Buyers Guide to John Deere Residential Lawn Mowers and Zero-Turn Mowers

Three green and yellow John Deere zero-turn lawn mowers are parked side-by-side on a vibrant green l

posted on Friday, June 13, 2025 in Blogs

Looking out the window or pulling into the drive with a view of a lush, vibrant lawn is a source of pride for many homeowners, but maintaining that pristine cut is often time-consuming and physically demanding. Choosing the right mower, however, can make all the difference, transforming grueling lawn care into an easy weekend task.

Whether you’re looking for the best residential lawn mower or the best zero-turn mower, you can’t go wrong with John Deere’s robust range of heavy-duty lawn equipment. One of the most comprehensive mower lineups on the market, John Deere mowers are designed to tackle diverse lawn sizes and terrains to meet the needs of homeowners, landscapers, and commercial property managers alike. In this comprehensive buyer’s guide, we'll explore the different types and features of John Deere residential and zero-turn mowers.

Residential Lawn Mowers Verses Zero-Turn Mowers

From mowers suited for regular lawn maintenance to efficient mowing solutions for larger areas, John Deere’s residential lawn mowers (also referred to as lawn tractors) and zero-turn mowers are up to the task. Residential lawn mowers, such as the John Deere 100 Series, 200 Series, X300 Select Series, X500 Select Series, and X700 Signature Series, are designed for homeowners with varying lawn sizes and terrain.

Alternatively, John Deere’s zero-turn mowers, including the Z300 Series, Z500 Series, and Z700 Series, offer unparalleled maneuverability and efficiency. They can make 180-degree turns, navigate tight spaces easily, and move up to 10 mph. These mowers are perfect for landscapers and commercial property managers who need to trim large areas quickly and precisely.

Features Configured to Your Needs

There are eight classes of lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers to choose from, each offering varied configurations for lawns and properties of different shapes, sizes and lawncare needs. Here’s a breakdown of cutting widths, engine powers, and other favorite features each category offers.

Residential Lawn Mower Features

  • 100 Series: Ideal for small- to medium-sized lawns with relatively flat terrain, these dependable mowers include 42- to 54-in. mower decks, 17.5-24 hp, easy-to-use controls, comfortable operator stations and an affordable price point for the perfect entry-level choice.
  • 200 Series: Ideal for medium-sized lawns with some slopes and obstacles, these upgraded models include 42- to 48-in. mower decks, 21.5-22 hp, comfortable open-back seating, side-by-side pedals, and cruise control for intuitive operation.
  • X300 Select Series: Ideal for medium to large lawns, these advanced models feature 42- to 54-in. mower decks, 21.5-23 hp, Twin Touch™ automatic transmission, and an Exact Adjust deck leveling system for precise cutting height.
  • X500 Series: Ideal for large lawns with slopes, these heavy-duty models feature 48- to 54-in. mower decks, rugged iTorque™ Power System engines that provide 24-25.5 hp, traction assist, and 4-wheel steering on select models.
  • X700 Signature Series: Ideal for extensive lawns and challenging terrain, these premium models provide 48- to 60-in. mower decks, a choice between EFI and diesel engines with 24-25.5 hp, and full-time all-wheel drive for superior traction.

Zero-Turn Mower Features

  • Z300 Series: Ideal for mowing up to 4 acres with obstacles to navigate around, these entry-level zero-turn mowers feature 42- to 54-in. mower decks, 21.5-24 hp, intuitive twin lever controls for precise maneuvers, and comfortable high-back seats.
  • Z500 Series: Ideal for mowing up to 6 acres with varied terrain and obstacles to navigate around, these enhanced models feature 48- to 60-in. mower decks, up to 25 hp, ComfortGlide™ suspension for a smooth ride, and an improved cut height selector.
  • Z700 Series: Ideal for mowing 8+ acres in demanding conditions, these premium models feature 48- to 60-in. mower decks, 23.5 to 27 hp, three comfort seating options, customizable control levers, and 18 different height adjustments.

The Benefits of John Deere: Attachments and Easy Maintenance

Whether you choose a residential or zero-turn lawn mower, you’ll get to enjoy the perks of owning John Deere equipment:

  • Attachments: Turn your lawn mower into the ultimate property caretaker with specialized attachments, including snowblowers, mulching kits, utility carts, spreaders, sprayers and more. At Green Tractors, we carry a variety of lawn mower attachments designed specifically for John Deere mowers.
  • Easy Maintenance: With an extensive network of dealers, easily find quick and reliable service to keep your mower in top shape. At Green Tractors, our service technicians are trained to work on all John Deere residential and zero-turn mowers. Count on us for annual maintenance and any repairs that come up. As a certified John Deere dealer, we have a wide range of OEM parts on hand for any repair job, and parts we don’t have in stock can be shipped in quickly.  

Green Tractors Can Help You Find the Mower That Fits Your Needs

Green Tractors is dedicated to helping you find the perfect mower. Before you start your search, think about the size of your lawn and the terrain you’ll be mowing when choosing which lawn mower is best for you.

For homeowners with smaller lawns and flatter landscapes, a residential lawn mower from the budget-friendly John Deere 100 or 200 Series will likely be a good fit, while the power and performance features on the X300, X500, and X700 models better serve the needs of homeowners with more extensive lawns or complex terrain with steeper slopes. Meanwhile, homeowners with lots of land and landscapers or commercial property managers who need to move quickly or navigate around obstacles efficiently should consider a zero-turn model.

Investing in a top-of-the-line mower is a big decision. That's why we provide expert guidance, competitive pricing, and exceptional after-sales support to ensure your satisfaction. Visit Green Tractors today and experience the difference of a John Deere lawn mower. Our friendly and experienced team is ready to answer your questions, provide demonstrations, and help you discover the equipment solutions you need.

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