Strengths Well built, very quit and efficient diesel engine. I owned 2 Exmarks prior to purchasing the 997. My last Exmark was a Lazer Z XP liquid cooled. It would hold it's own against the 997, but use at least twice the fuel to do the same job. The lazer Z also had a lot better ride(Seat).

Weaknesses Horrible seat, no suspension, I use a mulching kit, and the radiator is always clogging up. Front tires need to be solid like some of the lesser models. Accessories are ridiculously expensive.

Overall Very expensive zero turn. Should have paid more attention to the competitors when in design. Hopefully this will be my last one.

Strengths Solid built, superior hydrostatic steering, very strong and quite running Yanmar diesel engine, This is the best small displacement direct injection diesel engines in the world. These engines are used globally in marine applications due to their benchmark reliability at sea. Although John Deere equipment cost more than competitive products, potential customers should consider this as a life time machine that should last for 6000 hours of operation. John Deere has been around for a hundred years and parts will always be available for this machine. The JD 997 is one of the best styled and best looking zero turn on the market. It is fully loaded with the more expensive tire one components and it should be considered the "Bentley: equivalent of zero turns lawnmowers.

Weaknesses John Deere chose to go with tubeless tires all around. Our operation has many ruts, hills, and slopes which becomes an issue with tubeless tires. Tubes have since been installed on both the front and rear tires. I also installed a flow restrictor in the hydraulic deck lift circuit to provide a more gentle decent of the deck as I thread around obstructions while cutting.

Overall I consider this a luxury premium grade zero turn. It cost considerably more than most equivalent competitors models as every part on this machine has been engineered by world class engineers at John Deere. I purchased this machine new two years ago for personal use on my farms and I am proud to drive it.

Strengths RIDES WELL, MOWS PERFECT FOR OUR USE, OVERALL HANDLES VERY WELL

Weaknesses WE FEEL IT SHOULD COME WITH A SPEEDOMETER AND A BACK SAFETY GAURD FOR SCREEN SHOULD BE A STANDARD PART.

Overall THE MACHINE SUITS OUR BUSINESS VERY WELL IN ALL AREAS THAT WE MOW AND FEEL IT IS A PERFECT ADDITION TO OUR FLEET!

Strengths Fast, Cuts Great, Strong/quiet engine and solid construction.

Weaknesses

Overall I've mowed with Scag, Ex Mark, Dixie Chopper, and nothing comes close to this baby. The best machine I've cut with to date.