Name: John Deere S100
Brand: John Deere
Rating: 7 (1 reviews)

October 22, 2021April 20, 2024

The Entry-Level John Deere Tractor That Homeowners Love

The John Deere E100 (now S100) lawn tractor is an iconic mower that is one of their best sellers. I have reviewed a different John Deere tractor and ultimately did not love the price. The price on this lawn tractor is much more affordable. Let’s review some of the features and get started on the below:

John Deere reputation
Lawn tractors 101
The John Deere S100 features
Price of a John Deere S100
The official review: John Deere S100

As an FYI: this mower is being replaced the S-series of mowers by John Deere. You can still buy them used, however.

The John Deere E100 riding mower replaced by S100

Let’s take an up-close look into the features of this mower. While not the most tricked out pony on the market, it certainly has what it takes to get the job done. Here we go!

Comfort

The John Deere S100 riding mower is a very standard lawn tractor. Nothing wild about it. Growing up, we had a similar lawn tractor in our garage that I would play on. It felt exactly the same as this riding mower. It has a seat with a totally standard seat back and a very normal steering wheel. If you are looking for cup holders, storage spots, or any other unique comfort features, you will not find them here.

Similarly, this mower has side-by-side foot pedals that help give the driver control of speed and forward/reverse with their feet. The seat also is able to be modified slightly to accommodate the size of the driver. The steering wheel is fixed and not adjustable, however.

Keep in mind, if you are mowing half of an acre to an acre of land with this mower, then you are not going to be out there for a very long time. Bells and whistles are not needed. This is a bare bones, stock level of mower – and that’s totally fine for most people. The need to turn mowers into the next Rolls Royce is not always functional.

User experience

As I mentioned previously, this is a very standard lawn tractor. This means the deck and blade engagement system is manual in most versions of this model. The John Deere S100 has the manual levers on both sides of the chair that have various functions.

While some of the more modern and more expensive riding mowers and zero-turn mowers have electronic or dial-operated systems, the S100 is old school. Fortunately, this means less moving parts or things that can break. For those of us that appreciate simplicity, this could actually be a great feature.

Power

This lawn mower boasts a 17.5 horsepower engine, pretty standard for a lawn tractor. I do like the 2.4 gallon gas tank which allows for basically any job to be completed that you would do with a lawn tractor.

The E100 offers the lowest amount of horsepower in the E series from John Deere. As you go up to E110 through E180, the horsepower increases modestly to accommodate a wider deck. The standard deck size on the E100 is a 42 inch cutting blade. The body basically stays the same on all of them, however.

A newer feature of this model is the increased battery power. This is feedback that John Deere received on their older models of the E100. Previously, the mower was difficult to start – the new, larger battery has fixed that issue and increased the reliability of a solid start.

Maintenance

One thing I do love about John Deere tractors are their relatively easy maintenance requirements. The Easy Change 30-second oil change system they created allows for a super quick oil change. Basically, there is an oil canister that you just pop on to replace the oil.

This is an amazing feature.

John Deere E100 oil change – pretty simple cannister changeout.

John Deere S100 price new and used

The John Deere S100 is a more affordable lawn tractor. For a new John Deere S100, you will pay about $1,500 for the machine. For a used John Deere S100, expect to pay around $1,000 or so depending on hours.

A machine with hundreds of hours will bring the price down quite a bit. As I mentioned previously, the low-cost and quick maintenance on these mowers is incredible. Additionally, John Deere mowers have a reputation for being durable and long-lasting.

What’s the difference between the E100 and S100 John Deere mowers?

From what I can tell on the surface, nothing. They have the same horsepower and look basically identical. I’m sure John Deere is rolling in his grave (if he is dead), but these look to be the same. If you are looking between the two, you could probably save a ton of money getting a lightly-used S100 versus chunking out $1,800 for a S100. Totally up to you, though!

The S100 series are available at Home Depot, so you can check the most recent prices here. The E100 are not currently being sold.

The official review: The John Deere S100 lawn tractor

Let’s check out how the John Deere S100 compares to the average lawn tractor.

Feature	John Deere E100	Comparable lawn tractor
Difficulty to use	Average, maybe slightly more difficult	Average
Durability	Above average durability	Average durability
Maintenance	Less maintenance due to easy oil change	Average maintenance
Value	Medium value	Medium value
For lots <10,000 sq. ft	Not recommended	Would not fit
For lots <1 acre	Highly recommended	Highly recommended
For lots >1 acre	Highly recommended up to 2 acres	Highly recommended up to 2 acres

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

John Deere’s reputation

John Deere is a 180-year old company that has been making things like lawn tractors and large scale agricultural products. While John Deere has a big reputation in the agricultural world, they are also major players in the residential mowing world. They are also featured in the hit country song, “Big Green Tractor” and many other country songs.

In addition to their massive pieces of equipment, they also sell things like Gators. Gators are similar to golf carts but more industrial and can carry things around your property. Needless to say, things like lawn tractors are a walk in the park for them to manufacture.

They make some absolutely sick zero-turn mowers as well!

Lawn tractors: A crash course

Many people who consider a lawn tractor (the traditional riding mower) are considering which option is the best for their yard. Push mowers or even self-propelled push mowers are good for lawns up to about a half of an acre. Zero-turn mowers are great for properties with one or more acres. Lawn tractors fall right in the middle of those.

While lawn tractors can fit smaller yards, they aren’t always a necessary option for those that are mobile and able to push a mower. With larger yards, lawn tractors again can be used and can be great, but will take much longer than a zero-turn mower.

Despite being in a “middle ground” of lawn size categories, lawn tractors are still extremely popular. Many people have between a half and two acres of land, so rely on lawn tractors to get the job done. They are also pretty fun to drive around.

October 20, 2021April 20, 2024

The Classic Honda Lawn Mower That You Can’t Find Anywhere

I don’t know about you but when I think about Honda, I think about the Honda CRV vehicle, not a mower. But Honda has been in the mower game for quite some time now and really makes a fantastic product.

Like most people, I love a fresh cut lush green lawn. I think there are few things in life so wonderful than the smell of freshly cut grass. Man does this mower make that end result easier to achieve than ever!

Let’s review:

The GCV170 engine from Honda
The Honda HRN
Setting up the lawn mower
Features
Our recommendation
Parts and manuals

The Honda HRN Lawn mower engine: GCV170

The Honda GCV170 is a fantastic walk-behind mower. The GCV170 is a self propelled push mower, which is great for medium sized yards. This mower uses a more than capable – 170cc Honda engine. The Honda GCV easily adjusts the mowing speed with the push of a thumb via the Smart Drive Self Propel.

A mower with a similar engine is the Troy Bilt TB160, which uses the Honda GCV160 engine.

Though more expensive than most, it offers features not often duplicated by other push mowers such as an adjustable throttle control, clipping director and an auto choke feature.

Today, we will review the many features offered with the Honda GCV170, a how-to guide and highlight it’s pro’s and con’s.

My thoughts about the classic Honda mower

The Honda GCV170 offers an easy-to-start auto choke system, variable speed throttle and the flexibility to control how your grass is cut with a simple to use clipping director. This flexibility enables you to handle most any job on small to medium sized yards (i.e. simple grass cutting, quick leaf pickup, mulching, etc).

The power supplied by the 170cc Honda engine makes tackling a ¼ to ¾ acre yard a breeze. In addition to the power and flexibility offered, this mower is surprisingly light and easy to handle and store.

Honda 21 in. 3-in-1 Variable Speed Gas Walk Behind Self Propelled Lawn Mower with Auto Choke: Set Up

I purchased my Honda GCV170 from Home Depot, basically ready to use. I just had to install the mower handle with a simple tightening of one screw. It’s also important to remember to add fuel and oil to your engine prior to first use. Mowers usually ship “dry” so it’s always necessary to add prior to first use.

