Between bad boy and john deere, which one has the best zero turn lawn mower? It will depend on how much of the area you need to cover and how much budget you can afford to spend.
But these two are the best names in the lawn mower world. So if it’s your first time buying a zero turn lawn mower, there are many models to pick from. Even both the bad boy vs john deere got a long lineup of zero-turn mowers. So to make it easier for you, we have decided to compare a few models of bad boy vs john deere zero turns based on different price ranges and features.
What is a zero turn mower?
A zero turn mower is a mower that has a zero degree turning radius. It means that the mower can turn in place without changing directions. Zero turn mowers are typically used for lawn care and landscaping under 1 acre.
Why do you need a zero turn mower?
- Zero turn mowers are much faster than traditional mowers.
- They can mow in tight spaces and around obstacles.
- Zero turn mowers provide a much cleaner cut.
- They are easier to maneuver.
Bad boy vs john deere – 20 to 22 Horsepower range
Bad Boy MZ Magnum 54 vs John Deere Z345M
To make it easier for you, we have compared two zero turn lawns from these two brands, Bad Boy MZ Magnum 54 vs John Deere Z345M. These zero turn lawn mowers feature a similarly powered engine, as they both have 22 HP engines.
| Features | Bad Boy MZ Magnum 54 | John Deere Z345M |
| Engine | 22 HP | 22 HP |
| Engine Displacement(CC) | 725 | 724 |
| Deck size | 54 in. | 42 in. |
| Deck Type | fabricated | Stamped decks |
| Cut Width | 54 in. | 42 in |
| Speed (Forward) | 6 mph | 7 mph |
| Fuel Capacity | 5 Gallons | 2.1 gallons |
| Price | 4,399.99 | 3,199.00 |
| Warranty | 2 year | 2-year/120-hour |
| Warranty type | limited warranty | bumper-to-bumper warranty |
Bad Boy MZ Magnum 54 vs John Deere Z345M Comparison
Engine power
As for the engine’s cc and horsepower, both Bad Boy MZ Magnum 54 vs John Deere Z345M are quite similar. They both got a 22 HP engine.
As for engine discharge or CC, Bad Boy MZ Magnum 54 has a 725 cc engine while John Deere Z345M has a 724cc engine. So they are both quite similar when it comes to engine power.
Cut Width
John Deere Z345M lags a bit behind in the cut width. It has a cut width of 42 inches, while Bad Boy MZ Magnum 54 has a cut width of 54 inches. So if you need to cover more area in a short time, then bad boy Magnum 54 is for you.
Deck type
People often forget that deck type is quite important for a lawn mower as it will often decide how long your lawn mower is going to last with or without maintenance.
Fabricated decks are made from a single piece of steel, so they’re very strong and durable. They’re also less likely to rust than stamped decks. Stamped decks are made from several pieces of steel that are welded together. As a result, they’re not as strong as fabricated decks.
Bad Boy MZ Magnum 54 features a fabricated deck, while John Deere Z345M has a stamped deck. So if you are looking for a more durable deck type, then Bad Boy MZ Magnum 54 has the edge.
Speed
Regarding forward speed, the John Deere Z345M beats the Bad Boy MZ Magnum 54 on a slight margin. John Deere Z345M has a forward speed of 7 mp/H, while Bad Boy MZ Magnum 54 has a forward speed of 6 mp/H.
Fuel Capacity
If you want something that has more fuel capacity, then you might be better off with Bad Boy MZ Magnum 54 than picking a John Deere Z345M. Because the Bad Boy MZ Magnum 54 has more than double the fuel capacity of the John Deere Z345M. John Deere Z345M can load only 2.1 gallons of fuel at once, while Bad Boy MZ Magnum 54 can load up to 5 gallons of fuel!
Warranty
The John Deere Z345M and Bad Boy MZ Magnum 54 offer two years of warranty. So one has got the edge here.
Maneuverability
Regarding maneuverability, the Bad Boy MZ Magnum 54 is the clear winner. The John Deere Z345M is a good mower, and it’s as strong as the Bad Boy MZ Magnum 54 if we consider its engine’s firepower. However, it doesn’t have the same level of maneuverability. The Bad Boy MZ Magnum 54 has a smaller turning radius, so it’s much easier to maneuver around obstacles.
Price
One of the most important factors when picking any lawn mower is the price. While some lawn mowers may offer more features, they can be more costly, like the Bad Boy MZ Magnum 54, which costs much more than the John Deere Z345M. However, picking the bad boy will certainly get a better cutting width, a stronger deck, and more fuel loading capacity.
