Exmark Radius Zero Turn Mower Review

Built to last but not break the bank. The Exmark Radius zero turn mower was designed with your budget in mind without sacrificing quality and durability. If there is one thing Exmark knows, it is how to build a lawn mower to last.

The Radius is a commercially inspired mower with the versatility of a homeowner model. I broke down some of the critical components and ideas that I have in mind while looking into a new lawn mower and came up with a few essential items.

Exmark Radius Full Lineup

	E-Series	S-Series	X-Series
Deck Size	52″	52″	52″
Engine	Exmark 708	Kawasaki FX691V	Kawasaki FX691V
Drive System	Hydro-Gear ZT2800	Hydro-Gear ZT3100	Hydro-Gear ZT3400
Deck	UltraCut Series 3	UltraCut Series 3	UltraCut Series 4
Fuel Capacity	7 gallons	7 gallons	7 gallons
Speed	8 mph	9 mph	10 mph
Suspension	n/a	Suspension seat	Suspension seat
Warranty	4-year or 500 hours	4-year or 750 hours	4-year or 1000 hours
Price	$4,799	$6,999	$7,999

How Does It Compare?

The Radius radius zero turn mower stands amongst the top of the middle tier machines from most reputable zero turn manufacturers like Snapper and Husqvarna. I personally like the larger fuel tank of the Exmark as well as the Ultra Cut Deck.

When you get into the “middle ground” price range of zero turn mowers, you can kiss deck quality goodbye (generally speaking, of course). The Snapper does have a well-fabricated deck; it’s just not engineered to discharge massive amounts of grass at once. Same with the Husqvarna. The Husqvarna will do a better job at removing grass but still not up to par with most true commercial machines.

Power and Features

This engine was built with zero turn mowers in mind. It took Exmark a few years to get it right, but they finally did. It is powerful enough at 24.5 peak hp and supports the Dual Hydro-Gear ZT3400 transmission. The engine is the Kawasaki FX691V v twin engine with a cyclonic air filter to help with maintenance.

There are just so many features on this machine that make buying any other mower a challenge, from easy to drain oil plugs to easy latch air filter box. When you are in the heat of the summer and full steam ahead, it is nice to know that you can take a little bit of worry off of equipment maintenance. Oil changes have now been made easier with a bottom located oil pump, so even if you are running low, oil pressure shouldn’t be an issue.

Exmark has tagged its engine with the specific model number and parts number so that you may access it easily. Also, a QR code to scan for the exact parts you need. Have a dead battery? That is ok because you can connect your battery cables easily to the post provided for you. This is the definition of easy.

Quality and Durability

A lot of time and effort went into this mower’s motor, but they certainly didn’t skimp on the rest. Dual Hydro-Gear ZT3400 transmission with replaceable filters and individual relief valves ensure that the pump will last as long as the engine.

The Ultra Cut 3 deck is constructed of a ten gauge steel deck. I would say that is a pretty heavy-duty deck for even the most rugged commercial machines. Of course, there is a foot mounted pedal to assist with raising the deck and maintenance free spindles for the blades. If you are like me and prefer side discharge mowers, this one will work right out the door. Exmark also makes this model available with mulch kits and 48,52, and 60 inch decks.

As far as durability goes, this mower is right there with the best. The same gauge steel in the deck and frame is used across all platforms of these mowers. Maintenance free spindles, transmission instead of pumps, and cyclonic air filter make this mower easy to maintain without compromising durability. If you are like me, you are trying to get the best bang for your buck, and I believe that this unit is best for that.

Aesthetics

This mower looks like every other commercial Exmark zero turn mowers…perfect. It seems that every little lever and knob has been measured to you. That is because it has. Exmark takes its customers very seriously and responds to their needs. Compact, rugged, and with black wheels. This is a nice finishing touch to the mower as we all know that a while metal wheel against the landscape terrain makes for an unpleasant look.

The seat is a comfortable ride seat that can be adjusted to your liking as well. If you are like me, your body will start asking for forgiveness after a day in the field. It does help to have a nice seat and suspension to mitigate all of the bouncing and shaking you can do in one day. Wider set rear tires and larger front tires with deck mounted casters will help to keep things smooth for you. At least as smooth as you can get while mowing at 10mph.

Price

Now for the fun part…the price. You can pick up this mower for $6,500 which is in line with most other similar zero turn mowers. If you want a commercial grade, you’re going to have to spend the money. As far as bang for the buck, you can not beat this mower. Of course, you can go less expensive, and that’s not always a bad thing. In this case, you have to give this mower a good look at its price range.

Being a lawn care expert myself, I am actually happy to see a mid-range mower that can actually be called a commercial unit. For years we have had a homeowner model and a commercial model with every reputable company. It is nice to see an actual mid-range mower that can withstand commercial use.

Final Thoughts

Now, there are absolutely other names in the game when it comes to lawn mowers, and there is no doubt some real game changers out there. Kudos to Exmark for making a machine that will stand up to the challenge without breaking the bank.

If you are someone who wants to take pride in their lawn or a company looking for a new product, this one should be considered. It would be hard to justify spending the same amount on a lesser machine.

Wrapping it up

Do you want to get this mower? Let us know in the comments below what you think about the Exmark Radius.

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Images are from Exmark.