Tool Box Buzz

Stihl Model RZ 560K Zero-Turn Mower Review

The ToolBoxBuzz Crew partnered with Stihl this summer to bring you an in-depth review of the new RZ series of professional grade zero-turn lawnmowers. In this article, the crew looks specifically at the RZ 560K mower. To evaluate the machine in a variety of seasonal grass conditions, Stihl agreed to loan this machine to the crew for testing. Our impressions of it are based on its use during the spring through fall cutting season of 2024.

Stihl first announced its new zero-turn line in May of 2022 and made them available to dealers and consumers in January of 2023. Stihl is no stranger to the world of OPE manufacturing. However, they partnered with the Briggs & Stratton company to benefit from their over 116 years of experience in mower and small engine manufacturing.

Stihl Professional Zero-Turn Mowers

In March of 2024, Crew member Wes Bartosik had the opportunity to attend the Stihl Ride+Drive event at Stihl’s North American headquarters in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The full line of mowers was on display, including the RZ 560K. Stihl is offering a series of heavy-duty homeowner-grade mowers and several professional-grade lines.

The professional line features three tiers of mowers. The 500 series is the entry-level geared towards large landowners, heavy-duty DIYers, and lighter commercial applications. The 700 series is a general-purpose commercial-grade line in various deck sizes. The 900 series is the largest and most professionally oriented series with premium features, such as a full suspension seat as a standard feature. Collection bags are not standard on any of the models available but are optional accessories.

Stihl RZ 560K Specifications

• Cutting Deck Width: 60″
• Engine Type: Kawasaki FT730V
• Horsepower: 24 HP
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 5.5 Gallons
• Displacement: 726 CC
• Transaxles: Hydro-Gear ZT-3400
• Forward Ground Speed: 10 MPH
• Reverse Ground Speed: 5 MPH
• Mowing Height Range: 1.5″-5″
• Deck Construction: Fabricated 10 Gauge Steel
• Cutting Height Options: 13
• Blades Type: 3-MARBAIN Hardened
• Front Tire Size: 13″ x 6.5-6
• Rear Tire Size: 23″ x 10.5-12
• Weight: 1,291 Lbs.
• Spindle Shaft Diameter: 1″
• Spindle Bearings Size: 2.5″ x 1″ Dual Ball Bearing
• Front Suspension Travel: 2.05″
• Rear Suspension Travel: 2.68″

Standout Features

Fast and Easy Deck Adjustment

Professional users require the ability to adjust deck height on demand and quickly. The Stihl zero-turn mowers tackle this problem head-on with a robust and intuitive deck adjustment system. A large foot pedal locks the deck in a secure upright position. Then a heavy-duty steel pin is pushed into the slot for the desired cutting height. The RZ 560K offers fifteen height settings, ranging from 1.5″to 5″. The settings are clearly labeled and easy to read with 1/4″ increments.

USB Charging Ports

The left side of the mower control area features two USB-A charging ports with spring-loaded covers. These are an invaluable feature for pro users and homeowners alike! Each port is capable of 3.15 Amps of power output.

Additionally, the two cup holders on the left side of the control area include a rectangular slot cut-out perfectly sized for a smartphone. This prevents a phone from bouncing out of the cupholder area while still being close enough to the charging ports to run a power cable. Our crew appreciated this small comfort feature, especially when using a set of Bluetooth-connected hearing protection and having easy access to the phone.

Easy Access

The RZ 560K makes it easy for users to access the internal components, belt drive systems, and engine area for cleaning and maintenance. A piston actuator helps the seat assembly fold upwards. A steel panel is also easily removed from the floorboard area over the deck to access the belt drive assemblies. This quick access stood out to us while cleaning the mower off after use.

Furthermore, Stihl includes an Easy-Drain style drain plug extender from the factory. This allows controlled draining of the engine oil and less mess and spills. A small detail like this was greatly appreciated by our crew, who usually add these to any piece of OPE.

