Japanese lawn mower brands. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions about Power Equipment and our Company.

About B T South

B T South is a locally owned and operated family business.

The products we offer and service include:Zero Turn Mowers from TORO and SPARTANBlowers, Trimmers Chainsaws from STIHLFlex Frame Tractors from VENTRAC

B T South is a STIHL ELITE Dealer, a TORO Master Service Center and an Authorized Service Center for SPARTAN and VENTRAC.

Why buy from B T South instead of a Big Box store?

Selection. Big box stores usually stock the 3 to 6 models in a mower brand that can best sell themselves. At B T South the entire Toro line is available to you. That means about 80 different TORO zero turn mower models available to you. We typically stock around 50 unique TORO zero turn models.

Knowledge. With all these models to choose from you may be looking for someone who can point out the differences and pros cons. Because we specialize in power equipment we are prepared to provide you with the information you are looking for to help you make an informed decision to meet your needs.

5 Common Interview Questions and How to Answer Them Correctly ��

Service. We not only sell these products, we service them, we carry parts, and we fulfill the manufacturer’s warranty when needed. With over a hundred thousand dollars worth of parts on the shelf combined with skilled technicians and a knowledgeable helpful staff, we are prepared to take care of our customers. On most of the riding equipment we sell we offer ASAPS, our priority service program which basically gives you a break in line free card at our service department for fast turn around time.

Price finance options. While we have more to offer, we don’t ask you to pay more, you will find we have the same low as the the big box store. If you find an exception, please bring it to our attention. We offer very competitive finance options on riding products as low as 0%. Please ask us for details and current promotions.

Who we are. As a locally owned conservative family business, we hope to be the kind of business you want to patronize. If you value having a local parts service center for your equipment then help ensure that these small businesses remain in the community by rewarding them with your purchases.

We mean no disrespect to the big box store corporations. With the hundreds of thousands of products and brands they offer from doors Windows to paint caulk, shrubs trees, bird feed rat poison, to lawn mowers rental equipment, it is a marvel that they are able to do their job as well as they do. Fortunately our FOCUS can be much narrower, allowing us to have a deeper offering of products, knowledge, parts and services pertaining to power equipment.

What is ASAPS?

Even if ASAPS was not included in your original purchase, you can still add it later. ASAPS assures B T South will: Allocate Service: Make room for your equipment even during our busiest season. Priority Service: give your equipment priority over other equipment making it move through our service queue faster.‍QA:Can ASAPS be purchased separately for TORO Z’s that were not purchased at B T South?YES (see the pricing chart below)

Using a Japanese Lawn Mower | Cutting the grass

Does ASAPS expire?No, Not as long as you own the equipment and we remain an authorized dealer / service center for the equipment.

How fast is the turn around time for ASAPS machines?It does vary some with how complex the job is and how quickly mowers are coming our door. Our goal, which we usually meet, is for ASAPS Landscape Contractor to be here no more than 3 work days and for ASAPS consumer equipment to be here no more than a week.

Are all ASAPS machines treated with equal priority? No, our service queue algorithm takes into account ASAPS status as well as other factors, some of which are: How long the machine has been waiting in queue. How old the machine is and whether it is still in its warranty period The equipment’s build quality level eg. commercial vs mid-grade vs consumer.

The cost of ASAPS ranges from 350 to 660‍

Which Engine Should I Choose for my Zero Turn Mower

We get asked all the time which engine is best. Or just as often for confirmation that a brand is the best. (eg. “Brand X” is the best right?)

If I were to ask you, “is Chevrolet the best choice?” it would be hard to answer without knowing which Chevrolet we are talking about. There is a world of difference between a Corvette and a Chevette, yet they are both Chevrolet.

It’s much the same in the engine world. When we are talking about the very best each company has to offer, they are all solid commercial engines that are extremely unlikely to disappoint. These top model engines include:

Briggs Stratton Vanguard Kawasaki FX KOHLER Command Pro TORO ZX‍If all these companies can make a great engine then why does Kawasaki’s reputation seem to be so favorable and Briggs Stratton’s reputation poor?

The difference is where they draw the line at the bottom of price and quality. Kawasaki’s bottom is their FR model which is a high end residential engine. Briggs Stratton on the other hand will build an engine for almost any budget and it’s the cheapest lowest quality models that they tend to sell in the greatest volume and end up hurting their reputation.

Because we often have customers walk in the door and say literally, don’t show me anything with a Briggs engine we are hesitant to carry Briggs powered Z’s unless it is their very best, the Briggs Stratton Vanguard. Most of the mowers we stock are powered by a Vanguard, Kawasaki, KOHLER, or TORO engine. ‍ KAWASAKI: The FX series is their best and also the model you will see the most of in the Toro line. The FT FS series are also commercial, just not their very best. The FR is their high end residential engine which is basically a cheapened version of the FS, and still a very solid engine. ‍ KOHLER: The Command series is their best and many of the Command models have hydraulic lifters (no valve adjustments needed) and closed loop fuel injection (/- 25% fuel savings). Under the Command is the ZT (Confidant) which is also commercial just not their very best. Then the 7000 PRO mid-grade engine 7000 consumer engine which has proven to be a reliable consumer engine and shares many of the same core components found in the ZT. Below that is the Kohler Courage which has a poor reputation mostly due to the single cylinder versions, many of which had problems years ago.

TORO: Most people don’t think of TORO as an engine company. But in fact they were founded for the sole purpose of building engines and later got into the mower business. Along the way they’ve manufactured many types of equipment even including cannons and maritime mechanical parts for World Wars I II. They have quite a few small engines for Walk Power Mowers Snow Blowers but just two core designs for Zero Turn Mowers. The TORO SX is a 16HP consumer engine that has proven to be reliable after several years on the market.

In 2015 TORO released the ZX engine which has become the most widely used engine in the Toro Z lineup. B T South has sold over 1400 pieces of equipment powered by this commercial engine and its outstanding performance has pushed it into the same league with other top tier engines. There are three versions of the ZX, a 22.5HP version, a 24.5HP version, and a 24.5HP with a canister air filtration system. All three are the same core engine but have different carburetors and air filter components. Read more about the TORO ZX Engine’s features at this link.

The biggest advantage the TORO V-Twin has over other top tier engines is that TORO can have it produced less expensively than buying similar quality engines from Kohler and Kawasaki which frees up dollars to offer a lower mower price or to invest that savings in making the mower better in other areas like the frame, deck, spindles and tires. Part of the manufacturer’s cost of an engine is the cost of standing behind the warranty. That cost is clearly very small for TORO as we see them continuing to offer longer warranties than competing engines of up to 5 years.

We often get asked if the TORO V-Twin is a re-branded Kohler, Kawasaki or Brigggs. It is not. Toro developed and tested this engine’s design for their own use. TORO has it produced by an industrial machining company to meet their exact design and standards. TORO calls it the TORO V-Twin. Exmark calls it the Exmark V-Twin and you might see it used by some of TORO’s other brands as well.

