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A zero-turn riding lawn mower is operationally similar to a standard riding lawn mower. The term zero-turn refers to the turning radius being essentially zero inches. Different brands and models achieve this in different ways. Most current models have four wheels, two swiveling front tires and two larger drive tires in the back. Instead of controlling the swiveling tires to steer the machine, the rotational speed of the drive tires differ from the other to move one side faster than the other. Contents 1 History 2 Steering 3 Operation 4 Attachments 5 Zero-Turn Mower Manufacturers 6 References History Max B. Swisher developed the first zero-turn radius walk behind mower in 1945 and the first ride-on zero-turn mower in 1955. His patented designs quickly became popular for their mechanically simple designs and for providing highly maneuverable capabilities. He coined the phrase, "zero-turning-radius" to describe the ability of the mowers to "turn on a dime". His company, Swisher Mower and Machine Company, Inc., Warrensburg, Missouri sold the ride-on units under the Big Mow and Ride King labels until 2005. The unmistakeable look of these three wheel units featured a single steerable front wheel with two rear wheels. The innovative powered front wheel could be rotated (steered) a full 360 degrees giving the operator the ability to point the wheel in whatever direction they desired to travel. Reverse was as simple as turning the steering wheel 180 degrees. There was no shifting of gears or complicated transimissions or differentials needed. In 1959, Bantam Tractor (Indianna) licensed the technology under a private label agreement. John Regier of Moundridge, Kansas is credited with developing the first hydraulic operated zero-turn lawn mower in 1963; he called his first mower The Hustler, because the zero-turn technology greatly reduced traditional mowing time. Due to the lack of initial interest in zero-turn lawn mowers, Regier eventually sold his patent and design to the Hesston Corporation, located in Hesston, Kansas, which would eventually become Excel Industries. Excel Industries is the parent company of Hustler Turf, which manufacturers Hustler zero-turn mowers.[1] In 1969, Grasshopper Mowers introduced the first commercially viable zero-turn mower,[2] and in 1974, Dixon coined the term "zero-turn radius" with their entrance into the mower market.[1] In 1997, Robert D. Davis Jr. obtained United States Patent 5644903 for a new steering control he had invented for a zero turn radius mower, based on eight previous patents.[3][4] Currently, there are more than three dozen zero-turn mower manufacturers offering a range of mid-mounted and out-front mowing deck options and accessories. Steering For most zero-turn mowers today, steering is simply changing the speeds of the drive tires. The tire speed is controlled by two levers that protrude on either side of the driver and typically extend over the lap. It is not that different from steering a shopping cart[5]. When both levers are pushed forward simultaneously with the same force, the mower moves forward; when both levers are pulled back simultaneously with the same force, the mower moves backward. Push one lever more than the other and the mower makes a gentle turn. Push one lever forward and pull the other back and the mower pivots from the drive wheels, creating a zero-radius turn.[6] Zero-turn mowers can use steering wheels but must be designed much differenly. Husqvarna is one of the few zero-turns to use a steering wheel by connecting the back wheels to an axle. The axle is mounted in its midpoint to the body of the mower.[7] Operation Zero-turn mowers are designed to cut so closely around obstacles that there’s virtually no need to trim. These mowers pivot through 180 degrees without leaving any uncut grass. Maximum lever movement means maximum fluid flow, which translates into a rapidly turning wheel. If one drive wheel turns more rapidly than the other, the machine moves along a curved path. If both wheels turn at the same speed, the machine follows a straight path. If one wheel stops and the other turns, or if the wheels turn in opposite directions, the mower pivots.[7] Attachments There are a number of different attachments that add to the versatility of zero turn mowers. One popular attachment is a bagging system that allows you to collect grass clippings. There are many bagger options available for zero turn mowers including two- and three-bucket designs. You can also add a mulching kit to the deck to mulch clippings back into the lawn instead of having the grass discharge from the side chute. Adding a hitch to the back of your zero turn mower will allow you to use a variety of different attachments, including a dump cart, spreader, plug aerator, lawn dethatcher, roller or sprayer. Some zero turn mowers also accommodate front-mounted attachments such as a snow blade, snow blower or brush for clearing snow or debris.[8] Zero-Turn Mower Manufacturers Bush Hog Ariens Dixie Chopper Grasshopper Mowers Gravely Toro Wright Ferris References ^ a b Fasold, Danny (2009-01-12). "Zero-Turn Mowers: Past, Present, Future". Igin.com. http://www.igin.com/article-880-zero-turn-mowers-past-present-future.html. Retrieved 2010-07-16.  ^ "Grasshopper Mower". Grasshopper Mower. http://www.grasshoppermower.com/about_timeline.php. Retrieved 2010-07-16.  ^ Davis Jr., Robert D. et al (July 8, 1997). "United States Patent: 5644903". USPTO. http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect2=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&d=PALL&RefSrch=yes&Query=PN%2F5644903. Retrieved 2010-07-17.  ^ Davis Jr., Robert D. et al (July 8, 1997). "Steering control for zero turn radius mower - Robert D. Davis et al - Google Patent Search". USPTO via Google. http://www.google.com/patents/about?id=fzofAAAAEBAJ. Retrieved 2010-07-17.  (more user-friendly presentation of the above) ^ "Why Zero Turn Mowers? - Easy to Drive". whyzeroturnmowers.com. http://www.whyzeroturnmowers.com/easy-to-drive.html. Retrieved 30 March 2011.  ^ Maxwell, Steve (2007-08-04). "Zero-turn radius concept mows over grass, competition". thestar.com. http://www.thestar.com/comment/columnists/article/242252. Retrieved 2010-07-16.  ^ a b Berendsohn , Roy (December 7, 2004 12:00 AM). "Zero Turn Mower Reviews - Best Zero Turn Mowers - Popular Mechanics". Popular Mechanics. http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/reviews/outdoor-tools/1273471?page=2. Retrieved 2010-07-17.  ^ "Why Zero Turn Mowers - Attachments?". whyzeroturnmowers.com. http://www.whyzeroturnmowers.com/attachments.html. Retrieved 30 March 2011.