Toro and John Deere are two giants on the market when it comes to zero-turn mowers. If you’re considering purchasing from one brand or the other, you’ve come to the right place.
We took a deep dive into each brand’s zero-turn mower lineup in order to try and find out if one brand is better than the other.
In this quick guide, we will share with you everything we found out and even offer some recommendations from each brand for you to consider.
In-Depth Comparison Between Toro VS John Deere Zero Turn Mowers
Before we start looking at a zero-turn mower from either brand, let’s do a general overview of what each brand has to offer.
When considering a zero-turn mower, you should look at various things like engine performance, durability, warranty coverage, cost, and features.
Engine And Performance
Both brands mainly use Kohler engines, but there are a few models that have Briggs and Stratton engines installed.
There are also Kawasaki engines on certain models. Kawasaki is typically preferred over other engine brands, but these days most engines in these lawn tractors are reliable enough to look past it.
Either type of engine is a decent choice, so long as the Kohler engine isn’t their recent Cougar engine that many have had problems with.
In general, there isn’t too much of a difference here between John Deere zero-turn mowers and Toro zero-turn mowers to point out.
Both brands offer reliable engines with decent horsepower and engine speed.
If you’re a commercial business owner, you should probably stay away from the smaller Toro models as they may not pack the punch you need– for a homeowner, they’ll be plenty.
Durability
Both brands are relatively great when it comes to durability and mower reliability, but John Deere definitely has a longer history on the market than Toro.
There are plenty of people around the USA that prefer to only purchase John Deere products. John Deere is known for producing high-quality mowers and tractors.
With that said, we’ve heard great things about Toro’s reliability from customers that have purchased one.
This category is a little bit of a tossup, and there’s no clear winner when it comes to durability, as both brands are pretty reliable.
Cost
The age-old saying “you get what you pay for” is usually true, but does it really justify the more expensive John Deere zero-turn mowers?
Toro zero-turn mowers are priced anywhere from $2,999 and $7,999. John Deere mowers, on the other hand, can run you upwards of $10,000 or even more.
John Deere is known for their reliable mowers and durability, but whether or not it justifies such a large price tag is debatable.
You will be able to find some smaller zero-turn mowers at comparable prices to Toro models, but Toro definitely offers more bang for your buck when it comes to pure pricepoint.
Features
The Toro zero-turn mower has numerous different features that are all aimed at making your life easier.
Everything from their patented MyRIDE suspension system to their smart speed control system will keep you comfortable and cutting grass efficiently.
John Deere also offers similar features with their ComfortGlide suspension, Folding Rollover Protective Structure, and high-capacity mower decks.
Warranty
John Deere offers different warranties depending on which model John Deere mower you purchase.
Most John Deere mowers will come with a 2-4 year warranty that covers your John Deere mower from unexpected damage, but not normal wear and tear.
A Toro zero-turn mower has a similar warranty, but their models are protected for 3 years.
Best Toro Zero Turn Mowers
Toro has a nice lineup of zero-turn mowers that can fit the needs of homeowners with multiple acres or just one.
Toro Timecutter Zero-Turn Mower 34″
The Timecutter 34″ is a great Toro zero-turn mower for homeowners with smaller properties that don’t want to use riding mowers or push mowers.
This Toro mower will have no problem moving between fences or through gates thanks to its 34″ deck.
Its Smart Speed Technology and 22hp V-Twin cylinder engine ensure you’ll be cutting along at a quick pace and be done in no time.
Its compact design makes it easy to store in a garage or shed, and comes with a 3-year warranty.
Toro Titan MAX Zero-Turn Mower 60″
Homeowners looking for a beast of a zero-turn should look no further than the Toro zero-turn Titan MAX.
This 60″ Toro zero-turn behemoth has a 26hp Kohler engine and sits atop 23-inch tires driven by a hydrostatic transmission.
With a blade speed of almost 19,000 fpm, you’ll be able to cut through anything from wet grass to overgrown fields without clumping up and clogging your deck.
Best John Deere Zero Turn Mowers
Just like Toro, John Deere has a diverse array of zero-turn mowers that can fit the needs of any homeowner or commercial business.
John Deere Zero Turn Z320R 42″
If you have between 1 and 2 acres, the Z320R with a 42″ deck and V-Twin engine is a perfect option.
The V-Twin engine puts out 21.5hp, but it’s not a Kohler. This lawn mower has a Kawasaki engine, which is often preferred over Kohler or Briggs and Stratton engines.
John Deere made user comfort and customization easy by adding a master control panel readily accessible next to the seat.
Speaking of the seat, John Deere designed this lawn mower with a suspension seat for even more comfort.
John Deere Zero Turn Z515E 60″
The Z515E is John Deere’s bigger zero-turn mower and is aimed at homeowners with multiple acres that need cutting.
This lawn mower doesn’t feature a Kawasaki engine and instead has a Briggs and Stratton Extended Life Series M44 V-Twin engine with 24hp that gives the Z515E a top speed of 8mph.
When it comes to John Deere mowers, this one is like the Caddilac of lawn mowers.
It has an electric fuel gauge and other instruments readily available for you to keep an eye on, along with a top-of-the-line Accel Deep mower deck that prevents clogging and gives your lawn a smoother cut.
Which Brand Is Right For You?
Our deep dive didn’t reveal that one brand was clearly better than another. There’s really no right answer to this question.
Both brands have great zero-turn mowers and offer similar levels of quality, reliability, and durability.
While there may be some differences in price and different engines, that really only affects your choice if you’re comparing a mower from each brand and not the brands as a whole.
Your best bet is to instead look at your own personal needs and compare a mower from both brands that meet your needs.
If you have a large yard, compare a larger model from each brand. If you have a small yard, compare a smaller model from each brand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Who makes the Toro zero-turn mower?
The Toro Company is an American-based company out of Minneapolis, Minnesota that manufactures Toro zero-turn mowers, among other equipment and irrigation systems.
How Good are Toro zero-turn mowers?
Toro zero-turn mowers are great choices for new zero-turn owners and are decently reliable and priced.
They come with great features like Toro's smart speed control system and Toro's excellent 3-year warranty.
Who manufactures zero-turn John Deere mowers?
John Deere zero-turn mowers are manufactured by John Deere themselves.
John Deere has been around since 1837 and is well-known for manufacturing mowers, tractors, other agricultural equipment, and John Deere engines.
John Deere started manufacturing zero-turn mowers in 1997.
