John Deere vs Toro Zero-Turn Mowers: Which One is Better?
Both John Deere and Toro zero-turn mowers offer high power output, solid cutting power, and ergonomic designs to ensure a smooth mowing experience.
Trying to choose between the two lawn mower brands? Our detailed comparison can help!
In this article, we look at a head-to-head comparison of John Deere vs Toro zero-turn mowers by considering metrics such as design, engine power, cutting performance, and warranty.
Ready? Let’s dive right into it:
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.
Toro Brand Overview
Toro is an American firm based in Bloomington, Minnesota.
The company designs, manufactures and markets lawn mowers, snow blowers and irrigation system supplies for agricultural, commercial, residential and public sector use.
Founded in 1914, the Toro Motor Company was established to manufacture engines for an agricultural tractor manufacturer named The Bull Tractor Company.
It has generated a great reputation for its reliability, durability and exceptional mower design.
Toro offers a wide range of lawn mowers such as push lawn mowers, self-propelled mowers, ride-on mowers and mulching mowers.
Key Differences Between John Deere and Toro Zero-Turn Mowers
The key difference between them is that Toro zero turn mowers have larger decks (42-96 inches) and larger fuel tank capacity (3-12 gallons).
On the other hand, John Deere’s zero-turn mowers come with deck sizes that range between 42-62 inches and a fuel tank capacity of 2.1-11.5 gallons.
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 for a powerful mowing operation
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 Z355R 22-HP V-Twin 48-inch Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
The John Deere Z355R is a versatile and efficient zero-turn mower ideal for yards that are up to 2 acres.
It runs on a 22HP V-twin John Deere engine that can provide more torque and power to tackle tough mowing conditions.
The gas-powered mower is equipped with a 48-inch cutting deck that can handle tall grass at faster speeds.
Its 18-inch high back seat with armrests enhances ultimate comfort while mowing.
It can navigate over long, level tracks of land or around shrubs, flower beds and trees.
It has 18 cutting heights that can be adjusted from 1-4 inches to suit your mowing needs.
Other features include a cup holder, anti-scalp wheels, premium handlebars, rubber floor mats and a foot lift.
4. John Deere Z355E 48-in. ZTrak Mower
The zero-turn mower has dual transmissions with 1-inch axles to ensure efficiency and durability.
It is powered by a 22HP V-twin engine for a smooth mowing operation. The fuel tank can be easily located for easy refueling.
The medium back seat with armrests ensures maximum comfort while mowing. Its cutting options range from 1-4 inches for excellent cut quality.
Other features include an hour meter, easy-to-use controls and cup holder.
5. John Deere Z345M Zero-Turn Mower
The John Deere Z345M model 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.
Its foot platform flips up for easy access to the topmost part of the cutting deck for ease of maintenance.
This mowing machine has a heavy-duty formed and welded steel frame for reliability and strength.
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.
Best Toro Zero-Turn Mowers
1. Toro Timecutter 60 in. Fab Deck Zero-Turn Mower
The Toro Timecutter 60” model comes with an impressive 60-inch cutting swath that can tackle big lawns.
Its IronForged Cutting System is designed to produce an even and clean cut on lawns.
The zero-turn mower has a ground speed of 7 MPH in mow mode and 5.5 MPH in tow mode and 4 MPH in trim mode.
The high-back seat with armrests provides maximum comfort and support while mowing.
2. Toro TimeCutter 50 in. IronForged Deck Zero Turn Mower, California Model
The Toro TimeCutter 50 in. model is a durable and sturdy mower perfect for yards with obstacles up to 4 acres.
It comes with a high back seat with armrests to provide ultimate comfort and back support.
The steering is combined with shock-absorbing dampeners to ensure a smooth lawn mowing experience.
The zero-turn mower is equipped with a 50-inch cutting deck for superb grass-cutting performance on lawns.
It has cutting heights that can be adjusted from 1.5-4.5 inches to enable you to cut the grass to an ideal grass height.
Its speed technology allows you to have complete control over your mowing needs.
3. Toro TimeCutter 42 in. Fab Deck MyRIDE Zero-Turn Riding Mower
The Toro TimeCutter 42 in. zero-turn mower comes with a MyRIDE suspension system to absorb bumps caused by rough terrain.
The SmartSpeed technology enables you to have optimal control over your mowing speed and pick your own pace.
It runs on a 23 HP Kawasaki V-twin 726cc engine for a powerful mowing operation.
Its 42-inch fabricated cutting deck is compact enough to navigate in tight areas. In addition, the mower has durable construction for a reliable mowing performance.
Its cutting heights can be adjusted from 1-05-4.5 inches to achieve customized cuts on lawns.
Other features include dual wrap-around levers, shock-absorbing dampeners and deck washout ports.
4. Toro 60 in. Titan Max Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
The Toro zero-turn mower runs on a 26 HP Kohler engine that can get ground speeds up to 9.0 mph.
