Our verdict
The bottom line
The default sensible ride-on for 0.5–1 acre UK lawns. JD pedigree, parts everywhere, holds value remarkably well. Spend slightly more, save it back on resale.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Genuine John Deere durability
- Rear collection bag huge at 300L
- Hydrostatic drive smooth
- Great resale value
Cons
- Big and heavy — needs storage space
- Service costs higher than budget rivals
- New price not cheap
Full specs
| Type | Ride-on |
|---|---|
| Cut width | 102 cm |
| Engine / Power | John Deere 7.5kW twin |
| Weight | 225 kg |
| Deck | Steel |
| Self-propelled | Yes |
| Rear roller | No |
| Mulching | No |
| Cutting heights | 6 positions |
| Bag capacity | 300 L |
| Suited to lawn | Large |
| Noise level | 100 dB |
Buying second-hand
Used-market tip
£1700–2500 used. Engine hours matter more than years — under 200 hours is excellent, over 600 means assume the worst. Test the PTO clutch — should engage smoothly. Hydrostatic transmission should pull cleanly forward and back with no jolts. JD service history adds £300 to fair value.
Where to look: Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree are usually 20–30% cheaper than eBay UK for petrol mowers because most sellers want local pickup. eBay tends to win on cordless and electric (lighter, easier to ship). Always insist on a starting demonstration before paying.
