6 60 | Commercial | 9 |
| Cub Cadet | PRO Z 972 SD | Commercial Diesel | 12 |
| Cub Cadet | Ultima ZT2 60 | Residential | 7.5 |
| Cub Cadet | PRO Z 554 S | Commercial | 10 |
Dixie Chopper
| Brand | Model | Mower Type | Max Speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dixie Chopper | Zee 2 | Residential | 7 |
| Dixie Chopper | Eagle HP | Commercial | 12 |
| Dixie Chopper | XCaliber | Commercial | 15 |
| Dixie Chopper | BlackHawk HP 60 | Prosumer | 9 |
| Dixie Chopper | Silver Eagle | Commercial | 10 |
Related Zero Turn Mower Comparison Chart(For All Brands + Models)
Exmark
| Brand | Model | Mower Type | Max Speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exmark | Quest S-Series | Residential | 7 |
| Exmark | Radius X-Series | Commercial | 10.5 |
| Exmark | Lazer Z X-Series | Commercial | 11.5 |
| Exmark | Radius E-Series | Prosumer | 9 |
| Exmark | Lazer Z E-Series | Commercial | 10 |
Ferris
| Brand | Model | Mower Type | Max Speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferris | ISX800 | Prosumer | 10 |
| Ferris | ISX2200 | Commercial | 12 |
| Ferris | IS6200Z | Commercial Diesel | 12.5 |
| Ferris | ISX3300 | Commercial | 12 |
| Ferris | SRS Z3X | Commercial | 13 |
Related Lawn Mowing Lawn Care Pricing Chart(Updated 2025)
Gravely
| Brand | Model | Mower Type | Max Speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravely | ZT HD 52 | Prosumer | 8 |
| Gravely | Pro-Turn 260 | Commercial | 13 |
| Gravely | Pro-Turn 600 | Commercial | 15 |
| Gravely | ZT XL 52 | Residential | 7 |
| Gravely | Pro-Turn ZX 60 | Commercial | 11 |
Husqvarna
| Brand | Model | Mower Type | Max Speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna | Z254F | Residential | 6.5 |
| Husqvarna | MZ61 | Prosumer | 8.5 |
| Husqvarna | Z460 | Commercial | 10 |
| Husqvarna | Z242F | Residential | 6.5 |
| Husqvarna | Z560X | Commercial | 12 |
Related Mower Blade Cross Reference Chart(For All Mower Brands)
John Deere
| Brand | Model | Mower Type | Max Speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Deere | Z315E | Residential | 7 |
| John Deere | Z530M | Residential | 8.5 |
| John Deere | Z720E | Commercial | 10 |
| John Deere | Z997R Diesel | Commercial Diesel | 12.9 |
| John Deere | Z345M | Residential | 7 |
| John Deere | Z760R | Commercial | 11 |
Scag
| Brand | Model | Mower Type | Max Speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scag | Liberty Z | Residential | 7 |
| Scag | Tiger Cat II | Commercial | 12 |
| Scag | Cheetah II | Commercial | 16 |
| Scag | Patriot 52 | Prosumer | 8.5 |
| Scag | Turf Tiger II | Commercial | 12 |
Snapper
| Brand | Model | Mower Type | Max Speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snapper | 360Z XT | Residential | 6.5 |
| Snapper | 400Z | Prosumer | 8 |
| Snapper | 560Z | Commercial | 10 |
| Snapper | 460Z | Residential | 7 |
| Snapper | SPX 52 | Residential | 6.5 |
Related Toro Lawn Mower Comparison Chart(For All Models)
Toro
| Brand | Model | Mower Type | Max Speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toro | TimeCutter SS4225 | Residential | 7 |
| Toro | Titan MAX | Prosumer | 8.5 |
| Toro | Z Master 6000 | Commercial | 11.5 |
| Toro | TimeCutter MX6050 | Residential | 7 |
| Toro | Z Master 7500-D | Commercial Diesel | 12 |
Note: Speeds are approximate and may vary based on configuration, terrain, and conditions.