So if you are limited on the budget yet want something within a range of 20 to 22 Horsepower, picking John Deere Z345M can be a great deal. Although it falls behind Bad Boy MZ Magnum 54 on a slight margin, it’s still one of the best zero turn lawn mowers.
Bad boy vs John Deere – 24 to 26 Horsepower range.
John Deere Z515E vs Bad Boy ZT ELITE
In the previous section, we have compared two 22 HP lawnmowers from the bad boy and john deere. So, here is a comparison between two 24 Hp lawn mowers, John Deere Z515E vs Bad Boy ZT ELITE.
| Features | Bad Boy ZT ELITE | John deere Z515E |
| Engine | 24 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine Displacement(CC) | 726-747 | 747 |
| Deck size | 48-60 in. | 54 in. |
| Deck Type | fabricated | Stamped decks |
| Cut Width | 48 in. | 54 in |
| Speed (Forward) | 7 mph | 7 mph |
| Fuel Capacity | 6.5 Gallons | 4.5 gallons |
| Price | $5,499- $5,899. | $5,199.00 |
| Warranty | 2 year | 4 year |
| Warranty type | limited warranty | bumper-to-bumper warranty |
John Deere Z515E vs Bad Boy ZT ELITE Comparison
Engine
You can pick the Bad Boy ZT ELITE engine from various engine variations. For example, you can pick a 726 CC one or a 747 cc engine as Bad Boy ZT ELITE is available in both versions.
As for the John Deere Z515E, it is available in a standard 747 cc engine. So if you are looking for a stronger engine, you can pick a 747cc Bad Boy ZT ELITE or just a John Deere Z515E.
Deck Type
As mentioned, this John Deere Z515E also comes with a stamped deck like all John Deere lawn mowers. Unfortunately, although this type of deck is quite durable, it is not as durable as the fabricated decks of Bad Boy ZT ELITE. So Bad Boy ZT ELITE certainly got the edge here.
Cut Width
As for the cut width, Bad Boy ZT ELITE is available in a few different versions. You can pick a model with a cut width of 48 inches, although there is a 60 inches model available as well. However, 60 inches models will cost you a few hundred bucks more.
As for the John Deere Z515E, it is available on a standard 54 inches cut width model. So if you are looking for a lawn mower that can give you a better cut width at an affordable price, John Deere Z515E is for you.
Speed (Forward)
Both John Deere Z515E and Bad Boy ZT ELITE have a forward speed of 7 mpH, so none of them got the edge here.
Fuel Capacity
John Deere Z515E falls behind here as it can load up only 4.5 gallons of fuel at once. Bad Boy ZT ELITE, on the other hand, has a fuel capacity of 6.5 gallons.
Warranty
John Deere Z515E offers a better deal than Bad Boy ZT ELITE regarding warranty. Bad Boy ZT ELITE comes with a warranty of 4 years, while Bad Boy ZT ELITE offers only two years of warranty.
Maneuverability
Regarding maneuverability, both the John Deere Z515E and the Bad Boy ZT Elite have pros and cons. However, when it comes down to it, the John Deere Z515E comes out on top. The John Deere Z515E has a zero-turn radius, which means it can turn on a dime and is extremely maneuverable. The Bad Boy ZT Elite, on the other hand, has a slightly larger turning radius, which means it’s not quite as maneuverable.
Another factor to consider is the weight of the machine. The John Deere Z515E weighs just 768 lb even with mower and fuel, while the Bad Boy ZT Elite weighs 823 lb to 841 lb. As a result, it makes the John Deere Z515E much easier to maneuver, especially when making tight turns.
Price
There is no question that John Deere Z515E has a better price when it comes to John Deere Z515E vs Bad Boy ZT ELITE. Even if you pick the less powered one with a 725 cc engine and 48 cutting width, it will still cost more than a John Deere Z515E. other than the fuel capacity, John Deere Z515E offers a much better deal, whether it’s the superior cutting price, better maneuverability or the affordability
Final Verdict
When choosing between a Bad Boy and a John Deere zero turn lawn mower, it depends on what you need the machine for.
If you’re doing light work around the yard, either one should be fine. However, if you’re looking to do serious work like covering over an acre of land or need something in the 20 to 22 HP range, Bad boy is better. But it cost quite a lot compared to a John Deere lawn mower of the same features.
However, John Deere has some excellent zero turn mowers in the 24-25 HP range and costs less than the Bad Boy mowers despite offering more or almost similar features.