Summer is in full swing, and you’re listening to your neighbor ramble on about acres per hour in his Sears and Roebuck ride-on. But after upgrading your spouse’s car, you’ve decided to compete at a further level, jumping into zero-turn lawn mower ownership. And if your yard is bigger than half an acre, chances are it’ll serve you well for yard maintenance needs. So check out these four John Deere zero-turn mowers to keep those New Balances clean.

1. John Deere Z515E

For the best of the green and yellow, look no further than the Z515E. This John Deere zero-turn mower is available with a 48, 54, or 60-inch deck. It also comes standard with a 24-hp V-twin engine and dual Tuff Torq hydros for propulsion. With a forward speed of 8 mph, it won’t move with speed but with unrivaled confidence through a tall field of ryegrass.

The John Deere Z515E has balanced but excellent side discharging, mulching, cutting evenness, and handling. As for how much this lawn mower will cost you? Priced at just over $4,899, there’s no denying that this zero-turn mower is on the more expensive side of things, but it does come with a four-year, 300-hour bumper-to-bumper warranty.

2. John Deere Z375R-54

The Z375R-54 John Deere zero-turn mower is nothing short of impressive. It has the same Extended Life Series (ELS) engine, but the V-twin is rated at 25 hp. Its one-inch hydro gear axles will provide a top speed of 7 mph, all the while chewing up those rough patches of weeds with the stock 54-inch deck. But all that is accomplished in comfort with a supportive 18-inch back, two-spring suspension seat with armrests, a cup holder, and side and under-seat storage compartments.

Much like the John Deere Z515E, however, the John Deere Z375R-54 is expensive. In fact, this year’s model starts at $3,799, but the manufacturer tags on a two-year, 120-hour bumper-to-bumper warranty. For those in the market for a new zero-turn lawn mower under $3,000, that price tag could be prohibitively expensive. The good news is that there are cheaper options.

3. John Deere Z355E

The Z355E is also among the best John Deere zero-turn mowers—for good reasons, too. With superior side discharging, mulching, cutting evenness, and handling, it will undoubtedly make those hours per acre go by quickly. John Deere’s Z355E provides quality cuts in all three modes and is fitted with a 48-inch Accel Deep deck that has a lever to switch between side discharge and mulching easily.

For $3,299, potential buyers get a 22-hp V-twin ELS engine with a seven mph top speed. It has the same cockpit setup as the Z375R-54 but features a 15-inch seat back instead of the taller 18-inch. The Z355E is suitable for flat terrain with some obstacles and can easily handle up to two acres of backyard bluegrass. To quell maintenance concerns, it has the same two-year, 120-hour manufacturer guarantee.

4. John Deere Z315E

If you’re searching for a John Deere zero-turn mower that’s the best bargain buy, you’re in luck. The Z315E makes for a compelling option. It provides comparable side discharging, mulching, cutting evenness, and handling as the bigger models, but is geared for homeowners that have two acres or less of cutting to manage.

As for how much this lawn mower will cost you? New models start at $3,199. With a 20-hp V-twin, a 42-inch deck, and a standard two-year, 120-hour bumper-to-bumper warranty, this mower makes for an even better deal.

Are John Deere zero-turn mowers the best?

When your neighbor—ol’ Sears and Roebuck—sees your brand-new John Deere zero-turn mower, there will probably be an argument. In the ensuing change, you may yearn to strap on the green and yellow and defend the brand to the end. While much of your shouted rhetoric is filled with things you overheard your dad say when you were a kid, there are some things John Deere zero-turn mowers are known for.

John Deere zero-turn mowers are often considered among the best due to several factors:

1. Reliability: John Deere is known for manufacturing durable and reliable mowers built to last. This reputation for quality has been built over many decades of operation.
2. Performance: They are designed to deliver high-performance cutting with features such as high horsepower engines and precision cutting systems.
3. Versatility: John Deere offers a wide range of zero-turn mowers, providing options for different yard sizes and terrains.
4. Support and Service: The company has a comprehensive network of dealers who can provide after-sales service, maintenance, and access to spare parts. This makes it easier to keep a John Deere zero-turn mower running smoothly for a long time.
5. Innovation: John Deere continually invests in improving and updating its equipment. Many models have features like easy-change oil systems, adjustable seats, and even connectivity options for easy monitoring and maintenance.
6. Resale Value: Due to their quality and reputation, John Deere zero-turn mowers often retain their value well and have a good resale market.

However, it’s important to note that the “best” lawn mower is subjective and not all about acres per hour. It will vary depending on an individual’s specific needs, preferences, and budget. While John Deere is a well-regarded brand, there are many other brands in the market that also produce high-quality mowers, such as Husqvarna, Toro, Honda, and Cub Cadet.