After extensive testing and research, CR determined this product to be:
- TOP PERFORMING
- RELIABILITY
- CUTTING PERFORMANCE
one of our 90 recommended Lawn mowers and tractors
John Deere X354
Pros
•Dispersed clippings smoothly and evenly in side-discharge mode.
•Mulched impressively, producing fine clippings with minimal or no clumps.
•Filled its bag to capacity with clippings.
•Easy to maneuver.
•Includes an electric PTO.
•Includes a washout port.
•Includes cruise control.
•Includes comfortable high-back seat.
Cons
This model had no discernible flaws in its performance.
Learn more about how we test
About CR Lawn mowers and tractors testings
RATED
RECOMMENDED
HOURS OF TESTING
CR's Take
The John Deere X354 is a pricey choice, but in performance it’s near perfection. It aced every performance test we could throw at it: bagging, cutting evenness, handling, mulching, and side-discharging. Its only weakness is that it’s noisy—something you can expect from any gas lawn tractor. What else can you expect from this Deere? Plenty of features, including cruise control, automatic drive, a high-backed seat, a fuel-level gauge visible from that seat, a washout port, and a very easy mode-changing system called MulchControl. What’s more, there’s a generous 4-year warranty. One drawback: Its 42-inch deck is on the narrow side for lawn tractors, so it may take you longer to mow a big property than with some competitors. John Deere is the only brand of lawn tractor to earn excellent reliability and owner satisfaction scores from CR’s members.About Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports puts people first. For more than 80 years, CR has provided consumers with independent research, ratings and recommendations to help make good purchase decisions. As a nonprofit consumer testing and advocacy organization, CR works with businesses and government to improve the safety, performance, value and reliability of products and services.
Every year CR puts manufacturer claims to the test for thousands of products, from cars and appliances to baby products and sunscreens. CR purchases all the products that we test and uses scientific research methods to develop our ratings.