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

February 28, 2023April 3, 2024

Toro vs. John Deere Zero Turn Mower: Battle of the Giants

The Toro TimeCutter is the better mower when compared to the John Deere Z315E. Toro and John Deere’s zero-turn mowers are two of the most popular options on the market. You pull up to any old Home Depot and these bad boys are parked right outside, glistening in the sun.

When it comes down to the two zero turn mowers, we decided to compare the most popular, readily available ones on the market: the Toro TimeCutter SS4225 and the John Deere Z315E.

So, we decided to take a look at both of them separately. Since the demand for mowers will grow in the next few years, this is the perfect time to look around for the best ones on the market. Read on, as we are giving zero-turn mowers more than just a place to shine here – we are providing them with an incredible spotlight!

Jump ahead:

Power comparison
Comfort
Cutting Experience
Winner: Toro TimeCutter SS4225
What to look for in a zero turn mower

Toro Timecutter SS4225 vs. John Deere Z315E Zero turn mower: Comparison

As we deepened our research, two names that often came up were Toro Timecutter SS4225 and John Deere Z315E. Having to compare these two models means entering an important battle. There is so much at stake at both ends (mostly your wallet). These two models are considered some of the best zero-turn mowers on the market, and they are constantly in demand.

Power comparison: Toro vs John Deere Zero Turns

Let’s start with the John Deere Z315E zero turn. Considered an entry-level model, this is a zero turn made for the modern homeowner with over an acre of land. The cutting-edge technology and the sleek design are visible right from the start – with the classic John Deere green and yellow just to make sure your neighbors know what’s up. What makes this mower increasingly popular is its power, wrapped up in such compact dimensions. This mower has a 20 HP V-Twin engine manufactured by Briggs & Stratton.

When we talk about power, this thing can move at up to 7 mph forward or 3.5 mph in reverse – that’s what I’m talking about baby.

Moving on to the Toro Timecutter SS4225. The Toro TimeCutter SS4225 features a 22.5 HP V-twin engine, slightly more powerful than the John Deere.The engine itself is manufactured by Toro. It has similar speeds as the John Deere and is also the homeowner’s model of Toro mowers.

I give the edge in this battle to Toro. I like John Deere’s engine being manufactured by Briggs and Stratton, but Toro has been at this game for a long time. They also have a little over 10% more horsepower than John Deere.

Winner: Toro TimeCutter SS4225

Feature	John Deere Z315E	Toro Timecutter SS4225
Horsepower	20 HP V-Twin	22.5 HP V-twin
Engine type	Briggs & Stratton	Toro
Speed	7 FWD, 3.5 REV	7 FWD, 4 REV
Transmission Type	Hydrostatic	Hydrostatic

Comfort and Rideability comparison between John Deere and Toro mowers

One of the things that makes the Toro Timecutter SS4225 better than any other type or model is comfort. This is an exceptionally important thing to consider, and the designers of this model have clearly mowed a yard or two. Once you pick up this model, you will realize you are dealing with a high-backed seat and even a cup holder! And let us tell you, right from the start; you could get used to this.

One thing I love about the TimeCutter is that the seat feels like an old leather recliner.

This John Deere came with an hour meter (most don’t).

However, John Deere Z315E isn’t too far behind. Slightly more stiff, the John Deere Z315E has a nice little control panel and a few of the same features as the TimeCutter. In fact, it has an adjustable seat, colored controls, and excellent visibility forward and on the sides – making operating comfortable and super easy.

Winner: It’s a tie!

Cutting experience on both the TimeCutter and the Z315E

The Toro TimeCutter SS4225 has a bunch of features that make it a super smooth ride:

Hydrostatic transmission
Smart Speed technology – allows you to quickly adjust the speed without the blades being impacted. It’s like the windshield wipers that slow down or speed up when your car does.
A step-through front end which makes onboarding really easy
Really easy to maintain (like all Toro models)

The John Deere is also pretty sweet though, with some really unique features:

Built in TN (Go Vols!)
Accel deep deck – pulls air up in the deck causing the grass to stand up for an even cut
Easy adjustable deck height with the flick of a toe
Automatic parking brake when steering levers aren’t engaged

Both of them don’t have hour meters showing how long you have been cutting. When it comes to the John Deere model, the hour meter is optional. Toro makes you buy a separate one.

I picked the Toro here because the SmartSpeed technology is pretty advanced and the maintenance schedule is easier. I also like that it comes with a 300 hour, 3 year warranty compared to John Deere’s 200 hour, 3 year warranty (although neither have an hour meter to keep you honest).

