When it comes to purchasing a lawn mower, there are many factors to consider. Two of the most popular brands in the market are Gravely and John Deere. Both brands have a reputation for producing high-quality mowers that are durable and efficient. However, choosing between the two can be challenging, especially if you are not familiar with their features and specifications.
In this article, I will provide an in-depth comparison of Gravely and John Deere mowers. I will cover various aspects such as brand overview, mower specifications, design and comfort, performance and maintenance, pricing and warranty. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the two brands, and you will be able to make an informed decision when choosing a lawn mower.
Key Takeaways
- Gravely and John Deere are two popular brands of lawn mowers that are known for their durability and efficiency.
- Both brands have a wide range of mowers that cater to different needs and preferences.
- When choosing between the two brands, it is essential to consider factors such as mower specifications, design and comfort, performance and maintenance, pricing and warranty.
Brand Overview
History of Gravely and John Deere
As a brand, Gravely has been around for over 100 years, starting in 1916 as the Gravely Motor Plow & Cultivator Company. The company was founded by Benjamin Franklin Gravely, who invented the first motorized plow. Since then, Gravely has expanded its product line to include a wide range of outdoor power equipment, including zero-turn mowers, walk-behind mowers, and more.
John Deere, on the other hand, has been in business for over 180 years, starting in 1837 as a one-man blacksmith shop in Grand Detour, Illinois. The company was founded by John Deere, who invented the first commercially successful steel plow. Since then, John Deere has become one of the most recognizable and respected names in the outdoor power equipment industry.
Market Position and Reputation
Both Gravely and John Deere are popular brands in the USA, known for their high-quality outdoor power equipment. Gravely is a subsidiary of Ariens Company, which is a family-owned business that has been around for over 80 years. Ariens Company is known for its commitment to quality and innovation, and Gravely is no exception. Gravely mowers are known for their durability and reliability, making them a popular choice for homeowners and professionals alike.
John Deere, on the other hand, is a publicly traded company with a global presence. The company is known for its iconic green and yellow tractors and its commitment to quality and innovation. John Deere mowers are known for their advanced features and cutting-edge technology, making them a popular choice for homeowners and professionals alike.
Overall, both Gravely and John Deere are respected manufacturers of outdoor power equipment, with a reputation for quality and innovation. When it comes to choosing between the two brands, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs.
Mower Specifications
When it comes to choosing between Gravely and John Deere mowers, the specifications of each machine are an important consideration. In this section, I will compare the key specifications of both brands to help you make an informed decision.
Engine and Horsepower
Both Gravely and John Deere mowers are equipped with high-quality engines, but the brand of engine used varies. Gravely mowers typically use Kawasaki engines, while John Deere mowers use engines from various manufacturers such as Briggs & Stratton and Kawasaki. The horsepower of the engines also varies depending on the model, with some Gravely mowers having up to 35 horsepower and some John Deere models having up to 29 horsepower.
Deck Size and Cutting System
The deck size of a mower determines how much grass it can cut in one pass. Gravely and John Deere mowers come in a variety of deck sizes, ranging from 42 inches to 72 inches. Gravely mowers typically have a cutting width of 50 inches or more, while John Deere mowers range from 42 inches to 72 inches. The cutting system also varies between the two brands, with Gravely mowers typically using a 3-blade system and John Deere mowers using either a 2-blade or 3-blade system.
Speed and Maneuverability
The speed and maneuverability of a mower are important factors to consider, especially if you have a large lawn or need to navigate tight spaces. Gravely and John Deere mowers are both zero-turn mowers, which means they can turn on a dime and easily navigate around obstacles. However, the speed and maneuverability of each brand varies depending on the model. Some Gravely mowers can reach speeds of up to 13 mph, while some John Deere models can reach speeds of up to 10 mph. Additionally, some Gravely models have a tighter turning radius than some John Deere models, making them more maneuverable in tight spaces.
