Zero-turn mower
Encyclopedia
A zero-turn riding lawn mower
is operationally to a standard riding lawn mower. The term zero-turn refers to the turning radius
being essentially zero inches. Different brands and models achieve this in different ways. Most current models have four wheels, two swiveling front tires and two larger drive tires in the back. Instead of controlling the swiveling tires to steer the machine, the rotational speed of the drive tires differ from the other to move one side faster than the other.
John Regier of Moundridge, Kansas
is credited with developing the first hydraulic operated zero-turn lawn mower in 1963; he called his first mower The Hustler, because the zero-turn technology greatly reduced traditional mowing time. Due to the lack of initial interest in zero-turn lawn mowers, Regier eventually sold his patent and design to the Hesston Corporation, located in Hesston, Kansas
, which would eventually become Excel Industries. Excel Industries is the parent company of Hustler Turf, which manufacturers Hustler zero-turn mowers.
In 1969, Grasshopper Mowers
introduced the first commercially viable zero-turn mower, and in 1974, Dixon coined the term "zero-turn radius" with their entrance into the mower market.
In 1997, Robert D. Davis Jr. obtained United States Patent 5644903 for a new steering control he had invented for a zero turn radius mower, based on eight previous patents.
Currently, there are more than three dozen zero-turn mower manufacturers offering a range of mid-mounted and out-front mowing deck options and accessories.
is simply changing the speeds of the drive tires. The tire speed is controlled by two levers that protrude on either side of the driver and typically extend over the lap. It is not that different from steering a shopping cart. When both levers are pushed forward simultaneously with the same force, the mower moves forward; when both levers are pulled back simultaneously with the same force, the mower moves backward. Push one lever more than the other and the mower makes a gentle turn. Push one lever forward and pull the other back and the mower pivots from the drive wheels, creating a zero-radius turn.
Zero-turn mowers can use steering wheels but must be designed much differenly. Husqvarna
is one of the few zero-turns to use a steering wheel by connecting the back wheels to an axle
. The axle is mounted in its midpoint to the body of the mower.
Adding a hitch to the back of your zero turn mower will allow you to use a variety of different attachments, including a dump cart, spreader, plug aerator, lawn dethatcher, roller or sprayer. Some zero turn mowers also accommodate front-mounted attachments such as a snow blade, snow blower
or brush for clearing snow or debris.
Lawn mower
A lawn mower is a machine that uses a revolving blade or blades to cut a lawn at an even length.Lawn mowers employing a blade that rotates about a vertical axis are known as rotary mowers, while those employing a blade assembly that rotates about a horizontal axis are known as cylinder or reel...
is operationally to a standard riding lawn mower. The term zero-turn refers to the turning radius
Turning radius
The turning radius or turning circle of a vehicle is the size of the smallest circular turn that the vehicle is capable of making. The term turning radius is actually a misnomer, since the size of a circle is actually its diameter, not its radius. The less ambiguous term turning circle is preferred...
being essentially zero inches. Different brands and models achieve this in different ways. Most current models have four wheels, two swiveling front tires and two larger drive tires in the back. Instead of controlling the swiveling tires to steer the machine, the rotational speed of the drive tires differ from the other to move one side faster than the other.
History
Max B. Swisher developed the first zero-turn radius walk behind mower in 1945 and the first ride-on zero-turn mower in 1955. His patented designs quickly became popular for their mechanically simple designs and for providing highly maneuverable capabilities. He coined the phrase, "zero-turning-radius" to describe the ability of the mowers to "turn on a dime". His company, Swisher Mower and Machine Company, Inc., Warrensburg, Missouri sold the ride-on units under the Big Mow and Ride King labels until 2005. The unmistakeable look of these three wheel units featured a single steerable front wheel with two rear wheels. The innovative powered front wheel could be rotated (steered) a full 360 degrees giving the operator the ability to point the wheel in whatever direction they desired to travel. Reverse was as simple as turning the steering wheel 180 degrees. There was no shifting of gears or complicated transimissions or differentials needed. In 1959, Bantam Tractor (Indianna) licensed the technology under a private label agreement.John Regier of Moundridge, Kansas
Moundridge, Kansas
Moundridge is a city in McPherson County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,737. The city is named for the settlement that became the incorporated city in 1887 located in Mound Township.-History:...
is credited with developing the first hydraulic operated zero-turn lawn mower in 1963; he called his first mower The Hustler, because the zero-turn technology greatly reduced traditional mowing time. Due to the lack of initial interest in zero-turn lawn mowers, Regier eventually sold his patent and design to the Hesston Corporation, located in Hesston, Kansas
Hesston, Kansas
Hesston is a city in Harvey County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 3,709. Hesston is home of Hesston College, which has approximately 450 students.-19th century:...