What about Honda? Honda is a major player in the single cylinder engine market for products such as walk behind mowers and other small power equipment. But for whatever reason, their larger twin cylinder engines, which are a size more suitable for riding products, have just never caught on and are not prevalent in our industry.‍ Engine Life: First, realize that a big part of an engine’s life is maintenance. In particular changing the oil, changing the air filter, and cleaning debris from the engine as needed to allow it to properly cool. Also very important is proper fuel management and using the correct engine oil, as most automotive oils manufactured after 2009 do not meet the specifications for air cooled engines resulting in higher operating temperatures and reduced engine life. Commercial engines are of course designed to last for more hours of use, but even good consumer engines can last for decades when maintained well and not used excessively.

Likelihood of manufacturing or design defect. Every manufacturer has an occasional problematic model or defective unit. Kohler for example had issues with its early models of the Courage engine, the single cylinder model in particular. Kawasaki had inexplicable problems with some of the early models of the water cooled FD series. Toro, while I don’t recall a problematic engine from them, their 300 Series Z-Master was a problematic mower. The point being, even the best of the best companies are not perfect. All three of these manufacturers make solid products that are very reliable for the overwhelming majority of their customers. At B T South we are very selective about the products and manufacturers we choose to carry because in the event there is a problem, the customer comes to us for a solution. We are not like the big box store where they just hand you an 800 # to get rid of you. It is a rare and unusual situation that we would have to send someone out the door for a solution somewhere else. Our business model is to sell quality products that work and to be able to provide any needed parts, service and warranty in our store.‍ In the event of an engine defect, how will the manufacturer stand behind the product. When it comes to warranties you can count on most manufacturers to step up and take care of the problem when there is a clear “black and white” defect. Unfortunately there is a lot of potential for gray area in warranty coverage. One of the things I admire about Toro and Kohler is their traditional American customer service attitude. They understand the customer paid for their quality product and even in the gray areas are typically willing to step up to get things right in situations where other manufacturers would not. When they have a known defect they admit it, and in such case often help the customer even beyond the expiration of the warranty. Of course if there is evidence a failure was caused by abuse or lack of maintenance then we need not expect the manufacturer to be responsible. Many of the other manufacturers of engines and of lawn mowers don’t tend to be so generous. Japanese companies in particular tend to be resistant to admitting problems and hence taking responsibility for failures. Years ago when when Honda lengthened their warranty by an additional year, there was a spoof document sent around among dealers as a practical joke that said “Good News! your Honda warranty claims will now be denied for an additional year” That of course is not true. Honda certainly does approve some warranty claims, but there is a grain of truth in most jokes including this one. And the grain of truth is that with some companies it feels like the customer is guilty until proven innocent and that we have to fight tooth and nail to get the manufacturer to step up.‍ Is the Engine the most important part of selecting a good Zero Turn? While the engine is a very important part of a lawnmower, it takes more than just a good engine to make a good lawnmower. Like quality hydraulic components for smooth operation and long life. A rigid mowing deck built heavy enough to stand years of rust and impacts. A mower frame strong enough not to break or warp. And there are qualities that can’t easily be measured by numbers, like weight distribution balanced to optimize traction, maneuverability and hillside stability. Deck aerodynamics to maximize cut quality and clean cutting speed. Expensive quality components alone don’t assure performance. Some manufacturers try to employ one or two quality components or brand names that are popular on shopper’s check lists and then skimp on quality in other areas compromising overall performance and longevity.

In general, a better mower can be built with more money, but to get the most bang for your buck means to balance the expensive components to meet a budget and combine those components with sophisticated engineering to maximize performance. The reason we’ve chosen Toro as the core brand of our business even after being offered more than twenty-two competing brands is because Toro brings the most bang for the buck in a wide array of different budget levels. The TORO ZX engine is a good example of how TORO has been able to bring more value. This ZX engine brings the commercial feature set of a top tier engine without the top tier price.

Maximizing performance per dollar along with industry leading support after the sale and long term parts availability is how Toro has become the most trusted brand in the industry. View the current Toro Z lineup at this link.

THE TORO ZX V-TWIN Commercial Engine

We are now in year 8 with the TORO ZX and have become very confident in this engine at B T South after having sold over 2000 pieces of equipment power by the ZX. It’s key features include:‍ Two Barrel Metal Alloy Carburetor 3 Ring Automotive Style Pistons Cast Iron Sleeved Cylinders 5 Bolt Heads Gaskets on all Engine Seams (in lieu of silicone cement) Cross Drilled Oil Sump Webbing. Allows more complete draining during oil change Pressurized Lubrication with spin on oil filter Easy Oil Change System. No tools required to change oil Two Stage Air Filtration w/Self cleaning feature to extend air filter life Cast Alloy Valve Covers Cast Alloy Intake Manifold Manufacturer Warranty: Varies based on host machine and maintenance kit promotion participation. Up to 4 Years / 750 Hours Commercial Use. ‍The TORO ZX 708cc 24.5 HP V-Twin Engine hit the market in Spring of 2015. In 2017 a 22.5 HP version was released which was the same engine with a different carburetor. In 2018 a 24.5 HP version with canister air filtration was released as well as a canister upgrade kit available for the other models. The canister air filter does not filter air any better, but it allows longer service intervals between filter changes which is popular with commercial landscapers who quickly put a lot of hours on their equipment.

These excellent engines continue to be offered across the TimeCutter, Titan Z-Master lines.‍We have become extremely confident in this engine as they can last thousands of hours. Not only are we seeing this success for customers that regularly change their oil and maintain the engine as we recommend. But we are quite frankly amazed by the engines still running past 1000 hours for engine abusive customers that tell us maybe next time when we recommend changing filthy oil and soiled air filters. We conclude its durability is on par with other top tier engines like the Kawasaki FX and Kohler Command Pro.

What are the advantages of a Zero Turn mower over a Riding Tractor mower?

