Which is the Best John Deere Riding Lawn Mower? (2023)

If you buy something through our posts, we may get a small commission. Read more here.

Share It
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
WhatsApp
Reddit

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.

Premium Option
John Deere S120
Editor’s Choice
John Deere S170
Budget Option
John Deere Z365R Zero-Turn Riding Mower
John Deere S120
John Deere S170
John Deere  Z365R Zero-Turn Riding Mower
• Fit for 2-acre lawns
• Heavy-duty equipment
• Consistent and clean cuts
• Value for money
• Covers up to 2 acres
• Seamless driving and steering experience
• Built for rugged use
• Ideal for standard residential spaces
• Best equipment for novice users
Premium Option
John Deere S120
John Deere S120
• Fit for 2-acre lawns
• Heavy-duty equipment
• Consistent and clean cuts
Editor’s Choice
John Deere S170
John Deere S170
• Value for money
• Covers up to 2 acres
• Seamless driving and steering experience
Budget Option
John Deere Z365R Zero-Turn Riding Mower
John Deere  Z365R Zero-Turn Riding Mower
• Built for rugged use
• Ideal for standard residential spaces
• Best equipment for novice users

Reviews of the Top John Deere Riding Lawn Mowers

1. John Deere S170

John Deere S170

The John Deere S170 is a 48-inch deck heavy-duty lawn tractor, belonging to the 100 series. It is equipped with a powerful 24 HP ELS V-twin engine.

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

What We Don't Like

2. John Deere Z365R Zero-Turn Riding Mower

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

What We Don't Like

3. John Deere S120 42-inch 22 HP V-Twin Gas Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor

John Deere S120

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

What We Don't Like

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

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.           

Robert Johnson is a woodworker who takes joy in sharing his passion for creating to the rest of the world. His brainchild, Sawinery, allowed him to do so as well as connect with other craftsmen. He has since built an enviable workshop for himself and an equally impressive online accomplishment: an extensive resource site serving old timers and novices alike.
Robert Johnson
Related Articles
Join our community on facebook and get 3 woodworking plans for free!