The 2 biggest brands in the lawn care game go head-to-head in this exciting new comparison by Main Street Mower.
Tune in to see how the John Deere Z535M compares to the TORO Titan in homeowner or residential market. In this comparison, Chip tests the cut quality, handling, features, and dispersion of both the industry leading mowers.
Toro vs. John Deere: The Ultimate Lawn Mower Showdown
Hey, everyone! Chip here from Main Street Mower. Today, we’ve got a thrilling face-off that you’ve been waiting for: Toro vs. John Deere. Buckle up, because we’re diving deep into the nitty-gritty of lawnmower performance. On my right, we have the mighty Toro Titan 75305, equipped with a 54-inch deck and a 26-horsepower Kohler engine. On my left, stands the resilient John Deere Z535M, featuring a 25-horsepower engine. We’ll be putting these machines to the test on some thick, overgrown Bahia grass. Let’s get started!
The Contenders
Toro Titan 75305
- Engine: 26 HP Kohler
- Deck Size: 54 inches
- Key Features: Deep deck, robust spindles, beefy wheels, and overall sturdy build.
The Toro Titan is a powerhouse. It's designed to tackle the toughest lawns with ease. If you want to get into the finer details of this beast, check out our previous reviews.
John Deere Z535M
- Engine: 25 HP
- Deck Size: 54 inches
- Current Model Updates: New yellow deck, roll bar, LED lights, and updated seat.
Although the model we’re testing is from about three years ago, the core mechanics and features are very similar to the latest iterations. It's worth noting that back in 2020, this mower cost around $4,500, making it a strong competitor in its category.
The Test Grounds
We’ve chosen a lawn with tall, thick Bahia grass that’s been left to grow wild for two weeks during the summer. This gives us the perfect conditions to test the mettle of both mowers. The goal is to cut this 11-inch tall grass down to 3.5 inches—quite a challenge but necessary to evaluate their true performance.
Initial Impressions
Toro Titan
The Titan took on the thick grass like a champ. Despite the height and density of the Bahia grass, the Titan's powerful 26-Horsepower engine and superior deck design allowed for excellent grass dispersion. Even with such challenging conditions, the Titan left a much cleaner cut with minimal clumping.
John Deere Z535M
The John Deere also performed admirably. It managed to cut through the thick grass efficiently but struggled a bit more with dispersing the cut grass evenly. Clumps were more prominent, which could lead to potential issues such as burning the grass underneath due to poor airflow.
Performance Comparison
Cutting Quality
- Toro Titan: The cutting quality was outstanding. The machine managed to chop down the tall grass evenly, and the dispersion was superior, leaving behind a neat lawn.
- John Deere Z535M: While the cutting was efficient, the machine struggled with grass dispersion, resulting in noticeable clumps that would require additional clean-up.
Handling and Control
- Toro Titan: The steering felt smooth, and the overall control of the machine was top-notch. The sturdy build and large wheels provided excellent traction even in thick grass.
- John Deere Z535M: The John Deere offered decent control and handling. However, it didn’t feel as robust and smooth as the Toro, especially on uneven patches.
The Verdict
Toro Titan: The Clear Winner
There’s a reason why the Toro Titan comes with a higher price tag. It offers superior cutting quality, better grass dispersion, and more robust handling. If you’re working with tough, overgrown lawns, investing in the Toro Titan is worth every penny.
John Deere Z535M: A Strong Contender
Don’t get me wrong—the John Deere Z535M is a fantastic mower and offers great value, especially if you’re on a tighter budget. However, if you want to minimize the time spent on post-mowing maintenance like raking up clumps, the Titan edges it out.
Conclusion
What a showdown! Both the Toro Titan 75305 and John Deere Z535M are exceptional lawnmowers with their own strengths. The Titan excels in handling and grass dispersion, making it the ideal choice for those who tackle challenging lawns frequently. Meanwhile, the Z535M is a reliable and budget-friendly option that delivers commendable performance but may require extra clean-up effort.
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below. Have you tried either of these mowers? Do you agree with our assessment? And don’t forget to subscribe for more exciting content and comparisons.
Happy mowing, and thanks for being part of our community!
Products Discussed In The Video
- Toro TITAN | 54" Deck | 26HP Kohler Zero Turn Mower | 75305
- John Deere Z535M
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https://www.youtube.com/@mainstreetmower
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1 comment
Joseph Kozo
Most comparisons are for large (52”) mowers, how about 40-42”
Mowers?