Stihl and Briggs & Stratton Zero-Turn Mowers Target Both Pros and Homeowners
Stihl will team up with Briggs & Stratton to add zero-turn mowers to their line of outdoor power solutions. This collaboration could affect Stihl’s range in the outdoor power equipment world by expanding Stihl’s product offerings throughout the U.S. Even better? These products are made in the USA (using domestic and globally-sourced parts).
We’ve covered a lot from Stihl, including their 135 Series lawn care tools and the Stihl MSA 300 chainsaw. They make some of the best string trimmers and manufacture products across a wide variety of applications, including landscaping, construction, cleaning, and gardening. Stihl zero-turn mowers would round out the company’s landscaping division and complete what we consider one of the broadest ranges of OPE in the US market.
A Robust Lineup – 5 Lines, 19 Models
Launching with 5 lines and 19 models, Stihl launched their zero-turn mowers on the Briggs & Stratton lineup. These include several engine options from Briggs & Stratton, Kawasaki, and Vanguard. They also have immediate access to a suite of accessories.
The models span the entire gamut of zero-turn applications—from professional landscapers looking for daily reliability, to taming a farm and ranch property, or even homeowners mowing a large property. Stihl seems to have a zero-turn for every application.
Stihl 700 and 900 Series Zero Turn Mowers
Starting with the high-end models, the Stihl 700- and 900-series zero-turn mowers offer professional users a total of 12 models. Within the lineup, pros can select deck widths from 52–72 inches and various high-performance engine options that include a Kawasaki or Vanguard Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) engine or Kawasaki carbureted engine.
Both the Stihl 700 and 900 series zero-turn mowers feature four-wheel suspension with mowing deck height compensation. The independent front suspension with upper and lower control arms reminds us of the Ferris Forefront suspension system found in their ISX series. It uses four steel control rods that work with a coil-over shock suspension. Our experience with these mowers is that they deliver a fairly smooth ride—even at full speed.
The rear suspension features shock absorbers. Hydro-Gear ZT transaxles let you drive or mow at up to 12 mph in the 900 series (10 mph in the 700 series). You can go up to 5 mph in reverse.
While the 700 series gives you a deluxe seat with armrests, the 900 series upgrades that to a premium suspension seat with an adjustable backrest and armrests.
Additional 700/900 Series Features & Specs
- Heavy-duty 8″ and 10″ cast iron, greaseable mower deck spindles
- Efficient two-belt mower drive system results in less strain and flex on the belts, allowing the belts to run cooler and enabling a longer lifespan and less maintenance.
- Two USB-A ports allow the user to charge mobile devices with 3.15 amps of power while on the job.
- Trailer hitch is compatible with multiple accessories
- Foot-operated cutting height adjustment easily raises and lowers the mower deck so the user can customize the cutting height.
- Cup holders conveniently keep drinks within reach.
- A flexible side rubber discharge chute allows grass clippings to be released to the side of the mower and out of the way of the cutting path.
- Flip-up floor pan provides convenient serviceability and cleaning of the mowing deck.
- Large fuel capacity provides fuel coverage for large jobs and features a large opening for easy fueling. Plus, the fuel gauge is visible from the operator’s seat to monitor the fuel level.
- The advanced Roll Over Protection System (ROPS) features polyurethane blocks to prevent rattling while in motion and conveniently folds for easy storage and trailer transport between jobs.
- Dual-function hour meter tracks both run time and hours of mowing time to assist users in keeping up with regular maintenance tasks.
Stihl 500 Series Zero-Turn Mowers
Available with either a 52- or 60-inch mowing deck, the Stihl 5000-series zero turn mowers match up well with farm and ranch operators. They even work great for a professional looking to upgrade their mower fleet. The mowers feature commercial-grade Hydro-Gear ZT-3400 transaxles that deliver a top speed of 10 mph (5 mph in reverse). Similarly to the 700 and 900 series, they also have a four-wheel suspension system.
Stihl gives you four in this line, including the RZ 552, RZ 552 K, RZ 560, and RZ 560 K.
Additional 500 Series Features & Specs
- Large fuel capacity and easily-visible fuel gauge
- The Roll Over Protection System (ROPS) features polyurethane blocks to prevent rattling while in motion and conveniently folds for easy storage and trailer transport between jobs.
- Aluminum 5.25” mower deck spindles allow for easy user maintenance and extend the life span of each spindle.
- An efficient two-belt mower drive system provides less strain and flex on the belts, letting the belts run cooler.
- Two USB-A ports allow the user to charge mobile devices with 3.15 amps of power while on the job.
- The height is easily adjustable with a foot-operated cutting height adjustment. The lever raises and lowers the mower deck so the user can customize the cutting height.
- A deluxe seat with armrests is designed to provide a comfortable ride throughout the job.
- Cup holders conveniently keep drinks within reach.