The advantages a Zero Turn brings are significant advances in Productivity and Quality of Cut.‍Customer testimony: When we speak with new Z owners about how their Zero Turn compares to their previous lawn tractor we typically get the following feedback: It has cut their time by half to two thirds. (what took 3 hours with the riding tractor is now taking between 60 and 90 minutes) The quality of cut is smoother and cleaner. The ride quality is rougher. ‍How and Why is the cut time faster, the quality of cut better and the operator’s ride quality worse?‍Let’s start with the Cut Pattern. With a tractor, most people mow in circles which is inherently inefficient, as is all the backing up and turnarounds required to do a line pattern with a typical tractor. A zero turn is naturally efficient to cut a line pattern as turnarounds are quick. By mowing in straight lines the deck is cutting cleaner and more efficiently allowing faster clean cutting speeds. You may have noticed when cutting with a tractor in a circle pattern, it is in the turns that sprigs and cut quality are at their worst. Cutting in straight lines makes it easy to keep the deck over uncut grass more of the time. When mowing in circles the operator is constantly having to look for the edge between cut and uncut grass, constantly making adjustments and often finding the tractor will not turn tight enough to follow the edge, resulting in wasted time mowing over grass that has already been cut. Mowing a line pattern it takes very little concentration to keep the mower on its straight line course. Even in the summer when the grass is thin and it’s hard to see the edge of the cut grass except from a distance you can still site the straight line from a distance and know exactly where you are supposed to be even though you can’t see the line immediately in front of the mower. The line pattern, quick efficient turnarounds and increased clean cutting speed drastically reduce your cut time while requiring little concentration or mental fatigue from the operator. Sometimes it is assumed that if you are mowing wide open space with no trees or obstacles that there would be little benefit to having a zero turn. That’s not the case at all, the faster cutting speeds of a zero turn can be even better utilized in those wide open spaces.‍Then there is Cut Quality. We already talked about cleaner cutting due to cutting a line pattern, but there is more. A front engine riding tractor has a pivoting front axle. This means if there is a high spot that passes under one of your front wheels then the axle will tilt to accommodate the contour, however the deck will not follow this change in angle of the front axle which will result in scalping. But with most zero turns and all TORO zero turns they have a Fixed Frame meaning when a front wheel rolls over a high spot, it lifts not just the front axle but the whole mower including the deck. This greatly reduces scalping issues leading to significantly better cut quality. ‍Blade Tip Speed is also part of the productivity and quality of cut equation. There is a law of diminishing returns at play in blade tip speed that results in an ideal blade speed of between 18,000 and 19,000 feet per minute. That’s about 205 to 215 miles per hour. Most zero turns and all Toro zero turns are engineered to perform in this range while most riding tractor blade tip speeds are significantly slower.‍Ride Quality is mostly about operator comfort but it can also become a productivity issue if you are having to slow down because of the rough ride. Just like driving a car across a pothole or traffic bump, the faster you go the more it is going to jar you, and the same is true when going faster on a mower. We regularly hear from customers that they love the increased speed and cut quality of their new zero turn but it is beating them to death. The best solution to this Poor Ride Quality is TORO’s MyRIDE Operator Suspension System. It would take a lot of words to explain exactly what it is, but let’s just say you owe it to yourself to sit on a mower with this MyRIDE feature before making a buying decision. It is game changing comfort at a fraction of the price of back surgery. ‍What about Hills and Slopes. Riding tractors and zero turns have two entirely different problems when traversing across slopes. Because of the riding tractor’s pivoting front axle under the engine, this puts the pivoting point for this heaviest end of the machine right in the middle under the engine. If instead the front axle were fixed perpendicular to the engine then the pivoting point would be the down hill edge of the front downhill tire and it would not roll so easily, but that would lead to traction issues in the rear on uneven ground which is why front engine rider front axles are always designed to pivot. Zero Turns on the other hand have the engine and drive tires on the same end of the machine which allows the frame to be fixed without creating traction issues. This makes the typical zero turn mower very resistant to rolling on its side, much more so than the typical riding tractor. However, a zero turn has a new problem on hills that tractors don’t. That problem is steering. With a riding tractor the operator can change the angle of the front wheels (via the steering wheel) to pull the front of the tractor up the hill.

With a zero turn you wield the nose of the machine with leverage from the rear of the machine. This is very similar to the way you wield the nose of a grocery cart with leverage on the grocery cart handle. Imagine for a moment if you were pushing a grocery cart along a sidewalk that was sloped to the right. If you pushed equally on both sides of the handle then the grocery cart would run off the sidewalk to the right side. To make it stay on the sidewalk you would need to push harder on the right (downhill) side and may even need to pull back some on the left (uphill) side. Something you would do without even thinking about it is to spread your hands apart as far as possible to give you more leverage to more easily steer the grocery cart.

With a zero turn mower, the equivalent to spreading your hands apart on the grocery cart handle is spreading the rear tires further apart. This is why narrower zero turns, like a 32, are pathetic at handling hills. 42 machines tend to be mediocre on hills, and 48 machines tend to be excellent. There are some other factors, like having a lower center of gravity and bigger tires. Another factor is how slippery the turf is. A zero turn mower always has better traction when the turf is dry and therefore challenging areas should be mowed when traction conditions are at their best, not first thing in the morning when there is dew on the grass. ‍What about towing yard equipment. It is not unusual for customers to tell us they thought zero turn mowers were not supposed to be used to tow. The overwhelming majority of TORO zero turns include a towing hitch and those that don’t include it already, have one available as an accessory. These mowers and hitches are appropriate for towing typical yard implements like aerators, yard trailers, etc. Like anything they have their limits and you shouldn’t be launching boats with your lawnmower. ‍Learning to Drive a Zero Turn is sometimes a concern to riding mower owners considering the upgrade to a Z. Let me start by saying that if you were to pluck a person from a 3rd world country who had never driven any vehicle or equipment, then there is no doubt it would be far easier for them to learn to drive a zero turn than a riding tractor. But of course here in our world we have driven steering wheel equipment for years and years and a steering wheel is second nature to us. Another thing that is second nature to us is the operation of a grocery cart. Navigating a zero turn is done with two control bars. Using these left and right control bars is nearly perfectly mimicked by the controlling of a grocery cart with the pushing and pulling that we do on the left and right side of a grocery cart handle. We have taught hundreds of new users to drive a zero turn in our warehouse and most become comfortable with the controls in just a few minutes. One notable customer was a woman in her late 80’s who loved mowing her yard but had lost much of the use of her feet and legs and was no longer able to safely operate a riding tractor. Within a couple of minutes she was comfortable on the zero turn and grinning from ear to ear because she could now mow again without needing to push any pedals. Our experience has been that anyone who wants to learn to drive a zero turn can easily learn.‍There is more to mower performance than just cut width and horsepower. At the time of this writing Toro offers a 24.5 HP 50” cut mower for under 3,000 and also offers a 20.5HP 48” cut for over 8,000. Most of what you pay for in a mower comes down to durability, performance, and operator comfort. The needed durability for a mower that is going to be used once a week to cut one yard is completely different from a mower that is going to be used all day every day. Spending a couple extra thousand dollars to tweak out 30% more performance probably isn’t worth it for the homeowner that would be looking at reducing a 30 minute cut to a 20 minute cut. But for the contractor that can take on another 15 yards because of the time saved, or can take an extra day off because of the time saved, well now that’s worth a couple of thousand extra dollars. There are many crucial parts to a mower’s function. But perhaps the most important variance from one mower to the next is the cutting deck, as this is where the job is done, where tall grass becomes short, where clippings are mulched, where grass clogs and clumps, or does not clog and clump, where sprigs are left standing or not. Many companies build frames with engines and wheels that travel. Few companies specialize in the science and technology of cutting blades of grass cleanly and efficiently. At Toro this is exactly their game. They don’t build farm tractors, they don’t build bulldozers, their FOCUS is turf grass.‍One of the advantages of dealing with a company like Toro that offers so many models of zero turns and a dealer like us that stocks the 45 most popular models is that it allows you to see the differences for yourself to help figure out what features matter to you. We can point out the differences from one mower to the next and answer your questions to help you make a well educated purchase, which we hope will be from us, but either way it will be our pleasure to have a helpful and respectful conversation with you.

