The John Deere JS35 self-propelled gas mower is a nicely featured unit that provides comfort to the user while attending to most mowing needs. Equipped with 3-in-1 operation, the JS35 does a great job whether you decide to mulch, bag or side-discharge your grass clippings. We find the large 2.5-bushel rear bag to be easy to remove, empty and reattach. What's more, changing between cutting modes is easy and takes only seconds. Both the 21-inch thick steel deck and the 3-in-1 blade are crafted to create premium cutting and bagging performance, and the deck design features excellent airflow so grass is less likely to get stuck underneath the deck.

One of the features of the JS35 that is guaranteed to excite is its electric start. You no longer need to pull a rope -- just turn the key and off you go. If, for whatever reason, you should want to start this mower the old-fashioned way, a recoil-rope starting system is included as a backup and easily starts without priming or choking. (A Fresh Start fuel cap automatically adds a fuel stabilizer so gas stays fresh at all times.) With 6.75 foot-pounds of torque, there's plenty of power to tackle tough mowing conditions. The "California Edition" of this model meets current and future California Air Resource Board and Environmental Protection Agency air emission standards; it has a separate engine with a carbon canister attached to capture released fuel vapors and is slightly more expensive than the standard model.

We also like the rear-wheel variable drive system that John Deere has dubbed as the MowMentum Drive System. We think the name is as clever as the system. This self-propel system features easy-to-access controls that are located in the handle, adjustable speeds (up to 3.6mph) and a drive lock that allows the control to be locked in position. This system also features a pivoting handle that controls how fast the mower moves simply by how much the handle is pivoted; pivot the handle farther for faster speeds on open terrains, or pivot less to slow down the pace for precise mowing around trees, beds or other obstacles. This way, you can mow comfortably and effectively with less effort at the precise speed that you need.

The wide range of cutting heights (from 1.25 to 4 inches) gives you the flexibility needed to mow different depths of grass, but the real kicker is the single-lever wheel height adjuster that lets you easily change cutting heights at both front and rear wheels all at once. You can also adjust the handlebar height using two knobs that let you change to one of three positions. The handlebars also fold, making the mower easier to transport or store. John Deere allows you to test the JS35 out for yourself with their 30-day at-home trial; if you're not happy with it, just return it within 30 days of purchase for a full refund or exchange.

If quality, performance and great features at a moderate price are traits that you seek in a mower, the John Deere JS35 is not to be missed.


Pros: Electric starter, Fresh Start fuel cap, high torque, 3-in-1 operation, rear-wheel variable drive, MowMentum Drive system, drive lock, adjustable speeds, wide range of cutting heights, single-lever wheel height adjuster, 30-day at-home trial period
Cons: Somewhat low maximum speed of 3.6mph

Warranty
2 years