- The flexible side rubber discharge chute allows grass clippings to be released to the side of the mower and out of the way of the cutting path.
- A flip-up floor pan provides convenient serviceability and cleaning of the mowing deck.
- A dual-function hour meter tracks both run time and hours of mowing time to assist users in keeping up with regular maintenance tasks.
Stihl 100- and 200 Series Zero-Turn Mowers
Stihl provided the 100 and 200 Series zero-turn mowers for homeowners looking for reliability and power that matches the Stihl reputation. They have three models in this line which include the Stihl RZ 142, RZ 152, and RZ 261. Reliable 23-25 HP V-Twin Briggs & Stratton engines come standard in the STIHL 100 and 200 Series. Both also include Hydro-Gear transaxles delivering speeds of 7 to 8.5 mph (4 mph in reverse).
The Stihl RZ 152 and RZ 261 also include four-wheel suspension with adjustable rear shock absorbers. The larger Stihl RZ 261 includes a commercial-grade 61-inch mowing deck. That makes it an ideal match for larger residential lawns or even farm or ranch applications.
Additional 100 and 200 Series Features and Specs
- A large 3-gallon fuel capacity provides fuel coverage for suburban yards and features a large opening for easy fueling.
- Foot-operated cutting height allows users to easily adjust the cutting height while seated.
- A trailer hitch offers towing for additional accessories and attachments.
- A 12-gauge welded frame supports mowing over rough terrain, if necessary.
- An hour meter tracks and displays run-time hours so users can more easily keep up with regular maintenance tasks.
- A flexible side rubber discharge chute allows grass clippings to be released to the side of the mower and out of the way of the cutting path.
- Greaseable mower deck spindles allow for user maintenance and extend the life span of each spindle.
- Spin-on transaxle oil filter captures debris and makes maintenance easy, ensuring a long life for the transmission.
- Two USB-A ports let the user charge mobile devices.
- Cup holders keep drinks within reach.
Made in the USA
Briggs & Stratton will manufacture these new zero-turn mowers in the USA. Their intent is to keep them in line with Stihl’s production and quality standards. Stihl is excited to be working with a well-established presence in the lawncare production category. Terry Horan, Stihl’s CEO and president, stated:
“The introduction of zero-turn mowers allows our network of authorized local STIHL Dealers to offer an even greater breadth of product solutions for our customers who turn to STIHL for world class products and support to meet their garden and landscape needs.
“Working with Briggs & Stratton, a well-established leader in this product category, allows us to bring a superior product to market for both demanding professionals and discerning homeowners.”
Steve Andrews, Briggs & Stratton’s CEO and president, commented that his company is excited about this allyship. He states:
“We take great pride that STIHL has seen in Briggs & Stratton what we have known for years… We design, engineer and manufacture the best zero-turn mowers on the market.
“With a 114-year legacy of power application and manufacturing expertise, Briggs & Stratton is a trusted leader in this industry… We look forward to applying our superior product and manufacturing capabilities to produce STIHL zero-turn mowers.”
Financing Options
Stihl plans to offer several financing solutions for zero-turn mowers to make it easier for professional landscapers to bring these mowers on board. Qualified customers can get access to 0% financing and low APR programs. As an added benefit, when pros finance a zero-turn mower with a Stihl dealer, they can also add as many Stihl handheld tools to the same purchase. That should make it easy for pros to simultaneously update or upgrade their trailers at the time of purchase. It also gives new landscaping contractors a chance to set up a new trailer from scratch and finance everything they need to get started.
Pricing and Warranty
All Stihl zero-turn mowers are eligible for financing. Retail pricing varies by model and options, but here’s what we have so far:
100 Series
- Stihl RZ 142: $3,899.99
- Stihl RZ 152: $5,649.99
200 Series
- Stihl RZ 261: $7,449.99
500 Series
- Stihl RZ 552: $9,949.99
- Stihl RZ 552 K: $10,449.99
- RZ 560: $10,499.99
- Stihl RZ 560 K: $10,999.99
700 Series
- Stihl RZ 752i: $13,149.99
- Stihl RZ 752 K: $11,899.99
- 752i K: $11,849.99
- Stihl RZ 760i: $13,849.99
- Stihl RZ 760 K: $12,499.99
- RZ 760i K: $12,449.99
900 Series
- Stihl RZ 960i: $17,899.99
- Stihl RZ 960 K: $17,899.99
- RZ 960i K: $18,199.99
- Stihl RZ 972i: $18,399.99
- Stihl RZ 972 K: $18,399.99
- RZ 972i K: $18,699.99
All STIHL zero-turn mowers include a 3-year limited warranty. Consumer Models carry 3 years or 500 hours, whichever comes first. Professional Models include 3 years or 1,500 hours. The new Stihl zero-turn mowers should be available at authorized Stihl dealers throughout the country beginning January 2023.