Important note – This does not use “mixed gasoline” like a blower or trimmer so remember to add only pure gasoline to the fuel reservoir. The oil should be added to the oil reservoir on the side of the mower.

After you’ve reviewed the owners manual and properly set up your mower, ensure your deck height is uniform across all four wheels and pull the starter cord. It may take a few pulls to get the engine started after it’s been sitting for a while.

Honda HRN Lawn mower grey know that helps you get it set up and adjusts the height.

Features of the Honda HRN Lawn mower

The Honda GCV170 I purchased has a 21 inch mulching blade with the MicroCut® Twin Blades System. This is a fairly standard length for a push mower. The mower also came with a bagger for catching clippings if you don’t want to use the mulching functionality. I rarely use the bag unless I have an excessive amount of leaves during the fall season.

The mower also offers two handlebar heights for short or tall users. To adjust the mower height you just need to twist the two grey knobs on each side of the mower handle so that it swings freely then move the hole to the other setting.

You can see the grey knows of the Honda HRN lawn mower at the top.

Power

As previously noted, the engine used is a 170 cc engine with 6.9 ft – lb torque. The mower engine puts out about 4.4. HP. So that’d be like mowing your yard with four and a half horses right? That’d be interesting! More than enough to get the job done on a flat and slightly sloped yard. The engine is extremely durable and basically hands free.

The awesome GCV engine. Photo cred: Honda engines.

Maintenance and reliability

It also is incredibly easy to change the air filter on this. It’s just a square air filter that’s easy to find at most big box stores and online.

The reliability of this machine is honestly pretty astounding. I didn’t use mine for a year or so and didn’t winterize it and it ripped up perfectly fine. I’ve also left it out in the rain and it started up no problem. Heck I bet I could even run this bad boy underwater. The engine just simply will not stop. It also comes backed with a pretty good warranty – 3 year warranty. Pretty much most things that could go wrong with a manufacturing defect will have already gone wrong by the end of year 3.

DISCLAIMER: I forgot to change the oil for over 2 years and it still ran perfectly fine. To engage the blade you must hold down the safety bar above the throttle, once you let go the mower engine will continue to run but the blade will stop.

Where to buy Honda GCV170 HRN lawn mower

You can also grab the Honda HRN from Home Depot (for a good price) like I did.

Our recommendation for the Honda HRN lawn mower

I would absolutely recommend you purchase the Honda GCV170 mower. It is small enough for most adults to handle with ease, yet powerful enough to tackle most jobs.

There are tons of cool features to the mower, such as the easy to use clipping director. At about a $500 price tag, this mower is a tad more expensive than others but it’s incredibly reliable and worth the money in my opinion. I’ve had this mower for many years and have been more than pleased with it. Many of my neighbors and friends have asked me what mower they should buy and this is pretty much always my go to recommendation.

If you like Honda GCV motors, you’ll love Honda’s GCV-engine backed pressure washers.

Why we review lawn tools

How we spend our time – comparing lawn tools!

Manual

https://images.thdstatic.com/catalog/pdfImages/db/dbb07ce8-93c7-4858-8f11-85112441b839.pdf

Replacement Parts List

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Warranty Information

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Assembly Instruction

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SDS

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October 20, 2021April 20, 2024

The Toro TimeMaster 30 Mower is a Wide-Bodied Beast

The Toro TimeMaster 30-inch push mower is an absolute workhorse. This mower is one of the more expensive push mowers on the market, but there is a reason. I have reviewed a few Toro products, including their recycler mower and their classic and popular zero-turn mower. My favorite thing about Toro is their focus on quality and the user experience. This mower really does it all and I am excited to share it with you.

Today, we will review every aspect of the Toro TimeMaster and compare it to some of the competition. Let’s get started:

An intro to self-propelled mowers
Features of the Toro TimeMaster 30 inch
The official review

Toro’s TimeMaster 30 inch mower features

Okay – this mower has some features I have never seen before in a push mower and I am excited to dive in. This thing offers some truly sweet, convenient and smart engineering that separates it from all of its competition. Let’s get started.

The Toro TimeMaster 30inch mower is a beast!

Power output is unrivaled

The TimeMaster 30 inch mower boasts a Briggs & Stratton 223cc OHV engine. For context, most push mowers range between 18 and 24 inches. This thing is big and means business. When you think about each pass you make in the yard, the TimeMaster can take an additional 10-12 inches and reduce the number of total passes. Hence, the name TimeMaster.

Not only does this have a 30 inch cutting area (which features 2 blades vs 1 big blade), but it also has a recycler system. As I mentioned in my review of the Toro Recycler mower, Toro has thought through how to have an even healthier yard. For those of us that go bagless, Toro has a patented “Lawn Vitamin” product that takes your grass clippings and grinds them into ultra-fine vitamins for your yard. I am a huge proponent of this feature.

You generally don’t see two blades on a push mower, those are generally on lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers.

The Spin-stop feature is super helpful

The fact that I did not know this feature existed until now shows just how small my mind is. Have you ever gotten annoyed by having to stop mowing to move things in your yard? The worst part is having to restart the mower each time you want to move a stick out of the way. Well, Toro thought of how annoying that was and created a safety stop.

The safety stop feature means that you can stop the mower from moving and step away from your mower. When you step away the blades stop spinning, meaning you do not have to worry about any danger from leaving it unattended. When you come back to the mower to start mowing again, the blades will start back up and you can continue the job. I do not know how I ever lived without this.

Usability and the self-propelled function: Toro personal pace

There has rarely been a more usable push mower. The beautiful thing about this gas powered self-propel mower is that you have total control. The TimeMaster features what it calls “Personal Pace”, which means that you can adjust the speed at which the self-propelled motor runs.

While this is nice for going at your own pace, it’s super helpful for when you get near garden beds or other structures. Changing the pace gives you more maneuverability to trim around the edges of structures and need to be more agile. This is particularly important when you have a mower that is as large as the Toro TimeMaster 30 inch.

The wide front body of the Toro TimeMaster 30.

Maintenance: not really required

Something neat that Toro does with their push mowers is a deck wash-out system. They have a nozzle that you can hook your hose up to, and it does the rest. There are grooves inside of the steel deck that allow for water to run through them and knock off any clumps or fine clippings.

Toro also realizes that changing the oil in your mower is not how you like to spend your weekends. That is why they created the “no oil change” mower. Yep – you just do not change the oil. I guess it just burns off or something, but you just have to simply refill it when you see it getting low. No mess or spills.

The deck washout port on the mower – allows for easy cleaning.

Toro always backs their mowers up with a serious warranty. This one is a 3 year full warranty, not just an engine warranty. They also have a three year guaranteed to start warranty. These are both remarkable warranties that speak to the confidence in the mowers’ ability to run for a long time.

I love that this mower is easy to store as well. One of my concerns with a mower of this size is that it will take up a ton of room in our garage. This thing folds up so that it really only take up about 30 inches of garage space.

This one is a bit expensive

The Toro TimeMaster 30 costs somewhere between $1,750 and $2,000 depending on where you buy it.

Home Depot has it for a great price (check here) and you can buy online and pick it up.

Our overall review: The Toro TimeMaster 30 inch mower

Feature	Rating
Difficulty to use	Less difficult than other gas mowers thanks to self-propelled function at your own pace
Durability	More durable due to size and weight, backed by significant warranty
Maintenance	Easiest to maintain with no oil change required
Value	High value for a push mower
For lots <10,000 sq. ft	Less recommended
For lots <1 acre	Very highly recommended
For lots >1 acre	Not recommended

We really like this mower for short grass like bermudagrass because it has a super wide deck, is easy to use, and bags a ton of clippings.

Why we review lawn tools

Self-propelled mowers

Self-propelled push mowers do exactly that – they creep along so that your pushing force is minimally needed. When you reach a hill or other incline, it will help provide additional thrust so that you are not having to lean in and haul the mower uphill. These mowers can be found in both electric and gas styles.