It comes with a high back seat with armrests to enhance comfort while mowing.
The riding mowing machine is suitable for yards with obstacles that are up to seven acres.
Its blade speed of 19,908 FPM can rip through even the wettest grass while preventing clumping.
It is equipped with a 60-inch cutting deck for efficient mowing on lawns.
Other features include a cup holder, step-through front deck, headlights, tubular steel frame and removable floor pan.
5. Toro Timecutter 54 in. Fab Deck Zero-Turn Mower with MyRide, CARB,75757
The Toro Timecutter 54 in. model features a MyRIDE suspension system to give a comfortable ride on tough terrain.
The deck lift foot assist enables you to mow around obstacles with ease.
It comes with a 54-inch cutting deck to enhance efficient mowing on lawns.
The IronForged cutting deck is made of thicker steel and also ensures even and clean cuts on lawns.
The zero-turn mower is easy to handle thanks to its Smart Speed Technology.
It has a high back seat with armrests to provide padding and back support while mowing.
John Deere vs Toro Zero-Turn Mowers
Here is a well-detailed comparison of John Deere vs Toro lawn mowers:
Design
John Deere zero-turn mowers come with suspension seats with armrests, and cup holders for comfortable mowing operations.
The fully-floating rear and front shock operator platform helps to absorb bumps.
They have dual hydrostatic hydro-gear transmissions with 1-inch axles for power and durability.
Some John Deere mowers such as Z515E and Z345 models come with dual hydrostatic tuff torq with 1-inch axles for power and durability.
Some models like John Deere Z545R and Z530R have LED headlights and retractable seat belts for superb mowing operation.
Other features include a cup holder, dual hydrostatic transmission and 1-inch diameter axles.
On the other hand, Toro zero-turn mowers come with a high-back seat with armrests for comfort and a floor pan for easy access to the top of the cutting deck.
Toro models such as TimeCutter 54 in and 42-inch mowers feature Smart Speed technology which enables you to have maximum control over your mowing speed.
The air filtration system helps to remove dust and dirt.
Other features include a tubular steel frame, rubber discharge chute, automatic parking brake, cup holder and engine guard.
Engine Power
John Deere zero-turn mowers run on John Deere branded engines and branded Kawasaki V-twin engines.
The horsepower ratings of their zero-turn mowers range from 20- 37.4HP.
John Deere’s twin-cylinder engine produces more torque while consuming less fuel and producing less noise and vibration.
Toro lawn mowers run on Honda, ZX, Kohler and Kawasaki engines. The engine power of these zero-turn mowers ranges from 15.5HP-44HP.
This means that Toro zero-turn mowers generate more power output than John Deere’s zero-turn mowing machines.
Cutting Performance
John Deere’s zero-turn mowers come with a deck size that ranges from 42- 62 inches while Toro’s zero-turn mowers have deck sizes that range from 42- 96 inches.
Their zero-turn mowers such as John Deere 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.
They also come with heavy-duty components and steel frames to handle rough terrains.
Toro zero-turn mowers operate efficiently on flat terrain and they can also maneuver well in narrow spaces.
Similar to John Deere’s zero-turn mowers, Toro’s zero-turn mowers can also mow a long plain yard or cut around a tree.
They have a unique Smart Speed control system that allows you to have total control of the mower’s performance while mowing the grass.
Both lawn mowers are ideal for side discharge, mulching and bagging purposes.
Fuel Capacity
The fuel tank capacity of John Deere zero-turn mowers ranges from 2.1 to 11.5 gallons. On the other hand, the fuel tank capacity of Toro zero-turn mowers ranges from 3- 12 gallons.
Warranty
John Deere’s mowers offer a better warranty package of 2-4 years while Toro mowers are backed by a 3-4 warranty service.
Ease of Use
John Deere’s zero-turn mowers have 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.
In addition, their fuel tanks can be easily located for easy refueling.
Toro zero-turn mowers are easy to operate thanks to their smart speed control system.
Some Toro zero-turn models come with an easy height-of-cut adjustment to easily mow through obstacles without having to stop with the deck lift pedal.
Both lawn mower brands have ergonomic seats for comfortable mowing operations.
Cost
John Deere’s zero-turn mowers are between $2,999- $ 28,019 while the cost of Toro mowers ranges from $3099-$39,999.
This means that Toro’s zero-turn mowers are pricier than John Deere’s zero-turn mowers.
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.
Toro Zero-Turn Mowers
Pros:
- Toro zero-turn mowers are durable and long-lasting.
- They are comfortable to use.
- Toro zero-turn mowers can maneuver well in tight spaces.
Cons
- They have traction problems.
- Toro zero-turn mowers may find it difficult to mow on wet terrain.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Both John Deere and Toro brands manufacture mowers that offer comfort, reliability and durability.
After considering their unique features, cutting performance and engine power, we recommend Toro zero-turn mowers because they have larger cutting decks and generate more power output.