After extensive testing and research, CR determined this product to be:
- TOP PERFORMING
- RELIABILITY
- CUTTING PERFORMANCE
one of our 84 recommended Lawn mowers and tractors
John Deere Z530M
Highs
•Dispersed clippings smoothly and evenly in side-discharge mode.
•Mulched impressively, producing fine clippings with minimal or no clumps.
•Easy to maneuver.
•Includes an electric PTO.
•Includes a washout port.
•Includes comfortable high-back seat.
Lows
•Lacks cruise control.
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About CR Lawn mowers and tractors testings
RATED
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HOURS OF TESTING
CR's Take
For the very substantial sum you’ll invest in the John Deere Z530M, you’ll get excellent performance across a wide variety of our tests—from evenness to side discharging, mulching to handling. It also scores near the top for cut height, though like all gas tractors, it suffers in testing noise levels near and far (we tested at ear level and from 25 feet away). Additionally, it comes with a washout port, automatic drive, and a lengthy four-year warranty. And like all John Deere tractors, it comes with best-in-class reliability and owner satisfaction scores.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.