The downside with electric self-propelled mowers is that the mower burns through battery life when this functionality is on. While helpful, you may not be able to complete your yard in a single trip.

October 20, 2021April 20, 2024

I Tested Out Toro’s New TimeCutter ZTR with MyRIDE

The Toro TimeCutter SS4225 is a zero-turn mower offered by Toro. The “SS” in the name refers to Smart Speed – a dynamic speed setting controlled by the handle levers. SmartSpeed allows for more maneuverability in making sure you get every last angle of your lawn.

More on that later, though. The TimeCutter is one of the best-selling residential zero-turn mowers on the market and also one of the most affordable.

The bottom line about the Toro TimeCutter Zero Turn Mower:

The TimeCutter is the Honda Accord of zero-turn mowers – affordable, reliable, nice
This mower is super easy to use and has some cool features – like the deck wash-out
It is available for a great price from Home Depot

Let’s check out why! Jump ahead to:

Toro and the Zero-Turn mower
Features of the TimeCutter SS4225
Criticisms of this mower
The cost and value analysis
The Official review of the Toro TimeCutter SS4225

The Toro TimeCutter SS4225 Zero-turn mower features

The TimeCutter was aptly named because it boasts cutting your lawn mowing time by 50% when compared to a normal riding mower or lawn tractor. Yep, take back your Saturdays and spend more time watching football (or shopping with your wife). Let’s look at some of the features that make this thing special.

The nice thick rear tires on the TimeCutter.

Power output

The Toro TimeCutter SS 4225 boasts a 22.5 HP V-twin Toro engine (I think that is where the 225 in the name comes from). From what I can tell, Toro used to offer a Kawasaki or Kohler engine, but has made the switch to in-house engines. The 22.5 hp engine is marketed as a “commercial” engine, which is actually accurate. This is a powerful engine that goes above and beyond what you see in normal residential mowers.

With forward speeds up to 7mph and reverse at 4pmh, you can save a ton of time on your weekends by moving quickly. This thing means business and has a 42 inch deck. For scale, most push mowers are anywhere between 18 and 24 inches. This means that each pass you make is basically double the width of a push mower and (depending on how fast you move), three to four times faster. The 50% speed reduction is super conservative in my opinion.

Maneuverability

Something lovely about the Toro TimeCutter SS is the “SS” or SmartSpeed. The SmartSpeed functionality allows you to slow down when making tight maneuvers so that you can make sharp, smooth cuts around garden beds.

Once you get used to using a zero-turn mower, you will understand how this works. You can simply pull back the levers slightly during tight squeezes and be precise with your cuts. Controlling the TimeCutter is super easy because this technology adjusts to your pace. This is a highly maneuverable mower, even for beginners.

Comfort is best in class

Again, a thing I love about Toro mowers is that they begin with the driver in mind. They truly think through the driver’s experience and craft their mowers to accommodate them. One of these features is simple – a cup holder. It is great to have nice cool water (beer) while mowing the lawn. Competitors have not figured out this simple amenity.

Another great feature is the high back seat. This is an 18 inch seat back, which I believe is the highest I have ever reviewed. Seat height and comfort are some of the most important elements to me because it makes a world of difference. I love being able to lean a little further back and rest my arms on the levers.

As mentioned previously, they have truly thought through everything and are appealing to experienced mowers that have requested these types of features.

Maintenance schedule

Maintenance on the Toro TimeCutter SS 4225 is pretty standard for a zero turn mower. The two most common things you will have to do will be the oil change and air filter replacement. The hydrostatic transmission is another feature that helps improve the longevity of zero-turn mowers.

The air filter is super accessible – just flip it open and replace it with ease. Likewise, the oil change just requires a quick empty and refill through the oil drain tube. Some other mowers I have seen, particularly standard riding mowers like the John Deere I reviewed, have easier to maintain features, but none of this is too cumbersome.

The Toro TimeCutter SS4225 comes with a three-year, unlimited hour warranty. This is also the first time I have seen an unlimited hour warranty – which means Toro is not messing around with their confidence in this mower.

Don’t like maintenance? Check out the electric version that comes with a bunch of big batteries that don’t require maintenance.

Potential downsides of this mower

While I love nearly everything about the Toro TimeCutter, I don’t love absolutely everything. One thing I dislike is the height adjustment for the deck. So many other decks have sophisticated systems where you simply twist a knob.

The Toro TimeCutter SS series has you cranking one of those metal levers to the desired blade height. Something that most people don’t mind, but an area where Toro has not yet innovated.

Sadly, this mower also does not have an hour meter or front lights – features that many other zero-turn mowers do have. An hour meter can be purchased separately, but you are on your own when it comes to lighting.

Cost and value

Okay – now that we have reviewed all of the features I love and paired them with some of the criticisms I have, let’s talk cost. For context, most zero-turn mowers of the same size range between $3,000-$4,500. Basically mini cars.

The Toro TimeCutter SS 4225 comes in just under $3,500 at Home Depot – making it a ridiculously good deal. I think this is a high-value mower for those with residential, mid-sized properties.

We compare this mower to a popular competitor, the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 – check out our comparison post here or the John Deere Z315E comparison.

The official review

Feature	Toro TimeCutter SS4225	Comparable residential ZT mower
Difficulty to use	Easiest	Average
Durability	More durable	Average durability
Maintenance	Less maintenance due to hydrostatic transmission	More maintenance
Value	High value	Medium value
For lots <10,000 sq. ft	Would not fit	Would not fit
For lots <1 acre	Probably overkill but is fun and looks cool	Probably overkill but is fun and looks cool
For lots >1 acre	Highly recommended	Highly recommended

Why we review lawn tools

Toro equipment reputation

Toro is a well known company that serves lawn equipment for homeowners. They are also one of the preferred products for golf courses, sports fields, and agriculture. They clearly know what they are doing.

I’ve reviewed other Toro equipment, like their recycler push mower. One thing that stood out to me in that review is their engineering. I truly believe they have quality equipment and there’s a few ways to tell. The first is how heavy and solid their equipment is. Their quality stands out to me as top tier.

Another thing I noticed when reviewing the recycler mower is the attention to details. The mower just grinds and grinds and grinds until it produces a fine consistency that feeds your lawn. Other mower manufacturers do not put considerations like this into their products. They even have a patent for the fine grass clippings that nourish your yard.

Zero-turn mowers

Zero-turn mowers have blown up. Everybody wants the most powerful zero turn mower now, even those with smaller lawns. They are cool as heck, save a ton of time, and are straight up fun to ride. Once you figure out how to use one, you get hooked.

Zero turn mowers like the Toro TimeCutter 4225 are powerful and fast. People love zero turn mowers because they are generally faster than your traditional riding mower or even electric lawn tractor and provide much more agility. Zero turn mowers are especially popular for commercial lawn mowing companies as they provide much more speed and power, have larger gas capacity, and are more nimble than the traditional lawn tractor.

October 20, 2021April 20, 2024

The Cadillac of Zero-Turn Mowers: The Arien IKON series

The Ariens IKON XD 52 is a zero turn mower that is an absolute beast. Ariens IKON XD series has a range of different options they offer depending on your yard size and goal, but the 52 inch is one of the most popular.

If you have a larger yard and are wanting to cut your mowing time in half, then you have stumbled upon the right review. There are a lot of things people love about these mowers, so let’s jump right in.

Today we will cover:

A history of Ariens lawn mowers
What to look for in a zero-turn mower
Feature of the Ariens IKON XD 52
Where to buy
The official Ariens IKON XD 52 review

The Ariens IKON XD 52: Reviewing the features

Now that we have a good understanding of zero turn mowers and the American-made IKON series, let’s check out some of the features.

The Ariens Ikon XD 52 is sleek and powerful.