User Comfort

While full suspension seats are considered the “Cadillacs” of the mower world, the RZ 560K’s premium seat and control station are exceptionally comfortable. The seat features dual folding armrests and a well-contoured back and seat cushion. The Stihl’s suspension is so flexible and responsive that it provides a ride experience that is closer to that of a suspension seat than traditional rigid chassis mowers.

The control handles are tight to the armrest areas, which allows actuation with minimal arm movement. They are also height-adjustable using the bolts on the lower portion of the arms. However, we were unable to adjust them to a position where an operator could rest their arms on the seat’s armrests and still control the mower. While running the mower, the operator’s arms hang in space like a T-Rex.

LED Light System

The front of the chassis frame on the RZ 560K features two extremely bright LED work lights. Both lights are controlled with a single switch on the master control panel. This is an outstanding standard factory feature for all users. During our testing period, we were able to navigate and cut grass in near pitch-black conditions thanks to the beam projected by these two lights.

Speed and Maneuverability

Stihl is a company that prides itself on engineering and quality control. This mindset is immediately apparent when examining the RZ 560K. The mower chassis includes an independent front suspension system and a rear suspension system with shock absorbers. This combination creates an incredibly comfortable ride experience for the user, regardless of the terrain. It is difficult to describe the exact sensation the operator experiences, but the Stihl professional zero-turn flexes and sways into turns and corners the same way a German sports car performs in hard curves. A fitting pedigree given the company’s heritage.

The Kawasaki FT730V power plant is not an impressively big engine. It is rated for 24 HP but features the legendary quality control and durability that is synonymous with traditionally carburated Kawasaki engines. The engine shines when it is synced with the Hydro-Gear ZT-3400 transaxle system. This system provides instantaneous feedback on the controls and allows the mower to achieve the top-rated speed of 10 MPH in forward gear.

Electric zero-turn mowers are often cited as having the most responsive control systems available. However, our entire crew was blown away at the lack of any kind of delay with the controls on the RZ 560K. This speed and level of control make the experience of operating the Stihl mower more like an off-road recreational vehicle than a turf management tool.

Turf Burnout

While the mower is quick to respond and fast to operate, that speed comes at a price. The RZ 560K is prone to skidding due to the instantaneous response and speed of the rear drive wheels. It is very difficult to perform a three-point turn with the mower at the end of a row and not cause skid marks in the grass. A workaround to this is to keep the mower moving forward at all times, but that is not feasible with certain turf patterns that customers desire. Our crew was forced to come to a near halt and slowly make turns to avoid damaging the grass. This is increasingly difficult in wet conditions.

Stihl Professional Zero-Turn Cutting Performance

Does the RZ 560K back up all of that speed with cutting performance? Absolutely. Throughout the testing period, our crew was impressed at the level of clean and consistent cut that the mower can produce. Furthermore, in average-height dry grass, the mower achieved these cuts at near maximum speed! Consistent clean lines at that speed are an impressive feat.

Above we mentioned the advanced suspension system. This also includes a mowing deck compensator to allow the deck to float and adjust as the suspension flexes.  This system builds upon the cutting capabilities of the Stihl professional zero-turn mower line. The properties used for testing feature some uneven areas including the steep bank of a pond. Our previous experience cutting this area allows us to identify areas that will be scalped during cutting. This leads us to avoid them and return later with a trim mower or string trimmer. The 60″ deck featured on the RZ 560K could not scalp these areas, regardless of how hard we tried!

With most dry grass conditions, the discharge port on the deck does an excellent job of broadcasting the clippings off to the side of the mower. So much so, that on one of our first test runs a crew member remarked on how the mower pulls double-duty as a blower as well. We cleared clippings from the driveway and roadway areas using the blowing force of the mower deck alone. That extra blowing force, combined with the thick fabricated steel deck, does result in some excessive noise for the operator. We collected readings in excess of 120 Decibels during use.

Wet Grass Bogdown

One issue we discovered though was a result of environmental conditions. Our testing area was located in Southern New England where we experienced heavy rainfall and humidity throughout the summer season. This results in thick grass with loose soil conditions and is guaranteed to become overgrown if not regularly maintained. In this thick wet grass, the Stihl struggled to keep up with the cutting and discharging. The Kawasaki engine was heard bogging down under the load. The clumps of grass then struggled to be broadcast out of the cutting deck and away from the mower. This resulted in uneven cuts and clumps of grass left behind the machine.

