Unless I’m mistaken, you can’t get a real John Deere at Lowe’s or Home Depot. If the model number starts with “D”, it is a cheaper mower with a bought and paid for JD badge. I think that was a mistake on their part, as it is damaging the brand.
I go to the local tractor dealership. Model starts with “X” or has an “X” in it. More expensive but worth it, IMO. I mowed with one for 19 years before I bought a new one about 4 or 5 years ago. (I’m hearing the dealerships may have to sell the “D” models, now, but the guys there are not happy about it.)
Most companies start with push mowers and design up to riding mowers. JD started with quality big tractors and just made them smaller. Many riding mowers used to be made by one company and sold under different brands. Now there are a lot of different manufacturers, but those cookie-cutters are still out there.
(I sharpen my own blades...)
As a quick FYI, I worked part time at a Deere dealership on weekends for a few years up until about 8 years ago.
I asked the owner about that and was told that the lower residential products that we were selling are exactly the same as the units sold by the box stores. He said it worked to his advantage that people thought that though.
However we also carried upgraded models that the box stores did not sell for those who wanted to spend up for quality.