The steel frame of the Ariens IKON XD 52

When it comes to durability, the steel frame matters. There are some inexpensive zero turn mowers that I have reviewed and looking at some of the comments – the thing is cheap. I have heard about the frame SNAPPING. Yep, these mowers are heavy as all get out, carry a lot of power, and drive vibration through the steel frame. For those that skimp on the frame material, you may end up with a totaled mower.

The Ariens IKON XD 52 has a tubular steel frame with thickness that will give you comfort. Looking up close at the thicker steel deck on the IKON then comparing it to a rival, you will notice a distinct difference. Other mowers will feel like simply sheet metal or recycled metal.

When I first stepped foot on this mower (and I am 6’ 7”), the first thing I noticed was how it didn’t rattle around or shake. It truly felt like stepping onto the bed of my truck – a solid, unmovable, heavy beast.

Comfort and rideability

As I just mentioned, I am a tall person. I have to slouch in just about every chair and get back problems pretty easily. This chair almost looks like one of those gaming chairs. Its got a nice plush seat-back with arm rests (which are an absolute must), with grooves that fit your body perfectly.

The higher handlebars allow for maximum leg room as well, not crunching your legs into a weird position or making you extend your arms out too much. The Ariens IKON is one of those mowers that you can just sort of chill, rest your arms, and have your arms comfortably grasped onto the handlebars.

The Ariens IKON XD 52 has comfortable armrests.

Power

If you have not been able to tell, I like this mower a lot. But owning a lawn mower is a lot more about a nice heavy steel deck and a comfortable chair. You need to get the job done as fast as possible. That’s why the Ariens IKON XD 52 comes with a big ole commercial-style deck. It truly offers a professional grade cut with 13 cutting positions that are adjustable in ¼ inch increments. That is pretty dang precise.

The Ikon XD 52 comes with either a Kohler or Kawasaki engine. The Kohler is a 7000 series engine with 725cc of displacement and 24 horses. These things can run up to 7 miles per hour and can go about half of that in reverse.

The Kawasaki is a FR691 engine with 726cc (an extra cc) of displacement. It has 23hp and otherwise offers the same speed.

Maneuverability and cutting experience

Something I love about this mower is the Hydro-Gear EZT transaxles. That’s a ten dollar phrase right there, but these things are so smooth. They offer a good bit of torque and make the mower simple to control. Hydrostatic transmissions respond quickly and require less maintenance than your standard automatic transmission. Like most zero-turn mowers, this thing moves easily and smoothly across my lawn.

Another consideration on this model is the easy to use and simplified control panel. I mentioned the dial-operated height adjuster earlier, but this needs to be said again. Remember the days when you had to jam and crank the gear on the side to the desired blade height? You would pull it out and it would just start falling, or go into the wrong setting. This is not my life anymore. Just spin the knob and the adjustment is made. One of my favorite features of this mower.

Cost and value

These bad boys run you about $4,500 but I promise you that they are worth it. This price tag is comparable with other mowers that are much lower quality. I am actually surprised to see it priced this low.

The Ariens Ikon XD 52 will make you feel like a badass. It is simply the top tier zero-turn mower in the game.

Where to buy Ariens Ikon XD52

Believe it or not, you can buy it on Amazon and have it shipped to your house for a pretty insane price.

Do not waste your time with other zero-turn mowers – you have found the best-in-class, American-made mower of your dreams.

Official review: The Ariens Ikon XD 52 zero-turn mower

Feature	Ariens IKON XD 52	Comparable residential ZT mower
Difficulty to use	Less difficult	Average
Durability	More durable	Average durability
Maintenance	Less maintenance due to hydrostatic transmission	More maintenance
Value	High value	Medium value
For lots <10,000 sq. ft	Would not fit	Would not fit
For lots <1 acre	Probably overkill but is fun and looks cool	Probably overkill but is fun and looks cool
For lots >1 acre	Highly recommended	Highly recommended

Why we review lawn tools

Ariens lawn mowers

Ariens is an American born and made company that has been creating gas-powered lawn tools for almost 100 years. With its home in Brillion, Wisconsin, they have always stayed true to American made products. With the durability (more to come) and comfort of these mowers, you can tell the American-made difference.

Ariens has a suite of zero-turn mowers as well as a smaller line of push mowers. They also sell things like snow blowers, power brushes and more.

Zero-turn mowers

People love zero turn mowers because they are generally faster than your traditional lawn tractor and provide much more agility. Zero turn mowers are especially popular for commercial lawn mowing companies as they provide much more speed and power, have larger gas capacity, and are more nimble than the traditional lawn tractor.

Zero turn mowers have continued to grow in popularity but are still intimidating to others. While lawn tractors have a steering wheel similar to any other automobile, zero-turn mowers have large handles that stick up and meet in the middle of the mower. To operate the mower, you push forward and use the individual horizontal handles to either push the mower to the right or to the left.

Ariens is the parent company of Gravely, who also makes great zero-turns.

What to look for in a zero-turn mower

Zero-turn mowers are all about comfort and size. If you are a commercial landscaper, you will likely want a mower with a large deck. The deck houses the blades and the wider the deck, the wider the blade.

For us residential mowers, we will want to take into account yard-size into our selection process. For those with less than one acre of land, I don’t often recommend zero-turn mowers. They take up too much space for smaller lots and are difficult to store. For those with more than one acre, zero-turn mowers are great. The larger the acreage, the wider the deck you will want.

October 14, 2021April 20, 2024

The Toro Recycler Gas Mower Is An American Classic: Here’s Why

The Toro 22in Recycler Lawn Mower is one of the best selling lawn mowers on the market. The Toro Recycler mower comes with a self-propelled system that will help it march forward. It also comes with a bagger, although you may not need it (more to come on this).

Today we are going to review all aspects of the Toro 22 inch recycler lawn mower and compare it to similar mowers in its class. Let’s get started:

Recycler mowers 101
Toro Recycler mower breakdown
Value and cost of the Toro Recycler
The official review

Quick Spoiler on this Toro mower:

The mower has all the amazing fundamentals – a great cutting deck, solid width, nice brand
The Personal Pace was really distracting to use
I think the ventilation thing here is not as nice as I thought after using it for a while
It will last you forever
It is very good – but slightly disappointing considering Toro’s reputation

Why would I buy a recycler mower?

For those that don’t like to mess around in the yard, the 22 inch recycler mower is great. This bad boy truly takes care of business in the yard and is the most no-nonsense mower I have reviewed.

Recycler mowers, specifically the Toro 22 Briggs and Stratton, cut your grass into extremely fine shreds of grass that can benefit your yard. Toro has trademarked this process as “Lawn Vitamins”. The fine clippings are healthy for your yard and can promote growth in peak season.

So should I use the bag?

I used to be one of those weirdo type-A individuals who liked to put a bag on my mower and make sure that no grass clippings got into my yard. And then I got scolded by our lawn treatment company that this was actually doing damage to the health of my yard.

The beauty and simplicity of the Toro 22in recycler is unmatched.

Now I am one of those weirdo type-A individuals who does not put a bag on their mower, but does not allow for a single blade of grass to get into the street or driveway. I love letting the grass clippings flow into my yard, knowing that I am feeding nutrients back into the soil. In fact, I make sure to blow loose grass clippings back onto the top of my grass – which drives my even weirder neighbors up the wall (to my satisfaction).

The Toro Recycler 22 inch mower: Features and benefits

Now that we have learned about recycler mowers, let’s breakdown the individual functions of the Toro for a better understanding.

If you’re interested in checking out the battery-powered brother of this mower, then read our review of the Toro Recycler Battery Mower.

The durability of the metal cutting deck

The 22 inch steel deck gives this machine great reliability. I love 22 inch mowers because they always provide a neat, clean cut. Smaller blades tend to be more jarring to the grass, whereas longer blades just provide a smooth, wide cut across the yard.

Toro is known for having highly durable mowers. They back this up with a 3-year engine warranty and 2-year full warranty. With the proper maintenance, this thing will last you much longer than 2 or 3 years.

