Husqvarna MZ61 Zero Turn Lawn Mower
- Durable cutting deck
- Adjustable tracking
- 9 Bushel Collection System
- Endurance V-Twin Engine
When Husqvarna started tractor production decades ago, it was already manufacturing different equipment. Since then, Husqvarna has made a name for itself by producing several tractor models across different niches. Some of these are lawn mowers, zero-turn mowers, etc.
With a 24HP Kawasaki engine that provides reliable startup and high ground speed, The Husqvarna MZ61 has a Roll-over protection system (ROPS) which ensures safer operation in all conditions. Its clipping can be discharged, mulched, or bagged due to its 9-bushel triple bag collection system. For the rider’s comfort, the Husqvarna MZ61 has been provided with a high-back seat with armrests, foam-padded hand grips, and vibration dampeners which make mowing comfortable for hours.
There are several reasons to get excited by this zero-turn mower, and we’ll be seeing a couple of them in this guide. This entry-level commercial tractor which some people tag as semi-commercial, sports a higher power cutting width, among other things than your regular lawn mower.
Pros
- Additional security before you can start the engine to prevent accidents
- ROPS available to protect the user in case of any tipping over
- Large durable deck area that will cut more area at a time and will not be easily damaged
- Will cut 4 acres in one hour
- Powerful engine with 27 horsepower that’ll allow you to do a lot of work
- Good uphill traction and will work comfortably in uneven terrains without tipping over
- 13 cutting deck heights adjustments available
- 6-inch wide caster wheels
- Removable foot pan that gives you quick access to the deck
- Hour meter with service minder
Cons
- It lacks a fuel gauge which means you’ll have to keep checking the fuel tank if you don’t want to run out of fuel while using the mower.
- It can leave scalp marks on the lawn even when you’re not mowing.
- Steering may take some getting used to, but this is normal for most zero turns since it is not as common as the other steering types.
- It lacks a hose washout connector.
- Downhill traction is poor, and the tractor can slide off.
Husqvarna MZ61 Specs
Here is a table with the specifications for the Husqvarna MZ61 Zero Turn Lawn Mower before we get into the details. This table provides a condensed representation of the MZ61’s individual components.
| Physical Dimension | |
|---|---|
| Model | Husqvarna MZ61 |
| Engine Power (Gross) | 27HP |
| Type | Lawn and garden tractor |
| Length | 75 in |
| Width | 76 in (chute down) 62.3 in (chute up) |
| Height | 42 in |
| Weight | 770 lbs |
| Tires | |
| Lawn/turf front: | 6.5 in |
| Tire size, front Diameter | 13 in |
| Tire size, front Diameter wheel | 6 in |
| Engine Specifications | |
| Engine manufacturer/ model | Briggs & Stratton/ Endurance Series |
| Power output | 27 HP |
| No. of cylinders | 2 |
| Displacement | 49.4 cu.inch |
| Air filter type | Auto-type Paper |
| Cooling system | Air |
| Fuel tank capacity | 5 gal (US) |
| Tank location | Side (Single) |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Oil filter | Yes |
| Engine lubrication type | Full pressure |
| Transmission | |
| Type/ model | Hydro-Gear ZT3100 Hydrostatic Transmission |
| Pump displacement | 10 cm³ |
| Chassis | Oversized- 2×3 inches |
| Productivity | 4.2 acres/hr |
| Forward speed | 8.5 mph |
| Reverse speed | 5 mph |
| Fan-cooled pumps | Yes |
| Deck | |
| Deck Type | 11-gauge fabricated |
| Material | Steel |
| Thick | 11 gauge |
| Cutting height steps | 12 |
| Cutting width | 61 Inches |
| Cutting height, min (approximate) | 1.5 inch |
| Cutting height (max) | 4.5 inch |
| Blades | 3 |
| Blade-tip speed | 18,500 fpm |
| Nose roller | Yes |
| Deck lifting system | Manual, foot assisted |
| Deck Wash Port | No |
| Spindle/mandrel type | Cast aluminum |
| Powder-coated cutting deck | Yes |
| Greaseable mandrels | Yes |
| Equipment | |
| Seat Type | High back seat with armrest |
| Seat material | Vinyl |
| Seat spring | Yes |
| Cupholder | Yes |
| ROPS | Optional |
| Armrest | Yes |
| Hour meter | Yes, digital with pre-programmed service intervals |
| Price | |
| Homeowner/ commercial warranty | 4 years or 400 hours (whichever occurs first) |
| Price | $5,399.99 |
Features of Husqvarna MZ61 Zero Turn Lawn Mower
Here we talk about features that differentiate the MZ61 from other zero turns, including those made by Husqvarna. And the reasons why someone will choose to purchase it over other models in the space.
#1. Impressive Briggs and Stratton Engine
Husqvarna MZ61 uses the Endurance series Briggs and Stratton engine, which is well known for its impressive functions. This engine is fitted with an incredible 27 horsepower for your use. This HP rating will allow you to work up to a 4-acre field in less than an hour with a maximum forward speed of 8.5 mph and 5mph for reverse speed.
