The zero-tum commercial riding mower was introduced in the late 1960s, early 1970s. Over the last 25 years, these highly maneuverable machines have been gaining market share as evidenced by the number of manufacturers producing them today and the large number of machines operating on properties. In fact, the OPEl (Outdoor Power Equipment Institute) reports that almost half of the commercial riding mowers sold during 1993 were transmission steer (lever steering) zero-tum type machines.
The question is why is this type of mower becoming so popular? The answer is really a matter of economics, which for commercial operators can be defined in three ways: increased productivity, better use of labor and quality of cut.
Increasing Productivity
Operators routinely claim doubling the amount of mowing output after changing from midsize walk-behinds or conventional steering wheel riders to zero-turn riding mowers. Of course, the production gain depends on the type of areas being mowed, but generally landscaped turf with combinations of small and open turf areas is "typically" where zero-turn riding mowers have an advantage. Production gains are the direct result of increased maneuverability:
- Ability to quickly maneuver, with very little lost motion, means the mower spends more time "in the grass."
- Ability to maneuver in tight areas, which reduces travel time.
- Ability to maneuver easily, which facilitates trimming and covering irregular-shaped areas.
Saving Labor
Increasing productivity gives zero-turn operators two options: Reduce their labor force or maintain it and grow their businesses. Either way, labor savings easily offset the higher purchase price of a zero-turn rider and the investment to train workers to operate a "lever steering" machine (a common objection of "steering wheel" proponents). Some zero-turn owners claim it is actually easier to teach proper operation of a lever-steering rider than a midsize walk-behind.
Saving labor has another meaning, too. The zero-turn rider has literally altered the face of the lawn maintenance industry. Companies operating zero-turn mowers don't have nearly the turnover in employees, have an easier job attracting employees and can choose from a broader selection of employees (they are not limited to selecting workers who are athletic types). Not to mention the fact that saving labor becomes increasingly important as the workday nears an end. Even workers who are physically fit, tire and lose productivity as the hours and lawns go by.
Quality Counts
A common myth in the industry is that riding mowers (including zero-turn and steering wheel riders) don't offer the quality of cut other mowers do, specifically midsize walk mowers. The truth is, many zero-turn riders do at least as good of a job if not better than their "walking" counter parts. Here's why: Out-front zero-turn riders, equipped with floating, vacuum decks, not only trim as well as intermediates, they leave behind a manicured look that is unmatched. They also give operators the ability to easily mow alternating stripe patterns.
Zero-tum riders have long been considered the sole domain of users who want to increase productivity. In part, that is true. But in reality, they are also fast becoming the domain of users everywhere who want to increase their bottom line.
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