For lawns of 1 to 2 acres, the Dixon SpeedZTR 30 makes fast work of mowing at a relatively low cost. However, finding a model for sale near you may be a problem. It's worth looking into as we think it's a Budget Buy model for medium-sized lawns. This is one -- if not the only -- zero-turn riding mower with a single 30-inch blade on the market.

Powered by a 13-hp Briggs & Stratton Intek engine, the SpeedZTR 30 is the smallest among Dixon's family of zero-turn riding mowers. The engine is mid-range in the B&S lineup. The cut is just 30-inches wide; other models have cuts of 36-, 42-, or 44-inches with correspondingly larger engines. On all the models, a foot pedal controls the cutting height, which ranges from 1-1/2 to 4 inches on this model. All have electric starters and ISO-mounted engines to reduce vibration.

Like many ZTRs, this model has twin hydrostatic (automatic) transmissions, one to control each rear wheel. The foam-padded control levers are adjustable for comfort and convenience. Rear tires are 18 inches with turf tread and fronts are 11 inches high. Dixon has been making zero-turn radius riding mowers for more than 30 years and seems to have the value thing down pretty well. Dixon is owned by Husqvarna.

We think the SpeedZTR 30 is a good choice for folks who want a sturdy zero-turn rider, but don't need to cut the south forty during football commercials. At 6-1/2 mph, it moves along fast enough to cut up to 1-1/2 acres of easy lawn in an hour. If you want faster, move up to the 44-inch cut (SpeedZTR 44) that will mow the same space in about 40 minutes. The single cutting blade has high quality steel blade. The SpeedZTR 30 has an overall width of 36 inches, which may be a limiting factor for passing through some gates. Also, this model weighs in at just more than 400 pounds -- light by comparison to many other riding mowers, but still too much to lift through the gate. Measure your gates before you buy any mower.

Dixon mowers aren't as easy to find as some other brands. That's because most of their models are designed and built for commercial applications. They build a variety of 29 models from the SpeedZTR 30 to the Grizzly 72 (yep, 72-inch cut). Available accessories include a couple of grass catchers, a mulch kit and snow blades.

The Dixon SpeedZTR 30 is a compact, well-built zero-turn rider that will stand up well to residential cutting jobs for many years. It's near the top of our list.


Pros: Adequate engine, transmission and frame, proven design, good workmanship
Cons: 36-inch width may limit movement through some gates, may be difficult to find a dealer

Warranty
2 years, on labor; 3 years, parts