Fastest Zero Turn Mower
Here are some of the fastest zero-turn mowers currently available:
1. Scag Cheetah II – 16 mph
The Cheetah II stands as the undisputed king of speed. It is ideal for professional landscapers working on huge properties.
2. Gravely Pro-Turn 600 – 15 mph
Engineered for heavy-duty commercial work, with excellent suspension and cutting capability even at top speeds.
3. Dixie Chopper XCaliber – 15 mph
Nicknamed “the world’s fastest lawn mower,” Dixie Chopper models are speed champions.
4. Toro Z Master 6000 – 11.5 mph
Combines cutting performance with high-speed mowing, great for medium to large commercial jobs.
Related How To Adjust Speed On A Self-Propelled Lawn Mower(In 3 Steps)
Speed vs. Cut Quality: What to Consider
While higher speed = faster mowing, it doesn’t always mean better results. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- High-speed mowing requires flat terrain.
- Blade tip speed, not mower speed, affects cut precision.
- Wet or uneven lawns can result in uneven cuts at high speed.
- Operator skill matters, more speed demands better control.
If you’re mowing hilly or complex lawns, a slower, high-torque model may be a better option than a speedster.
What Speed Do You Really Need?
| Property Type | Recommended Speed Range |
|---|---|
| Small Residential (<½ acre) | 6–7 mph |
| Medium Residential (½–2 acres) | 7–8.5 mph |
| Large Residential/Prosumer | 8–10 mph |
| Commercial (Multi-acre) | 10–16 mph |
FAQs
What is a good speed for a zero-turn mower?
A good speed for a zero-turn mower depends on the property size and terrain, but generally:
- Residential use: 6–8 mph is ideal, fast enough for efficiency, slow enough for precision.
- Commercial/professional use: 9–13+ mph is common, especially in large, flat areas.
A mower with variable speed control is best so you can slow down around landscaping features and speed up in open zones.
How fast can you mow with a zero-turn?
Most zero-turn mowers can mow at speeds of 6 to 13 mph, depending on the model. However, practical mowing speed (to maintain cut quality) is usually:
- Residential mowing: 5–7 mph
- Commercial mowing on flat turf: 8–10 mph
Even if a mower can go faster, cutting at too high a speed can reduce cut quality, especially on uneven terrain.
Related John Deere S130 Vs X350(Comprehensive Comparison)
What is the average speed of a lawn mower?
The average speed of a lawn mower (including push and ride-on types):
- Push mowers: 2.5–3.5 mph (walking pace)
- Riding lawn mowers: 4–6 mph
- Zero-turn mowers: 6–9 mph (average), up to 16 mph for commercial models
Zero-turn mowers are among the fastest mower types available.
What is the maximum speed of a riding lawn mower?
The maximum speed of a traditional riding lawn mower is generally:
- Residential riding mower: 5–8 mph
- Zero-turn mower (residential): 6–8.5 mph
- Zero-turn mower (commercial): Up to 16 mph (e.g., Scag Cheetah II)
Note: While top speed is impressive, safe mowing speed should be lower to avoid poor cuts and scalping.Should I run my zero turn at full throttle?
Yes, zero-turn mowers are designed to run at full throttle for optimal performance.
Why full throttle?
- Keeps blade tip speed high for a cleaner cut
- Maintains hydrostatic transmission efficiency
- Ensures consistent airflow for proper grass dispersal
However, you can adjust ground speed (via lap bars or levers) while keeping the engine at full throttle.
Which zero-turn cuts the fastest?
The Scag Cheetah II is widely regarded as the fastest zero-turn mower for mowing:
- Top speed: Up to 16 mph
- Hydro-drive system with dual speed settings
- High blade tip speed and suspension system for high-speed cutting
Other fast-cutting mowers include:
- Gravely Pro-Turn 600 – 15 mph
- Dixie Chopper XCaliber – 15 mph
- Toro Z Master 6000 – 11.5 mph
Note: Fastest cutting is a mix of top speed + blade quality + mower stability.
