Homeowners and commercial establishments have a lot of land to take care of. Using a riding lawn mower is the most efficient way to cut grass while covering more ground in less time.
The John Deere brand stands out from the rest in the market. Our professional greenkeepers and gardeners have curated the best John Deere riding lawn mowers to serve as your guide.
Reviews of the Top John Deere Riding Lawn Mowers
1. John Deere S170
John Deere S170 is part of its 100 series with a 48-inch deck heavy-duty lawn tractor. It comes with a 24 HP ELS V-twin engine that packs plenty of power.
This John Deere riding lawn mower can handle tough mulching, mowing, and bagging conditions covering up to 2 acres with the help of a reverse threaded mower blades.
Our professionals particularly liked its heavy-duty hydrostatic transmission and side-by-side foot pedals. These unique features added to the enhanced steering experience.
What We Like
- Comfortable seat with armrests
- 48-inch cutting blades with electric engagement
- Better fuel capacity compared with other lawn mowers with similar features
- Easy to use
- Suited for irregular terrains such as steep hills and gopher holes
What We Don't Like
- The push-button reverse may be bothersome
- Need to sharpen the blades before using
2. John Deere Z365R Zero-Turn Riding Mower
The John Deere Z365R Zero-Turn Riding Mower is a ruggedly built machine that can handle any terrain with ease. It’s powered by 24hp Briggs & Stratton engine and comes equipped with two HydroGear EZT transmissions, each capable of propelling 900 pounds. You would hardly encounter a faulty John Deere mower with this material construction and built.
Our professional greenskeepers found this equipment easy to steer, even when going uphill or downhill, and it handled obstacles like trees and signposts with ease.
With its ability to plow through thick, tall grass, this John Deere equipment cuts without any issues. You also have the option of mulching clippings rather than discharging them outside.
What We Like
- High-performance riding mower
- Great entry-level zero-turn lawn mower
- Clean and consistent cuts for 1 to 1.3-acre lawns
- Great value for your money
- Comfortable deck seat
What We Don't Like
- Small gas tank
- Need to prime the engine first before using
3. John Deere S120 42-inch 22 HP V-Twin Gas Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor
The John Deere S120 V-Twin gas hydrostatic lawn tractor is a gas-powered machine with multiple features such as a 42-inch cutting deck, a powerful engine, and an ergonomic design. It has a more powerful engine of 22HP than John Deere S100 tractor with 17.5 HP engine.
Our professional gardeners find this lawn mower ideal for lawns up to two acres in size. It can handle different types of terrain and has a turf-friendly design that won’t damage your property.
What We Like
- Sturdy steel frame with 13 cutting options
- Adjustable seat up to 10 positions for a more comfortable mowing experience
- Easy to maintain, needing only 30-seconds to change the oil
- The fuel gauge is easy to read
- Ease of use with cruise control features for effortless driving
What We Don't Like
- May encounter some issues with the deck belt
- Changing oil may require more time to accomplish
John Deere Riding Lawn Mowers Buyer's Guide
Engine Power
John Deere riding lawn mowers usually have 16 to 24 horsepower (HP).
For lawns between half an acre to one acre, we recommend engines with 18 to 20 HP. Larger yards of more than an acre require a mower with a 22 to 24 HP engine.
Maneuverability
Our professional gardeners and greenskeepers agree that John Deere’s equipment is easy to maneuver, especially if you charge the lawn mower battery properly. Most of their mowers have a tight turning radius that allows you to make sharp turns without damaging your lawn. Furthermore, some John Deere zero turn mower units include an AC cab to keep you cool while mowing.
Performance and Efficiency
We find John Deere riding lawn mowers are highly efficient in cutting through thick grass even its 30-inch riding lawn mower models. They have a deep-cut deck that can easily mulch or bag the clippings.
FAQ
What is the best series of John Deere tractors?
The best John Deere tractor series are the 100 series. Most models from this series feature a 42-inch deck and an 18 to 20 HP [1] engine, ideal for lawns up to one acre in size fit for standard residential yards.
Our Top Pick For a John Deere Riding Lawn Mower: John Deere S170
From our extensive use of each model curated in this list, our professionals hail the John Deere S170 as the best John Deere riding lawn mower. It’s a great entry-level riding lawn mower that doesn’t sacrifice performance or comfort.
Overall, the S170 is a high-performance machine that can easily handle any lawn.
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