I am fighting the zero-turn urge. The cutting speed on the higher end ZT models is impressive (12-13 mph). I don't understand why the JD X700 series is so much slower (8.5mph). I really like the tractor style where you steer with one hand and control the speed with your foot. If the mowing speed was close to the same it would be a no brainer.
Why are lawn tractors so slow?
- Thread starter AuCivil
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MESSMAKER
Veteran Member
Very few people mow at above 8mph, no matter how fast the mower will go. It has to be golf green smooth to travel fast.
s219
Super Member
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- Kubota L3200, Deere X380, Kubota RTV-X
I am guessing it's stability. My Deere LT mower tops out at about 6mph (5th gear), and that is bordering on scary when making tight turns. I never mow at that speed -- I normally mow in 2nd or 3rd, which is 2-3 mph.
Even worse if you actually measure their speed with gps... Most go no faster than 5 mph, despite their specs.
But I agree. If I could have found a garden tractor that would do 8 mph or more, I would have bought it. Z turns are awfully hard on the turf.
oldpilgrim
Elite Member
My Cub goes a lot faster than I want.
LD1
Epic Contributor
I don't know the answer, but my guess it stability also.
KiotiKowboy
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Brake - going into the turns and Accelerate coming out. If your front-end is pushing, it may help to diamond the corners. 
k0ua
Epic Contributor
My little JD lawn tractor goes faster a lot of the time than I could stay on it with my rough lawn.. I suppose if you had a nice golf course type lawn, we could talk about some more speed. Not to mention making turns, and getting a good cut...
oosik
Epic Contributor
I would guess my riding mower can go 5-6 mph. A LOT faster than I ever mow. At top speed I would get bucked off in several rough areas of my lawn.
If you need to go 12-13 mph to get done - - what you really need is a lot larger mower.
If you need to go 12-13 mph to get done - - what you really need is a lot larger mower.
Yellowfever440
Gold Member
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I have a JD x585 and I feel it travels fast. I wish it had the 2 speed like the 420 had. That's would be nice for plowing snow in the winter, I plow a few drives for friends or neighbors and getting around town it would be nice drive 14 mph between each. I would love a 2210 or something that size but that's 2 big for my yard.