Best zero turn mowers under $1,000

Top pick: CRAFTSMAN Z5400 46-inch zero-turn. It's the only true zero-turn here that fits a four-figure budget, and it's the sensible one for a normal residential lawn: a 46-inch deck clears gates and tight corners, gas power means no battery anxiety, and turn-key starting keeps it simple. Expect to do basic maintenance yourself.

Who the others suit:

• Toro TimeCutter 42-inch — if you want a smaller deck for a fenced, obstacle-heavy yard and can stretch the budget.
• Troy-Bilt Mustang 42-inch — for larger lots (rated around 4 acres) where a 42-inch cut and a strong engine matter more than price.
• Husqvarna Z254F 54-inch — for wide-open lawns where a big deck saves time.
• EGO Z6 / Greenworks Crossover — for anyone who'd rather go battery-electric and quiet, at a much higher cost.

Be aware: real zero-turns mostly start well above this budget, so the sub-$1,000 tier is thin — the CRAFTSMAN is the standout.