Stihl Zero-Turn Lawn Mower Option Launches, Focusing on Professional and Homeowner Markets
Stihl has teamed up with Briggs & Stratton to add to their arsenal of outdoor power equipment with a line of zero-turn mower models. The collaboration between the two companies aims to expand product offerings across the country. The mower line will even be made in the US using global materials, bringing more jobs to US manufacturers.
Stihl makes some of the best chainsaws and other handheld equipment, and makes a huge range of products for lawn care and landscaping. With the addition of the zero-turn mower to the list of companies, Stihl will have what we believe to be one of the strongest lines of outdoor power equipment in America.
made in America
The mowers will be manufactured in the USA to ensure they meet Steele's production and quality standards. Steele is understandably keen to work with Briggs & Stratton and its long history in the lawn care/landscaping industry.
"The introduction of the zero-turn lawn mower enables our network of authorized local STIHL dealers to offer a wider range of product solutions to our customers who turn to STIHL for world-class products and support for their garden and landscaping needs .
"Partnering with Briggs & Stratton, a recognized leader in this product category, allows us to provide quality products to demanding professionals and discerning homeowners."
Steele CEO and President Terry Horan
"We are very proud that Steele has seen in Briggs & Stratton what we have known for many years…we design, engineer and manufacture the best zero-turn mowers on the market.
"With 114 years of power application and manufacturing expertise, Briggs & Stratton is a trusted leader in the industry…We look forward to applying our exceptional product and manufacturing capabilities to the production of the STIHL zero-steer mower."
Steve Andrews, CEO and President, Briggs & Stratton
Surround the market
Stihl zero turn mowers are launched in 5 separate lines and a total of 19 separate models on the Briggs & Stratton system. These include various engine options from Kawasaki, Vanguard and Briggs & Stratton, as well as a suite of accessories.
Stihl also includes a model for every ZT mowing application – from professional-grade reliability to farm and ranch models, and even machines aimed at homeowners.
STIHL Zero Turn Mowers: 700 and 900 Series
Starting with the higher-end pro-level lineup, the Stihl 700 Series and 900 Series ZTs cover the bulk of the lineup, with 12 models in total.
Deck widths range from 52 to 72 inches. While other brands' lines typically include a 48-inch ZT option, it looks like Stihl is ruling it out for now. Maybe we'll see a stand-up range that covers smaller deck widths in the future.
Choose from a variety of high performance engines including Vanguard or Kawasaki EFI engines, or Kawasaki carburetor engines.
Both series of mowers feature four-wheel suspension with mowing deck height compensation. Additionally, they feature independent front suspension and upper and lower control arms reminiscent of Ferris' (Briggs & Stratton brand) ISX line of lawnmowers. The system uses four steel control rods and a coil-over shock suspension. In our experience, you can get a smooth ride out of a mower with this system.
The Hydro-Gear ZT transaxle has a top speed of 12 mph in the 900 Series and 10 mph in the 700 Series. Both are traveling in reverse at 5 mph.
With the 700 series you get a plush seat with armrests. The 900 Series takes it to the next level, giving you a premium suspension seat with armrests and an adjustable backrest.
Additional Features and Specifications
- Heavy Duty 8" and 10" Cast Iron Greasable Mower Spindle
- Efficient, cool-running dual-belt mower drive system extends life and reduces maintenance
- Two USB-A ports at 3.15 amps
- Accessory Compatible Trailer Hitch
- Foot-operated cutting height adjustment
- cup holder
- Flexible side rubber discharge chute
- Flip-up floor provides serviceability and cleanability of the mowing deck.
- large fuel capacity
- Fuel gauge visible from operator's seat
- Dual-function timer tracks run time and mowing time
STIHL 700 and 900 Series Zero Turn Lawn Mower Prices
- STIHL RZ 752i: $13,149.99
- STIHL RZ 752 K: $11,899.99
- STIHL 752i K: $11,849.99
- STIHL RZ 760i: $13,849.99
- STIHL RZ 760 K: $12,499.99
- STIHL RZ 760i K: $12,449.99
- STIHL RZ 960i: $17,899.99
- STIHL RZ 960 K: $17,899.99
- STIHL RZ 960i K: $18,199.99
- STIHL RZ 972i: $18,399.99
- STIHL RZ 972 K: $18,399.99
- STIHL RZ 972i K: $18,699.99
STIHL Zero Turn Mowers: 500 Series
The Stihl 500 Series zero-turn mowers include four models with 52-inch or 60-inch mowing decks. They are ideal for farm and ranch operators as well as lawn care professionals. Thanks to a commercial grade Hydro-Gear ZT-3400 transaxle, you get a top speed of 10 mph (or 5 mph in reverse). These mowers also have a four-wheel suspension system, like the 700 and 900 series models.
There are four models in the series – RZ 552, RZ 552 K, RZ 560 and RZ 560 K.
Additional Features and Specifications
- Large fuel capacity and clear fuel gauge
- Collapsible Rollover Protection System (ROPS) with anti-rattle urethane blocks to prevent rattling
- Aluminum 5.25" mower deck spindle for easy maintenance and long life
- Efficient, cool-running dual-belt mower drive system extends life and reduces maintenance
- Two USB-A ports at 3.15 amps
- Foot-operated cutting height adjustment
- Luxury seating designed to provide a comfortable ride throughout the workday
- cup holder
- Flexible side rubber discharge chute
- Flip-up floor provides serviceability and cleanability of the mowing deck.
- Dual-function timer tracks run time and mowing time
STIHL 500 Series Zero Turn Lawn Mower Prices
- STIHL RZ 552: $9,949.99
- STIHL RZ 552 K: $10,449.99
- STIHL RZ 560: $10,499.99
- STIHL RZ 560 K: $10,999.99
STIHL Zero Turn Mowers: 100 and 200 Series
The STIHL RZ 142, RZ 152 and RZ 261 make up the 100 Series and 200 Series ZTs for the homeowner market. While they're not as powerful as those earlier on this list, they still offer homeowners the reliability and performance that Stihl is known for. Both ranges come standard with a reliable 23-25 HP V-Twin Briggs & Stratton engine and Hydro-Gear transaxle for a top speed of 8.5 mph (4 mph in reverse).
Additionally, RZ 152 and RZ 261 models include four-wheel suspension with adjustable rear shocks. The Stihl RZ 261 model even includes a commercial-grade 61-inch mowing deck, making it ideal for larger residential areas or agricultural applications.
Additional Features and Specifications
- 3 gallon fuel capacity
- Foot-operated cutting height adjustment
- 12 gauge welded frame
- Timer tracks and displays elapsed time
- Flexible side rubber discharge chute
- Greasable Mower Deck Spindle
- Spin-on transaxle oil filter traps debris and simplifies maintenance
- Two USB-A ports
- cup holder
STIHL 100 and 200 Series Zero Turn Lawn Mower Prices
- STIHL RZ 142: $3,899.99
- Steele RZ 152: $5,649.99
- Steele RZ 261: $7,449.99
STIHL Zero Turn Lawn Mower Financing and Warranty
There will be several financing programs to make it easier for professional landscapers to incorporate these ZTs into their fleets. Qualified customers can get 0% financing, as well as a low APR program. Stihl offers financing to professionals through Stihl dealers, giving them the option to include Stihl hand tools with the same purchase for financing.
All Stihl zero-turn mowers are eligible for financing.
All of Stihl's zero turn lawn mowers are backed by a 3-year limited warranty. Consumer models are good for 3 years or 500 hours, whichever comes first. For professional models, this number goes up to 3 years or 1500 hours. Expect to see them at authorized Stihl dealers from January 2023.