Winner: Toro TimeCutter SS4225

Price comparison: Toro Timecutter vs. John Deere

At the end of the day, when you get different products, naturally, you pay a different amount of money. The John Deere comes in a couple hundred dollars less than the Toro, although both have prices that vary wildly depending on when you buy.

The final ruling: Toro Timecutter SS4225 vs. John Deere Z315E Zero Turn Mower

Both of these powerful mowers incorporate cutting-edge technology that any garden owner would love to have. To be completely honest, making our final ruling here is difficult since we loved both models. Though we have to admit – the cup holder of Toro Timecutter SS4225 may have won us over a little bit.

You can check the price of the Toro TimeCutter (and buy it online actually) at Home Depot.

The John Deere, a slightly cheaper alternative, is also available online for a great price at Home Depot and at Lowe’s.

Feature	John Deere Z315E	Toro Timecutter SS4225
Power		Winner
Comfort	Tie!	Tie!
Cutting Experience		Winner
Price	Winner

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.

What we look for in zero-turn mowers

A few things to look for in zero-turn mowers are blade size, transmission, accessory capabilities and cost.

Cutting width

Blade size and cutting width are 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 type

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).

Cost and value

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.

January 16, 2023April 3, 2024

4 John Deere Zero Turn Mowers That Last Forever (Almost)

The best John Deere Zero turn mower is the John Deere Z330R zero-turn mower – which is great for residential use for those of us with bigger lawns. John Deere isn’t as big in the commercial space, so this one is the perfect size and price for homeowners.

They’ve been dominant in the lawn care and agricultural spaces for as long as I can remember. The true patriarchs of modern lawn care. John Deere’s zero turn mowers however, have become less popular over the years. I am seeing them appear on landscaping trailers less and less these days.

Today, we are going to break down the best John Deere Zero Turn mowers and who they appeal to the best. Let’s get started!

Our favorite John Deere Zero-Turns, ranked:

John Deere Z330R ZTrak Zero Turn Mower
John Deere Z515E Zero Turn Mower
John Deere Z530R Zero Turn Mower
John Deere Z735M Zero Turn Mower

John Deere Zero Turn Mowers: Our Ranking

Let’s dive right in. John Deere has three series of zero turn mowers with varying sizes and configurations within each one. I’ll do my best to touch on the differences of each different zero-turn mower.

Looking for something smaller? Check out some John Deere lawn tractors. Electric? Consider our list of great and surprising electric riding mowers.

John Deere Z330R ZTrak Zero Turn Mower

I checked out all of the John Deere Z300 series zero turn mowers and landed on this one as the best. Frankly, it wasn’t even close.

The Z300 series is the smaller of the three series that John Deere zero turn mowers offer. They’re all basically for residential use and start at relatively low power output and work their way up. At the highest end of the Z300 series, which is the Z330R, you can expect to reasonably cut around 4 acres before you need to step up to the Z500 series.

The Z330R from John Deere is by far the best. I know it sounds petty and I’ve referenced it in other articles, but a surprisingly large portion of my decision making comes down to the arm rests. It’s a huge differentiator if you’re out there for more than 20 minutes and makes the experience way, way better.

But here are a few other, probably more important things that we liked about this zero turn:

23 HP engine, putting it above most other residential zero turns like the Toro TimeCutter
48 and 54 inch deck options (we would do 48 for residential)
Accel Deep mower deck made with 10-gauge steel
Hydrostatic transmission
Fast forward speed at up to 7 MPH

One thing I don’t love about this zero-turn is the manual operation of the blade height adjustment. A few of the newer competitor zero-turns have a nice little onboard dashboard with electronics that allow you to quickly make adjustments to blade height, with gas level indicators and other bells and whistles. You won’t get any of that on the Z330R or any of the Z300 John Deere zero turn mowers.

Coming in at just around $4,000, these zero-turn mowers aren’t cheap. One thing I love is that these are made locally in Tennessee and come with a 3 year or 200 hour warranty, so you can rest assured that this one will last you for quite a while.

You can build your own zero-turn from John Deere’s website and at Home Depot (for a great price).

If you’re interested in learning more, we compared this one’s little brother to a Toro zero turn.

John Deere Z515E Zero Turn Mower

The Z500 series of zero-turns steps up the power and is designed for commercial use. The easiest way to spot the difference in a residential and commercial zero turn mower is the rollover bar.

The Z515E is the base model for the Z500 series and is the entry point into the commercial Z500 series by John Deere. While it has many features of the Z300 series, it has slightly more power and was designed with the landscaper in mind.

