John Deere vs Husqvarna Lawn Mowers: Which One Should You Buy?
Both John Deere and Husqvarna brands have been on the market for a long time and they manufacture efficient and durable lawn mowers.
Trying to choose between the two mowing machines? Our well-detailed John Deere vs Husqvarna lawn mowers comparison article can help.
In this article, we look at a head-to-head comparison of the two lawn mowers by evaluating metrics such as design, cutting performance, warranty and ease of use options.
John Deere Brand Overview
John Deere is the brand name of Deere & Company, an American firm that produces heavy equipment, forestry machinery, agricultural machinery, diesel engines and other lawn care equipment.
The company was founded in 1837 and has its headquarters in Moline, Illinois.
John Deere is well-known for its durability, exceptional mower design and excellent customer service.
With more than fifty years of manufacturing riding lawn mowers, John Deere has sold millions of outdoor equipment and these tools have played an important role in lawn maintenance.
Husqvarna Brand Overview
The Husqvarna Group is a Swedish manufacturer of outdoor power products such as garden tractors, lawn mowers, brush cutters, cultivators, trimmers and chainsaws. The company was founded in 1689 in Sweden.
Their product line is among the most reliable and durable brands available on the market.
Husqvarna produces different lawn mower models such as riding, zero-turn, push, robotic and self-propelled mowers. Husqvarna also owns Gardena, Flymo Klippo, RedMax and PoulanPro brands.
Key Differences Between John Deere And Husqvarna Lawn Mowers
The main difference between them is that John Deere mowers generate more power output while Husqvarna mowers have a wider range of cutting decks (21-72 inches).
Best John Deere Lawn Mowers
1. John Deere Z530R 24-HP V-Twin Dual Hydrostatic 60-inch Zero-Turn Mower
The John Deere Z530R runs on a 24 HP John Deere Branded Kawasaki V-twin engine for a powerful mowing operation.
The 60-inch triple-blade high-capacity mower deck enhances efficient mowing on medium and large-sized yards.
It comes with LED headlights to provide ultimate vision in dark and low-light conditions.
Other features include rollover protective structure (ROPS), retractable seat belt, 22.5-in cut and sewn seat with armrest and cup holder.
2. John Deere Z515E ZTrak 24-HP V-Twin Dual Hydrostatic 54-in Zero-Turn Mower
The John Deere Z515E is a sturdy and durable zero-turn mower perfect for yards that are up to 2 acres.
It runs on a 24HP V-Twin John Deere ELS engine to tackle tough mowing conditions.
The 54-inch triple Accel Deep mower deck has enough capacity to mow tall grass at faster speeds.
It has 18 cutting heights that can be adjusted from 1-4 inches to suit your varying needs.
Its 18-in back suspension seat with armrests ensures ultimate comfort while mowing.
Other features include a retractable seat belt, anti-scalp wheels, cup holder and dual hydrostatic transmission.
3. John Deere Z345M Zero-Turn Mower
The John Deere Z345M zero-turn mower comes with a 42-inch cutting deck that delivers an excellent cut quality at higher mowing speeds.
It runs on a 22HP V-Twin John Deere branded engine for a smooth and powerful mowing operation.
The gas-powered mower features an 18-inch high back seat for maximum comfort while the foot platform flips up for easy access to the topmost part of the cutting deck for ease of maintenance.
This mowing machine features a heavy-duty formed and welded steel frame for reliability.
The Z345M model has 18 cutting positions which can be adjusted from 1-4 inches to suit your mowing needs.
Other features include a cup holder, hour meter, dual EZT transmissions and large 18-inch drive tires.
4. John Deere W36R Commercial Walk-Behind Mower
The W36R model comes with a 36-inch float mower deck for excellent cutting performance on lawns.
The walk-behind mower is comfortable to use thanks to its easy-to-use controls.
It runs on a 14.5HP FS481V V-twin engine to help deliver smooth operation and maximum power.
The mower has a compact design with a strong welded frame for increased durability. Its self-propelled drive system offers infinite mowing speeds.
Homeowners can make use of an optional grass catcher to enhance an easy collection of grass and leaves.
In addition, an optional mulching attachment helps to restore nutrients to the soil.
The hour meter simplifies routine maintenance tasks. Its cutting options range from 1.5-4.5 inches for excellent cut quality.
5. John Deere W48M Commercial Walk-Behind Mower
The walk-behind mower has a self-propelled drive system to provide infinite mowing speeds.
