New Riding mower/lawn tractor

The parents old mower(yard machines cheapo) died on them at the end of least year, trans went out in it. They cut about acre to acre and half, lots of hills and obstacles(flower beds, trees, well box, small buildings etc). The cheapo's seem to get worse everytime we buy one, so I've about ruled those out. The old MTD's used to be pretty good, but the last good one we had was a lowes brand, about a 1990 model, 16 hp, 42inch cut, 5 speed...it was really a good mower. We looking at a new last years model Deere LA105 for $1350 and an 2010 used x304 with 17 hours for $2700. I know the X is lot more mower, just can't figure if its worth that much more. Also, I wonder if the 4 wheel steer would be problematic or cause a lot more upkeep in the long run. Also been considering the some the Husqvarna's...they look decent enough and have got a good warranty with god local dealer support.

JMHO - A ten year old LX or GX series John Deere would be better than either one for about the price of the LA105.

The x304 is quite bit better than the L105 but I don't think it could be twice as good. The big difference is in the transaxle, and everything gets made a little cheaper every time the model number changes.

I don't know much about the newer Deere's.. But dad's brother has one of them 4 wheel steer things.. Drove it once, don't know why ANYONE would want one.. to me, they're just too clumsy.. I'm sure with a little time a person can adapt.

I will, however, second the LX. Dad has a LX188 Hydro drive.

Pros: we're both tall (and I'm plain big) but comfortable for us to run.. knees not in the chest. Seems to be built well.. fairly quiet, does a FINE mowing job. I myself like the "foot" operated hydro, but I can see where if you had to mow a lot your foot could get tired (like driving a car)

The cons: The things I know we've had problems with are: It used to burn up coils. Dad was told JD had a bulletin out about it, and ours was fixed.. seems like the 3rd time they put a "improved" coil and a step hotter plug in it (It has been better than 10 years now) Dad always kept his inside, but the seat still deteriorated (no big deal to change the cushion though, as it screws on) And the hood cracked (again, no fault of Deere would be my guess.. dad hit something I'm willing to bet).

If I had to bet, I'd guess it has somewhere around 1000 hours on it.. This will be the 13th season he's used it, and I know as well as his 2 acres, it has mowed my grandparents, uncles, and my lawns MANY times in the previous 12 years. We also pushed snow with it the first few years. Dad always kept the oil changed and kept it greased.. It's been through many blades and a few belts.

I'd recommend one, if one that don't look to be abused comes up.
Brad

i have 2 deere riders, a L110 automatic 42 deck and a gt 245, 54 in deck. both are good mowers. have a hustler zero turn too, the deeres handle steeper slopes better than the ztr. (mowing road ditches) the 110 has knobby rear tires, the 245 has 5 suitcase weights on the rear(i think they are 40 lbs ea.)

21 years ago I bought a used 140 jd from a dealer for 1,250, neighbor told me i was nuts for spending that much on a used lawn tractor. He kept saying I could buy a brand new mtd for the same money,long story short I still have that 140 nad up till last fall used to 2.5 acres of grass and weeds. Engine is getting tired and needs overhaul so I bought a gx335 with 100 hrs on it, asked the dealer if I can count on it lasting as long and he said not built as stong as the 140 but with care will last a long time. Firm beliver of you get what you pay for. Bob

A real John Deere, not lowes or home depot. Wifes LX 277 is 9 years old and only normal oil/filter changes and a couple sets of new blades, mowing 3 acres plus.

Another vote for a used LX John Deere. My LX178 is about 15 years old and has had ZERO issues. Change the oil every fall before I put it up for the winter. Other than that, blades, one battery and both front tires, and that's it.

Casey Around here JD is a big player and the dealer is excellent if you need service. The off brands are cheaper but there is no "local" service after the sale. And they have new model (or brand) next year. If you have a brand that has good dealer support (ie husky, cub cadet) you will probably be ok. Also JD seems to hold its value if you want to trade or sell used. The same principles apply to any power equipment. Good luck

5 years ago I purchased a 48 inch husqvarna. Look at how it's made, cast iron front axle, hydrostatic tranny, 23 hp briggs, electric mower clutch. The mower deck looks like my neighbor's JD. It has 260 hours on it, haven't replaced a belt, battery, or had any problems. Change the oil and sharpen bladed at end of season, which is about every 50 hours. I would buy another husqvarna in a heart beat, however I may not live long enought to buy another mower.
George

Well, a zero turn is the way to go in my opinion, but I also can't knock the Husqvarna tractors either. Have one that is about 12 years old, 300+ hours on it, and have only changed the belts once, blades a couple of times, and the oil once a year. Very trouble free machine.

10 yrs ago, i bought a cub-cadet 125 hydro drive, 13 hp, cast iron front end, 3-blade 48-inch. replaced one blade assembly, [froze up]. other than that, never had a problem. paid $750 used, like new. sometimes it pay to look around.

You may be able to find a good quality used machine for the price of a cheaper model new one. I've seen some nice used ones at the local CIH dealership for the price of a new Home Depot cheap model. Ones I looked at would be alot more machine for your money. Just a thought.

When looking at used machines or new. A quick look at the rear wheels will indicate if it's a light duty "Lawn Tractor" or a HD "Garden Tractor".
Five bolt hubs on the HD transmissions. Light duty just use a keyway and a cir clip.

I bought a used JD 160, a used STX38 and last year bought a used Jd 190 to replace the STX38. These are the ones you get new at the JD dealer. I mow acres around my pecan trees, lawns, cemetary. It pays to buy the heavy duty mowers.

Have a Deere F525 (they don't make this model anymore) it had some ignition problems when it was new 15 years ago. After these werwe resolved it has mowed 3+ acres with no problems.
The "gardan tractor type" tend to hold their value better than zero turn mowers. But you have to do more trimming with the "garden tractor type". The market for used zero turn is just smaller.

Beware of the L and LA series, which were build for sale at big box stores. I have a L120 that the hydrostatic unit failed on at around 300 hours. The units are non-serviceable, the only way to change the fluid is to remove the rear end, turn it upside down to drain the fluid, and reinstall.

I ended up fitting a K66 rear end from a G series mower, which is a serviceable unit. I had to replace the wheels, as the axle is larger diameter, along with various other parts. However I now have a mower with much more torque, better suited for hills, and I can service it.

I have a John Deere 304X from a dealer, Not a box store and I absolutely love it. 4 wheel turn and plenty of power. Cruise control for long stretches of lawn. I learned a long time ago to buy the best you can possibly afford. When it keeps going, the cost is nothing compared to the aggravation of a piece of junk. I think I paid about $2800. on sale 5 years ago.

My Son-in-Law bought a "Home Depot"John Deere
and was so proud of it, until it broke down, the
local Deere dealer said it was an "El Cheepo"
made to sell at Home Depot..and wasn"t very
interested in working on it.
Maybe the dealer was just unhappy that he didn"t
get the sale !