Why doesn’t B T South carry more brands?

At B T South we look for the brands that we would buy ourselves if we were shopping for a product in the category.

TORO Zero Turn Mowers SPARTAN Zero Turn Mowers STIHL Hand Held Products VENTRAC Flex Frame Tractors

These companies are strong and industry leading brands. In our 20 years in business, we have been offered 25 different brands of zero turn mowers, several brands of hand held equipment and numerous compact tractors. If you study the brands we offer against the competition we think you will likely come to the same conclusions we did about which ones to buy. We do occasionally cherry pick other lines for unique products that are not offered in our core brands, but we try to limit the number of brands we carry so that our FOCUS on support and parts is not diluted.

What is MyRIDE and who needs it?

MyRIDE is an operator suspension platform first released by TORO in 2015. It was developed to address the common complaint that zero turn mowers ride rough. This because zero turn mowers mowers travel twice or more times as fast as typical riding mowers. Just like traveling across a speed bump or a pothole in a car, the faster you travel the greater the shock.

It is not uncommon for new Z customers to tell us that their yard seemed smooth with their previous riding tractor mower but now it seems very rough with the zero turn. MyRIDE delivers game changing smooth comfort.

MyRIDE does not require maintenance. At the time of this writing, 8 years since the release of MyRIDE, we have sold nearly a thousand machines with the feature at our dealership and have yet to replace anything worn out or broken that has anything to do with the MyRIDE system.

MyRIDE is offered on the TimeCutter. Titan. Z-Master 2000 Z-Master 4000 mowers.

What Advantages does the MultiForce Stand-On Blower offer over Dedicated Stand-On Blowers?

For most people a Stand On Blower is not a tool that is used year around. In that way it’s a lot like an Aerator or Snow Removal equipment. The problem being that you can easily spend 10,000 on each of these pieces of equipment that you may only use for a month or so a year. That is a lot of money to have tied up in equipment that sits around doing nothing most of the time.‍The alternative is the GrandStand Multi-Force which can be a highly productive mower most of the year but also be flexible to be a:‍ Stand On Blower Stand On Leaf Plow Stand On Aerator Stand On Snow Plow Stand On Snow Blower Stand On De-thatcher Stand On Hydraulic Dump Mulch Hauler Stand On Hydraulic Broom

Most Stand On Blowers allow the air to be directed left right or forward. But most have very little adjustment up or down. The TORO GrandSTand with ProForce Blower allows this vertical control which allows directing the flow down a hill, into a ditch or straight up into the trees to blow leaves down that were soon going to fall anyway. ‍Learn more at https://www.btsouth.com/grandstand

Why do most customers choose Ventrac’s Gas Engines over the Kubota Diesel Engine?

Almost everyone’s initial instinct is to buy the Kubota Diesel powered Ventrac 4500Y over the Gasoline powered 4500Z. But after some research and information gathering, most people decide against the diesel model. And it it is not because of the price, because the price is about the same. So why then?

EPA regulations stipulate that some expensive bulky components be present on diesel engines having 25 horse power. These bulky components simply can’t be fit inside the very limited space under the hood of a small tractor like the Ventrac. This is why Ventrac has selected the 24.8 HP Kubota for their diesel engine. For gasoline engines similar regulations begin when the engine displacement reaches 1000cc. This allows Ventrac to put more power under the hood of the gas tractors than the diesel.

Low end torque: Having good torque at low RPM’s, as diesel engines are known for, can be nice for working equipment with the engine at low throttle, particularly with a gear drive machine not using the PTO. But with a hydro drive machine you pretty much need to get the engine up to 2/3 to 3/4 throttle to get the hydros flowing well enough to get much work done. And if you are using a mowing deck or some other PTO power attachment you are probably going to need the engine running at full throttle. What good is low end torque if you seldom have an application where you can use it. In addition, the torque is higher at any RPM for the Kubota 32.5 HP gasoline WG972GL engine than on the Kubota 24.8 HP diesel D902 engine. Click the model # links to compare Kubota engine spec sheets. Longevity: The gasoline and diesel Kubota engines are both build on the same footprint, are water cooled, share many of the same parts and should have a similar life expectancy.

Fuel Cost: While diesel fuel costs more than gasoline, the Kubota diesel engine only consumes an estimated 1.1 gallons of fuel per hour while the Kubota gasoline engine consumes 1.6 gallons per hour. If fuel efficiency is a concern then consider Ventrac’s 4500P powered by the Kawasaki FD851D water cooled EFI 31 HP engine which consumes an estimated 1.2 gallons per hour and has more torque at any RPM compared to the Kubota Diesel D902.

Application: Where you tend to need more power is when you are climbing steep hills and or have a heavy load on the PTO as would be the case for a big mowing in heavy grass. These more demanding situations make the more powerful gasoline engines the way to go. On the other hand the diesel Ventrac may have plenty of power for lesser demanding applications and may be a good choice.‍Learn more at https://www.btsouth.com/ventrac

How well do Ventrac Tractors handle steep slopes?

Ventrac compact utility tractors provide a safer and more effective solution to slope mowing in addition to versatility and ease of use. So what makes Ventrac a great slope mower? The answer to that begins with the fact that Ventrac tractors are not like conventional tractors. They are uniquely and specifically designed from the ground up to perform consistently in a variety of conditions and terrains.

Best Electric Lawn Mowers: Top 5 Brands Most Recommended By Experts

It pays to be kind to the environment. Investing in one of the best electric lawn mowers is an easy way to make a household chore more energy efficient. Cutting the grass with a quality machine can transform your outdoor area into a lush and inviting space with less grueling yard work for you.

Besides, you don’t want to be guilty of ‘greenwashing’. What is greenwashing? It’s a term used to describe when someone pretends to be more environmentally sustainable around others. A survey of 2,000 Americans revealed that half of respondents are guilty of doing this. A whopping 53 percent of survey participants admit to exaggerating their environmentally sustainable practices specifically to impress others. The survey also revealed that 54 percent of respondents are less likely to practice eco-friendly habits if nobody can see them.

Aside from being more sustainable, you also must consider safety when purchasing a new mower. In fact, a recent study finds that lawn mowers are a surprisingly common culprit for adolescent injury in the U.S., sending 13 kids a day to seek emergency treatment. The level of safety comes down to the model you choose and the habits you employ to ensure no one gets hurt while maintaining the lawn.

Whatever your motivation, it’s important to leave this planet in a little bit better shape than we found it. The smallest adjustments to daily living can be beneficial to the environment in the long run. Getting an electric lawn mower is a great first step in becoming eco-friendly. And guess what? Many of them work just as well or even better than their gas-powered counterparts. StudyFinds compiled a list of the top five best electric lawn mowers from ten expert websites to ensure a beautifully cut lawn. As always, we’d like to see your own recommendations in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев below!

