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John Deere residential zero turn???

14 years ago

Is anyone familiar with the John Deere Residential Zero turn mowers? The Z200 or Z400 series? I was all set to get a Craftsman Pro for my 1/2 acre flat yard... relatively clear of obstacles. But, I have to say, I love the look of a fresh cut lawn when the lawn service did it last year... straight cuts, back and forth, varying each week they cut it... which I am guessing I would need a zero turn to accomplish.

I don't have any major hauling needs... just a small trailer for mulch and a bagger to collect clippings. I assume these JD models can do all that for me? I'd love to get feedback from anyone who is familiar with them... it will cost me about $1000 more than the Craftsman I was looking at, but if it will do all I want it to, I am willing to spend the $.

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Comments (6)

jscozz
Original Author
14 years ago
And, I read that a zero turn tears up the lawn... I find that hard to believe since most commercial landscapers use them... if driven properly, do they mess up the lawn at all when turning?
jscozz
Original Author
14 years ago
Anyone have or familiar with the JD zero turns? Pros/cons?

Is it worth it to move up to the 245 or even 425 instead of the base 225 model? I am leaning to 245 if it worth it over the 225... the only thing more the 400 series has that I think would benefit me in my use if the power bagger... seems the 200 is non-powered bagger. Is this necessary?
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DChall - they are actually more expensive than your standard rider. In my opinion they are so much nicer. I've only used commercial grade, (Scag, kubota, gravely) so not sure if it applies to home owner versions, but the blade speeds are so much higher allowing you to cut at a much faster pace without clumping or bogging the engine. They are also faster. You can make much tighter maneuvers around different landscaping shapes. In some areas I've used the ability to slide the side of the deck in unaccessible areas or under things. The biggest plus for me is the ability to run straight lines back and forth without having to use a brake and stop, change gears, back up, brake, change gears, forward, possible reverse again to line up, and then go back. With a zero turn, when you are at the end of your pass you spin around and keep going. ...I can probably cut a lawn in 1/4 the time than a typical lawn tractor, and get every last blade. That was my experience when I use to do real estate management. After using zero turns, I said I would NEVER use a regular mower again. ...here I am with a craftsman 42" lawn tractor. :-/ ..old owners left it in the deal when I bought the house. If & when I have the money though I'll get one.
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This is my first posting and thank all for their comments. I have 6-7 acres to mow with lots of trees. No hills with some slopes near creek which runs through property. My friend has dealership and has convinced me to buy commercial Hustler fast track 54" but he is 300 miles away. I live in north Texas area and there are no dealers within 40 miles of my place. What happens when there is a problem? I could buy cheaper machine from local Depot but like what I read of the Hustler.. But concerned over buying from store 300 miles away. Any suggestions?
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pugwinkle
13 years ago
I'd like to bump this message up as I would also love to read some answers to this persons questions.
rdaystrom
13 years ago
The Deere Z425 is my only choice by far. I like the Z425 because it's as close to a commercial model as there is for the money. By that I mean it has separate hydro pumps and wheel motors as opposed to integrated (all in one) lawn tractor style hydros found on cheaper models.
Zero turn mowers only tear up a yard if you drive them too aggressively. They have greater steering capability but that doesn't mean you spin around every time you turn. If you do it will tear up the grass. A gentle turn is easy to do. The real advantage to a ZTR is it's ease of driving and it cuts mowing time in half. The lower model Deere ZTRs have residential hydros and fewer good features. Stick with the Z425. I'm fairly sure a regular bagger is available for the Z425 as well as the powered version. A powered bagger is only needed if you want to vacuum a lot of leaves in the fall.
larso1
13 years ago
I have a Z425 and pretty much agree with everything rdaystrom says. Easily reduced my mowing time by 50%. And, it's fun! I have the 48C deck with the powered bagger system. My old LT had a non-powered bagger. The other thing the powered bagger gets you is resisting clogging the discharge tube. Just yesterday I let it fill the bagger too full before unloading and it was totally filled to the brim, but did not clog the tube. Saves a lot of time from having to dismantle the discharge system that way. A hydro or electric lift on the deck would have been nice but the cost would have gone up as well.
William Buzzy Browning Sr.
7 years ago
I have a Z435 all summer i have had trouble with it the dealer has had it 6 times now he says john deere says it is normal for it to surge pop and stall out/ whats up with that anyone else having this problem.

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