Its easy-to-use controls ensure convenient mowing operations.
The W48M model features a 48-inch floating mower deck to offer excellent cut quality.
You can use an optional grass catcher for easy collection of leaves and grass. It comes with a sturdy welded frame for increased durability.
The gas-powered mower has a forward speed of 6.5 mph and a reverse speed of 3 mph. Its cutting heights can be adjusted from 1.5-4.5 inches to suit your varying needs.
It is powered by a 14.5HP FS481V engine to ensure a smooth mowing operation.
Other features include an hour meter, ergonomic handles and electronic/recoil start.
Best Husqvarna Lawn Mowers
1. Husqvarna Z254 26 HP V-Twin Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Mower
The Husqvarna Z254 comes with a robust frame and casters to ensure durability and reduced chassis flex.
The air induction mowing technology allows air to be drawn from the top and bottom of the mower deck to improve grass lift and superior cuts on lawns.
Its removable footplate enhances easy access to the top of the deck. The zero-turn mower runs on a 26 HP Kohler engine for a powerful operation.
It has a 54-inch cutting deck that ensures efficient mowing on medium and large-sized yards.
2. Husqvarna Z248F 48 in. 21.5 HP Kawasaki Zero-Turn Mower
The Husqvarna Z248F is equipped with a high back seat for comfortable mowing operations.
Its anti-scalping wheels reduce the risk of lawn scalping while the removable foot pan ensures easy access to the top of the mower deck.
The zero-turn mower is powered by a 21.5 HP Kawasaki engine for a smooth mowing operation while the LED headlights ensure safer operation in low-light or dark conditions.
Its 48-inch mower deck enhances excellent cutting performance on medium and large-sized yards.
3. Husqvarna Z142 42-inch 17HP Zero-Turn Mower
The Husqvarna Z142 comes with a convenient deck lift system that is spring assisted for easy mowing operation.
The 17HP Kohler engine has commercial-grade construction and quality components for long life and reliable mowing performance.
It has a 42-inch cutting deck which is best suited for homeowners with small to mid acreage.
Its rubber bellows help to prevent moisture and debris from gaining access to the control system.
4. Husqvarna YTH18542 42 in. 18.5HP Hydrostatic Riding Mower
The riding lawn mower runs on an 18.5HP Briggs and Stratton Intek engine for a powerful mowing operation.
It features LED headlights for ultimate vision while mowing in low light or dark conditions.
The YTH18542 model has an adjustable sliding seat to help optimize operator position. Its 42-inch cutting deck enhances efficient mowing on lawns.
The 16-inch turn radius enables you to mow in tighter spaces and navigate around obstacles.
Its air induction mowing technology improves grass lift while the dual anti-scalp wheels reduce the risk of lawn scalping.
The gas-powered mower supports a host of accessories such as a 6-bushel twin bagger, mulching kit, manual snow blower, tire chains and tow-behind spreader.
5. Husqvarna Automower 115H
The Husqvarna 115H automower is extremely discreet and quiet. The robot lawn mower comes with large coarse-tread wheels to ensure excellent traction on lawns.
It can handle slopes that are up to 30 percent. The noise-reducing motor design ensures a quiet mower operation.
It is weatherproof which means that it can work at any time regardless of the weather conditions.
The 115H model comes with a deck size of 8.7 inches that can handle yards that are up to 0.4 acres. It is powered by a 2Ah Li-ion battery that provides a 60-minute runtime.
Its cutting options can be adjusted from 0.8-2.4 inches. The Bluetooth-powered Automower Connect @Home enables you to control the mower with just a few finger taps.
John Deere vs Husqvarna Lawn Mowers
Here is a well-detailed comparison of John Deere vs Husqvarna lawn mowers:
Design
John Deere commercial walk-behind mowers such as W52R and W61R models have easy-to-use controls for operator comfort and fabricated floating mower decks to ensure a high-quality cut.
Some John Deere walk-behind mowers have a self-propelled drive system to provide infinite mowing speeds. In addition, the hour meter simplifies routine maintenance tasks.
Their zero-turn mowers come with suspension seats with armrests, and cup holders for comfortable mowing operations.
They have dual hydrostatic hydro-gear transmissions with 1-inch axles for power and durability. The rollover protection structure provides operator protection.
Some John Deere mowers such as Z515E and Z345 models come with dual hydrostatic tuff torq with 1-inch axles for power and durability.