The List: Best Electric Lawn Mowers, According to Reviews

EGO POWER Select Cut Mower

If you are looking for a powerful mower that doesn’t use gas, this is a top pick from reviewers. The EGO POWER is “a battery-powered, self-propelled mower that can cut grass for about an hour on a single battery charge. Compared with other cordless models, it has a longer run time than most and a faster charge time,” according to The New York Times.

The Spruce notes, the 21-inch cordless mower “maneuvers easily thanks to a self-propelled design, and the cutting power automatically increases on tougher terrain. The self-propel feature can be adjusted between 0.9 and 3.1 miles per hour to match the user’s pace. With six cutting heights, the adjustable blades deliver a precise cut that leaves your lawn looking flawless.”

Forbes adds, its “LED headlights allow you to mow in dim or even dark conditions while this powerhouse transitions from mulching, bagging and discharge with one lever. Flip between deck heights of 1.25 to 4 inches with a single lever. A nice added perk? The battery works on other EGO products, too.” However, some reviewers did point out the battery can drain quickly in self-propel mode. Another possible drawback? The drive motor can get a little noisy.

Greenworks Cordless Lawn Mower

Giving the EGO POWER a run for its money is the Greenworks Cordless Lawn Mower. Popular Mechanics calls the 25223 model, “nicely designed and equipped with features you hardly ever see in this class and price. You get 10-inch rear tires to help it better roll over washboard surfaces, dual batteries, and three-function capability: mulch, side discharge, and bag. Icing on the cake includes its steel deck with seven positions from 1 1⁄8 to 3 inches, all controlled by a single spring-loaded lift mechanism.”

LeafScore notes the variable speed control on the Greenworks PRO 21-Inch 80V Self-Propelled version, “can be set between 0.5-1.5 m/s, which is super helpful if you struggle to push a mower around, especially as it gathers grass clippings.”

The Greenworks 40V Cordless Lawn Mower also gets high marks. “An easy push-button start gets you going without breaking a sweat, and a single spring-loaded lift mechanism provides seven cutting height positions,” adds Good Housekeeping.

RYOBI Electric Lawn Mower

RYOBI’s electric lawn mower options don’t disappoint. Especially, the 40V Self-Propelled Electric Push Mower that features a 21-inch cutting deck. ZDNET points out, it adjusts “to seven different heights to handle mowing in any season, and the deck is covered by a lifetime warranty against damage.”

“RYOBI crushed it with the development of the 40V HP Brushless CrossCut Self-Propelled Lawn Mower, making huge strides over its previous generation of mowers. Matching up very well against EGO’s Select Cut XP, it’s a stacked blade design that offers excellent power and cut quality,” according to Pro Tool Reviews.

The Spruce adds, RYOBI’s 40V Brushless 20-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower, “ can run for up to 42 minutes per charge, which is on the lower end of the spectrum. However, the RYOBI is equipped with an onboard battery storage compartment. If you purchase a second battery, you can swap it out mid-task to extend the runtime.” One note, the side discharge accessory on this model comes separately.

Toro Electric Lawn Mowers

Mowers Direct calls the Toro Recycler SmartStow the ‘Best Electric Self-Propelled Lawn Mower’ noting, “ model 21466 is a great option for any homeowner looking for a quiet, exhaust-free mower that is self-propelled and can not only mulch and bag grass clippings but also leaves a beautifully trimmed lawn.”

As far as running time? You can get about 40 minutes before recharging, with a 60-volt 6-amp hour battery. “This dependable, popular Toro performs as well as other decent self-propelled mowers and stands out for its ability to be stored upright (like the EGOs), saving valuable garage space,” according to The New York Times.

As for Toro’s 60V Stripe Dual-Blade Self-Propelled Lawn Mower? Pro Tool Reviews suggests, it “is probably the most compelling battery-powered lawn mower for 2023. Using its 60V battery platform for power (there are also gas models), it’s making the jump to a stacked two-blade system similar to EGO’s Select Cut and RYOBI’s CrossCut models. What Toro is doing differently is adding a built-in striping feature, leaving your lawn not with just a clean cut, but also a professional finish.”

Sun Joe Electric Lawn Mower

Rounding out our list, is this offering from Sun Joe. Bob Vila calls the MJ401E-PRO 14″ 13 Amp Electric Lawn Mower ‘Best Bang For The Buck’ adding, there’s “ no need to store gasoline or change spark plugs with this plastic mower that is as eco-friendly as it gets. Collect grass clippings in a 10.6-gallon bag or discard them via a rear-mounted side discharge chute. The Sun Joe mower boasts a nonslip grip handle that folds down for easy storage.”

The Spruce notes, “you’ll have to be diligent about keeping the cord from tangling or unplugging–and avoid running it over.” Plus, you’ll need to purchase an extension cord separately. If you don’t want the hassle of an extension cord, Sun Joe also makes cordless options. One in particular is great for smaller lawns. Forbes points out, Sun Joe’s MJ401C 14-Inch 28-Volt Cordless Push Lawn Mower, “ is powered by a battery that can handle up to a 1/4 acre before needing a recharge.”

Sources:

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.

The best riding mowers: Mow your lawn faster

Up your summer lawn care game with a riding mower that makes for a faster, more eco-friendly mowing experience.

Taylor Clemons is a tech writer and reviewer based near Cleveland, OH. After graduating from Tiffin University in 2011, they spent several years in lawn and garden manufacturing before working on their own (now defunct) game review site, Steam Shovel.

Taylor Clemons is a tech writer and reviewer based near Cleveland, OH. After graduating from Tiffin University in 2011, they spent several years in lawn and garden manufacturing before working on their own (now defunct) game review site, Steam Shovel.

Riding mowers are a popular mower choice for homeowners, especially if you have a big property to maintain every summer. They have cutting decks measuring from 42 to 72 inches, so you can make short work of everything from typical lawns to large properties, like sports complexes and golf courses.

Unlike their push mower counterparts, riding mowers have more features to consider in order to find the right fit for your yard. You can choose either a manual or hydrostatic transmission, so you can set and forget your speed or operate your mower like a car. You can even get riding mowers with cruise control or all-wheel drive for better traction.

While gas engines are far more common among riding mowers, there is a wide selection of battery-powered models if you’re looking for a more eco-friendly solution for lawn care. My pick for the best overall riding mower is the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP for its 24HP engine, 54-inch cutting deck, and ability to mow up to four acres with a full gas tank. You can keep reading below to find out more about the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP as well as our other top picks.

Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP

Best riding mower overall

• 24HP engine
• 54-inch cutting deck
• Automatic transmission
• Attachments and accessories available

Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP tech specs: Engine: 24HP Kohler | Cutting width: 54 inches | Transmission: Hydrostatic/Automatic | Max yard size: 4 acres

The Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP riding mower is an excellent choice for a variety of lawns. It’s built with a 24HP Kohler engine and a 54-inch cutting deck to let you handle inclines and rough terrain or haul tools, mulch, and potting soil around your property.

The hydrostatic, automatic transmission makes operation similar to a typical car, so you can spend more time actually cutting your grass and less time learning how to drive your mower. With a 3-gallon tank, you’ll be able to mow up to 4 acres at a time.

Ryobi 80V electric riding lawn tractor

Best electric riding mower

• 2.5 acre max range
• Quick-charge batteries
• LCD heads-up display
• USB charging ports

Ryobi 80V electric lawn tractor tech specs: Engine: 80V brushless electric | Cutting width: 46 inches | Transmission: Hydrostatic/Automatic | Max yard size: 2.5 acres

Electric riding mowers have become more popular in recent years as homeowners and landscaping professionals look for ways to make lawn care more eco-friendly. The Ryobi 80V electric lawn tractor features a 46-inch cutting deck and enough power to let you mow up to 2.5 acres on a single charge, and you can recharge your mower batteries in as little as 2.5 hours.

This means you can take care of other tasks, like weeding or landscaping, while you’re waiting for your mower to recharge. An LCD screen gives you a heads-up display of run time, battery levels, and reminders to inspect and sharpen your mower blades. It even has two USB ports for charging your phone while you mow.

Toro Titan Max

Best zero-turn riding mower

• Mows up to 7 acres at once
• Highly maneuverable
• 10-gauge steel construction
• Tool-free air filters

Toro Titan Max tech specs: Engine: 26HP Kohler 7000 | Cutting width: 60 inches | Transmission: Dual hydrostatic/automatic | Max yard size: 7 acres

Zero-turn riding mowers are popular with homeowners who have larger properties or lots of obstacles like trees or specialized landscaping. The Toro Titan Max’s exceptional maneuverability and larger cutting decks make quick work of yards up to 7 acres in size, while the 26HP Kohler 7000 engine uses a dual hydrostatic drive for smooth, intuitive operation.

Toro also made regular maintenance a bit more streamlined with tool-free air filters. The deck and mower body are made from tough, 10-gauge steel to stand up to dings, rocks, run-ins, and anything else your lawn can throw at it.

Cub Cadet CC30E

Best compact riding mower

• Battery-powered
• Great for yards up to 1 acre
• Compact design great for small storage areas and narrow spaces
• Push-button cruise control

Cub Cadet CC30E tech specs: Engine: 56V electric | Cutting width: 30 inches | Transmission: Hydrostatic/Automatic | Max yard size: 1 acre

Compact riding mowers like the Cub Caded CC30E are great for suburban lawns on the smaller side. The CC30E features a smaller design that is perfect for storing in multi-use sheds and garages or maneuvering through gates and narrow spaces. The 30-inch cutting deck and 56V battery let you mow up to 1 acre (or one hour) at once.

It uses a hydrostatic drive for smooth, intuitive driving while the 18-inch turning radius lets you easily mow around trees and other obstacles. It even features a push-button cruise control, so you can set-and-forget your forward speed and concentrate on mowing around obstacles, as well as staying aware of your surroundings.

DeWALT Z160 Commercial

Best riding mower for large properties

• Mow up to 10 acres
• 5.5 gallon gas tank
• Dual hydrostatic drive
• Great for hills and inclines

DeWALT Z160 Commercial tech specs: Engine: 24HP Kawasaki V-Twin | Cutting width: 60 inches | Transmission: Dual hydrostatic/automatic | Max yard size: 10 acres

The DeWALT Z160 Commercial zero-turn riding mower is designed from the ground up to handle large properties. The 60-inch cutting deck and 24HP Kawasaki V-Twin engine let you mow up to 10 acres at once, making it an almost perfect choice for rural properties or landscaping professionals. The dual hydrostatic drive makes operation smoother, though the twin-stick steering does take some getting used to.

With 22-inch rear wheels, you can easily take on inclines and rolling hills that may be on your property. A 5.5-gallon fuel tank means you’ll spend more time actually mowing and less time refueling. And if you opt for the bagger attachment, you’ll be able to gather up to 11 bushels of clippings before you need to empty.

What is the best riding mower?

I chose the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP as the best riding mower you can buy. It features a 54-inch cutting deck and 3-gallon fuel tank, letting you mow up to 4 acres in a single go. The 24 horsepower engine also lets you take on steeper inclines and rough terrain or haul tools and gardening supplies around your property. The hydrostatic drive makes operation similar to a typical car, while an LED display gives you accurate usage hours for streamlined maintenance.

Best riding mower

Cutting width

Transmission type

Ryobi 80V electric riding lawn tractor

Which is the right riding mower for you?

Other than your budget, there are a lot of features and scenarios you have to consider while shopping for a new riding mower. The size of your yard will determine how wide the cutting deck should be, though either a 42 or 46-inch version will be more than enough for most yards.

You can choose either a manual or hydrostatic transmission. A manual model lets you set and forget your speed so you can FOCUS, while hydrostatic models operate more like cars, going faster the harder you press the pedal. This makes them more intuitive to operate but also more expensive.

Zero-turn mowers are designed for mowing in oddly-shaped areas or around lots of obstacles like trees, lamp posts, and lawn ornaments. They’re called zero-turn because they have a zero-inch turn radius; you pivot around either rear wheel for ultra-tight turning.

Buy this best riding mower.

If you need.

A well-rounded riding mower. The 54-inch cutting deck and 24HP engine let you mow up to 4 acres at a time.

Ryobi 80V electric riding lawn tractor

An all-electric riding mower. The electric engine requires less maintenance than gas models, making your lawn-care routine more eco-friendly.

An excellent zero-turn riding mower. Precision maneuvering lets you mow around trees, landscaping, and other obstacles with ease.

A compact riding mower. The 30-inch deck and smaller build make this riding mower perfect for smaller suburban lawns.

A riding mower that can handle larger properties. This commercial-grade, zero-turn riding mower lets you cut up to 10 acres at once.

How did we choose these riding mowers?

I used to work for MTD Products (now owned by BlackDecker), which assembles a variety of lawn mowers, snow blowers, and other powered lawn equipment. Using the expertise and knowledge I gained during my time there, I looked for riding mowers with these qualities:

• Motor size: You’ll want a riding mower with at least a 10HP engine to give you enough power to handle minor inclines and lawns up to half an acre. Larger riding mowers like the John Deere Z530M have more powerful engines, often topping out over 20HP to let you tackle rough terrain and even haul equipment.
• Cutting width: Many riding mowers have either a 42 or 46-inch cutting deck, which is great for lawns between.5 and 1.5 acres. However, if you have a large, multi-acre property, you’ll want to choose a larger cutting deck. Many brands have options between 50 and 72-inch cutting decks.
• Transmission type: The less expensive riding mowers will have either a 6 or 7-speed manual transmission. This means you will use a dedicated lever to set your engine’s forward and reverse speeds, with a single brake pedal for stop control. The more expensive models feature a hydrostatic drive, which operates in a similar way to an automatic transmission in a typical car or truck.
• Accessories: Lawn care goes beyond regular mowing. I chose riding mowers that have the ability to hitch small trailers or wagons for hauling tools, mulch, or potting soil. I also chose mowers from brands that make after-market add-ons, like rear bagging units for collecting grass clippings, mulching kits for re-feeding lawns, and snow plows for year-round use.

