Zero-Turn vs. Lawn Tractor: What Type of Mower Is Best for You?
8/3/2026
Ready to retire that push mower? Let’s take a look at how Kubota zero-turn mowers, ride-on mowers, and sub-compact tractors can help you unlock your lawn's full potential (and then some).
These nimble ride-on mowers get their name from their almost zero-degree turning radius. This makes them ideal for yards of all shapes with features like trees, fountains and flower beds. They combine the precision of a walk-behind mower with the comfort and convenience of a ride-on mower. Their large deck size and high speed also make them ideal for handling large areas.
Choose from a range of deck sizes and travel speeds to fit your property. Larger deck size will get the job done faster, just make sure the mower will fit through your gates and other fixtures. Two choice models are the The Kubota Z232KW-42 which has a 42 inch deck and travels up to 6.5 mph, and the Z412kwnc-48 has a 48 inch deck size and travels up to 10 mph. On both models you can help retain moisture or leave a tidy finish with a mulch kit or grass collector, respectively. These mowers are ideal for households on larger plots, landowners who need a quick mower or even smaller municipal fleets.
Lawn and garden mowers, your more traditional ride on mowers, work well for residential lawns. The Kubota GR Series’ All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capabilities provide the traction needed for mowing on rolling terrain. While not intended to be operated on a steep incline, these lawn tractors are a good option for uneven properties or navigating tricky lawns.
Grass collection systems are also available on both the Kubota T Series & GR Series lawn tractors for you to customize your mowing experience. As an added bonus, add a snow blower, blade, or sweeper to your lawn tractor for year-round productivity and really take advantage of that AWD on the GRs.
Another option to consider for lawn maintenance (and much more) is a sub-compact tractor. While they aren't practical at the residential level, sub-compact tractors are great for land owners who need to clear brush, move earth, dig trenches and mow fields, without wanting to buy several different machines. The Kubota BX Series is easy to drive and maneuver, giving you confidence and efficiency for the most challenging mowing jobs. Its compact size also allows you to easily maneuver between trees and other tight spaces. The mid-mount mower deck is available in two sizes—54" and 60"—to match your specific mowing needs.
Beyond its mowing capabilities, the BX is ideal for property owners because of its ability to handle a wide range of projects with ease. Power-packed with a multitude of performance-matched attachments, the BX Series lineup can tackle just about any job on your property.