Models like John Deere Z545R and Z530R have LED headlights and retractable seat belts for superb mowing operation.
On the other hand, some Husqvarna walk-behind mowers have a deck washout port for easy cleaning of the deck’s underside and auto choke system for easy starting.
Husqvarna robotic mowers are equipped with large coarse-tread wheels, lift and tilt sensors, Automower Connect app, and the Spot Cutting feature.
Their Husqvarna zero-turn mowers have a high back seat with padded armrests, vibration dampeners, and foam hand grips for maximum comfort.
The air induction mowing technology draws air from the deck to ensure superior cuts on lawns.
Other features include a removable foot pan, rugged frame and casters, anti-scalping wheels, and an hour meter.
Power
John Deere mowers run on John Deere branded engines and branded Kawasaki V-twin engines.
The horsepower ratings of their walk-behind mowers range from 14.5 HP- 25HP while their zero-turn mowers range from 20- 37.4HP.
Husqvarna zero-turn mowers run on Kohler, Kawasaki, Yamaha and Briggs and Stratton engines. Notable Husqvarna walk-behind mowers have 160cc-190cc engines.
The horsepower ratings of their zero-turn mowers range from 17HP to 31 HP.
Their robot mowers such as Husqvarna Automower 115H and 430XH are battery-powered.
Cutting Performance
John Deere’s lawn mowers come with a deck size that ranges from 36- 62 inches while Husqvarna lawn mowers come with a deck size that ranges from 21-72 inches.
Going by this, Husqvarna lawn mowers have a wider range of deck sizes.
John Deere mowers such as Z345R and Z355E models have 18 cutting heights that can be adjusted from 1 to 4 inches.
John Deere zero-turn mowers can easily maneuver around level tracks of land, trees, shrubs or flower beds.
Some Husqvarna zero-turn mowers such as Z254 and Z248F models have six cutting heights while the MZ61 model comes with 12 cutting positions.
This shows that most John Deere zero-turn mowers offer more cutting flexibility than their counterpart.
Husqvarna riding mowers have a smaller turn radius than John. In addition, John Deere mowers mow with a greater level of precision than Husqvarna lawn mowers.
They are both ideal for side discharge, mulching, and bagging purposes (mulching and bag kits are sold separately).
Fuel Capacity
The fuel tank capacity of John Deere mowers ranges from 2.1 to 11.5 gallons.
Similar to Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers Husqvarna zero-turn mowers such as Husqvarna Z254, Z254F and Z142 come with a fuel tank capacity that ranges from 3.5 gallons.
Husqvarna zero-turn Z572X has 12 gallons of fuel capacity for all-day cutting capability.
Warranty
John Deere’s mowers offer a better warranty package of 2-4 years while Husqvarna’s zero-turn mowers are backed by a 3-5-year warranty.
Ease of Use
Both John Deere and Husqvarna mowers have the technology to ensure comfortable mowing operations.
John Deere’s zero-turn mowers feature easy-to-use control panels for easy mowing operations.
The lap bar panels allow users to adjust the speed settings of the mower while its color-coded controls are for easy identification.
Husqvarna zero-turn mowers also feature a removable floor pan for easy access to the top of the deck while the convenient deck lift system is spring assisted for easy mowing operations.
Other features such as anti-slip foot area, ergonomic control panel, vibration dampeners, and foam-padded hand grips for comfort.
Cost
John Deere mowers are between $2,999- $ 28,019 while Husqvarna mowers are between $250- $14,599.
Pros and Cons
John Deere Zero-Turn Mowers
Pros:
- John Deere’s zero-turn mowers are reliable and durable.
- They are built with a good tuff-torq transmission.
- John Deere zero-turn mowers ensure easy and convenient operation.
Cons
- They are a bit pricey.
- Some of their models such as Z345M and Z335E mowers have a small fuel tank.
Husqvarna Lawn Mowers
Pros:
- Husqvarna zero-turn mowers work well on thick grass and hilly areas.
- They are durable and efficient.
- Husqvarna zero-turn mowers come with a cooling system that can work at an optimal temperature during hot days.
Cons
- Some users complained about expensive transmission repairs.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
John Deere and Husqvarna lawn mowers are well-liked for their durability, efficiency, and versatility. They are almost tied in terms of quality and performance.
It’s a difficult choice but we recommend Husqvarna lawn mowers because they have a wider range of cutting decks.