Are Gravely zero turn mowers worth the investment?

Yes, especially for large or complex lawns, they save time and provide a cleaner cut.

Can beginners handle a Gravely zero turn mower?

It takes practice, but once you get the hang of the levers, it’s straightforward.

Which is more durable, riding or zero turn?

Both are durable, but Gravely zero turns are built tougher for commercial use.

Is a Gravely riding mower good for sloped yards?

Yes, they handle gentle slopes well, but steep slopes may be better suited for other equipment.

Do Gravely mowers hold their resale value?

Absolutely! Gravely mowers are known for reliability, making them attractive in the used market.

Riding Mower vs. Zero Turn: Pros, Cons & Which One Fits Your Lawn Best?

September 12, 2025

Introduction

When it comes to keeping your lawn in top shape, choosing the right mower makes all the difference. Two of the most popular options are riding mowers and zero turn mowers —and Gravely, a trusted name in the industry, offers both. But which one actually fits your lawn best? Let’s break it down and compare the pros, cons, and practical uses of each.

What is a Riding Mower?

A riding mower is basically your traditional sit-on mower where you steer with a wheel, similar to driving a small car. It’s perfect for homeowners who want comfort while mowing without pushing a heavy machine around.

Medium-sized lawns
Flat to gently sloped yards
Straightforward mowing without too many obstacles

What is a Zero Turn Mower?

A zero turn mower gets its name from its incredible ability to make a zero-degree turning radius. Instead of a steering wheel, it uses dual levers to control each wheel independently, giving you razor-sharp control.

Cuts mowing time in half
Handles complex landscapes with ease
Delivers a professional, manicured finish

Gravely Mower: A Trusted Brand

Gravely has been around for over a century, making durable and high-performing lawn equipment. Known for both residential and commercial mowers, Gravely continues to be a go-to choice for property owners who value quality.

Gravely Riding Mower Overview

Gravely riding mowers are designed with comfort and simplicity in mind. They’re perfect for homeowners who want reliability without overcomplicating things.

Traditional steering wheel design
Comfortable seat and ride
Affordable price point

Best Use Cases for Riding Mower

Medium lawns (½ to 2 acres)
Properties with simple layouts
Owners who prefer easy-to-use equipment

Gravely Zero Turn Mower Overview

Gravely zero turn mowers shine when it comes to speed and precision. Available for both residential and commercial users, they are built for efficiency.

Zero-degree turning radius
High mowing speed
Lever steering system

Popular models include:

Gravely ZT XL – great for homeowners
Gravely Pro-Turn – designed for commercial landscapers

Pros of Gravely Riding Mower

Comfortable and easy to operate
Lower price point than zero turns
Ideal for beginners with little to no learning curve

Cons of Gravely Riding Mower

Slower mowing speed
Larger turning radius—harder around trees or landscaping
Not as efficient for large properties

Pros of Gravely Zero Turn Mower

Unmatched maneuverability with tight turns
Much faster mowing for large lawns
Professional finish for commercial-quality results

Cons of Gravely Zero Turn Mower

Higher upfront cost
Learning curve with dual lever controls
Risk of scalping uneven ground

Gravely Mower for Residential Use

For residential yards, the choice often comes down to size and complexity :

If your yard is under 2 acres with few obstacles, a Gravely riding mower may be perfect.
If your yard is larger or filled with trees, gardens, or tricky spots, a Gravely zero turn mower will save you time and effort.

Gravely Commercial Zero Turn Mower

For professional landscapers, a Gravely commercial zero turn mower is the gold standard. Built tough for daily use, these machines deliver speed, comfort, and durability—making them a smart investment for long-term ROI.

Comparing Fuel Efficiency

Riding mowers generally use less fuel but take longer to mow.
Zero turn mowers are more fuel-efficient per acre since they mow faster, even if they use slightly more fuel per hour.

Maintenance and Longevity

Riding mowers have simpler systems, making maintenance more DIY-friendly.
Zero turn mowers require more specialized maintenance, but Gravely designs them with durability in mind, especially for commercial use.

Cost Comparison: Riding vs. Zero Turn

Gravely riding mower : Lower initial cost, good for smaller budgets.
Gravely zero turn mower : Higher upfront price but saves time and fuel in the long run.

Which One Fits Your Lawn Best?

Small to medium, simple lawns → Gravely riding mower
Large or complex lawns with obstacles → Gravely zero turn mower
Professional landscaping needs → Gravely commercial zero turn mower

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the right mower depends on your yard size, layout, and goals. If you want something simple and affordable, a Gravely riding mower is a solid choice. But if speed, precision, and efficiency matter most, the Gravely zero turn mower wins hands down. Either way, Gravely ensures you’ll get a mower built to last.

FAQs

Q1: Are Gravely zero turn mowers worth the investment?
Yes, especially for large or complex lawns, they save time and provide a cleaner cut.
Q2: Can beginners handle a Gravely zero turn mower?
It takes practice, but once you get the hang of the levers, it’s straightforward.
Q3: Which is more durable, riding or zero turn?
Both are durable, but Gravely zero turns are built tougher for commercial use.
Q4: Is a Gravely riding mower good for sloped yards?
Yes, they handle gentle slopes well, but steep slopes may be better suited for other equipment.
Q5: Do Gravely mowers hold their resale value?
Absolutely! Gravely mowers are known for reliability, making them attractive in the used market.