I recently bought a new ZTRACK X345R, and couldn't be happier. The only thing that I didn't like was, the oil filter location, where the oil always spills on the deck, when the filter is removed. So, I modified the filter system with a Briggs (594271) Remote Oil Filter Adapter. I relocated the filter over the back of the deck, and beside the muffler cover. The adapter location now alleviates messes. I also did some research and found that a larger Motorcraft FL-400S filter is a suitable substitute. With the filter change, the engine oil system holds an additional 6oz of oil, and has a much larger filtering capacity. Absolutely no problems have been incurred with this modification.
Just ordered a 530r w/ 60” High Capacity - can’t wait to try it! I’m holding off mowing with my old clunker until it gets here! Thanks for the incredibly detailed video, huge help in making a decision in the sea of options!
I bought the z530r and so completely happy with it. My first zero turn and still getting used to it compared to my old tractor. Mows really nice with the optional dealer installed mulch kit. You do a great job on these videos and helped in y decision process. I’d love to have one of your dealer hoodies if you’ll send me one I’ll gladly pay for it?
Thank you and I am glad you are enjoying your mower. When it gets closer to winter shoot me an email at brent@westequip.com and I will see if we can get you fixed up. Thanks for watching!
Purchased a Z375r and I'm happy with my purchase. I have been mowing 1.5 acres and haven't had any issues for a few months. Bought it from Lowe's out the door $3,100 bc the back motor shroud had a couple scratches... I took it off sanded and painted it 🤷🏻♂️. If you get the 375 you do get a Briggs 25 hp!!
Your a better salesperson than the dealerships have by far. I stopped at my local JD for parts and spoke with a girl ,.. she just pointed and said that’s all we have,. I returned and spoke with a fellow that did a search and found 1 model nearby that I wanted ( the only one in the state) I agreed to pay retail and the 36 month at 0 % was a bargain. I called the next day and he hadn’t even submitted the financial information. I would be just as happy with a Ferris and called them,.. they didn’t return the call either . Waz up ? I need a mower !
Well I am sorry to hear about your bad experience with your dealership. I know the inventory shortages are a problem nation wide right now but that does not excuse the lack of tending to your needs. I hope you find a mower soon and thanks for the compliment and for watching!
Ordered the Z515E....then got buyers remorse but I will get over it. I have a Toro 50inch time cutter now that's getting older. Will be interesting to see which one is better.
This video helped me learn my new. Machine better after own the 355R I decided to trade it on for a z530R this video helped me check out my new machine as the guy at John Deere assumed since I can drive a 2019 mod that I automatically know everything about 2022 model WRONG. NO MATTER HOW EXPERIENCE THEY SEEM ALWAYS SHOW THEM THEIR NEW MACHINE! Great video helped me learn more about something i should of already learned at the dealership!
I've started shopping for a new one and even though this is 2 years old, this was very helpful as I was looking to compare the 300 vs 500 series. Thanks.
@@WesternEquipment Probably still a year away from one since I just paid to have my current tractor fixed but learning towards the higher end of the 3's. I like some of the upgraded stuff on the 5's but I don't NEED them.
Brent thanks for all the information. Just picked up our 2022 Z545R with bagger system, to cut our 2 acres of land and it's been raining since! 🤣 So we have not had a chance to use it yet. I'm excited to see it perform. Keep on making these videos, their fantastic!
@@rhlott the deal breaker is the rear wheels. They’re too skinny, and prone to leaving ruts. Other than that, there’s no sight fuel gauge and only two anti scalp wheels on the deck which will eventually cause a failed bracket once the unit approaches 15 years due to low mowing heights and the weight of the deck (things that a buyer would note if a demo unit is available beforehand). The engine and PTO switch seem solid. The transmission doesn’t have plastic gears. I can pretty much perform all of the services from home. Cut quality and durability are at the top of my list when buying. This SKU took a lot of engineering shortcuts to keep the price attractive.
Yes, it is definitely small compared to the Z5, but I can say i have driven and mowed with most of them and they are tougher than they look. Thanks for watching!
