When you get done here stop by and read this new, updated article: Which New 2018 John Deere E100 Series Lawn Tractor Is Right For Me?
John Deere Enhances Residential Mowers for a Quick, Quality Cut
Product updates and additions help homeowners mow well and mow fast
09:50 ET from John Deere
CARY, N.C., March 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — This spring, John Deere introduces updates to its extensive residential mower line, ensuring homeowners achieve a quick, quality cut each time they mow. Updates include a new mower deck option, two new models and multiple product enhancements.
The new Accel Deep™ mower deck, compatible with John Deere lawn tractor and zero-turn mower lines, provides homeowners with a cleaner, faster cut and added versatility. The new deck is available on select models of John Deere Select Series™, Signature Series™ and Residential ZTrak™ zero-turn mowers.
“John Deere’s residential mowing products let customers quickly mow their lawn and achieve great results,” said Kim Ridel, tactical marketing manager, John Deere. “It’s not how fast you mow, it’s how well you mow fast.”
The optimized design of the Accel Deep mower deck enhances the quality of cut homeowners can achieve in a variety of turf conditions. The flat-top design enables a clean flow of grass throughout the deck and discharge area, while maintaining speed during cutting. Additionally, the new deck offers lift-up spindle covers to make servicing and cleaning easy and accessible.
The Accel Deep mower deck is also compatible with the innovative MulchControl™ kit. MulchControl allows operators to quickly switch between side discharge and mulching with just a flip of a lever. Mulching returns finely cut clippings to the soil as a beneficial natural fertilizer that will potentially enhance lawn health.
Also new this spring is the John Deere X330 Select Series, which offers more horsepower while maintaining a clean cut. The X330 comes equipped with the new 42-inch Accel Deep mower deck and a V-Twin cyclonic engine. With a suggested price of $2,999, the model brings premium power at an affordable price.
For homeowners looking for more comfort and convenience, the new X394 is the first model in the X300 series line to offer power lift, power steer and four-wheel steer all in one.
Overall, the 2016 John Deere Select Series includes several enhancements and new model numbers. One of the most notable improvements is the new electronic instrument display, standard across the line.
The John Deere X700 Signature Series™ models have also been updated with a premium electronic display, a 48-inch Accel Deep deck and the option of an air-ride seat for optimal comfort.
To round out the updates for 2016, the John Deere Residential ZTrak™ zero-turn radius mowers, formerly known as the EZtrak™ line, feature updated styling, improved ergonomics and enhanced cut quality with the new Accel Deep mower deck.
Homeowners can visit JohnDeere.com/FindaMower to find out which mower, mower deck and accessories are right for their lawn.
To learn more about the latest products from John Deere, visit JohnDeere.com/Residential2016.
About John Deere
Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) is a world leader in providing advanced products and services and is committed to the success of customers whose work is linked to the land – those who cultivate, harvest, transform, enrich and build upon the land to meet the world’s dramatically increasing need for food, fuel, shelter and infrastructure. Since 1837, John Deere has delivered innovative products of superior quality built on a tradition of integrity. For more information, visit John Deere at its worldwide website atwww.JohnDeere.com.
Steve Wagner
Hi Paul,
I am considering a JD x330 but really not sure about the new Briggs 20 hp 44j6 engine. I could upgrade to the x350 for $200 more. Do you feel the new Briggs engine is as good as the Kawasaki 18.5 ? I don’t wish to waste good money but if the Kawasaki is worth the extra money I will buy it. Thanks
Paul
Hi Steve, I don’t know what engine is in the X330. Even Briggs has no listing of it. Everyone else in the market is running away from kawasaki at the moment. The Kohler 7000 and Briggs ELS/Pro have proven to be just as reliable and cost less to own and operate.
Sue
I have reconsidered and taking your advice and the dealer will be coming today.
Sue
Hi.. I bought a John Deere x350 42 a 09-22-2016.. Mowed 15 minutes,,, belt flipped off… any suggestions… Waiting on call from Ritchey Tractor,, but not holding my breath..
Paul
Hi Sue, Assuming you did not run over a large branch or tried to cut down 2 foot tall weeds it may just have not been put on correctly. It can be hard to figure out all the pulleys and guards you have to go through and around. Or, You may have gotten the new guy at the dealership who set your tractor up. Make them fix it.
Sue
Hi Paul… Thanks for your reply, No, the dealer is not sounding agreeable. I/We can put the belt back on but after 15 minutes of mowing,,, it does not set well… Know what I mean? There was absolutely no reason for this belt to come off EXCEPT it was not put on correctly. 60 Miles one way,,, No we will not be taking it back to the dealer for any reason,,,, and even though they offer to pick up once a year to service and check BELTS<,,We will do it ourselves… Just my luck we would get the new guy at the dealership and cause more problems. THE very thing I was trying to avoid… LIve and learn but this 70 yr old Tennessee gal has
worked on mowers before so watch me goooooo… Thanks Paul
Paul
Hi Sue, There is a belt diagram that shows how the belt goes around all the pulleys and the belt keepers. With the engine off you should be able to spin the belt by hand to make sure it’s not rubbing on a keeper that is out of adjustment. Yougogirl!!!.
