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John Deere Z320M Zero-Turn Mower vs Troy-Bilt Mustang 42 Zero-Turn Mower

Buy the John Deere Z320M if you want the better cut, stronger engine and higher owner satisfaction; its 21.5 hp V-twin and Accel Deep deck are a clear step up over the Troy-Bilt's single-cylinder 547 cc engine. The Troy-Bilt Mustang 42 is the sensible pick if you want a true zero-turn at the lower end of the class, with a welded frame, Hydro-Gear EZT-2200 transmissions and a lifetime frame warranty. Owners rate the Deere higher (4.9 vs 4.1), and the gap reflects real differences in engine smoothness, deck finish and resale.

  • Choose the John Deere Z320M if you mow up to 2 acres, want a V-twin engine that runs smoother under load, and value a deeper stamped deck that leaves a cleaner cut.
  • Choose the Troy-Bilt Mustang 42 if you want a basic zero-turn for a smaller lawn and prefer the longer frame warranty and simpler single-cylinder engine.

Prices

  • John Deere Z320M Zero-Turn Mower: $2,943.08 at Fueled Outdoors (last seen Nov 2)
  • Troy-Bilt Mustang 42 Zero-Turn Mower: $2,894.00 at Walmart (checked today)
  • Difference: the Troy-Bilt Mustang 42 Zero-Turn Mower is $49.08 cheaper than the John Deere Z320M Zero-Turn Mower at the latest prices (Nov 2 and Nov 10)
John Deere
John Deere Z320M 42 in. Zero-Turn Mower

John Deere Z320M Zero-Turn Mower

John Deere Z320M 42 in. Zero-Turn Mower

4.9(70 ratings)
$2,943.08at Fueled OutdoorsChecked Nov 2
See all prices and details
Visit Fueled Outdoors
Pros
  • V-twin engine holds speed better in tall, thick grass
  • Accel Deep deck gives an even cut and discharges cleanly
  • Highest owner rating in this pair
  • Built for up to 2 acres, so it is not strained on larger lots
Cons
  • Fewer published specs for cut heights, speed and fuel capacity
  • Higher owner rating comes from a smaller sample of ratings
  • Deck and engine make it the heavier, more complex machine to service
Troy-Bilt
Troy-Bilt Mustang 42" Gas Zero-Turn Mower, 17AFFACS066

Troy-Bilt Mustang 42 Zero-Turn Mower

Troy-Bilt Mustang 42" Gas Zero-Turn Mower, 17AFFACS066

4.1(180 ratings)
$2,894.00at WalmartChecked 14 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • Full spec sheet: 8 cut heights, 7 mph, 3.5 gal. tank
  • Hydro-Gear EZT-2200 transmissions are a known, serviceable unit
  • Limited lifetime frame warranty
  • Anti-scalp wheels and high-back seat with padded lap bars
Cons
  • Single-cylinder engine labors in heavy or wet grass
  • Lower owner rating, with more ratings behind it
  • Some assembly required out of the box

What separates them

John Deere Z320M Zero-Turn MowerTroy-Bilt Mustang 42 Zero-Turn Mower
Engine21.5 hp V-twin547 cc single cylinder
Deck42 in. Accel Deep stamped deck42 in. 13-gauge steel deck, 2 blades
TransmissionHydrostatic zero-turn driveHydro-Gear EZT-2200 dual hydrostatic
Cut height settingsNot published as a count; lever-adjustable8 positions, 1.25 to 3.75 in.
Top speedNot published7 mph forward, 3.5 mph reverse
Fuel tankNot published3.5 gal.
Frame warrantyStandard limited warrantyLimited lifetime on frame, 3-year limited overall
Owner ratings4.9 out of 5 from 70 ratings4.1 out of 5 from 180 ratings

Price history

$3,499.00$2,943.08
Nov 2Nov 10
  • John Deere Z320M Zero-Turn Mower: lowest $2,943.08 on Nov 2 at Fueled Outdoors; $3,499.00 on Nov 10.
  • Troy-Bilt Mustang 42 Zero-Turn Mower: lowest $2,999.99 on Nov 9 at Tractor Supply Co.