Excellent review and video. I'm on my second Z540M 48" deck both Kawaski engines. Traded at 2 years on the first Z540M. Love them both. The last one is 4 years old. With about 237hrs. Does JD still make that one? Thank you. Blessings to you.
They suck I've had mine for only 33 hrs of mowing and sob turns off when I'm cutting the grass z540m ztrak 60 in hopefully they can solve this problem because if not I need my money back all 6 grand
I believe it is just because with a 48" deck you would have to have a power flow system and these mowers are designed to have that much additional weight off to the side of the deck for the blower. I don't know if they will ever get this changed or not but you can get a bagger for the Z345R is that helps at all. Thanks for watching!
I’m really looking into the z335E. I’m cutting an acre and half with good terrain and helping cutting a 3 1/2 acre at our church with minor terrain. Will the z335e be good for what I want. I’m trying to do a lot of research before I pull the plug. Will it cut with clean lines.
@@jasonmiller2373 yeah I've been cutting my yard, and both of neighbors for 3 weeks now since this post and it's been great. The lines aren't as profound as I would like but I know they make an attachment to make them profound. The only downfall I've noticed, has been the gas consumption. Even with the three yards, coming in at about 2 acres, the low fuel light kicks on. And the controls for steering are very sensitive but that could be just me coming from using a push mower the last few years.
@@fitzitsits8972 Thank you for your response. I have been doing a lot of research and I believe I might upgrade to the Z365R but still eating my option. I want this to be the last mower I buy for a long time lol.
@@jasonmiller2373 yeah, I'm moving in a couple years and I'll be on at least 20 acres with probably at least 3 of those being mowable. I probably should've gone with the 365R but we shall see
This really comes down to he question of how big of a frame do you want and options. They are both great mowers. You will have more options and more safety equipment with the Z5, but this is really a gut call. Thanks for watching!
We need some for upgrades to the 900 series mowers like kawasaki EFI engines 23 hp up to 38hp and Briggs and Stratton EFI engines 28 and 37 even 40 hp The Kohler 824 EFI is a dinosaur it's old and outdated at 29 hp make the call to JD😁😁
Great video. I just purchased the Z365R, great mower but I was disappointed to find out that you can’t add a rear bagger to it. Is there another option to collect the clippings?
I need help deciding between 2 used JD zero turn mowers. Which would you choose if you had to decide between a 2019 Z540R (with Kawasaki engine) with 100 hours or the 2023 Z325E (Briggs & Stratton engine) with 40 hrs? This is for home use only. 540 a little more but almost same price
What's the smallest reliable Z series from JD that I could buy? I am thinking of changing my old LA115, but should able to get in my shed like it use to my 42" width.
If you are wanting a 42" deck you will have to go with the Z3 series. I would recommend looking at the Z345R. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!
So the X330 would be in a comparable class to the Z5's just in the tractor style as far as how the progression move up in the tractor style versus the zero turns. Good question and thanks for watching!
These look amazing, but when I look into them, they're using stamped decks. How come the Z545R is close to $6000 but doesn't have this!? Is there something special about the John Deeres that makes this not necessary? I'm looking for a top tier residential mower that will last for 10+ years and want to make sure I get the best cut, easiest maintenance, and best durability I can for < $6000. Was looking at the Gravely ZT HD 52 or the Ariens, but the closest dealer to me is a Toro/Deere/Cub Cadet dealer so I started looking into the Deeres...
I may be a little confused by what you are asking. All of the John Deere decks are stamped decks. The one thing that makes the Z545R a bit more expensive than the other Z5 mowers is that it has the new fuel injected engine for that size of mower. You will have a well built machine that will outlast the 10 year life you are looking for with the Z5 mowers. Just like anything else it is all about routine maintenance and overall care for the machine. If I can answer anymore questions please let me know and thanks for watching!
@@WesternEquipment Ah yeah, my question wasn't worded well. This will be my first ZTR and the first thing I see recommended on buying one is make sure you get a fabricated deck because they're stronger and will last longer than stamped decks. That is the one constant piece of advice I'm seeing everywhere no matter who I talk to. Why would Deere keep the "lower quality" stamped decks that aren't as robust? Is this just a marketing phrase that's just regurgitated by everyone or is there truth to this and I should avoid stamped decks?
