re: What kind of zero turn do you have?

The biggest issues I see with any mower is people try to scalp lawns that are higher than the unit can handle properly in one pass.

Especially the walk behind mowers.

If you want tall grass short and your grass is high. Start off in a higher setting to get the grass lower. Make a second pass on a lower setting. It will save time in the long run, will not put too much stress on your mower, and it will not wear you out as much.