Bad Boy vs. John Deere: Which is the Better Mower?
There’s no doubt that both Bad Boy and John Deere have great reputations. The two are known for their power and quality. They are among the most purchased mowers in the United States.
John Deere has a long history of making agricultural equipment dating back to 1837. However, they only started manufacturing mowers in the 1960s.
Bad Boy came on the scene in 2002, when they displayed their first mower at a lawn and garden expo in Kentucky. Ever since then, they’ve been giving John Deere a run for their money.
But which one is actually the better mower of the two? Let’s explore the details spec by spec.
Engine
A mower’s engine will determine how smooth the ride is and how quickly the job will get done. Most people, when buying a mower, look at the engine first. So let’s do that here.
John Deere and Bad Boy have the fastest zero turn mower engines. Zero turn refers to how well the mower will turn in place without changing direction.
Zero turn mowers are perfect for lawn care and landscaping up to 1 acre. They are faster and fit into tight spaces, giving a cleaner cut.
John Deere
Deere makes their own v-twin engines. The power is good, giving 4 to 8 miles per hour. The engines are air cooled, which is a plus.
Bad Boy
The Arkansas-based company chooses to source engines from other companies like Kawasaki, Caterpiller, Kohler, Honda, and Vanguard. A Bad Boy mower will ride anywhere from 4 to 12 miles per hour. This speed range makes for a great ride and an accurate cut.
Decking
A mower deck is important because it basically decides how much coverage and cut you’ll get with each spin.
John Deere
For the most part, John Deere mowers have a deck cutting width of 42 to 60 inches. The cut height is 1 to 4 inches. The mowers come with the option of dual side discharge and mulch cutting.
Bad Boy
The deck width on these mowers is bigger at 48 to 72 inches. An isolator was added to the decks to keep a consistent mowing height.
Durability And Build
Both mowers are made to high standards that ensure longevity. But there are some differences.
John Deere
The Deere mower has dual hydrostatic transmissions with multiple blades. This makes for a faster and more accurate cut. The frame is made of welded steel. All crucial areas are reinforced for more strength. On average, John Deere mowers will give you about 4,500 to 5,000 hours of use in its lifetime. This averages 8 to 10 years depending on use. Deere offers a 2-year warranty on most residential mowers.
Bad Boy
The Bad Boy frame uses 7 to 11 gauge steel with 2 inch thickness. It’s this thick steel that gives Bad Boy extra durability. This makes them able to take on bigger, more involved jobs. This mower also has a unique swing away feature. This allows you to get to all areas of the mower when cleaning. Being able to keep the mower clean and unclogged makes for better performance. The average Bad Boy lasts an average of 15 years. The company also gives a 3-year warranty. This coverage includes all parts of the mower. Bad Boy offers an ergonomic steering wheel for maximum comfort.
A Matter Of Personal Choice
Both mowers offer:
- superior suspension for a smooth ride
- comfortable, roomy seats
- easy to use/access control panels
- excellent bumper to bumper warranties
- choice of deck sizes in most models
- excellent engine quality for power
- steel frames for strength and durability
When it comes down to it, both mowers are excellent. John Deere appears to be better for lawn care under an acre.
Bad Boy mowers seem more geared for professional landscapers or groundskeepers, like golf courses, sports fields, and large complexes.
So it’s really a matter of what your needs are. One thing is for sure. No matter what brand you decide on, quality is guaranteed.
Pricing
Overall, John Deere mowers are less expensive. But it really depends on what your looking to buy. The price range varies greatly between both companies. Landscapers looking for a commercial grade mower will pay more than the average homeowner looking to do their front yard.
On average:
- John Deere residential – $2500 to $3500
- John Deere commercial – $6800 to $9300
- Bad Boy residential – $3000 to $5900
- Bad Boy commercial- $9000 to $14000
What Common Problems Occur With Mowers Of This Type?
Sooner or later, chances are you will have an issue with your mower. Whether it’s a John Deere, Bad Boy, or some other brand. Machines break down and need maintenance. Here are some common problems that mowers can develop.
1. The mower won’t start.
The mower may not be starting simply because:
- it’s out of gas
- clogged air filter
- clogged fuel cap
- bad spark plug
2. The mower dies during cutting.
If the mower dies during cutting, it could mean:
- bad fuel
- plugged air filter
- dirty cooling fans
- clogged lines
- dirty carburetor
- choke is in the wrong position
- loose spark plug
3. The mower is smoking.
- plugged air filter
- too much oil in the crankcase
- oil is low
- debris is lodged
- internal issues like the piston ring
4. Transmission is weak.
- bad drive belt
- bad tension pulley
- low or old oil
5. The steering is off or the cut is crooked.
- unequal tire pressure
- bad damper on the zero turn
- adjustment needed on the zero turn
- worm or lose steering components (washers, gears, bushings)
6. The mower won’t move.
- drive release is in the wrong position
- missing key in the axle
- bad tension pulley
- missing arm spring
- low or old oil
- air in the system
7. The Mower is shaking or vibrating.
- loose bolts
- damaged clutch
- unbalanced or damaged blades
- worn deck belt
- debris stuck in the mower ( pebbles, sticks, etc)
8. The mower gives a poor quality cut.
- worn mower blade
- bent blade
- clogged deck
9. The mower is leaking gas.
- dirty carburetor
- old filter
- bad fuel pump
- bad fuel tank
- cracked fuel line
- bad seal in the gas cap
The good news is regular, simple maintenance can avoid most of these problems:
- make sure gas and oil are fresh and tanks are full
- clean the mower inside and out regularly
- check for loose bolts, wires, etc
- change filters as directed in the manual
More Than Grass Cutters
Most mowers (including John Deere and Bad Boy), offer attachments that can make outdoor chores a breeze. A simple accessory can turn your mower into a multi-tool that can be used all year long.
1. Dump Carts
Dump carts can be hitched to the back of the mower. They are useful for moving lawn debris, carrying tools, and other items with ease.
2. Aerator
An aerator is a tool that will poke holes in the lawn to prepare it for fertilizer and seed.
3. Bagger
A bagger will make it easy to collect lawn clippings.
4. Lawn Roller
Lawn rollers are helpful in getting your lawn back up to snuff after a long winter. Basically, it’s like a giant rolling pin that smooths out the lawn.
5. Disc Harrow
If you have large garden beds, this is a great tool. The disc prepares the ground for planting
6. Dethatchers
This attachment will remove matted grass and other debris. It’s helpful when needing new growth to occur.
7. Spreader
A spreader attachment will evenly spread fertilizer and seed.
8. Snowblower
Perhaps the best investment if you live in an area that experiences snow. This attachment will make snow removal a breeze. The value of your machine will increase as well, by turning it into a year-round tool.
9. Lawn Seeeper
One of the best investments for larger properties or landscapers. The sweeper will gather up leaves, pine cones, acorns, and sticks.
10. Mulcher
A mulcher attachment will cut grass clippings and other debris into small, fine pieces. Mulch can be used as a natural fertilizer for the lawn. Other uses include:
- blocking weeds
- keeping in moisture
- making garden areas look more attractive
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