If you take a drive around your neighborhood on Sunday afternoon, you’ll see a bunch of Toro mowers with their classic red look out in peoples’ yards. It is a timeless classic in the lawn mower space. Many of these are 10+ years old. It’s truly the Honda Accord of the lawn mower world.

Maintenance

Another thing I love about the Toro 22 in recycler mower is the lack of maintenance. The first mower I owned required an oil change every season. This required me to spill oil everywhere (including all over the engine) as I tipped it on its side and tried to catch it in some sort of pan.

The Toro Recycler requires no oil change. I’m not sure how it works, but you simply keep an eye on the levels and top the oil off when needed. No mess required.

Cleaning this mower is also a breeze. They have a port at the top of the deck that allows you to hook your hose to. Simply connect your hose, turn on your water, and let the design of the inside of the deck wash away old, dried grass clippings. Due to the fine nature of these grass clippings, you are much less likely to get clumping and more likely to get mounds of fine dust buildup.

Usability

The Toro recycler has a self-propelled function that you can actually control the speed of. Unlike some of the electric mowers I’ve reviewed, you can use this function without worrying about killing the battery.

As much as I enjoy getting a nice forearm and glute workout when I mow, it’s nice to have a little bit of help when I am tired or sore.

Another feature I like about this mower is the 22 inch blade. Having a longer blade is always helpful in getting a cleaner cut and better looking stripes in your yard. The downside of this mower is having a slightly tougher time navigating nooks and crannies.

My backyard is not very large and has pavers, a small patio in the back corner, some tree roots, and a lot of mulch. Navigating a push mower around tends to be a lot of work as each pass I make doesn’t go very far. Having a 22 inch mower will cover more area, but be harder to flip around on a dime.

Front drive functionality

This mower also uses front-wheel drive for the self propelled function, meaning things like hills and uneven terrain are less of an issue. The neat part about the front drive on this Toro recycler is that it will do more of the work for you than rear drive mowers. The front-drive gets more traction and pull because of how the weight is distributed.

Yeah, it walks itself. Photo cred: Ace Hardware.

This is a great feature if you have any a lawn that is more difficult to mow or at an angle. It takes a lot of the load off!

Value and cost

As mentioned previously, this mower is a boss. It is relatively heavy, has a big blade, and is gas powered. It is going to get the job done and provide nutrition to your yard while it does it. For those reasons, I love it.

Looking through the pricing, I am seeing it listed anywhere between $350 to $450 depending on where and when you buy it. If you can get it below $400 then you are likely getting a pretty good deal.

Compared to other mowers of its class, this mower actually comes at a great price. Many other similarly priced mowers lack some of the functionality, power, and blade size that this mower has. For its class, I think this is one of the highest value mowers you can purchase.

Vortex technology

I would deeply regret if I didn’t talk about this. Toro has what they call Vortex technology, which pulls air in from the blade and causes the grass to stick up, ensuring an even cut throughout your yard.

Those little vents pull air in with magic.

Not sure how this is possible other than pure magic. I haven’t seen ANYONE else think like this, which scares me. Toro is way ahead of the game here.

Where to buy the Toro Recycler

You can grab this one from Home Depot, where the price is always changing. You can check out the electric version that we reviewed of the Toro Battery Recycler.

The official review of the Toro 22 inch recycler mower:

Feature	Rating
Difficulty to use	Less difficult
Durability	Most durable
Maintenance	Easiest to maintain
Value	High value
For lots <10,000 sq. ft	Recommended
For lots <1 acre	Highly recommended
For lots >1 acre	Not recommended

Toro 22in recycler mower parts diagrams and user manual

For a parts diagram to the Toro 22in. Recycler lawn mower check here: https://www.toro.com/en/parts/partdetails?id=45022

For the manual to the 22in Recycler, check here: https://www.toro.com/getpub/96573

Why we review lawn tools

October 12, 2021April 20, 2024

Troy Bilt TB160 Gas Powered Mower Review: 6 Years Later

The Troy Bilt TB160 is one of the most affordable lawn mowers on the market. Which is why I bought it.

The TB160 is a push mower, which is great for small yards or people who just love to exercise while mowing. This mower boasts a 160cc Honda engine – which can be confusing for those that may think this is a Honda GCV160.

The Troy Bilt TB160 was the first mower that I ever owned. I used this mower for a relatively small yard and still own it to this day. I have had to do very little maintenance on the mower and store it in my garage during the winter.

Today, we will review the Troy Bilt TB160 and give some thoughts on whether this mower is the best for you.

Jump to a section:

Assembly guide and how to start
The mower experience
Should I use the bag attachment?
Durability and reliability
Cost and value
The official Lawn Review

2024 Update: I have now owned this mower for six years. As many times as I have literally folded it and put it away with plans to never use it again. A week later, I inevitably pull it out and start using it again. I can’t keep away!

Why we review lawn tools

A message for first time mower owners

Though it may seem like a silly question, it’s important to recognize that this is a mower for people who may have just purchased their first home and have a small yard. We all start somewhere, so let’s start this mower.

When first removing this mower from the box, you will think to yourself: “How is the box this small?”. Well, the folks at Troy-Bilt have efficiently packaged everything into a box that will fit into the back of a small trunk. This is because many folks buy these mowers on Amazon or at Home Depot.

Troy-Bilt TB160 assembly

Assembling the TB160 is straightforward – you simply pull apart the metal railing that accompanies the box and tighten the screws on the side of the mower. Be careful to avoid cutting the black zip tie that holds the cord to the side of the handle. It definitely looks like something that should be removed, however its purpose is to keep the cord attached to the handle rail (and not flying all over the place).

Make sure that your mower has the appropriate level of fuel and oil to get started. Please refer to the owners manual for how much fuel and oil to put into this machine.

You will also want to make sure the mower is at an appropriate height for your lawn. I have my mower sitting as tall as it can go. You can adjust the height of the mower by moving the levers that are on the sides of each wheel. There is a red looking tab that sticks up. Simply pull it out of place and shift it whichever direction will either raise or lower the mower.

A taller mower will trim the grass and be easier to push. A shorter mower distance will cut the grass very short and be more difficult to push.

How to start the TB160

The Troy Bilt TB160 has a red, foldable metal bar over where the handle is located. Simply fold the red bar down onto the handle and hold with one hand. While holding that part down, grab the plastic handle with the string attached near the engine. This is a pull-start mower, meaning you will have to yank the plastic handle pretty hard a few times to get it going.

For first time mower users, it can take a couple of tries to get this down. Once more oil and gas have run through the engine, it will become easier. This engine from Honda has an auto-choke system, so no choke is required to get this engine started.

Review of the Troy-Bilt TB160: a guide to each element

Let’s review all of the different things that make a good mower below.

Difficulty to push

The Troy-Bilt TB160 is a push mower – and that means you will really have to push. If you have this mower on a tall-grass setting (which I recommend), you won’t have much difficulty pushing. This mower does not propel itself and will require some effort to get going.

One thing I like about the TB160 is that it is relatively light. This makes it easier to maneuver and spin as compared to some other mowers.

Something I dislike about this mower is that it isn’t exactly a comfortable mower. The handle is pure metal and has quite a bit of vibration from the engine. The wheels are plastic as well, which seems to amplify the vibration instead of absorbing it. The plastic wheels also make it more difficult to maneuver than rubber-wheeled mowers as it tends to get stuck more easily in small divots.

Using the bag on the TB160

The TB160 is a mower I always used without the bag. Honestly, I did not think this mower did a great job of providing enough kickback of grass into the bag. For this reason, it would consistently get “clogged” and shut off the blade whenever a decent amount of grass began to load.

Another thing I noticed about the bag is that it simply isn’t intuitive to place on the mower. My wife and I always had difficulty replacing the bag and found that removing it often spilled the grass everywhere.

