more... > Home Gardening > Equipment > Zero Turning Radius Mowers > Zero Turning Radius Mower Maintenance [Image: air filter and prefilter] Zero Turning Radius mowers, like all lawnmowers, operate in a dirty environment. Proper and regular maintenance is needed to keep your mower operating at top efficiency and minimize costly repairs and downtime. Zero Turning Radius Mowers for Home Lawns [Image: ZTR mower] Zero Turning Radius mowers have separate hydraulic pumps driving the left and right tires, and each side is controlled separately. One tire can be turning forward while the other is turning in reverse, thus the mower can pivot around its own center. This feature allows amazing versatility in trimming while mowing. What Equipment Manufacturers Do To Reduce Rust Farm and grounds maintenance equipment is often exposed to rain, high humidity, fertilizer, pesticides and corrosive plant materials (such as grass clippings). The manufacturers of that equipment have taken steps to try to protect the equipment and reduce the potential for corrosion. Zero Turning Radius Mowers: Selection, Use, Maintenance & Safety [Image: mowers] This publication is intended to help you select the correct zero turning radius mower for your purpose, then use it and maintain it correctly and safely. (PDF Format Only)  more articles... Preventing Overturns With Zero-Turning-Radius Mowers [Image: ZTR mower with ROPS] Zero-turning-radius mowers are somewhat different from conventional tractors. Their short wheelbases and narrow wheel spacings can contribute to overturns. Slippage With Zero Turning Radius Mowers [Image: ZTR mower] Zero Turning Radius riding mowers can do a wonderful job of maintaining turf, but the rapid response and maneuverability that make them so handy can cause problems if you aren’t careful. Mid-mount and Front-mount Decks on Zero-Turning-Radius Mowers [Image: ZTR mower with mid-mount deck] Zero-turning-radius mowers are available in two configurations: mid-mount decks and front-mount decks. Each configuration has advantages and disadvantages, and each has proponents. New Features on Zero-Turning-Radius Mowers [Image: oscillating front suspension] Zero-turning-radius mowers are popular among professionals and homeowners with larger lawns. Zero-turning-radius manufacturers offer many new and/or optional features on their mowers that further increase their versatility and ease of use. Fire Safety Issue with Professional Turf Mowers [Image: ZTR mower with protected fuel tank] Some zero-turning-radius mowers are designed with a serious fire safety hazard. These models should be avoided. Safety Standards for Commercial-size Riding Mowers [Image: ZTR mower with ROPS] Commercial-size riding mowers, including the popular zero turning radius mowers, are covered by a safety standard promulgated by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Even though many of these mowers are used by homeowners, those that are designed primarily for commercial use are considered commercial machines and they fall under a commercial mower standard. Low Cost Zero Turning Radius Mowers For Home Lawns [Image: low cost ZTR mower] Zero-turning-radius mowers have taken over the commercial riding mower market. In the past, there were few low-cost models available to homeowners, but this has changed. Low-cost homeowner models are now available from several companies.