A few things I like about the Z515E:

24 HP V-twin engine
4 year warranty (instead of 3)
An operator station that gives you a full dashboard with controls right by your side including a fuel gauge and hour meter
Total height adjustment on the steering control levers
Dual cup holders and a storage compartment
Ability to connect to the MowerPlus app for maintenance schedules

This zero-turn has a bunch of features I’ve never seen on other mowers. It’s pretty sweet. The first thing that caught my eye was how advanced the control panel was. It seems like everything on this mower was designed to create a comfortable mowing experience, including the adjustable height levers on the steering control. Most other mower brands don’t have that as an option and if they do, definitely don’t advertise it well. I’ve always just stuck with the initial setting and dealt with it.

A few other things that stick out to me are the accommodations made for comfort. Dual cup holders and a storage compartment can really help you feel like you can make it through the day as a landscaper. These are the small things that have helped landscaping teams feel like you’re investing in their well-being and giving them the equipment to thrive.

At just under $5,000, this one is definitely an investment you’ll have to make in a really nice residential landscaping mower. It can be bought and customized on John Deere’s website.

John Deere Z530R Zero Turn Mower

The Z530R comes with a few more bells and whistles than the Z515E. One of the key differences between the two is the ComfortGlide system available on the Z530 that isn’t on the Z515.

The ComfortGlide system allows for forward and backward seat movement when going over major bumps. It basically lets you feel like you are floating. ComfortGlide absorbs way more shock than the standard steel seat springs and drastically improves the mowing experience.

The Z530R series also comes with a foot lift and foot pegs, mats on the floor of the mower, and premium control levers that make the entire experience more enjoyable.

Just a few bells and whistles separate this one.

Otherwise, it is very similar to the Z515E from a power point of view.

At around $5,600 for the 48 inch mowing deck – you are paying a 10% premium for some cool features related to comfort that the 515E does not have. If you are reading this and going to be the one doing all the mowing, then this might be a worthwhile investment to get a more comfortable ride.

You can grab it right on John Deere’s website.

John Deere Z735M Zero Turn Mower

The Z735M is a huge step up from the Z300 and Z500 series John Deere zero turn mowers and is a true commercial landscaper’s dream. Let’s walk through a few of the features that make this one stand out dramatically when compared to the other two:

25 HP V-twin engine that has ridiculous torque and cast iron cylinders that last forever
A ton of mower deck updates including a PRO mower deck that:
- Is extremely deep which allows for air induction (pulling up the grass before cutting it)
- Super wide discharge area so you can take on a ton of volume even when it is wet
- Raised and reinforced front deck edge that lets you evenly pull in grass
- A welded step for you to use when getting on board that sits on top of the deck
- An optional mulching attachment which lets you pick where you want to put the clippings
Adjustable seating and storage which rivals most minivans
ComfortGlide suspension
Adjustable foot platform so tall freaks like me can fit just fine alongside short kings

They make their own engines, which is unique.

When you’re going big like the Z700 series, you might as well get a 54 or 60 inch cutting deck that can cut down on your mowing time.

I’m not the only one is who raving about this mower – a ton of other folks who bought it online have left extremely positive reviews despite it being a nearly $10,000 mower.

Most are saying it’s comfortable and smooth (thanks to ComfortGlide) and note how much time it has taken off of their mow, like cutting it in half.

John Deere Zero-Turn Mowers: Bottom Line

John Deere’s zero turn mowers are a bit on the pricier side but all have two things in common: they’re extremely well made and are attentive to the details. The small things in these machines add up to really put them in a league of their own when compared to competition.

Of course we all want power, speed, even cuts, and reliability. But the thought John Deere puts into things like cup holders, arm rests, ComfortGlide seating, steering handle adjustments, and more make you feel like they’ve mowed a lawn or two in their day.

Why we review zero-turn mowers

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. Always feel free to leave a comment or request a review using the form you see at the top of this page.

What we look for in zero-turn mowers

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 feels a lot smoother).

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. If you own a landscaping company, you can depreciate these bad boys over time (ask your accountant).

John Deere and Gravely make great American-made mowers.

John Deere’s Accel Deep Mower Decks

The Accel Deep mower deck is found on John Deere’s zero turn mowers and is a really cool differentiator that helps you perfect your mow. Here’s how it works.

It basically is a single block of well-constructed metal that helps maintain the structural integrity of the deck. This deck also has a steel reinforced bar that keeps it together even more.

The deck also comes with super easy to adjust anti-scalp wheels which help you move between different types of terrain.

But my favorite part is the depth of the deck, which allows increased airflow that stands the grass up like it’s being pulled by a comb. A few Toro mowers also have this feature and it allows for a super even cut without missing any spots.

You can read more about it from Hutson, Inc who wrote a long form post just on this topic.

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

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 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