Prices at every store

John Deere Z320M Zero-Turn Mower

  • Atlantic Machinery TradersNew

    In stock

    $3,499.00Checked 22 h ago
    Visit Atlantic Machinery Traders
  • Fueled OutdoorsNew

    Availability unknown

    $2,943.08Checked Nov 2
    Visit Fueled Outdoors
  • Atlantic Machinery TradersNew

    Availability unknown

    $3,499.00Checked Nov 7
    Visit Atlantic Machinery Traders
  • Sydenstricker Nobbe PartnersNew

    Availability unknown

    $3,599.00Checked 22 h ago
    Visit Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners
All 14 stores and price history →

Troy-Bilt Mustang 42 Zero-Turn Mower

  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $2,894.00Free shippingChecked 14 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • Tractor Supply CoNew

    In stock

    $2,999.99Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit Tractor Supply Co
  • The Home DepotNew

    In stock

    $3,048.00Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit The Home Depot
  • The Home DepotNew

    In stock

    $3,048.00Checked Nov 8
    Visit The Home Depot

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 3 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecJohn Deere Z320M Zero-Turn MowerTroy-Bilt Mustang 42 Zero-Turn Mower
Cutting Width42″ deck42 in.
Power SourceGas—
Blade SystemRotary—
Horsepower21.5 hp—
Coverage Area2 acre coverage—
SteeringLevers—
Cutting Width (max) (")42.0—
ColorGreen—
Cutter DeckWith Cutter Deck—
Engine displacement—547 cc
Cylinders—Single
Fuel capacity—3.5 gal. (13.25 l)
Show all 20 specsShow fewer specs
SpecJohn Deere Z320M Zero-Turn MowerTroy-Bilt Mustang 42 Zero-Turn Mower
Cutting height range—1.25 - 3.75 in.
Cutting height positions—8
Transmission—Hydro-Gear™ EZT-2200
Forward speed—7 mph (11.3 km/h)
Reverse speed—3.5 mph (5.6 km/h)
Deck material—13 ga. steel
Blades—2
Battery—210 CCA

What reviewers say

John Deere Z320M Zero-Turn Mower

  • 4.9 / 570 ratings

Owners rate the Z320M very highly, 4.9 out of 5 from 70 ratings. They praise the even cut, the engine power and how much faster mowing goes with zero-turn steering.

What people mention
  • Cut qualityPraisedOwners say the 42-inch Accel Deep deck leaves an even, clean cut.
  • Engine powerPraisedThe 21.5 hp V-Twin is reported to handle tall, thick grass without bogging down.
  • ManeuverabilityPraisedZero-turn steering lets owners trim mowing time around obstacles.
  • ControlsMixedFirst-time zero-turn users say the lap bars take practice to master.

Troy-Bilt Mustang 42 Zero-Turn Mower

  • 4.1 / 5180 ratings

Owners rate it around 4.1 out of 5 and generally call it a strong value zero-turn that cuts fast and handles well. Complaints center on assembly, engine noise and cut quality in tall or wet grass.

What people mention
  • ManeuverabilityPraisedOwners say the dual hydrostatic drives let it turn tightly around trees and beds.
  • Cut qualityMixedMost get a clean cut in normal grass, but some report stragglers in tall or wet conditions.
  • AssemblyCriticisedBuyers note the mower arrives partly disassembled and setup takes real time.

Questions and answers

Which is better for mowing two acres?
The John Deere Z320M. It is rated for up to 2 acres and its V-twin engine keeps blade speed up in thick grass. The Troy-Bilt handles the same width but its single cylinder works harder on that much lawn.
Which one lasts longer?
The Troy-Bilt backs its welded frame with a limited lifetime warranty, which is the stronger long-term paper claim. The John Deere's V-twin engine and deeper deck are generally built for more hours of hard use, and owners rate it higher.
Is the John Deere worth stepping up to?
Yes if cut quality and engine smoothness matter to you. The V-twin and Accel Deep deck are the main reasons owners rate it 4.9 versus 4.1 for the Troy-Bilt.
Does the Troy-Bilt cut as well?
It cuts fine on maintained lawns. Its two-blade 13-gauge deck and 8 height positions are adequate, but the Deere's deeper deck shape handles uneven ground and long grass more cleanly.
Which is easier to store and trailer?
Both are 42-inch zero-turns of similar footprint. The Troy-Bilt publishes its weight and speed specs, which helps when matching a trailer or ramp; check the Deere's dimensions before you buy a trailer.
Do both have zero-turn steering?
Yes. Both use lap-bar zero-turn steering with dual hydrostatic drives, so both can spin in place and trim around beds the same way.

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Engine noise
Criticised
The single-cylinder engine is described as loud compared with twin-cylinder rivals.