Wet grass is a reality that we all must face and there isn’t always time to wait for things to dry out. Conditions like these are somewhat challenging for the RZ 560K. A better option from Stihl for conditions like these is the Model RZ 552. This mower features a smaller 52″ cutting deck with a larger 27 HP Briggs & Stratton engine. The combination of a smaller-width deck with a more powerful engine would result in less bogging down. A 52″ version of the mower is also available with the same 24 HP Kawasaki engine as well.

Mower Balance and Weight Distribution

The RZ 560K seats the operator at a comfortable height and is positioned slightly forward of the rear drive wheels. The engine housing extends further off the rear of the chassis with large roll bars to protect it from impact. However, the front end of the machine is short, and the front casters are as close to the mower deck as possible. The benefit of this is that the Stihl professional zero-turn mower can get closer to obstacles and cut more. Combined with its maneuverability, the Stihl reduces the amount of string trimming to be done afterward.

The heavy rear end of the mower however creates a unique issue. When pushing forward rapidly on the control arms, the mower sags backward like a muscle car as the torque engages the rear wheels. This rear counterbalance leads to the skidmark issues we discussed before. Additionally, the mower struggles at times to gain traction in the reverse drive mode.

Overall the mower’s weight feels well-distributed and stable. While it features a sturdy steel rollbar, we did not encounter any situations where we were concerned with a rollover or flip situation.

Stihl Zero-Turn Mower Price and Availability

A mower with such a long list of professional features and high performance as the RZ 560K commands a higher cost of ownership than an average homeowner mower. However, the Stihl professional grade mower is designed with both performance and longevity in mind. As a commercial-grade machine, it is intended to be used daily and is overbuilt to ensure that components last. Therefore the MSRP from Stihl of $11,199.99 as of Fall 2024 should not be a surprise. While this may seem excessive to the average homeowner, commercial-grade mowers of this size are all within this ballpark of pricing. Stihl also includes a huge amount of features as described above to bring it to this price point.

If interested in purchasing an RZ 560K, the best option is to always meet with your local Stihl dealer. Stihl stands by its networks of dealers for sales, service, and support for all users. Commercial users rely heavily on their dealer relationships to keep their equipment running and making money. Homeowners should consider doing the same thing and building a relationship with a local dealer. Currently, Stihl is offering financing options that make purchasing a commercial-grade mower like the RZ 560K or its bigger brothers.

Final Thoughts

The testing crew was blown away by the speed and agility of the RZ 560K from Stihl. It is physically impossible to operate the mower at full speed and not have a smile on your face. The comfort of the full suspension system and smooth responsive controls were unmatched by any mower our crew has experience with. However, the mower was underpowered in the grass conditions we tested it in. The large 60″ deck bogged down in thick and wet grass. Based upon this experience our crew agreed that a smaller 52″ deck would be a better option for a mower the size of the RZ 560K in our area. Or a step up to the larger and more powerful 700 series mowers, but with that comes additional expense.

This machine is ideally suited for large property owners or commercial contractors who place a premium on speed and finishing the job as quickly as possible. While it struggled in some of our testing conditions, it may be an excellent solution for your application.

Stihl Professional Zero-Turn Mowers

In closing, we want to reflect on the quality of Stihl as a company. Their pride in quality workmanship and manufacturing was visible in every aspect of the manufacturing facilities that our crew visited. The attention to detail in their products, like the RZ 560K, is also impressive. However, sometimes issues do happen. During testing, our mower spun loose all three of its blades, and the blades were damaged as a result. Stihl immediately stepped in through their support teams to identify the issue, resolve it, and get the product back up and running.

Additionally, they are ensuring that this won’t happen with mowers moving forward. While all machines can fail and manufacturing is never perfect all the time, Stihl is a company that will go the extra mile to make sure things are done right or will make it right. That is something the entire ToolBoxBuzz Crew can support.

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