Durability and reliability

Something I love about the Troy Bilt TB160 is the Honda engine. As we are all familiar, Honda engines are reliable in cars and motorcycles. The same holds true here – this is an easy to maintain, durable lawn mower.

I’ve done hundreds of mows with this mower and it simply won’t quit. It’s easy to start, requires very little maintenance, and stores well indoors or outdoors. Simply put, the TB160 can handle some abuse and the Honda motor will run as long as you do.

Changing the oil on a Troy-Bilt TB160

While probably unnecessary, I change the oil on my TB160 at the beginning of each spring. To change the oil, you simply remove the cap on the side of the engine. Once removed, tilt the mower on its side and let the oil flow into a pan. Once all of the oil has spilled, refill with the manufacturer’s recommended oil. That’s it.

As far as spark plugs or any other maintenance goes, I have not had to do anything. In fact, I’ve never even sharpened the blades on this mower. To maintain the longevity of the mower, you can spray the bottom of the blades with a rust preventer each winter when you aren’t using it as much.

The cost and value of this mower

The TB160 is one of the more affordable push lawn mowers on the market. We got ours at Home Depot a few years ago, but I am still seeing them for sale at places like Walmart, Lowes, and Amazon.

The price range for a TB160 is anywhere from $250 to $400 depending on when you are buying and where you are buying your mower.

Mine is much dirtier now, but this is a fresh one.

I believe the TB160 is a great value for a mower. This mower will last many years, requires little upkeep, stores easily, and is relatively inexpensive.

Are Troy-Bilt push mowers good?

It depends on how you define good. If you have a small yard, are looking for an affordable mower, and don’t mind getting some exercise during your mow, then this is a great mower.

For the price, you really cannot beat this mower. It will most likely outlive your car and is way easier to maintain. I have had mine for over four years and have only done a couple of oil changes and used less than a can of gas the entire time.

My TB160 – always reliable and gets the job done.

The Official TB160 Review

Feature	Rating
Difficulty to use	Average difficulty for navigation
Durability	Most durable
Maintenance	Easiest to maintain
Value	Highest value
For lots <10,000 sq. ft	Highly recommended
For lots <1 acre	Recommended if willing to use a push mower
For lots >1 acre	Not recommended

A breakdown review of the Troy Bilt TB160

To summarize this review, the Troy-Bilt TB160 is the best and most affordable mower you can buy if you are looking for:

A durable, easy to maintain mower
A high-value, long-lasting mower
You have a relatively small lot
You don’t mind the “push” of a push mower

If you’re interested in learning more, check out some of the other really inexpensive Troy Bilt lawn mowers.

October 7, 2021April 9, 2024

Cub Cadet’s New Ultima ZT1 Series Is Intense: I Found Out

The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 zero-turn mower is a beast. I have not been more excited to review a lawn mower than I am right now. This bad boy is not simply a lawn mower, it is a lawn experience.

Riding mowers like the Cub Cadet Ultima have developed significantly over the past decade. The days of the silly looking tractor sitting in your garage are gone. Many of the commercial mowers have been revamped for the modern household, allowing for comfortable and convenient features with the power of a commercial mower.

Let’s get started – here is what we will cover today – click a link to jump ahead:

Who should buy a zero-turn mower
What to look for in zero-turn mowers
Things I love about the ZT1 series
Criticisms of the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1
The official review

2024 Update: As I re-read this post and update key features for 2024 – I can’t help but reflect on just how freaking luxurious this mower is.

Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 22 HP Zero-Turn features

Let me start off by saying this zero turn mower from Cub Cadet won an innovation award from Home Depot in 2019. It is pretty sweet and I will explain more below:

Usability and comfort: the Ultima ZT1’s best feature

The details matter in a riding mower that you are going to spend three grand to take home. The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 has details like an anti-vibration floor mat hat helps provide a smooth ride. This zero turn mower also has a fully adjustable 18 inch seat back, adjustable arm rests, and ergonomic hand groups that allow for more comfort.

Simply put, Cub Cadet has thought through the rider’s experience when crafting this zero-turn mower.

Another detail I like about this machine is the smooth tread front wheels that are crafted to not damage your lawn as you cut. The command center where all of the controls are located is slightly off to the side, allowing for maximum leg room. As a very tall person (6’ 7”), I can comfortably fit on this without having to bow my legs at a weird angle.

Power

The Ultima ZT1 42 inch boasts a 22 horsepower, 725 cc Kohler engine. The 50 inch version comes with a Kawasaki engine.

Either way, you get some serious power out of this mower. This bad boy can move almost 8mph forward and almost 4mph in reverse. You can move quickly through your yard and get back to enjoying football and family on your weekends.

The 20 inch tires on the back provide some nice tread and traction for moving on uneven grounds and can help master rolling hills. For the normal residential owner with two to five acres of land, power is not much of a factor. Almost all zero turn mowers are going to have enough power to get the job done for a residential job.

For those in the commercial space, I would recommend a higher power mower with a bigger blade. While I do not have any concerns about durability with this mower, you will likely want something with a little more speed and horsepower to get you through the workday.

Transmission

A standard feature on the Cub Cadet Ultima is the hydrostatic transmission. As I mentioned previously, hydrostatic transmissions use fluid instead of belts to power the engine and blades. These typically require less maintenance and last much longer. This transmission type is what separates Cub Cadet from some of its peers and takes it out of the “cheaper” or “lower end” zero turn mowers.

This picture from Cub Cadet’s website highlights all the major maintenance needs and when you need them.

Criticisms of the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1

One of the most common criticisms of this mower is that it lacks a gas gauge and an hour meter. While this mower boasts a 3.5 gallon fuel capacity that can get you through most major jobs, you are clueless as to when the gas will run out. Others love having an hour meter that can help you better understand when to change the oil.

Cub Cadet has a good reputation in the residential world. I expect most folks who use this product for up to 3 or 4 acres will not have an issue for the duration of their ownership.

The beauty of this Cub Cadet mower is that it has a three year limited warranty. If something seems fishy, make sure to have it checked out while it is still under warranty.

The official review of the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42 inch mower

Feature	Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1	Comparable residential ZT mower
Difficulty to use	Slightly above average	Average
Durability	Average durability	Average durability
Maintenance	Less maintenance due to hydrostatic transmission	More maintenance
Value	Medium value	Medium value
For lots <10,000 sq. ft	Would not fit	Would not fit
For lots <1 acre	Probably overkill but is fun and looks cool	Probably overkill but is fun and looks cool
For lots >1 acre	Highly recommended	Highly recommended

Overall, the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 mower is awesome. It is super comfortable, easy to use, and provides a great cut. The engine is high quality and the transmission is best in class. If you are using this mower for residential purposes and not mowing the side of a highway, then you should have great results.

You can check the price of these bad boys at Home Depot.

We compare this one to the super popular Toro TimeCutter SS4225 mower here (both sell at Home Depot).

Why we review lawn tools

Riding mower vs push mower

When purchasing a riding mower, you want to make sure to consider a few things. The first thing to consider is the size of your lawn. If your lawn is less than ½ of an acre, you are likely better off with a push mower. If your lawn is above half of an acre, consider a riding mower for comfort and speed purposes.

To read our other Cub Cadet riding mower reviews, check out the my experience with the XT1 or read the latest on the XT2 or even the electric Cub Cadet.

For those with ½ acre to one acre of land, the conventional riding mower or garden tractor with a steering wheel can be great. They are relatively straightforward and intuitive to operate.

For those of us with over an acre of land and/or many obstacles in our yard, zero-turn mowers can be a life saver. Many zero turn mowers offer a reverse functionality as well, so the ability to navigate hurdles and obstacles becomes very simple.

Why would I buy a zero-turn riding mower?

If you have ever used a traditional riding mower on your lawn, you will know the frustration that comes with making sharp turns or maneuvering near a garden bed. Trying to move between trees makes me feel like Austin Powers stuck in the hallway.