How do you decide which riding mower to buy?

Assuming you have a budget in mind, the first thing you need to do is find out how big your lawn is. You can either find your lot size on your memorandum deeds if you’ve bought your house, or you can check your city’s website to see if you can request lot measurements if you’re renting. If your lot measures about an acre, you’ll be able to use a 30 or 42-inch cutting deck without any issues. For lawns up to two acres, a 42 or 46-inch deck is ideal. And if your lot is over two acres, you can get a mower with up to a 72-inch cutting deck to handle larger areas.

The transmission type is also important. Many newer models have what is known as a hydrostatic drive. This means that they operate similarly to how a car drives: You push the pedal and it moves forward or backward. And the harder you push, the faster you go. This makes it easier to learn how to drive, but that also makes the mower more expensive. stripped-back models have variable speed manual transmissions, which allow you to set and forget your speed so you can FOCUS on paying attention to obstacles and people who may be nearby.

And finally, you’ll want to consider the power source for your new riding mower. Gasoline engines are far more common, but there is now a wider variety of battery-powered models to choose from. The perks of a gas engine are that you’ll get near-infinite run times (as long as you have enough fuel to keep the engine going) and a bit more power for handling steep inclines and rough terrain. The downsides are dealing with exhaust emissions and maintenance that can be a time and money sink. Electric models don’t need engine maintenance, so you save a bit of money in the long run. But they usually have a maximum run time of about an hour, which means that you may have to plan your mowing over several days if you have a larger yard.

How big of a yard do I need for a riding mower?

Riding mowers are best suited for yards measuring one acre or larger. A model with a 42-inch cutting deck is great for mowing up to two acres, so if you have more land than that, you’ll want to spring for a 46, 54, 60, or 72-inch cutting deck.

If you’re right on the threshold, you can get what’s known as a mini rider. They usually have compact bodies for easier storage and 30-inch cutting decks to make short work of lawns that are just a touch too large for a push mower.

How long should a riding mower last?

No matter if you choose a gas or battery-powered riding mower, proper maintenance is key to extending the life of your mower. For gas engines, you should change the oil and filters, clean the spark plugs, and sharpen the blades before you mow for the first time in the spring. And you should use fuel treatments like STA-BIL to prevent gas in the tank or extra jerry cans from going bad from moisture contamination. This prevents buildup of gunk that can ruin your engine, improves engine performance, and gives you a cleaner cut for a healthier lawn.

Electric mowers don’t need engine maintenance, but you should perform thorough inspections at the start of mowing season to check for battery damage, corrosion on battery contacts, damage to the battery housing, and also to sharpen the blades. If you do regular maintenance, not only will you save money by avoiding big repairs from worn-out parts, but you can also expect your riding mower to last 10 years or more.- which is great news, since they can be an expensive investment.

What is the cheapest riding mower?

Unfortunately, riding mowers aren’t ever really what we consider budget-friendly. However, there are models like the Murray MT100 that retail for less than 2000 without sacrificing power or cutting width.

Are there alternative riding mowers worth considering?

Whether you’re shopping at a big-name DIY store like Lowe’s, a local hardware store, or an authorized brand dealer, there are tons of options for a new riding mower. You can choose either gas or battery-powered models, cutting deck widths from as small as 30 inches to as wide as six feet.

Here’s a short list of other riding mowers I thought were great choices:

John Deere Z530M

The John Deere Z530M features a 60-inch cutting deck for making quick work of large properties. Exceptional maneuverability lets you mow around trees, lawn decor, and other obstacles with ease.

Husqvarna YTH1942

The Husqvarna YTH1942 features an updated, 19 horsepower engine and 42-inch cutting deck to take on inclines and haul dirt, mulch, and gardening equipment.

Murray MT100

For under 2000, you’ll get a 13.5 horsepower engine, a 42-inch cutting deck, and a 6-speed manual transmission with the Murray MT100.

Who Makes John Deere Lawn Mowers?

The mystery around who makes John Deere tractors gives many pro-made-in-America JB mower owners sleepless nights.

Some suspect the company makes their mowers outside the country and brands them as Made in America.

So, what’s the truth? Who makes john deere lawnmowers? importantly, does JD source parts from outside the country? Let’s find out.

Who Makes John Deere Lawn Mowers

John Deere manufactures most of its lawn mower systems at its 100%-owned US-based facilities. However, a few parts are outsourced to third parties, like Yanmar, Kawasaki, Kohler, and Briggs Stratton.

John Deere Tractor Systems: Who Makes What?

The following is a breakdown of the major companies that make various John Deere tractors, mowers, or parts in different countries.

Modern Tool and Die Company

Modern Tool and Die Company (MTD) is an American company specializing in outdoor power tools, including tractors and lawnmowers.

It makes several cheaper, non-commercial tractors for JD and other mower and tractor companies.

Additionally, it makes ignition keys, ball joints, and starters for various John Deere tractors and mowers.

The John Deere AM 133094 model is an excellent example of an MTD-built John Deere tractor.

Kawasaki

Kawasaki is a major Japanese brand that makes powerful mowers and tractor engines. Therefore, it makes the engines for some of John Deere’s high-end tractors and mowers.

For instance, the John Deere X300’s engine is made by Kawasaki. Specifically, the X300 operates on the Kawasaki FH 491V engine.

However, you have nothing to worry about, as Kawasaki engines are highly reliable and serve many other tractors and mowers globally.

Their engines boast a heavier build and guarantee increased maneuverability.

Yanmar Holdings Co.

Yanmar is also a Japanese company. It specializes in agricultural machinery and produces reliable engines, specifically diesel engines. Indeed, Yanmar is the pioneer of mass-produced diesel engines.

John Deere works with the company to develop compact utility tractor engines, which are then shipped to John Deere assembly plants in the US. Their engines are compact, efficient, and high-quality.

For instance, the John Deere 750, 755, and 770 engines are made by Yanmar. Yanmar also makes John Deere 4044/4053M tractor engines.

Kohler

Kohler Co., founded in 1873 by John Michael Kohler, is an American company headquartered in Wisconsin.

It’s best known for plumbing products. However, the company also makes furniture, cabinetry, generators, and engines.

John Deere sources some of its smaller tractor and lawn mower engines from Kohler. For instance, John Deere model M318 uses the Kohler Command CH2O engine.

The company’s four-stroke gasoline engines are mainly characterized by overhead valve (OHV) designs and V twin-cylinder liners.