Shawn
Hi, Paul very helpful advice you give here thanks, have a question for you and a comment. First the question i have 1 acre all of which is sloped, not sure of the degree but i would guess 18 to 20, i know you are not suppose to mow on a slope above 15 but i do as i have a bad leg and i have had to do it with a push mower takes about 4 to 6 hours no good. Oh my question i have an 09 cub cadet ltx-1050 the transmission just went out on me after 6 seasons and 130 hours. I understand now that it had the k46 trans which is known to go out when used on slopes especially with a 50″ deck. My cub has a 22 hp kawasaki engine no problems what so ever with the engine runs great. So i went to the JD dealer to do some shopping i ended up getting a JDX350 even though it had l3s hp with 18.5 kawa in it, The salesman assured me it was the torque and not the hp that mattered so i got it. It did not pull my hill very well at all and came to find out it had the k46 tranny which i had already told the salesman what happened with the cub. Long story short i brought it back and got an X380 it pulls the hill great no problems at all. I find out after purchase of the 380 it has the same exact 22 hp kawa engine that the cub had in it the difference is the k58 tranny which of course is a beefer transmission hopefully it will last longer than the k46 did i am hoping to get 10 years or more fingers crossed the question do you think this mower will last 10 years, And that brings me to my comment i have literally read hundreds of your post and you state that to get a ground engaging john deere you have to step up to the 500 700 series, yet most of the craftsman gt / pros, cubs, or husq that you recommend have the same k58 trans as the x380 and you state that they are more than capable of ground engagement . So is the k58 ground engaging or not so i guess it is a question. Thanks in advance for your response an have a wonderful day!!!
Paul
Hi Shawn, yes it has the stronger K58 transmission that will hold up for you mowing the slope.
So, Ground engaging is a play on words or advertising issue. John Deere and Simplicity don’t use that term or the term “Garden Tractor.” The John Deere is not listed as a Ground engaging Garden Tractor so I can’t list it on my website as such. It does not have a sleeve hitch available for the standard ground engaging tools like a box blade and cultivator.
For global companies like John Deere the term Garden Tractor gets confusing. Here in the U.S. we use the term Garden Tractor for a specific type on riding mower but in the rest of the world the term is used instead “Lawn Tractor”
Is the X380 frame heavy enough for ground engaging – I don’t know. John Deere wants you to buy the 700 series for any type of dirt work.
Will
Hi Paul,
How does the accel deep deck on the John Deere Z335E compare with the Craftsman Pro G8300 20442 or 20440 in cutting performance. I am looking for the best cut possible. I see that the JD has grease zerk spindles and a striping kit. My local Lowe’s has a returned Z335E, because the customer changed their mind, with only 1.2 hours on it and full warranty. They are knocking 500 dollors off, now only 1995. That is very close to the Craftsman 20442 on line with the Sears card discount. I only mow a little more than a half acre yard, with gentle slopes (3 degrees or less) here
in central Illinois. I only have a few trees and most landscaping in surrounding the house. I have put a lot off work in my yard the last 3 years. I completely killed it off and tilled and sloped the
yard. I then bought “stadium grass” seed from a large ag supplier in the area. I ferterlize and spray for clover. Now I am trying for the best, most plush, yard in the neighborhood. I will be using my new mower just for mowing. My old mower I am keeping and using as a hauler or sweeper. I just can not find any cut comparisons between the 42 inch Accel Deep Z335E and 46 inch Craftsman Pro 20442. Thank you for you imput.
20442.
Paul
Hi Will, no one compares just the decks. No one compares lawn tractors to zero-turn riders. The only comparisons I have are:
The John Deere X350 and the Craftsman Pro both score the same on Consumer Reports tests for bagging, side discharge, and mulching.
The 46 inch deck on a Craftsman Pro and the John Deere Z335E score the same for side discharge and mulching. No tests were done with a bagger.
In other words, I doubt you will be able to tell the difference in the cut quality on your lawn.
Herman
Good Morning Paul, I have about 2 acres I mow in Northfield Center Ohio, which is for the most part flat with a lot of trees and other obstacles. I know I want a ZTR and at first I was settled on a JD Z540M and then after surfing the web I thought the Scaq Freedom Z, then the Hustler SD and so on. My problem is no matter where you go on the web there is so much conflict, one site has a mower or brand as the best thing since sliced bread the next has the same as the biggest piece of junk north of the Mississippi. I have read your ztr article which was outstanding but I just do not want to make the wrong choice so I have been suffering with paralysis by analysis. Please let me know if you have any suggestions. Thanks! Have a Great Day! Herman
Paul
Hi Herman, You are correct. There is always someone out there screaming about how he got screwed with his purchase. I’ve found out that most of the time it’s more of “I picked the wrong product for my job” instead of “the item is junk”
In reality, the three mowers you are looking at are all about the same quality. There are also another dozen or so other brands that also fit into that price range/quality.