This is a visual of me trying to navigate my yard without a ZT1 mower.

Zero-turn mowers work exactly how you think they would. These are the big mowers you see people using who are mowing a beautiful country event space or a huge property. The beautiful thing about them is that they are actually pretty simple to use. They are steered with two levers that help shift the machine in a circular motion without having to make forward progress (hence zero-turn).

I must admit, I was intimidated by all the knobs and gears on this mower until I gave it a try. The driving process is actually very intuitive and comfortable. Simply bring the levers together, push forward to accelerate, and shift the handles in the direction you would like to go.

This is a very authentic conversation.

What to look for in a zero-turn mower

A few things to look for in zero-turn mowers are blade size, transmission, accessory capabilities and cost. Blade size is important to keep consistent with the size of your lawn. Obviously longer blades are best for larger lawns, but begin to sacrifice a little bit of the agility afforded by a smaller blade.

Transmission is also an important consideration for a zero-turn mower. Most zero turn mowers do not have manual transmissions, but have either automatic or hydrostatic transmissions. Automatic works just like an automatic car does with a gas pedal and belts. Hydrostatic transmissions use fluid to transfer their power to the blades and the rest of the engine. I prefer and recommend hydrostatic transmissions because they typically require less maintenance and have a longer life (plus it sounds cooler).

Having nice lawn mower accessories on a riding mower is often overlooked, but absolutely necessary. There is nothing like adding on a nice hauler component to the back of your mower to move chopped wood, mulch, or plants across your property. Make sure whichever mower you purchase has a hitch that allows for accessories.

Cost is generally of the utmost importance as well. Zero-turn mowers are expensive. In fact, you can buy an old Honda Civic for less than most zero turn mowers. Expect to spend no less than $3,000 for a zero turn mower. Keep in mind that these will last a long time and save you a ton of weekend time when compared to a riding tractor or push mower. Zero turn mowers are an upfront investment, but reap a huge return over time.

For a link to the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42 inch mower, check out this link:

https://images.thdstatic.com/catalog/pdfImages/0f/0fd454fc-0a8d-4deb-b577-82dca3eb4a15.pdf

For a replacement parts list, check out this link:

https://images.thdstatic.com/catalog/pdfImages/db/db49cec3-9bdc-46ec-9f83-888869081e78.pdf

October 5, 2021April 9, 2024

John Deere X350: Does it run like a Deere?

The John Deere X350 is a riding mower offered by John Deere. When they say “Nothing Runs Like a Deere”, they mean it. These riding mowers are big, powerful, and high quality.

My first lawn tractor was a John Deere. It sat in my garage when I was a kid and I remember sitting on it and wanting to mow the lawn, even at a young age. The iconic John Deere brand is well known for longevity and reliability. In fact, I went on a hayride with my little one this past weekend and was pulled by one of the big John Deere tractors that looks like it was made in the early 60s.

Today, we will review all of the important features of the John Deere X350 – particularly the one with a 42-inch deck. While the X350 does come with an optional 48 inch deck, most folks with residential properties will stick with the 42.

Spoiler:

The John Deere X350 does run like a Deere (duh). It is an absolute beast, but is no longer being manufactured. They have since started moving their X350 series to the comparable E100 series that you can read about here and have made a lot more of their focus shifted to zero turns.

Jump ahead to:

Riding mower benefits
John Deere X350 features
Cost and value
The overall review: John Deere X350

Riding mowers vs push mowers vs zero-turn mowers

When it comes to picking the right size of mower for your yard, there are a few considerations. The first thing to consider is the size of your lawn. For those of us on several acres, a zero-turn mower is going to be the fastest way to get your lawn cut. Zero-turn mowers also offer more agility and nimble cuts if you are working around a circular or wavy structure or garden bed. John Deere also makes some great zero-turn mowers.

If you have more than a half an acre but less than 3 acres, riding mowers are a necessity. Riding mowers offer the speed and power of zero-turn mowers, but are easier to store and not too large for narrow spaces.

If you have less than a half of an acre, consider a push mower that can handle large yards. You can get self-propelled push mowers that will walk for you to help ease the burden. A riding mower and especially a zero-turn mower are going to be way too large and frankly a waste of power.

Benefits of riding mowers

As mentioned previously, riding mowers are perfect for mid-sized lawns that are too big for a push mower, but too small for a zero-turn mower. Riding mowers also can fit between two cars in your garage.

Additionally, riding mowers come in at a lower price point than zero-turn mowers and have a more intuitive steering function (the steering wheel). Another thing I love about riding mowers is their ability to pick up other functions. Some riding mowers come with a trailer hitch or front-end attachment that can allow for things like mini trailers, snow plow functions, brush guards, and more. This can help with multiple other functions around your property other than just cutting the grass.

The John Deere X350 with a 42 inch mowing deck

While I love riding mowers, the John Deere X350 offers some convenience and functionality I have not seen in others. I have reviewed a couple of other riding mowers, but have seen some new gadgets on this one that have simply blown me away. Let’s check them out below:

Control panel and ease of use

I have gone on and on about this in other reviews I have done, but remember the control panels on the old riding mowers? You had somewhere between a rabbit and a tortoise and had to crank that spring powered gear shifter and hope it landed on the right one?

Well, those days are gone. Technology has truly advanced to an intuitive experience for the mower driver. Close your eyes and imagine – an electronic fuel gauge, battery life, speed, and everything else in your car’s dashboard – on your LAWN MOWER!!!!!

Okay – now open your eyes (you had to in order to read this, but just go with me) and check out the below picture:

The visually appealing dashboard on the John Deere X350.

Pretty dang cool. Some other perks about the control panel include an easy “Mulch-on, mulch-off” button as well as a cutting height adjuster knob. I love the height adjuster because it gives you ¼ inch increments and really allows you to have total easy control over how much length you want in your grass.

Maintenance

As John Deere tends to do, the John Deere X350 has a 30 second oil change system. I did not know that was possible, but they have this neat looking tube that you just hook up to your mower and it replaces the oil.

One thing I love seeing in this mower is the K46 hydrostatic transaxle system. This allows for easier to maintain, less “breakability” movement.

Further, the John Deere X350 comes with a four year or three hundred hour bumper to bumper warranty. While I’m not in love with the transmission, anything that goes wrong in the first four years is still under warranty. That signifies the confidence that John Deere has in this series of riding mowers.

Drivability of the John Deere X350

Similar to other riding mowers, the John Deere X350 has a decent seatback and traditional foot pedal system for operating. For me, the traditional riding mowers are always more difficult to operate due to my height. Most people will find this mower comfortable and easy to use, just as any other riding mower.

Unfortunately, nothing really sets John Deere’s X350 apart from its competition in this department.

Another thing I do not love about this mower is the lack of arm rests. I absolutely need armrests when I use the riding mower and can’t stand just having my elbows dangle.

Attachments and other fun

The John Deere X350, like other riding mowers, has the functionality to add on attachments. This can turn your mower from a 4-5 month per year machine to a year around machine. The X300 series allows for snow blowers, front blades, baggers, canopy and weather enclosures, sprayers, just about every tow-behind you can dream of, and even utility carts.

The classic green and yellow of the John Deere X350.

I have seen this ability with other riding mowers, but have been blown away by the breadth of attachments that John Deere offers. It looks like John Deere has made a name for itself by trying to offer the most comprehensive suite of attachments and becoming a full year machine.

Power

The John Deere X350 offers a 22hp V-twin engine. As you may see in competitors that offer a Kohler or Kawasaki engine, but John Deere manufactures its own engines. The engines are comparable with others and allows for up to 5.5mph of forward speed and 4mph in reverse.

Now that’s a cool shot. Cred: John Deere.

I have personally never had any issues with power as I mow on relatively flat land, but have heard from others that this machine can struggle with hills. The owner’s manual actually references not using this mower with angles greater than 15 degrees.

