Z530M vs TimeCutter
Z530M vs TimeCutter compared side by side: specs, ratings, price and owner feedback from our independent reviews.
| Z530M | TimeCutter | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 4.3 | 3.8 |
| Performance | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Build quality | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Reliability | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Value for money | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| Comfort & ergonomics | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Features | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Price | $5,899 | $4,499 |
| Specifications | ||
| Power type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Horsepower | 24 HP | — |
| Engine | Kawasaki V-twin OHV, air-cooled | Kohler 22 hp / Kawasaki 23 hp V-twin (42-in.); Kawasaki 23 hp or Toro 24.5 hp (50 and 60-in.), gross |
| Displacement | Not published by Deere | 708 to 726 cc V-twin |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Tuff Torq TZT7-U hydrostatic, twin lever control | Dual hydrostatic, Hydro-Gear ZT2100 / ZT2200 |
| Drive | Zero-turn, dual hydrostatic | Zero-turn, rear-wheel drive, lever steering |
| Deck size | 48 in (54 or 60 in optional) | 42 in. current; 50 and 60 in. on older models |
| Deck construction | Accel Deep, side discharge, four-point lift | IronForged fabricated 10-gauge steel |
| Cutting height | 1 to 4 in (0.25 in steps) | 1.5 to 4.5 in., foot-operated |
| Blades | Side-discharge blades; MulchControl kit optional | 2 blades (42-in.), 3 blades (50-in.) |
| Discharge | Side discharge; mulching and bagging with optional kits | Side discharge |
| Top speed | 8 mph forward, 4 mph reverse | 7.0 mph forward |
| Turning radius | Zero | — |
| Front tires | 13x6.5-6 casters | 11x4 (42-in.) / 11x5.5 (50-in.) |
| Rear tires | 22x9.5-10 | 18x7.5 (42-in.) / 18x9.5 (50-in.) |
| Weight | 772 lb (no fuel) | 568 to 662 lb depending on model |
| Dimensions | 48-in. deck standard; see Deere spec sheet for overall size | — |
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 US gal (17 L) | 3 US gal |
| Recommended property size | Up to about 2 acres of flat ground with obstacles | Toro: up to 2 acres (42-in.), up to 4 acres (50 and 60-in.) |
| Seat | 20 in with armrests and ComfortGlide | — |
| Rollover protection | Foldable ROPS and seat belt | — |
| Battery | 12V | — |
| Towing (with optional hitch) | 250 lb; 100 lb tongue weight | — |
| Deck options | 54 in (+$200), 60 in (+$500) | — |
| Suspension | — | MyRIDE on 42-in. and select 50-in. models |
| Smart Speed | — | Keeps blade tip speed steady |
| Blade tip speed | — | 17,810 ft/min (42-in.) |
| Start | — | Electric |
| Verdict | The Z530M offers a 24 hp V-twin, 8 mph speed, roll bar, ComfortGlide seat and a 4-year warranty. It costs much more than the Z300 line but is built tougher. Read the full review |
The TimeCutter is a sensible first zero-turn for lots under about two acres, with a tough fabricated deck and suspension. Its small tank and tires are the trade-off against the… Read the full review |