, which would eventually become Excel Industries. Excel Industries is the parent company of Hustler Turf, which manufacturers Hustler zero-turn mowers.
In 1969, Grasshopper Mowers
Grasshopper Mowers
The Grasshopper Company is headquartered in Moundridge, Kansas in the United States. The company manufactures zero-turn mowers and lawn mower implements.- History :...
introduced the first commercially viable zero-turn mower, and in 1974, Dixon coined the term "zero-turn radius" with their entrance into the mower market.
In 1997, Robert D. Davis Jr. obtained United States Patent 5644903 for a new steering control he had invented for a zero turn radius mower, based on eight previous patents.
Currently, there are more than three dozen zero-turn mower manufacturers offering a range of mid-mounted and out-front mowing deck options and accessories.
Steering
For most zero-turn mowers today, steeringSteering
Steering is the term applied to the collection of components, linkages, etc. which will allow a vessel or vehicle to follow the desired course...
is simply changing the speeds of the drive tires. The tire speed is controlled by two levers that protrude on either side of the driver and typically extend over the lap. It is not that different from steering a shopping cart. When both levers are pushed forward simultaneously with the same force, the mower moves forward; when both levers are pulled back simultaneously with the same force, the mower moves backward. Push one lever more than the other and the mower makes a gentle turn. Push one lever forward and pull the other back and the mower pivots from the drive wheels, creating a zero-radius turn.
Zero-turn mowers can use steering wheels but must be designed much differenly. Husqvarna
Husqvarna AB
The Husqvarna Group is the world's largest producer of outdoor power products including chainsaws, trimmers, lawn mowers and garden tractors. The Group is also the European leader in consumer watering products and one of the world leaders in cutting equipment and diamond tools for the construction...
is one of the few zero-turns to use a steering wheel by connecting the back wheels to an axle
Axle
An axle is a central shaft for a rotating wheel or gear. On wheeled vehicles, the axle may be fixed to the wheels, rotating with them, or fixed to its surroundings, with the wheels rotating around the axle. In the former case, bearings or bushings are provided at the mounting points where the axle...
. The axle is mounted in its midpoint to the body of the mower.
Operation
Zero-turn mowers are designed to cut so closely around obstacles that there’s virtually no need to trim. These mowers pivot through 180 degrees without leaving any uncut grass. Maximum lever movement means maximum fluid flow, which translates into a rapidly turning wheel. If one drive wheel turns more rapidly than the other, the machine moves along a curved path. If both wheels turn at the same speed, the machine follows a straight path. If one wheel stops and the other turns, or if the wheels turn in opposite directions, the mower pivots.Attachments
There are a number of different attachments that add to the versatility of zero turn mowers. One popular attachment is a bagging system that allows you to collect grass clippings. There are many bagger options available for zero turn mowers including two- and three-bucket designs. You can also add a mulching kit to the deck to mulch clippings back into the lawn instead of having the grass discharge from the side chute.Adding a hitch to the back of your zero turn mower will allow you to use a variety of different attachments, including a dump cart, spreader, plug aerator, lawn dethatcher, roller or sprayer. Some zero turn mowers also accommodate front-mounted attachments such as a snow blade, snow blower
Snow blower
A snow blower or snow thrower is a machine for removing snow from an area where it is not wanted, such as a driveway, sidewalk, roadway, railroad track, rink, runway, or houses...
or brush for clearing snow or debris.
Zero-Turn Mower Manufacturers
- AriensAriensAriens is a Brillion, Wisconsin-based equipment company which has a long history manufacturing snow blowers and lawn tractors for commercial and high-end consumer markets...
- Big Dog (Excel Industries)
- Bush Hog
- Cub Cadet
- Dixie ChopperDixie ChopperDixie Chopper is a brand of industrial zero-turning lawn mower manufactured by Magic Circle Corp., in Fillmore, Indiana. It was founded by Hoosier Art Evans in 1980. Dixie Chopper is run by President and CEO, Simon Wilson....
- Dixon
- Ferris
- Grasshopper MowersGrasshopper MowersThe Grasshopper Company is headquartered in Moundridge, Kansas in the United States. The company manufactures zero-turn mowers and lawn mower implements.- History :...
- GravelyGravely TractorGravely, of Brillion, Wisconsin is a manufacturer of powered lawn and garden implements which it describes as "walk-behind, zero turn and outfront mowers".-Foundation:...
- ToroToro (company)The Toro Company is an American manufacturer of turf maintenance equipment , snow removal equipment and water-saving irrigation systems for golf courses, sports fields, public green spaces, commercial and residential lawns, and agricultural fields...
- Wright
- Yazoo-Kees (Excel Industries)