Mower deck

The 42 inch “Accel Deep” mower deck offered by the John Deere X350 is a great steel deck shell. This deck features a wash port for simple cleaning and electric power take-off clutch with in-line belt.

Cost and value of the John Deere X350

Right now, the X350 is listed for $3,499 on John Deere’s website. For the price, I don’t love the value of this mower. In fact, you can get some really slick zero-turn mowers for about the same price. In all honesty, I do not think this is worth it. While John Deere mowers are great, I can’t imagine this price point for a traditional lawn tractor riding mower. That being said, inflation is definitely high and that may be having a big impact on this price. Shop around!

John Deere also sells some comparable lawn tractors at Home Depot that you can check out online.

The overall review: The John Deere X350 mower

Feature	John Deere X350	Comparable lawn tractors
Difficulty to use	Slightly less difficult	Average difficulty
Durability	Average durability	Average durability
Maintenance	Relatively easy to maintain	Relatively easy to maintain
Value	Lower value to high price	Medium value
For lots <10,000 sq. ft	Not recommended	Not recommended
For lots <1 acre	Recommended	Recommended
For lots >1 acre	Recommended up to 2-3 acres	Recommended up to 2-3 acres

September 27, 2021April 8, 2024

Why I Love the New Cub Cadet XT1 LT series (including Electric)

The Cub Cadet XT1 LT series is a new series of lawn tractors that is plastered everywhere at Home Depot To help break this down, Cub Cadet has the XT series with LT (short for Lawn Tractor), with either a 42 or 46 inch deck cutting width.

As two of the most popular lawn tractors on the market, many people have asked me to review the Cub Cadet XT1 LT series and give my thoughts on the new electric version as well

Let’s get started:

All about Lawn Tractors (the LT in LT42 and LT46)
Features of the Cub Cadet XT1 series
Criticisms
Our overall review of the XT1 LT42 and LT46

The two new Cub Cadet tractors are really nice

Looking at the Cub Cadet XT1 LT 42 and 46, you would think they are absolutely identical. From the outside, they are mostly the exact same other than the deck width. Let’s take a look underneath the hood and compare their overall functions.

Measuring the comfort and usability

Frankly, Cub Cadet is known for their comfortable mowers. They prioritize this feature over a lot of other things in their mowers, which I greatly appreciate. Both the LT42 and LT46 have an adjustable seat, a 15 inch high seat back, and straightforward operating functionality.

While the XT1 series has a 16 inch turn radius, the masters at Cub Cadet have fashioned the steering system to feel like a zero turn mower. They are very easy to operate and provide a comfortable ride.

As a tall person, I was saddened by the lack of steering wheel height reach. I have to slightly hunch over to grab the steering wheel or otherwise have my arms extended way out in front of me.

This is what you look like when you use this mower.

Transmission – Hydrostatic and what that means

The Cub Cadet XT1 LT series offers “Tuff Torq” foot controlled hydrostatic transmission that gets rid of the need for manual shifting. You simply apply your foot to the pedal and get moving. I love hydrostatic transmissions because they offer longer lives and less maintenance. To make things better, Cub Cadet offers a 3 year warranty on this product, regardless of hours used.

Accessories for the XT1 series make it convertible to a year-round tool

The accessories available on the LT42 and LT46 are flat out sweet. The options turn this 4 to 5 month per year machine into a year-around utility vehicle. There is an attachment snow plow blade, a leaf collector, tire chains, double bagger, mulching kit, brush guard, rear cargo carrier, rear sprayer, and front bumper kit. You can also purchase armrests, sun/snow shade, or a full on snow cab. With all of these features, you can save a ton of money and time with the Cub Cadet XT1 instead of five or six different machines and tools.

Power is super important and these mowers have a LOT of it

Upfront I can tell you that both of these mowers will have adequate power for those with up to 2 or 3 acres. That being said, you have a choice to make between the LT42 and LT46.

The LT42 has a single cylinder, 541 cc, 18 horsepower, 5400 Kohler engine. The Kohler engines are great and moderately reliable. For the 42 inch deck, this engine is more than enough power to get a job done. The LT42 has the ability to move up to almost 6 mph forward and 3 mph in reverse.

The LT46 has a twin cylinder, 725 cc, 22 horsepower, 7000 series Kohler engine. What I love about the horsepower on this engine is that it is the same amount of horsepower as a lot of heavier, bigger zero-turn mowers.

Other than the horsepower and deck width differences, the two have almost identical features in all other aspects.

What about the electric version – the blue LT42E?

The XT1 LT42E, the electric version of the XT1, is similar in almost every way except for the engine (duh). This battery powered machine can go for about one and a half hours before needing a recharge, which takes about 4 hours.

The Cub Cadet XT1 42E (photo cred: Cub Cadet).

A main difference you will notice between this machine and the other XT1 series is the price. While I do like some electric lawn equipment, this thing has a much bigger price tag – which can be totally worth it to some people.

Criticisms of the XT1 Series (mostly looks)

Some of the common criticisms of both the LT42 and LT46 Cub Cadet XT1 series tend to be aesthetic. A few folks have pointed out the “cream-colored” rims on the tires. Another criticism I have seen is that sometimes the blade will bump the soil when going over hills or rough terrain. This is totally normal and is just like when you take your car into a steep driveway – you will get some drag sometimes.

Others boast about the smooth and quiet ride. Cub Cadet prides themselves on the mower’s experience which is why they consistently make comfortable riding mowers that leave you wanting to mow your neighbor’s yard.

Overall review of the LT series riding mowers

Feature	Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 and LT46	Comparable lawn tractors
Difficulty to use	Slightly less difficult due to steering ease	Average difficulty
Durability	Average durability	Average durability
Maintenance	Relatively easy to maintain	Relatively easy to maintain
Value	High value due to comfort and add-on capabilities	Medium value
For lots <10,000 sq. ft	Not recommended	Not recommended
For lots <1 acre	Recommended	Recommended
For lots >1 acre	Recommended up to 2-3 acres	Recommended up to 2-3 acres

Overall, the Cub Cadet mowers will mow just about as well as any other lawn tractor on the market. What distinguishes the XT1 LT42 and LT46 from its competitors is its comfortable and quiet ride. Another beautiful feature of this series is the ability to have attachments that turn this from a summer machine to a year-round wonder.

Cost and value of the Cub Cadet XT1 series

The XT1 LT42 and 46 can be found at Home Depot – where you’ll have to check the price because it changes all the time. Both are great options, but if you have a bigger yard I would go with the LT46. This will save you time as it has larger blades and a larger deck width.

What to look for in a lawn tractor

With the dawn of zero turn mowers, electric riding mowers, and flying hovercraft mowers with drone weed whackers (only kidding), the classic lawn tractor is often overlooked.

The reality is that lawn tractors are great machines that still have a place in the modern lawn care garage. Lawn tractors are great for people with a half of an acre up to two acres. They are also fine for people with more than 2 acres with few obstacles to navigate.

The zero-turn mower craze (of which Cub Cadet has some awesome mowers) is largely hyped up by the admittedly cool features. The downside of these mowers is the massive price tag and difficulty with storage.

Cub Cadet’s XT1 LT42E even made our list of our favorite electric riding mowers that have surprisingly freakish power.

Convenience of lawn tractors

Lawn tractors are still convenient for many folks. The beauty of lawn tractors is that they can easily squeeze into your garage between two cars. Zero-turn mowers need their own separate garage or storage facility simply due to the size. Lawn tractors are also straightforward to operate and have less moving parts than zero turn mowers.

The XT1 series body style is pretty cool.

Another thing I love about lawn tractors is their ability to add on attachments to the front. Zero turn mowers often have attachments and trailer features on the back, but for those of us in snowy climates there is nothing quite like putting a snow pusher on the front and moving some snow. The same goes for piles of mulch or anything else you feel like pushing.