Overall, both Gravely and John Deere mowers have impressive specifications that make them suitable for a variety of lawn care needs. When choosing between the two brands, it is important to consider your specific needs and the specifications of each model to make the best decision for your lawn care needs.
Design and Comfort
When it comes to design and comfort, both Gravely and John Deere have their unique features that make them stand out. In this section, I will discuss the seat comfort and ergonomics, as well as the frame and tires of both brands.
Seat Comfort and Ergonomics
Gravely and John Deere both offer high back, plush seats with armrests for added comfort during long mowing sessions. However, Gravely’s seats are known for their superior ergonomics, which provide a more comfortable and natural seating position. In contrast, John Deere’s seats are slightly less ergonomic but still offer excellent comfort.
Frame and Tires
Gravely’s frames are built with a heavy-duty, welded steel construction that provides excellent durability and stability. Additionally, Gravely’s tires offer superior traction and are designed to handle a variety of terrains, making them an excellent choice for homeowners with uneven or hilly lawns.
John Deere frames are also built with heavy-duty steel construction, but they are known for their advanced steering dampening system. This system provides a smoother ride and reduces operator fatigue, making it an excellent choice for homeowners with larger lawns.
In conclusion, both Gravely and John Deere offer excellent design and comfort features. Gravely’s superior seat ergonomics and excellent traction make it an excellent choice for homeowners with uneven or hilly lawns, while John Deere’s advanced steering dampening system provides a smoother ride and reduces operator fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between these two brands will come down to personal preference and the specific needs of the homeowner.
Performance and Maintenance
Cutting Efficiency and Terrain Handling
When it comes to cutting efficiency and terrain handling, both Gravely and John Deere offer top-of-the-line lawn care equipment. The Gravely X-Factor® III cutting system allows for a superior cut quality and improved material flow, while John Deere’s Edge™ Cutting System and Accel™ Deep mower deck provide faster cutting speeds and excellent cut quality. Both brands also offer mulching capabilities, which can save time and improve the health of your lawn.
In terms of terrain handling, Gravely’s Pro-Turn® 400 and John Deere’s ZTrak™ Zero-Turn Mowers are both designed to handle uneven terrain with ease. Gravely’s Pro-Turn® 400 features a high-back seat with armrests and adjustable lumbar support, while John Deere’s ZTrak™ Zero-Turn Mowers offer a comfortable seat and a durable frame.
Durability and Service Requirements
When it comes to durability and service requirements, Gravely and John Deere both offer reliable and durable lawn care equipment. Gravely’s lifetime warranty on the mower deck and frame demonstrates their confidence in the quality of their products. John Deere also offers a strong warranty on their products, with a 4-year/700-hour bumper-to-bumper warranty on their ZTrak™ Zero-Turn Mowers.
In terms of service requirements, both brands require regular oil and filter changes to maintain optimal performance. Gravely recommends changing the oil and filter every 100 hours of operation or annually, whichever comes first. John Deere recommends changing the oil and filter every 50 hours of operation or annually, whichever comes first. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance to ensure the longevity and reliability of your lawn care equipment.
Overall, both Gravely and John Deere offer high-quality lawn care equipment with excellent performance and maintenance requirements. It is important to consider your specific needs and budget when choosing between the two brands.
Pricing and Warranty
When it comes to pricing, both Gravely and John Deere offer a range of products at different price points. The cost of ownership will depend on the specific model and features you choose. Generally, Gravely mowers are priced slightly lower than John Deere models, but this can vary depending on the dealer and location.
Cost of Ownership
It’s important to consider the cost of ownership when comparing Gravely and John Deere mowers. This includes not only the initial purchase price but also ongoing costs such as maintenance and repairs. Gravely mowers are known for their durability and low maintenance requirements, which can help reduce long-term costs. John Deere mowers are also built to last, but may require more frequent maintenance.
Warranty and After-Sales Service
Both Gravely and John Deere offer warranties on their mowers, but the specifics may vary depending on the model and dealer. Gravely offers a 3-year limited warranty on their residential mowers and a 5-year limited warranty on their commercial mowers. John Deere offers a 2-year/120-hour bumper-to-bumper warranty on their residential mowers and a 2-year/1500-hour warranty on their commercial mowers.
