John Deere X354 Review
The X354 adds four-wheel steering to the X300 Select platform. It is built for lawns with many obstacles and costs about $1,000 more than the X350.
- Deck size
- 42 in
- Horsepower
- 21.5 HP
- Drive
- 2WD, hydrostatic, four-wheel steer
- Fuel type
- Gasoline
Rating breakdown
Key specifications
| Power type | Gasoline |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 21.5 HP |
| Engine | Kawasaki FR651V V-twin OHV, air-cooled |
| Displacement | Not published by Deere |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Tuff Torq K46 hydrostatic, Twin Touch pedals |
| Drive | 2WD, hydrostatic, four-wheel steer |
| Deck size | 42 in |
| Deck construction | Accel Deep, 12-gauge steel (0.105 in), side discharge |
| Cutting height | Adjustable; see Deere spec sheet |
| Blades | Side-discharge blades; MulchControl optional |
| Discharge | Side discharge; mulching and bagging with optional kits |
| Top speed | 5.5 mph forward, 4 mph reverse |
| Turning radius | 15 in |
| Front tires | 15x6-6 |
| Rear tires | 20x10-8 |
| Weight | 623 lb (no fuel) |
| Dimensions | See Deere spec sheet for full dimensions |
| Fuel capacity | 3.3 US gal (12.5 L) |
| Recommended property size | Up to about 3.5 acres, best with many obstacles |
| Towing capacity | 600 lb |
| Battery | 12V, 12 A charging |
| Uncut circle radius | 15 in |
| Seat | 18-in. cut-and-sewn |
| Steering wheel | 14 in |
Pros and cons
What we like
- Four-wheel steering
- 15-in. turning radius and uncut circle
- 18-in. cut-and-sewn seat
- 4-year / 300-hour warranty
- 3.3 gal fuel tank
What could be better
- About $1,000 more than the X350
- Only a 42-in. deck
- Heavier at 623 lb
- Rear weight is required and sold separately
- Top speed is 5.5 mph
X354 review
Why the John Deere X354 is different
The John Deere X354 is a lawn tractor that steers with all four wheels. That is the whole story. It turns in a 15-inch radius and leaves a 15-inch uncut circle. A standard two-wheel tractor leaves a much larger circle. If your yard has lots of beds, trees and corners, this matters.
Four-wheel steering in practice
When you trim around an obstacle, all four wheels follow the same circle. That cuts down on backing up and second passes. Deere compares it with the X350, which leaves a 26-inch uncut circle. The X354 also has a 14-inch steering wheel for easier turning.
Engine and drive
The engine is a 21.5 hp Kawasaki FR651V V-twin. Oil drains without tools. The drive is a Tuff Torq K46 hydrostatic transaxle with Twin Touch pedals. Speed is 0 to 5.5 mph forward and 0 to 4 mph in reverse.
Deck and seat
The only deck is a 42-inch Accel Deep design in 12-gauge steel. It works with the optional MulchControl kit. The seat is an 18-inch cut-and-sewn design on two coil springs. It adjusts for operator weight without tools.
The tank holds 3.3 gallons. A gauge on the dash shows the level. Towing is rated at 600 lb.
Limits to know about
The X354 weighs 623 lb without fuel. That is about 80 lb more than the X350 with the same deck. Deere says a rear weight is required, and it is sold separately. The deck is only 42 inches. If you want a wider deck, look at the X350 48-inch or the S180.
Who should buy it
Buy the X354 if your lawn is full of obstacles. It costs about $1,000 more than the X350. Skip it if your yard is open and you want a wider deck.
Buying information
Ownership
Frequently asked questions
What is special about the John Deere X354?
It has four-wheel steering, which gives a 15-inch turning radius and a 15-inch uncut circle.
What is the X354 turning radius?
15 inches.
How much horsepower does the X354 have?
21.5 hp from a Kawasaki FR651V V-twin engine.
Does the X354 need a rear weight?
Deere says an optional rear weight is required on the X354.
What is the difference between the X354 and X350?
The X354 has four-wheel steering, an 18-inch seat and a 14-inch steering wheel. The X350 has two-wheel steering and costs less.
Owner reviews
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