The Story Behind Zero-Turn Mowers

Zero-turn mowers are a great choice for those who need a way to cut a lot of grass in a short time without compromising on the quality of the cut, like landscapers and owners of large plots of land. However, few people are familiar with the long history of how these unique mowers were developed. That is why Morgan Power Equipment has created this short history lesson about zero-turn mowers. 

Max B. Swisher

The question of who truly invented the zero-turn mower comes down to two separate candidates. The first of these is pilot and inventor Max B. Swisher. In 1949, Swisher created the first zero-turn mower. However, this early mower called the Ride King, was somewhat different from our modern conception of what a zero-turn mower looks like. It had three wheels rather than four and was steered via the steering wheel. 

John Rieger

The second candidate is John Rieger, who introduced his version of a zero-turn mower in 1963. This model called the Hustler, was much closer to what most people now think of as a “zero-turn mower”. It had four wheels and was steered via levers. Its primary advantage over earlier models was that it utilized a belt-and-pulley mechanism to leverage counter-rotation, meaning that operators no longer had to reverse in order to execute a zero-point turn.

The True Inventor

Who you consider the true inventor of the zero-turn mower is largely a matter of what you consider a true zero-turn mower. If you believe that being chronologically first is the most important thing, the answer would be Max B. Swisher. However, if you believe that only zero-turn mowers with four wheels and lever steering should count as zero-turn mowers, then the answer is John Rieger. 

Rise to Popularity

Though many people were initially put off by having to steer their mower via lever, John Rieger’s model soon gained popularity. Large-scale production began soon after, with the coining of the term “zero-turn radius” coming later. Today, zero-turn mowers are produced by dozens of different companies, with each having its own spin on the concept and offering its own unique set of features. 

To shop our selection of zero-turn mowers, visit Morgan Power Equipment in Halifax, Massachusetts. We also offer parts, financing, and servicing, so visit us for all your agricultural equipment needs. We are proud to serve communities like Brockton and Taunton, Massachusetts, and we hope to see you soon.