If you’re curious about the John Deere Z355R zero-turn mower—whether for lawn domination or just weekend mowing—here’s your all-terrain, blade-wielding rundown, direct from the green side of the fence.

John Deere Z355R Key Specifications

Feature Details
Engine Power 22 hp (16.4 kW)
Engine Model V-twin, M44 Intek, overhead valve
Displacement 724 cc (44.2 cu in)
Mower Deck 48-inch Accel Deep™ (122 cm)
Cutting Height 1–4 inches (2.5–10.2 cm), 0.25-inch increments
Drive System Dual hydrostatics – Hydro-Gear EZT, 1-inch axles
Forward Speed 0–7 mph (0–11.3 km/h)
Reverse Speed 0–3.5 mph (0–5.6 km/h)
PTO Electric, 105 lb-ft (142 Nm)
Fuel Tank 2.1 U.S. gal (7.9 L)
Tires (Front/Rear) 13×5-6 / 20×9-10
Seat Medium back, 18″ with armrests—comfy for those long mow sessions
Frame Heavy-duty steel tubing
Dimensions Length: 72.2″, Width (w/mower): 62.6″, Height: 40.1″

John Deere Z355R Engine

Built around a 22 hp, 724 cc V-twin engine for power and reliability.

Electronic ignition, cast-iron cylinder sleeves, overhead valves for fuel efficiency.

Full pressure lubrication and spin-on oil filter for long engine life.

Ready-start single lever for quick, reliable starts—even after storage.

John Deere Z355R Blades & Belt

Deck: 48-inch Accel Deep™ for efficient mulching, bagging, and side discharge.

Blades: Supports mulching blades (with optional kit) and standard high-lift blades.

Drive Belt: V-belt design; proper tension ensures reliable mower deck operation. Belt inspection and replacement are straightforward—no specialty tools required.

John Deere Z355R Bagger Kit

Compatible with John Deere’s BG20755 double bagger kit, retailing around $895 USD new.

Supports easy grass collection; bags are simple to remove and empty.

Optional MulchControl™ system enables quick switching between bagging and mulching modes.

John Deere Z355R Common Problems (From an Experienced Mower’s Point of View)

Drive Belt Wear: Mowers working on uneven terrain or with heavy debris may experience belt slippage or wear; regular checks mitigate issues.

Deck Build-Up: Wet or heavy clippings can clog the deck; periodic cleaning and using sharp blades resolve most issues.

Hydrostatic Transmission: Like all zero-turns, regular fluid checks keep the drive system smooth and responsive.

Occasional Starting Issues: Typically related to battery health or fuel quality, not a design flaw—keep contacts clean and fuel fresh.

Comfort Upgrades: Some users wish for enhanced seat suspension or vibration damping, but the 18″ seat back provides solid comfort for a mower in this class.

Bagging Efficiency: Heavy, wet grass may reduce bagging effectiveness; optimal in dry conditions with sharp blades and a clean deck.

John Deere Z355R Price

New Price

The John Deere Z355R zero-turn mower typically starts at $3,459 USD for a new model.

This price may vary slightly by dealer, region, and current promotions.

Used Price Range

Used Z355R mowers are commonly listed between $1,650 and $2,695 USD depending on condition, hours, and model year.

Recent listings include:

$2,450 for a 2020 model (120 hours)

$1,650 for another 2020 model (174 hours)

$2,695 for a model with 130 hours

Price Factors

Location and Dealer: Prices can differ based on where you purchase.

Condition: Lower-hour, well-maintained units command higher prices.

Model Year: Newer models generally cost more.

Accessories: Add-ons such as bagger kits or mulch kits will increase the price.

Additional Notes

Always check with local dealers for current offers and exact pricing, as taxes, dealer fees, and seasonal promotions may apply.

For used units, inspect service history and overall condition to ensure value.

Can I upgrade or customize parts like blades, belts, or accessories on my John Deere Z355R?

Upgrading and Customizing Your John Deere Z355R

You can upgrade and customize key components of your Z355R zero-turn mower to tailor performance and comfort to your needs. Here’s an overview of what’s commonly available:

Blades

Standard Replacement Blades: Direct-fit OEM and high-quality aftermarket options are widely available.

Mulching Blades: Designed for finer clippings and healthier lawn mulching.

High-Lift Blades: Improve bagging effectiveness, especially with bagger attachments.

Installation: Blades are easy to swap with standard tools; always ensure they match your deck size (typically 48-inch for the Z355R).

Belts

OEM Replacement Belts: Maintain original cutting performance and fit.

Heavy-Duty/Aftermarket Belts: Kevlar-reinforced options offer greater durability and are suitable for high-demand users.

Compatibility: Make sure any belt upgrade is specified for your Z355R and deck size (e.g., 1/2-in x 141.7-in drive belts for the 48-inch Accel Deep deck).

Accessories

You can personalize your Z355R with genuine John Deere accessories and compatible third-party upgrades, such as:

Bagger Kits: Double bagger attachment for efficient grass collection.

Mulch Kits: Allows for conversion between mulching and side discharge.

Lighting: LED headlight kits improve visibility for dusk or dawn operation.

Protective Covers: For off-season or overnight storage.

Sun Canopy: Shields operators from harsh sunlight.

Armrest Upgrades & Seat Options: Enhance comfort for longer sessions.

Other Custom Options: Bumpers, cup holders, maintenance kits, and more are available from Deere and aftermarket suppliers.

Where to Find Upgrades

John Deere Dealers: Offer the full range of OEM parts and upgrade kits specific to the John Deere Z355R.

Online Parts Retailers: Many reputable sites stock OEM and compatible belts, blades, and accessories with serial number filters for precise matches.

DIY Replacement: Most components like blades and belts are designed for easy DIY replacement with common hand tools, and illustrated guides are available.

Tip: Always verify compatibility using your mower’s serial number and deck size before purchasing any upgrade or replacement part. This ensures best fit and performance.

Ownership Experience

Pros: Smooth, high-power mowing; zero-turn maneuverability saves trimming time; strong support for bagging and mulching.

Cons: Slightly higher price than base models; regular maintenance is key for best performance.

This “green machine” thrives on routine care and sharp blades—and with that, your lawn stays lush, level, and legendary.