Update January 2025: Learn more about the recall affecting John Deere ZTrak Zero Turn Mowers with model numbers Z720E, Z730M, Z740R and Z760R with Kawasaki engines. The mower reviewed in the below article is unaffected by the recall.

For years, Saturday mornings were synonymous with the rumble of a gas-powered lawn mower. The chore itself wasn't terrible, but the process – the gas refills, the oil changes, the earsplitting noise – left something to be desired. My yard has a sizeable 1.5-acre mowable area. While we've had a traditional riding mower that gets the job done, it's not zero-turn, it's not quiet, and it requires lots of seasonal maintenance. We're also EV owners and have long embraced the evolution of power tools that embrace batteries over the hassles of gasoline and oil. So, when John Deere reached out with the opportunity to test its Z370R Electric ZTrak™, its electric (battery-powered) zero-turn riding lawn mower, I was all in. We tested the model with a 48-inch Accel Deep™ mower deck for 5 weeks and mowed our lawn 8 times in that span.

A Breath of Fresh Air (Literally)

We like all of our electric tools for a few key reasons, and John Deere's mower leveled up our expectations of lawn mower technology:

• First and foremost, the environmental benefits are undeniable. No more gas fumes polluting the air, no more operating emissions contributing to noise pollution in the neighborhood. Our neighbors noticed the difference. Early morning mowing without waking the whole family? A dream come true. A dusk mow-down? Easy with the LED headlights.
• Secondly, the ease of use was incredibly appealing, once we were adjusted to steering. Plus, it's super powerful. After talking with friends who have gas-powered zero turns, it became clear that the muscle behind the mower was distinctly different. To that point, we mowed on "turtle," not "rabbit." Just like our electric cars, pedal to the metal will push you right back into your seat (even though you're only going zero-to-7).
• Finally, it was so easy to charge. Unlike other battery-powered riding mowers, the 57 V lithium-ion battery is sealed and contained in the mower. You don't need to lift it in and out, and you don't need to worry about charging your batteries on different circuits around your home. You simply plug it into a three-prong extension cord, and let it refuel itself.

Got the Job Done on a Single Charge

One of the biggest concerns with electric mowers or lawn tractors, especially for larger yards, is battery life. John Deere advertises the Z370R as capable of handling up to 2 acres on a single charge. In our experience with our 1.5-acre yard, that claim held true. In fact, the battery wasn't even half-depleted by the time we finished our chores. Of course, keep in mind that our yard conditions don't have us navigating up and down hilly terrain, so the kWh consumption was pretty efficient. The mower itself displays a battery level indicator, so you can always plan your mowing sessions accordingly.

Now, let's talk about the fun part: performance. The Z370R boasts a zero-turn design, which might seem intimidating at first; however, it took mere minutes to master moving in a straight line, and not much longer to get the hang of cruising around garden beds without steering rogue into the perennials. The maneuverability is fantastic. It turns on a dime. It takes tight corners with ease (though, in areas where the grass was weak, the wheels did want to chew the soil when zero-turning). It was a really fun ride.

Effortless Maintenance

Here's the beauty of electric mowers (and electric cars, and electric tools across categories): maintenance is a breeze.

Compared to gas mowers which require regular engine oil changes, spark plug replacements, and air filter cleaning, the Z370R is a completely different animal. Yes, you will need to sharpen and replace the mower blades. Yes, you'll need to wash it down to keep the deck clean. But all that other maintenance goes out the window. Simply charge it after use, and you're good to go. Simply charge the Li-Ion battery after use, and you're good to go.

Once again, it's important to note that the lithium batteries are encased within and don't need to be removed to be charged. Other electric riding mowers do require you to remove the batteries to charge them, and usually on different circuits within your home's electrical system.

A Mower That Makes Yard Work Enjoyable

We like lawn care, but mowing the lawn can feel like a real chore if you're using a tool you don't totally love. After a month of use, we can genuinely see ourselves upgrading to an electric riding lawn mower; in fact, three months after our test, we're still bummed to be back on our gas-powered riding mower. The John Deere Z370R feels like a well-built machine, drives great, is powerful but quiet, and the 3-year/200 hour bumper-to-bumper and 5-year/200-hour battery warranties provide additional protection and peace of mind. And for those of you who wince at the price of electric tools, just remember that higher price tag is offset nearly every time by the cost of gas and maintenance.

• Effortless Operation: No gas, no oil changes, just pure mowing bliss. Plus, electric motors are powerful.
• Quiet Power Consumption: No engine noise (only blade noise). Enjoy a peaceful mowing experience without disturbing the neighborhood.
• Zero-Turn Maneuverability: Navigate your yard with ease and mow those tight corners with confidence. There's no cruise control, but you wouldn't want that with a gas engine, either.
• A comfortable ride: Ergonomic controls, thick foam operator's seat, and plenty of leg room and foot support make the ZTrak mowers stand out.
• Connectivity: A USB port and lightning port made it easy to charge our phones while we did chores.
• Sized to fit: Available in 42-in deck size, and 48-in deck size.
• Long-Lasting Battery Pack: Mow up to 2 acres of grass per charge, perfect for larger yards. The battery power indicator displays right between your feet to tell you when the battery system is getting low.
• Built to Last: John Deere quality and reputation ensure a reliable machine for years to come.