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Choose the Right John Deere Lawn Mower

Jul. 15 2025 Lawn & Garden By Fulline Farm & Garden Equipment

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A Homeowner’s Guide to Choosing the Right John Deere Lawn Mower

As a homeowner, maintaining a lush and neatly trimmed lawn can feel like a big undertaking. If you don't have the right lawn mower, mowing can take up valuable time and energy. But with the right equipment, you can achieve that pristine cut you want without all the hassle.

Every yard is different, so choosing the best residential lawn mower for your property is one of your most important property care decisions. At Fulline Farm & Garden, we offer John Deere’s comprehensive line-up of residential lawn mowers with configurations designed for first-time homeowners with a compact yard to experienced homeowners with expansive lawns or intricate landscaping.

With so many options, matching the perfect mower to your yard can feel overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll explore the key factors and features you should consider when choosing the best John Deere lawn mower for your needs.

Lawn Tractors vs. Zero-Turn Mowers

Understanding the differences between John Deere’s two residential lawn mower categories, lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers, will help you know where to direct your search.

Lawn Tractors

From the budget-friendly John Deere S100 and S200 Series to the premium John Deere X300, X500 and X700 Series, these versatile riding lawn mowers feature a choice of mowing deck sizes, powerful engines, and durable engineering designed to tackle varied lawn sizes and terrain types.

With comfortable seating, familiar steering wheel operation and other intuitive controls, lawn tractors offer a user-friendly design. Their ability to handle a wide range of attachments (including carts, spreaders, snowblowers and more) makes them a great choice if you’re looking for a year-round landscaping solution that can handle more than just mowing.

Zero-Turn Mowers

John Deere ZTrak mowers provide homeowners with a commercial-grade mowing experience. These zero-turn mowers are designed for speed and efficiency, with lap bars that allow for precise control and the ability to turn on a dime.

Zero-turn mowers make quick work of large lawns and easily maneuver around complex obstacles like flower beds and other landscaping features. Increasing in speed and performance power from the John Deere Z300 to the Z500 and Z700 Series, these models are all about achieving that perfect cut. You can adjust the height of your mowing deck on the go without leaving your seat.

Key Lawn Mower Features to Consider

There are a few features you’ll want to have in mind when you start looking for a new mower:

  • Cutting Width: Lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers offer 42-60 in. mowing decks. A larger deck allows you to cover more ground in one pass, but it can be tough to maneuver in tight spaces.
  • Engine Power: The more ground you have to cover and the more challenging conditions, such as thick grass or uneven terrain you have to deal with, the more horsepower you’ll want to do the job. Lawn tractors offer 17-25.5 HP, while zero-turn mowers provide 21-27 HP.
  • Maneuverability: Smaller-framed lawn tractors like the S100 and S200 Series navigate swiftly around most obstacles. However, larger models may not have the turning radius to work seamlessly around lawn fixtures and in tight spaces. Meanwhile, zero-turn mowers provide the ultimate maneuverability.

H2: Choosing the Right Mower for Your Needs

The size of your lawn, property features such as terrain type and landscaping elements, and your personal preferences are the most critical factors in determining the best residential lawn mower for your yard.

How Big is Your Yard?

  • Small Lawn (up to half an acre): The S100 and S200 Series lawn tractors offer smaller frames that are perfect for smaller or fenced-in yards.
  • Medium Lawn (0.5-2 acres): For a medium-sized lawn, consider an X300 Series lawn tractor or a Z300 Series zero-turn mower. These mid-tier models offer an excellent balance of power and maneuverability.
  • Large Lawn (2+ acres): Look at the X500 or X700 Series lawn tractors or the Z500 and Z700 Series zero-turn mowers for mowing expansive properties. These models have the extra horsepower and larger fuel tanks to get through big areas. Zero-turn models will help you move more quickly, while lawn tractors can take on challenging terrain.

What Are the Mowing Conditions on Your Property?

  • Terrain: If you have a relatively flat lawn, you can choose your mower based on your lawn size and desired features. Meanwhile, lawn tractors have bulkier frames that provide stability to better adapt to lawns with slopes and inclines. The S100, S200 and X300 Series models can handle slight slopes and inclines, while the X500 and X700 Series offer additional stability to take on steep inclines and rough terrain.
  • Obstacles: A zero-turn model can seamlessly maneuver around challenging obstacles like trees, flower beds, or tight corners. If your lawn has a lot of landscaping features, consider a zero-turn mower.
  • Grass Type and Mowing Frequency: If you have thick grass or want to mow less often, choose a model with higher horsepower, like the X700 lawn tractor or Z700 zero-turn mower.

What Other Features Do You Want?

  • Lawn Mower Attachments: A lawn tractor is your best bet if you want to use your mower for more than just mowing. Zero-turn models offer essential attachments like mulching kits and utility carts but can't pull as much weight. Meanwhile, you can use your lawn tractor to haul supplies, spray your lawn, or clear snow from driveways and paths. Choose the X700 Series lawn tractor for the most advanced attachments and the ultimate all-in-one lawn care machine.
  • Comfort and Ease-of-Use: Different models offer varied levels of comfort and ease-of-use features. From high-back seating choices to cruise control, 30-second oil change systems, power steering, outlets, spring suspension for a comfortable ride and more, John Deere lawn mowers provide plenty of extra features. Talk to our friendly Fulline Farm & Garden staff to explore all your options.

Fulline Farm & Garden Can Help You Find the Perfect Mower 

Investing in a top-of-the-line mower is a big decision, and Fulline Farm & Garden is here to be your guide through your entire lawn care journey. Here's how:

  • Expert advice: Our knowledgeable staff can help you choose the perfect mower you can count on for years to come.
  • Test drives: Try before you buy to ensure you're comfortable with your choice.
  • Financing options: We offer flexible payment plans to fit your budget.
  • Comprehensive service: From regular maintenance to repairs, our highly skilled technicians keep your mower running smoothly.
  • Parts availability: We stock a wide range of OEM John Deere parts for quick repairs and maintenance.

 Visit Fulline Farm & Garden today and experience the difference a John Deere lawn mower can make on your property.