John Deere 317 vs LT 190 opinions please!

Sully319 · Jun 16, 2014

Can anyone give their opinion on a JD 317 vs a JD LT190
Looking at both, the 317 is a couple hundred less than the 190.
I have about 3/4 of an acre to mow.

rrobert · Jun 16, 2014

My opinion only. Wait for regulars for more informed opinions.
What engines do each have in them? What size deck? I am thinking they are both hydrostatic transmissions.
A 42" deck with 15 Hp would be sufficient for 3/4 acre. A 60" deck with a 20hp engine would be much better!

I would prefer the 317 because it is heavy duty.

BUT, the 317 appears to have an Onan engine per my quick check. Those engines are expensive to repair when they break. Onan engines are not for the faint of heart or those on a strict budget. It might be repowered with different brand engine by now.

The LT190 will be sufficient as long as it was taken care of. If it is newer, test drive it. Let transaxle warm up and then try to drive up a hill. Some had issues with the pumps wearing out permaturely. There is an inexpensive DIY instruction website if it is the transmission I am thinking of.

Jonak · Jun 16, 2014

I had a 317, liked it fine. Mine had a Kohler (sp) Engine with splash lube engine. Fine on level ground, could be oil starved on a hill sideways. I personally would avoid a LT 190.

Anonymous-0 · Jun 16, 2014

Check the serial number on the 317 engine then go look at the Weekend Freedom Machines website. If you have the Series II KT-17 engine it is vastly preferable to the LT riding mower. The Series I is not so reliable but if you are in flat country it wouldn't be critical.

dbrojr · Jun 16, 2014

i'd get the 317...much more rugged built...I have a 318 with the onan w/ over 30,000 hours on it,still running...uses some oil,but runs decent.

Steve@Advance · Jun 16, 2014

If all you're doing is mowing, wouldn't a zero turn suit your needs better?

Mike in MI · Jun 16, 2014

I"d pick the 317 myself as I"ve owned the have for 23 years till engine got tired. I bought another one year later and my son uses it the past 8 years. There tuff built! I have a JD 420 now that I use. The newer ones are cheaply made as they don"t as long.

DaninKansas · Jun 18, 2014

Can you fit a K341 or K321 in place of the KT-17? For all the talk about the Series II being better than the Series I neither is anywhere near as good as the old single cylinder engine they replaced in terms of durability or ease of repair.

The Onan engines and the KT engines are both extremely expensive to repair.

ztrmowers · Jun 18, 2014

what they asking for the units.see it happen alot they ask what yo can usually buy new pretty close.

John Deere 317 vs LT 190 opinions please!

Sully319

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rrobert

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