In addition to warranties, it’s important to consider the after-sales service provided by the dealer. A reliable John Deere dealer can provide ongoing support and maintenance for your mower, which can help ensure it runs smoothly for years to come. Gravely also has a network of dealers who can provide support and service for their mowers.
Overall, both Gravely and John Deere offer quality mowers at different price points. It’s important to consider the cost of ownership and warranty when making your decision, as well as the reputation and after-sales service of the dealer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the distinguishing features of Gravely zero turn mowers?
Gravely zero turn mowers are known for their durability, maneuverability, and versatility. They are designed with a heavy-duty steel frame and feature a high-back seat with armrests for added comfort during long mowing sessions. The X-Factor II deck on Gravely zero turn mowers is designed to deliver a superior cut and is available in a variety of sizes to meet different mowing needs. Additionally, Gravely mowers come equipped with a range of features such as a foot-operated deck lift, hydro-gear transmissions, and easy-to-use controls.
How do John Deere zero turn mowers compare in terms of durability and performance?
John Deere zero turn mowers are known for their durability and performance. They feature a welded steel frame and come equipped with a range of features such as hydrostatic transmissions, adjustable seats, and easy-to-use controls. John Deere zero turn mowers are designed to provide a superior cut and are available in a range of sizes to meet different mowing needs. Additionally, John Deere mowers are known for their reliability and are backed by a strong warranty.
What are the key differences between Gravely and Scag zero turn mowers?
Gravely and Scag zero turn mowers are both known for their durability and performance. However, there are some key differences between the two brands. Gravely mowers are designed with a heavy-duty steel frame and feature a high-back seat with armrests for added comfort. They also come equipped with a range of features such as a foot-operated deck lift, hydro-gear transmissions, and easy-to-use controls. Scag mowers, on the other hand, are designed with a heavy-duty welded steel frame and feature a suspension system for added comfort during long mowing sessions. They also come equipped with a range of features such as a foot-operated deck lift, hydro-gear transmissions, and easy-to-use controls.
Can you provide an overview of the Gravely ZT HD series and its reception?
The Gravely ZT HD series is a line of zero turn mowers that are designed for homeowners and commercial users alike. They feature a heavy-duty steel frame and come equipped with a range of features such as a foot-operated deck lift, hydro-gear transmissions, and easy-to-use controls. The ZT HD series also features a high-back seat with armrests for added comfort during long mowing sessions. The Gravely ZT HD series has received positive reviews from customers and is known for its durability, performance, and ease of use.
Who manufactures Gravely lawn tractors and how does this impact their quality?
Gravely lawn tractors are manufactured by Ariens Company, a company that has been in business for over 80 years. Ariens Company is known for its commitment to quality and is dedicated to producing high-quality products that meet the needs of its customers. Gravely lawn tractors are designed with a heavy-duty steel frame and come equipped with a range of features such as hydrostatic transmissions, adjustable seats, and easy-to-use controls. The fact that Gravely lawn tractors are manufactured by Ariens Company has a positive impact on their quality and reliability.
How does the quality and performance of Ariens mowers relate to Gravely models?
Ariens Company is known for producing high-quality outdoor power equipment, including mowers and snow blowers. Gravely is a brand that is owned by Ariens Company and is known for its durability, performance, and ease of use. The quality and performance of Ariens mowers are reflected in Gravely models, which are designed with a heavy-duty steel frame and come equipped with a range of features such as hydrostatic transmissions, adjustable seats, and easy-to-use controls. Overall, the quality and performance of Ariens mowers have a positive impact on the quality and performance of Gravely models.
Hi, I’m Sal Muller of Tooltrip.com. My DIY experience led me to understand essential power tools for home projects. Tooltrip.com guides enthusiasts and professionals in choosing right tools for any job. I provide concise top tool reviews for easier, efficient DIY.