How to Choose the Right Zero-Turn Mower for Your Vermont Lawn

Cut Smarter: Find the Right Zero-Turn Mower for Your Vermont Lawn

If you’re in the market for a zero-turn mower in Vermont, you already know our terrain doesn’t mess around. Between rolling hills, tree-lined edges, and tight spaces, the right mower can save you serious time and frustration. At Exit 18 Equipment, we help homeowners and pros choose the right Ferris or Toro zero-turn mower to handle the job.
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Here’s what to consider when picking the perfect fit for your yard.

What is a Zero-Turn Mower, and Why Does It Matter?

A zero-turn mower is built to turn on a dime, giving you unmatched control for mowing around trees, landscaping, and buildings. Compared to a lawn tractor, zero-turns are faster, more precise, and often more comfortable, especially for larger properties.
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For hilly or uneven Vermont lawns, that precision and speed make a big difference.

Residential vs. Commercial: Which Mower Is Right for You?

Before we break down the difference between Toro and Ferris models, it helps to know the difference between residential and commercial zero-turn mowers.

Residential Zero-Turn Mowers

• Designed for occasional use—about 1–2 times per week
• Typically used on 1–3 acre lawns
• Prioritize comfort and ease of use
• Cost-effective and lower maintenance
• Examples: Toro TimeCutter®, Ferris 300S

​These are perfect for homeowners who want fast, clean mowing with better maneuverability than a lawn tractor.

Commercial Zero-Turn Mowers

• Built for daily or high-hour usage
• Handle larger properties, rougher terrain, or mowing multiple lawns a day
• Feature heavy-duty frames, stronger transmissions, and reinforced decks
• Offer higher speeds and greater durability
• Examples: Ferris ISX™ series, Toro Titan®, Toro 6000 series

Even if you’re not a landscaper, a commercial mower might be worth it if you have:

• Steep hills or uneven ground
• 4+ acres of lawn
• Dense or fast-growing grass
• Long mowing hours every week

​Not sure where you fall? Come by the store and tell us about your property — we’ll help you decide.

Toro vs. Ferris: What’s the Difference?

We proudly carry both Toro and Ferris zero-turns because they each bring something unique to the table:
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• Toro Zero-Turns
  ✅ Residential and pro models
  ✅  Industry leading deck performance and intuitive controls
  ✅ MyRIDE® suspension available on select models
  ✅ Founded over 100 years ago, Toro is time tested and trusted.
  

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• Ferris Zero-Turns
  ✅ Legendary suspension system = smoother ride
  ✅ Built for commercial-level mowing and long days
  ✅ Great on uneven terrain in Franklin and Chittenden Counties
  ✅ Patented Oil Guard System allows 250-500 hours between oil changes (depending on your model)

​Need help deciding? Come test them out in person—our team can walk you through side-by-side comparisons.

What Size Zero-Turn Deck Do You Need?

Although it is up to personal preference, here is a general guideline of the best mowing deck size based on how much space you're mowing.
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• Under 1 acre? A 42"–48" deck is usually plenty.
• 1–3 acres? Go for 48"–60" to save time.
• 3+ acres or commercial use? Look for 60"+ and a heavy-duty frame.

Larger decks cut faster, but you’ll want to make sure it fits your terrain, trees, and access points.

We stock zero-turn mowers in Vermont that are ready to take on your lawn—whether you’re maintaining a half-acre or mowing full-time.
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📍 Visit Exit 18 Equipment in Georgia, VT
💻 Browse Toro & Ferris zero-turns online
📞 Have questions? Give us a call at (802) 524-2977