Need your help, which one to buy: JD Z245 or TORO SS5060

W

Waterr

Forum Newbie
Hello,

I am looking to buy a new zero turn lawn mower and there is two model who intereste me. I never owned one before.

I need your help to make the best purchase.

Which one would you recommend between John Deere and Toro ?


John Deere Z245 48"
- 23HP Briggs & Stratton
- 2-years/120 hours Limited Warranty

OR

TORO SS5060 50"
- 24HP Kawasaki V-Twin
- 3-years warranty


Thanks for your help.
 
Toro represents a great value! We have a 1HP more powerful Kawasaki engine, a 2 larger deck, and a 3-year warranty. We also have several features the competitive mower does not: Smart Speed control system for smooth, precise control when trim work needs to be done around obstacles, an 18 extra-tall contoured seat for premium comfort vs. a 15 seat, an automatic parking break that automatically engages so you don't have to remember or find a separate parking brake lever. The warranty is also unlimited hours.

We encourage you to find a dealer who will let you drive each model, and hopefully, the Toro TimeCutter SS advantages will become apparent!
 
Just looking at the specs ... I have to agree with Toro, and like he said try a test drive and see how things compare... IF you do get to do that .. Please post back with your findings... :smile:KennyV
 
Z445


About another model, the John Deere Z445 which i was sure that come with a 27HP Kawasaki but there is an error on JD website. The Z445 come with a 27HP Briggs & Stratton ELS (Extended Life Serie)

The JD rep said to me that JD stopped using the Kawasaki because it was not well ventilated, air filter misplaced.

What worths the Briggs & Stratton ELS ?
 
Re: Z445

Waterr said:

About another model, the John Deere Z445 which i was sure that come with a HP Kawasaki but there is an error on JD website. The Z445 come with a 27HP Briggs & Stratton ELS (Extended Life Sere)

The JD rep said to me that JD stopped using the Kawasaki because it was not well ventilated, air filter misplaced.

What worths the Briggs & Straiten ELS ?
Click to expand...
That may be true in Canada but not in USA.
I looked at a new Z 445 with Kawasaki in it this week.
 
2011 JD Z445


@Black Bart : i have called JD in USA and it is the same engine for USA/Canada

It come with a 27HP John Deere Cyclonic Engine (Briggs & Stratton ELS).

What worth this engine on the 2011 JD Z445 ?
 
Last edited:
Re: Z445

Black Bart said:
That may be true in Canada but not in USA.
I looked at a new Z 445 with Kawasaki in it this week.
Click to expand...

Then you looked at a leftover 2010. ALL 2011 Z445's have a Briggs ELS Motor. Briggs was given the exclusive contract on the Z series . My JD contact said it came down to the fact that the current kawasaki v twin would not meet new emission specs and Briggs already meets them. Another sell point is the air cleaner and engine layout in the mower. Briggs did an outstanding job with the air filtration and designed the motor specifically for the way it sits in the mower. They (JD) apparently are paying slightly MORE for the Briggs than the Kawasaki.
I've been a Kawasaki fan for years, my ancient Kawi powered lx178 is indestructible (well the motor is , the rest of the tractor is another story) ...however , Briggs apparently has made significant strides. After hearing it run (This is no 1980's Briggs!) , testing it under load and listening to the pros and cons I bought 2 new Z445's today. I'm very happy with my purchase(s)
 
I too, have been looking at the 445. My local dealer had a model from last year with the Kawi in it, and also new ones from this year. The other difference was the 2800 transmission this year versus the Parker drives ( i believe ) last year. I'm most interested in the mulching feature. I have a JD LT160 with the 42" Freedom deck now, and have been very satisfied with the mulching of this deck. But......I want to get in on the fun of a ZT like my neighbours, and finish my lawn in record time if you know what i mean. Thanks for any input.
 
Hi OP,

I bought a ss5060 about 3 weeks ago and have mowed with it 3 times. Here is my view:

Pros:
  1. I put the recycler kit on myself. Removing the deck is easy, although it is heavy and bulky. Adding the recycler kit is a 30 minute job, good instructions.
  2. Lots of power out of that Kawasaki engine, I burned about 2.5 gallons on mowing the total 4 acres I have mowed.
  3. Nice smooth cut, even mowing diagonal on a 10 degree slope.
  4. Comfortable seat and I adjusted levers for comfortable position.
  5. Speed control is real nice, can set for slow range for around fences, edging, etc and high speed for open turf. It's a nice blend of control for tight spots and pure mowing speed.

Cons:
  1. The engine is louder than my old mower (JD L130 with 23HP Kohler under front hood).
  2. The right rear storage bin is hard to reach (a minor deal)
  3. The front wheels had bushings in them, I replaced the bushings with ball bearings ($26 and an hour).
  4. The manual is pretty well written, would be much better if is listed required tools for each section.

I like mine, this is more a first glimpse and not a readout on reliability.

cheers,
heathtx
 
One additional thing about the Toro.....

I just changed the engine oil after 7 hours. Changing the oil is a bit of a PITA.

You must:
  1. make a small plastic catch cup to place under the filter drain ledge. Not hard, but keep engine shelf clean
  2. Make sure your filter wrench adapter will grab the dimpled end of the filter. There is no room to use the band type filter wrench.
Good thing I don't have do do this until 200 hours total again.........

Still, it's a great mower!
 
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