It’s a dual cylinder V-twin engine that provides smooth operation, less noise, and ultimately better performance. It makes use of air cooling to keep the engine temperature low and ensure you can use the tractor for longer. The Husqvarna MZ61 is powered by a gasoline engine with a 5 US gallon fuel tank. The fuel tank is located at the side where you can reach easily when refueling.
#2. Cutting Deck
The cutting deck houses the blades and all their components. They make the spinning motion to clip grass so you can enjoy beautiful lawn patterns in your garden. It has a 61-inch cutting deck, and being a commercial tractor; there’s a need for such wide-cutting decks. The size of its cutting deck and its performance boosters are the reason you can cut up to 4 acres in under one hour.
The cutting deck lift is pedal-assisted, so you can reach it easily without having to let go of the steering. The cutting deck is made of steel, and the deck thickness is 11 gauge to improve its durability. You’ll also find the 12 deck adjustment levels quite helpful when you’re looking for the right height to cut your grass. These grass clippings can then be disposed of using any available systems which include; side discharge, mulching, and bagging. With its 3-blade cutting system, you’ll get even better cuts and reduce grass clogging in the deck.
#3. Large Size
Husqvarna MZ61 being a commercial level zero turn mower with bigger parts and more powerful features has generally increased the size of this tractor. It is 75 inches long and 42 inches high. When the chutes are down, its width measures 76 inches. If you raise the chute, it reduces to 62.3 inches.
This zero-turn mower weighs 770 lbs and sports anti-scalp wheels. Its tire diameter measures 13 inches, while the front width measures 6.5 inches.
#4. Performance
One of the most significant features of the Husqvarna MZ61 zero-turn lawn mower is its impressive performance. The tractor is made to deliver higher than standard-level use. You can enjoy seamless work on your lawn and be able to cut 4.2 acres of grass in one hour because of the features put in it. One of the features is the 27 horsepower engine that provides the necessary power to do a lot of work. Another feature is the wide cutting deck that ensures you can cut a large area at a time.
The caster wheel is 6 inches in front and measures 12 × 10 × 10 in the back, which helps to keep the large tractor balanced and prevents any tipping over even when working on uneven terrains. As a zero-turn mower, it shouldn’t have a problem going in any direction, and this is facilitated by the type of tire and steering.
The oversized chassis, 2×3 inches chassis, alongside the large tires, make the mower an exciting ride and allow you to do more work with it.
#5. Durability and Comfort
Tractors cost a lot and should serve you for a long time, but this is not the case with tractors made with poor materials as they break down easily and develop faults frequently. Luckily, Husqvarna is aware of this and has made the MZ61 with durable materials that have improved its lifespan. The mower deck is made of 11 gauge fabricated steel as this is an area that receives a lot of hits, especially from stones flying around.
The engine is made to last a long time, but it doesn’t stop there; even its body is made with durable materials that ensure you don’t have dents from the lightest of hits. Being a large tractor, any tipping over will be disastrous, and that is why the balance of this tractor is not in question as it has been streamlined properly through the help of the tires.
The easy-pull parking brake can be engaged easily to protect you and your mower. It goes even further by ensuring safety measures are in place before you can start the engine. This includes a neutral steering position, a disengaged mower deck, a parking brake on, and the operator must be on the seat. All these must be in place before you can use your key start.
Husqvarna even went one further by providing a ROPS bar over the sitting area that will protect the user in the event of tipping over. This way, injuries are minimized. Husqvarna uses ROPS bar instead of a complete cover allowing the user to continue enjoying enough space and airflow in the cabin area.
The seating area is arguably the most significant proof of comfort in any tractor as this is the area the user will spend the most time. So what did Husqvarna do in this area to make it comfortable for the user? The seat is made from vinyl that is not only durable but also comfortable to sit on for a long duration. The high back seat height also protects the users’ back so that they don’t develop back pains from using the tractor. The seat is also fitted with a seat spring to make it even more exciting for you.
Do you like to stay hydrated while you work? You’ll love the cup holder located in the cabin of this zero-turn mower. It is easy to reach while sitting down to ensure you don’t have to stretch. The armrests on the seat are the icing on the cake for this seating area, completing the already impressive cabin.
#6. Warranty
After a few seasons of use, it is normal to start seeing a couple of issues crop in. This is when the value of warranties comes into play. Husqvarna has protected the users of the MZ61 by providing a limited warranty of 400 hours or 4 years, whichever comes first. Now you’re protected and would get a lot of free repairs whenever some problems occur. It is best to read the fine print to see the full details of the warranty as it doesn’t cover all damages.
Summary
This is a great value for money considering all the features it possesses, with users especially loving its commercial-grade power. The extra measures put in place to make the tractor comfortable for the user are also commendable. While the tractor may face some durability issues along the line, the 4 years warranty does well to cover most of the issues you may face. Overall, the Husqvarna MZ61 zero-turn lawn mower would be an impressive buy for a lot of lawn owners, especially those with large lawns.
Husqvarna MZ61 Zero Turn Lawn Mower
Zero-turn mowers can move in any direction without any restriction because of the way they work. Husqvarna MZ61 lawn mower is durable and rugged.