The Deere will be a little more expensive and when you put it alongside of a Hustler SD or Scag it won’t look quite as heavy duty. But the Deere has the best cutting deck and one of the best dealer networks there is.
So I am not going to tell you one is better than the other. I suggest talking to the dealers and picking the dealer you like/trust the best. If you have any specific questions feel free to stop back.
Andy V.
Hi, have spent several hours on your great site, thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge. I need help with advice on what you would recommend in my scenario.
Brief background:
I have only ever used push mowers so zero turns are a bit intimidating for the learning curve. My wife and I are purchasing a six acre lot with land and many outbuildings, but only 2.5-3.5 acres need to be mowed. It is fairly thick Bermuda grass with only a few slight variations in height, but there are quite a few trees and a couple of decorative bush areas to navigate around.
The previous owner’s friend was over when we were at the property recently, and he has been cutting the grass as of late for him, and cutting to the chase, he offered to let me continue to use the John Deere X300 he has been using there until I decide to either buy the John Deere (all I know is it has been taken care of on a general inspection without looking underneath, and was made in 2009) or purchase something different. The owner’s friend took 2.5 to 3 hours to mow the property.
After a lot of research, I have no idea if I should buy the John Deere if it’s a good price(none was stated) or pick up something else instead. In addition to mowing, I would like to have a sturdy pull behind cart for hauling light firewood for a pizza oven, fire pit, we only will be able to use the fireplace for 5-10 days on average in this area. Hauling some dirt to setup a garden, and just general moving garden tools and the like around the property are the extent that I can envision for the full use.
I enjoy being outdoors and have never mind cutting grass, but reliability and ease of maintenance are very big pluses for me.
After reading your Amazon Poulan mowers, I added it to the list of potential mowers/garden tractors I am contemplating, with the Craftsmans, some are on sale 20% off currently, and . From what I gather, a 24-26 hp hydrostatic motor with 48-54″ are in the ballpark, but truly could use your help and knowledge.
Thank you,
Andy V.
Paul
Hi Andy, I’m Sorry. I have gotten way behind this week.
Personally, I am not a big fan of buying used. Especially, if this is your first lawn tractor and you don’t have a lot of experience maintaining them. I also know that the asking price of a used X300 Deere is usually way over priced. I’ll be able to sell you a new Craftsman Garden tractor with a warranty for about the same price.
The Craftsman Pro model 20445 is one of the best value 54 inch tractors on the market right now. It has a great cutting deck, a good engine and ergonomically it is easy to use. It is well built and I expect it to last longer than that used Deere.
You can more about it here: Craftsman 20445 Garden Tractor
Here is my choice for a yard cart. This car is rugged and built to last. Craftsman Utility Cart
Andy
Great site you have here. I’m interested in the Z335E and I’m comparing it to the Toro. I don’t know a lot about the manufacturing process and after hearing some mowing companies have bought brands and stuck a bought reputable logo on an inferior product, I’m worried would JD do something similar with their residential mowers?
kim donnelly
Hello – I love your site. My husband and I have a 9 or 10 year old Deere LA125. Husband ran over a stick and the belt came off. Getting it to dealer is a $100 charge and they’re quoting another $200 to replace the belt (plus about $300 more for service/tuneup). We are debating replacing it instead. We’ve been happy with the Deere. We have around 1/3 of an acre of very bumpy contoured land (adjoins a forest). What do you advise? Thank you in advance. Kim
Weston
Hi Paul great site love the info
I’m looking at purchasing a used 2002 John Deere GT245 or the new craftsman’s pro 50″. Is that GT245 a true garden tractor and what are your two sense on the John Deere mower.
Thank you for your time and help
Paul
Hi Weston, I don’t do used tractors – especially that old. There are too many things that could be wrong. With the prices that a John Deere Dealer charges nowdays you can easily rack up 2-3 times what you paid for it on repairs. For example, I have one commenter say their Deere dealer wants $100 for pickup, $200 for a deck belt and another $300 for a tuneup on an LA125. All I can say is the spark plugs better be gold plated for that kind of money.
I did check tractorhouse.com and a 2002 John Deere GT245 are going for $1600-2500 with 500-700 hours.
Jake B.
What is your opinion on the x570 that replaced the x500 this year?
Paul
Hi Jake, I really don’t spend a lot of time on the Deere X500, X700 and the Simplicity tractors. So I have not had a chance to compare them yet.
James Kirk
Hi Paul. Please help me make a decision in purchasing a lawn/garden tractor. I live in Tallahassee,FL ON 2.5 acres, with slopes and rough ground. Will pull a cart and maybe dethatcher. I have JOHN Deere dealer & big box stores. Need something I can get repaired. My biggest concern is transmission durability & maintenance involved. I want 42 to 48 in cut, twin cyl durable engine,hi back
seat & cruise control. No local factory dealers for Poulan, Cub Cadet, Husky so don’t know who repairs them. Don’t know if local Sears repairs those brands as well as Craftsman. Then there is JD.
I’m retired & trying to hold it down to $2500 or less. I’d like to get 10 years out of it with good maintenance. Thanks for your help. James Kirk