Briggs Stratton

Finally, Briggs Stratton is among the world’s largest engine manufacturers of outdoor power equipment.

It’s also a leader in designing and manufacturing standby generators, energy storage systems, and lawn equipment.

Briggs Stratton mainly makes engines for John Deere’s 100 Series mowers. For instance, the S140 mower’s engine is made by Briggs Stratton.

The reliable 22hp engine boasts a V twin design and vertical crankshaft for maximum convenience.

Briggs Stratton engines are compact and powerful, and reliable. They are also low-maintenance.

Are John Deere Mowers Made by MTD?

No. There’s a common misconception that MTD makes John Deere mowers and tractors. This isn’t true.

John Deere makes its tractors at the John Deere company facility founded and owned by the John Deere family.

What Brands are Made By MTD?

MTD makes equipment and parts for nearly all the major tractor and mower makers. The following are a few major brands with MTD equipment or parts in their inventories;

Where are John Deere Mowers Made and Assembled?

Most John Deere tractors and mowers are made in the US. However, the company outsources manufacturing some parts to companies outside the US.

For instance, John Deere has three plants in China and several in India, Brazil, and Argentina.

That said, all John Deere tractors are assembled in the US. The largest John Deere mower assembly plant is located in Horicon, Wisconsin.

Are John Deere Lawn Tractors of Good Quality?

Yes, John Deere products are highly durable and the most reliable today.

In one survey of more than 10,000 John Deere lawn tractor owners, only 22% of the tractors broke down before they were four years old.

What Engines Do John Deere Mowers Use?

John Deere uses various engines across their line of lawn and farm tractors.

However, if you’re wondering who makes John Deere engines, Kawasaki, Yanmar, Briggs Stratton, and Kohler are the leading names.

Are John Deere Engines Made in China?

Yes, some John Deere engines and parts are made in China. This is a bitter pill to swallow for many pro-American-made products.

However, if it helps, John Deere assembles all its tractors in the US. over, the company’s Chinese plants mainly target the Chinese market.

What Engines Do John Deere Zero Turn Mowers Have?

John Deere zero-turn mowers use different engines. For instance, Z500 Series zero-turn mowers run on V-twin engines rated up to 24hp.

Meanwhile, many Z700 Series zero-turn mowers use FS Series engines. MTD and other brands make the engines.

Where are John Deere Mowers Sold?

John Deere lawn mowers are sold at nearly all Big Box stores, including Lowes and the Home Depot.

You can also find John Deere mowers at a few hardware stores and some home improvement stores. E-commerce platforms like Craigslist, eBay, and Marketplace are other places to check.

Alternatively, find a local dealer. The company doesn’t have an established flagship store. However, a few third-party mower and tractor dealers happily carry their items.

Ask the company’s customer support for the nearest John Deere dealer, and they’ll gladly help.

John Deere Lawn Mower Prices: How Much Does a John Deere Mower Cost?

John Deere mower tractor vary widely. For instance, the 100 Series mowers range from 2299 to 3199. The cheapest is the S100, while the S180 is the most expensive.

Series 100 mowers are ideal for more than one-acre lawns and range from 17.5 HP to 24hp. You can cut up to 2 acres on a single charge.

Series 200 mowers are slightly more advanced and, therefore, more expensive. They range from 21.5hp to 22hp and cost 2999 (S220) to 3599 (S240).

Meanwhile, X300 Series with TwinTiuch forward and reverse pedals cost between 3799 (X330 42-inch) and 7499 (X394).

Finally, X500 series mowers cost between 7,699 (X570 48-inch) and 9599 (X590 54-inch), while X700 Series JD mowers cost 7999 (X750) to 11989 (X730).

Both boast iTorque Power Systems and bigger deck sizes, some as wide as 60 inches.

FAQs

Are John Deere lawn tractors made by MTD?

No. MTD doesn’t make all John Deere lawnmowers. The company only makes a few John Deere mowers, especially non-commercial, low-end units, while John Deere makes the majority. Nevertheless, MTD Holdings, owned by Stanley Black Decker, specializes in making outdoor hand and power tools.

Where are John Deere lawn tractors made?

John Deere lawn tractors are made in several factories within and outside the US. For instance, the utility and compact utility tractors are made in Augusta, Georgia, while the AG tractors are made in Waterloo, Iowa. Meanwhile, some lawn and garden tractors are in Greeneville, Tennessee, and others in Horicon, Wisconsin.

Are John Deere lawnmowers made in the USA?

Yes, most John Deere lawnmowers are made in the USA. Indeed, all John Deere riding mowers are manufactured in Horicon, Wisconsin, from parts made entirely in the US. However, JD has additional facilities in 7 different countries, including China, Brazil, Mexico, and India. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to separate JD mowers made in the USA from those made in other countries.

Who makes John Deere zero-turn engines?

The engines in John Deere zero-turn mowers are mainly made by Yanmar and Kawasaki. Yanmar makes most of the engines, and their agreement with John Deere dates back to the 70s. Meanwhile, Kawasaki makes engines for larger mowers, such as the X300 riding mower. It’s best to check the product label.

Where are John Deere zero-turn mowers made?

All John Deere zero-turn mowers are assembled in the USA, specifically in Horicon, Wisconsin, and Waterloo, Iowa. importantly, most of the parts are made in the US. However, some parts, especially the engines, are sourced from third parties in Argentina, France, India, and Mexico.

Where are John Deere riding mowers made?

John Deere riding mowers are assembled in the US. The company has at least 15 primary manufacturing locations across the US for this purpose. Indeed, most John Deere riding mower parts are also made in the USA. However, JD has additional manufacturing plants in 17 locations outside the USA, including three in China.

Does John Deere make push mowers?

Yes, John Deere makes several push mowers. There are a few claims online that the company is phasing out push mowers. However, you can find six walk-behind mowers on their website. These are models W36M, W48M, W36R, and W48R. Note that all six are commercial mowers, priced between 6,154 and 8,499.

What is the best oil for John Deere Lawnmowers?

The best oil for John Deere lawn mowers is John Deere Turf-Gard SAE 10W-30 Oil. This high-quality oil is specifically formulated to meet the requirements of John Deere engines, providing optimal lubrication and protection. Check the owner’s manual for the exact oil specifications and maintenance guidelines for your John Deere lawn mower model.

You can also check John Deere Hy Gard Equivalent for more options.

Summary

So, who makes john deere lawnmowers? John Deere makes most of its lawnmowers and tractors in the US.

However, it also outsources some equipment and parts to third parties within and outside the US.

For instance, Kawasaki, a Japanese company, makes several John Deere mower engines. Kohler (US-based) and Yanmar (Japanese) also make Joh Deere engines and parts.

Rhys Charles

Rhys is a passionate landscaper, a self-proclaimed barbecue expert and the author of this site. He combines his lawnmowing expertise with his engineering background to teach you about how to not just take care of grass, but also the equipment you use.

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