Toro vs John Deere Zero Turn Mowers: Which One is Better?

Written by in Lawn Mowers

Zero-turn mowers have become very popular in recent years because of their ability to turn easily in tight spaces. Toro and John Deere are two of the leading manufacturers of zero-turn mowers. So, which one is better?

Toro and John Deere make excellent zero-turn mowers, so it can take time to determine an overall winner. Toro zero-turn mowers are more budget-friendly and have some awesome features. On the other hand, John Deere has been making mowers for a very long time, and their mowers are well-known for their reliability and durability. They do come at a slighter higher price tag, though.

Let’s look at each mower brand and try to determine their differences.

Toro Zero Turn Mowers: The Basics

The budget-friendly Toro zero-turn mowers are manufactured in the United States at factories in Florida, Texas, California, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The company has been in operation since 1914 and also manufactures construction equipment and turf maintenance products, among others.

Some highlighted features of the Toro zero-turn mowers include:

  • The patented MyRIDE suspension system. This makes the ride more comfortable.
  • An IronForged deck that is designed for durability and performance.
  • A DNA structure that ensures strength, precision, and durability.
  • A robust and reliable Kawasaki engine.
  • The blade height can easily be adjusted both at the back and the front of the machine, and blades can be engaged and disengaged with the use of a brake clutch.

John Deere Zero Turn Mowers: The Basics

Like Toro, John Deere zero-turn mowers are also manufactured in the United States in Iowa. The John Deere company started way back in 1837 and is well-known and respected worldwide for its high-quality tractors and machinery.

Some highlighted features of the John Deere zero-turn mowers include:

  • ComfortGlide suspension for a smoother ride over rough terrain.
  • A powerful V-Twin engine that features electronic fuel injection and throttle control for faster starts and greater performance.
  • A large instrument panel featuring easy-to-read gauges.
  • A larger gas tank and a slightly larger deck.

What Are The Similarities Between The Two Mower Brands?

Whether you choose a Toro or a John Deere zero-turn mower, you won’t be disappointed in its performance and ease of use. 

Both mowers offer a comfortable ride while mowing and are designed to give your lawn area the best cut possible. They’re both built to last and will provide you with many hours of happy mowing for years to come.

Comparing The Toro Zero Turn Mowers vs. The John Deere Zero Turn Mowers

Let’s now highlight the most prominent differences between these two mower brands to help you decide which one will suit your purpose better.

The John Deere Zero Turn Mower Has A More Powerful Engine

Although the Toro zero turn mower also has a V-twin engine, the V-Twin ELS engine found in the John Deere mower is unique. This engine can only be found in John Deere machines. 

It’s a powerful engine that has more torque and uses less fuel at the same time. The engine is also designed to run quieter and produce less vibration. 

The Toro Zero Turn Mowers Don’t Require Oil Changes

While the Toro mower’s V-Twin engine might not have the same prestige as the John Deere one, it does have the best fuel efficiency of any mower engine available today.

The engine also has a unique self-cleaning air filtration system. This system effectively removes all dust and dirt, eliminating the need for constant oil changes.

The John Deere Zero Turn Mower Has Better Traction

Thanks to its large 22-inch rear tires, the John Deere mower has excellent traction even on wet grass. The mower’s strong steel frame allows it to move effortlessly, even over the roughest terrain.

The Toro Zero Turn Mower Features The Smart Speed Control System

The Smart Speed Control System is unique to the Toro mower. It allows you to change the speed while mowing without slowing down the engine. This is especially important if you want a continuous quality cut throughout your lawn.

Another feature of this system is that you have 3-speed ranges. These are Trim, Mow, and Tow.

The Toro Zero Turn Mower Has A Slightly Better Body Strength

Although both mowers use the same manufacturing materials for their deck and frame, Toro uses heavy-duty 10-gauge steel, which is slightly thicker than the steel used by John Deere.

The John Deere Zero Turn Mower May Outlast The Toro

Although both mowers are durable and designed to last for many years, the John Deere mower may come out in front in this regard. A John Deere mower can last around 4,500 to 5,500 hours if maintained well. That’s a lot of mowing time!

The Toro Zero Turn Mower Has Been Designed For Comfort

Homeowners who spend many hours mowing their yard may appreciate the few additional comfort features that the Toro mower provides. These include a cup holder and a storage compartment for your smartphone.

Which Mower Should You Choose?

Both mower brands offer a comprehensive range of zero-turn mowers that will do the job that you want doing. They are both excellent machines and keep your lawn looking great.

Therefore, the choice may come down to price or longevity. If you’re on a budget, the Toro zero turn mower might be the better choice for you because it comes at a lower cost while still having many excellent features.

On the other hand, if you’re willing to invest a little more, you can’t go past the John Deere zero-turn mower for its durability and longevity. The extra investment is bound to pay off in the long run as your John Deere just keeps going.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will a Toro zero turn mower last?

In general, you should be able to get around 2,000 hours of mowing time from a well-maintained Toro zero-turn mower without having to do major repairs.

Which lawn mower brands are most reliable?

According to user reviews, John Deere mowers are the most trusted, respected, and reliable brand. This is closely followed by Honda, Toro, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, Husqvarna, Black+Decker, Snapper, Ryobi, and Cub Cadet.

Why are zero turn mowers not good on hills?

Zero-turn mowers have caster wheels that are designed for tighter turns but don’t offer very much traction when going uphill.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the market for a zero-turn mower, you can’t go past either a Toro or a John Deere. Primarily, the choice comes down to your available budget and how long you want the mower to last without having to do major repairs.

Both mowers are excellent machines and will make mowing your yard fast and easy.