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Is One of the John Deere Zero
Turn Mowers In Your Future?

So you want to see one of those John Deere zero turn mowers parked in your garage huh? Sounds like a good choice. Yet we both know if you poke around a group of guys with ZRTs you'll soon find everyone has their favorites.

But assuming you have your heart set on one of the John Deere zero turn mowers let's see if we can't at least point you in the right direction.

By and large fans of those green and yellow lawn tractors are a loyal lot. They realize you often get what you pay for. And they'd rather pay a little too much perhaps for the quality that goes into a mower with the Deere emblem on it, than not.

Now I think you'll find JD would admit they were a bit late to the residential ZTR mower sweepstakes. So perhaps they've got some catching up to do.

From what I understand in checking with a local dealer, the residential John Deere zero turn mowers have the same drive as their commercial cousins he sells - only they come wrapped in a smaller residential sized package!

And with just a bit of effort you'll quickly figure out that there are three John Deere zero turn mowers aimed at homeowners like you. They are the Z 225, Z 425 and Z 445. Offering the good, better, best options when it comes to ZTRs.

One distinction between the three is each step up gives you a bigger mower deck. You start off at 42 inches and can go as wide as 54 inches with the Z445. I'd just be sure you have the mowing situation that requires that deck width so to justify the investment.

The two better models also offer faster mowing speeds. Deere says you can run them at a ground speed of 8 mph.

The Z225 and Z425 both run Briggs & Stratton engines. With the entry level Z225 offering a single cylinder. While the Z425 packs a V-twin. If you want a coveted Kawasaki V-twin you'll have to step up to the Z445 to have one those under your seat.

Which of these John Deere zero turn mowers is best for you? Can't say. But there is old rule of thumb my dad taught me. Never go with the best and avoid the bottom of the line.