My John Deere L110 regular rider is still going 20 years later. I just started to get a tiny hole in the mower deck. It has almost 1200 hours on it. Over the years I try to scrape it out with a plastic putty knife pretty regularly. This deck didn't have the wash port, but I installed one. I prefer just using the putty knife though. Put it on a ramp and get under.
Also, I have been told that stamped decks have much better airflow and that John Deere has really developed their equipment to be able to make deep sturdy mowers decks. The presses they use may be beyond those of some of the others?
Hi Brent, where is the Briggs and Stratton motor for the Z545R built? (Australian market). Looking to upgrade from the X320 with the Kawasaki motor which is sweet but I prefer the R set up to the M.
I thought I would ask there are a lot of after market canopy’s to fit the z500 series . Can you recommend a website for one ? Or if one of your customers have bought one?
I personally have not looked that much into them and do not have a recommendation here. I also have not had any customers mention to me which one they have bought. I'm sorry I couldn't be more help here but thanks for watching!
I can not find anything showing how much is left when the light comes on. All publications show this just means to fill up as soon as possible. I wish I had a better answer for you but thanks for watching!
I have got a x300 with a 48" deck and want to switch to a zero turn. I am hesitating between the z345r and a z5 (not sure which model) what would you suggest?
My answer is NO. I have 535M and left hydro is just gone after only 220 hours. It will cost me probbably 1500 to 2000 $ to fix it. It is out of warranty since it is 5 years old. Otherwise it was great mower. Should have bought Kubota...
what is the steepest incline i can run these mowers going sideways to the hillside? I want a 60" to 72" width as i have a total of 7 acres of hillside and lawn to cut.
On the Z500 series the operating limit shows 15 degrees and 10 degrees of you have a bagger on. On the Z300 series it shows operating limit of 13 degrees and 10 degrees with a bagger. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!
@@WesternEquipment I need something that will mow a 33 degree slope plus do a great job on my 3 acre flat yard, about 2 acres of slope i need to mow, don't really want to buy two separate mowers
I bought a z530r and the front wheels, when going down the street too another yard too cut the front wheels just flop back and forth what causes this please somebody let me know what too do it's a 2021 ztrak , I thought as much as it cost the front wheels would at least roll smooth
@@WesternEquipment no I don't , but the front wheels just flop back and forth it just about shack me off the mower until I slow down enough too run smooth that shouldn't be if it run smooth going half the speed, it should do the same going top speed don't you think
This is not true at all. The mowers sold at Lowe's and other large retail stores come from the same factory as the mowers that dealers get. Same quality, same build. Good question and thanks for watching!
I went with the Kawasaki. I am picking up a z530R in a few days. Efi kinda scares me for working on it if it needs it. I am sure that briggs is a good motor but I like working on my own equipment if I can.
@@jonesy3089 My Z530R arrived last week, Kawasaki engine. Man it has the power and the mower is FAST!. Mine is the 54 inch cut and the lawn looks great.
I recently bought a z335e. I’ve noticed there are “premium ergonomic” steering handles available for about $100 that I’m seeing several places on line. The stock handles on the E model are really close to my legs even adjusted all the way to the last holes. Are the Premium handles roomier for a bigger guy? I can’t find any specs on the premium models and I’d like to know before I spend $100. Just curious.
@@WesternEquipment love your channel. Very informative. By the way, to any Z335E model owners, buy the premium handles. What a beautiful difference they make. Worth every penny!
how can a mower be any good when i can buy all new blades spindles deck belt in package for 100 on ebay buy one deck spindle for a toro scag simplicty .. any good mower and its min 150 for a deck spindle by its self they are made cheap stay away
@@WesternEquipment I have a toro my dad has a JD, he has fixed his 3 times in 2 years...zero for me. JD also cost more. The parts division of JD is huge because they design their parts to fail.
