John Deere JD425 Reviews
425 AWS
Model Year: 1997
All in all, this tractor has served me well in the last three years. The biggest drawback happened at about the 1000 hour mark, the plastic cam gear shredded when the PTO was engaged to start the mower deck. $400+ at the local JD dealer for parts and another day to make repairs, the 425 has been back up and running well since. Bought a used snowblower last fall and what a lifesaver it's been this past (current) winter. Like most of the other reviewer's, I agree that the plastic parts are a little chincy for a premium lawn tractor, but still wouldn't trade this one for two of the knockoffs at the box stores.
Pros: 60" Mower Deck, AWS provides nice turning radius.
Cons: Plastic parts break easily and are expensive to replace.
Model Year: 1997
All in all, this tractor has served me well in the last three years. The biggest drawback happened at about the 1000 hour mark, the plastic cam gear shredded when the PTO was engaged to start the mower deck. $400+ at the local JD dealer for parts and another day to make repairs, the 425 has been back up and running well since. Bought a used snowblower last fall and what a lifesaver it's been this past (current) winter. Like most of the other reviewer's, I agree that the plastic parts are a little chincy for a premium lawn tractor, but still wouldn't trade this one for two of the knockoffs at the box stores.
Pros: 60" Mower Deck, AWS provides nice turning radius.
Cons: Plastic parts break easily and are expensive to replace.
AWS
Model Year: 1998
This is a sturdy garden tractor, bought with a new 60" deck for $2,000. I added a new high back seat (required some mods) and a new rear PTO for $1,100 installed by JD Dealer. Am adding a Ruegg cat 0/1 3 pt hitch & a used tiller. $410 +S/H. + $700. The all wheel power steering is just great. Disassembling the shrouds to clean up the frame takes 10 min. The Tuff Torq K92 rear end is a cast iron monster. The Kawasaki 620 engine is liquid cooled and runs great. Looking forward to this summer. I also have: AC WD45 tractor, disk, spring rake & mowwer AC H3 dozer Several trucks All in tip top condition.
Pros: ruggged commerccial grade equipment.
Cons: 4 wheel power would have been nice.
Model Year: 1998
This is a sturdy garden tractor, bought with a new 60" deck for $2,000. I added a new high back seat (required some mods) and a new rear PTO for $1,100 installed by JD Dealer. Am adding a Ruegg cat 0/1 3 pt hitch & a used tiller. $410 +S/H. + $700. The all wheel power steering is just great. Disassembling the shrouds to clean up the frame takes 10 min. The Tuff Torq K92 rear end is a cast iron monster. The Kawasaki 620 engine is liquid cooled and runs great. Looking forward to this summer. I also have: AC WD45 tractor, disk, spring rake & mowwer AC H3 dozer Several trucks All in tip top condition.
Pros: ruggged commerccial grade equipment.
Cons: 4 wheel power would have been nice.
John Deere 425 AWS
Model Year: 0
Great little tractor. Has a 54 inch mowing deck and blows with MC 519 cart that works great. Bought a Buford Bucket that I love and now I need to find a snowblower.
Pros: Power maneuverability and reliability.
Cons: Cost for attachments.
Model Year: 0
Great little tractor. Has a 54 inch mowing deck and blows with MC 519 cart that works great. Bought a Buford Bucket that I love and now I need to find a snowblower.
Pros: Power maneuverability and reliability.
Cons: Cost for attachments.
Worst JD Ever Built
Model Year: 2006
Had a JD garden tractor 16 hp for 16 years, never had any problems ever, until the mower deck got metal fatigue and start to fold. So time to buy a new tractor. Bought the JD 425 with a 54 inch mower deck---worst tractor ever. Engine just about dies every time you engage the mower deck. Wasn't long before parts just started falling off the tractor. The side screen panels on the engine are held on with a slot key, of which the plastic slot edge is about 1/32 of an inch---who designed that? So the screen slots all break, and JD wants over $200 PER SIDE just for the cheap plastic frame with the razor thin slots to hold it to the tractor. Why should I spend $400 to replace the poorly designed screen frames with the same lousy design. How long will that last? Then the gear box on the mower deck went, over $400 for this. Then the headlights fell off, tail lights fell off, plastic wheel rollers on the mower deck cracked and fell off, all the knobs for the throttle and speed cracked and fell off, seat cracked apart, replaced it, now second seat cracked and falling apart. Where is this scrap made, China? Now the rear end is leaking all over the garage. I sent a 5 page letter to corporate execs in Moline, never got a response. Guess they don't care about customers. The mower deck design is ridiculous as well, has an open top allowing debris, dirt, you name it to get in among the pulleys and belt. Taking the deck off and putting it on is a nightmare trying to mate the drive shaft with the coupler. Whoever designs this scrap never used the product. BITTERLY DISAPPOINTED. Also bought a JD 23HP diesel tractor, which was manufactured in India. Too light to do any serious farm work so sold it after a year and bought a Massey-Ferguson 55 hp diesel new. Still have it 20 years later with 1100 hours on it, so my equipment doesn't get a lot of use All the more reason it irritates me when the JD is falling apart. This of course makes it worthless as a trade in. So someone give me a good reason why I should ever consider buying another JD. Corporate doesn't care about the junk they turn out, it's still the most expensive on the market...makes orange look better all the time. For what a JD costs you could buy 2 other tractors and toss when when it wears out.
Pros: I can't think of a single thing pro about this tractor.
Cons: Worst tractor ever, unsupported by corporate management.
Model Year: 2006
Had a JD garden tractor 16 hp for 16 years, never had any problems ever, until the mower deck got metal fatigue and start to fold. So time to buy a new tractor. Bought the JD 425 with a 54 inch mower deck---worst tractor ever. Engine just about dies every time you engage the mower deck. Wasn't long before parts just started falling off the tractor. The side screen panels on the engine are held on with a slot key, of which the plastic slot edge is about 1/32 of an inch---who designed that? So the screen slots all break, and JD wants over $200 PER SIDE just for the cheap plastic frame with the razor thin slots to hold it to the tractor. Why should I spend $400 to replace the poorly designed screen frames with the same lousy design. How long will that last? Then the gear box on the mower deck went, over $400 for this. Then the headlights fell off, tail lights fell off, plastic wheel rollers on the mower deck cracked and fell off, all the knobs for the throttle and speed cracked and fell off, seat cracked apart, replaced it, now second seat cracked and falling apart. Where is this scrap made, China? Now the rear end is leaking all over the garage. I sent a 5 page letter to corporate execs in Moline, never got a response. Guess they don't care about customers. The mower deck design is ridiculous as well, has an open top allowing debris, dirt, you name it to get in among the pulleys and belt. Taking the deck off and putting it on is a nightmare trying to mate the drive shaft with the coupler. Whoever designs this scrap never used the product. BITTERLY DISAPPOINTED. Also bought a JD 23HP diesel tractor, which was manufactured in India. Too light to do any serious farm work so sold it after a year and bought a Massey-Ferguson 55 hp diesel new. Still have it 20 years later with 1100 hours on it, so my equipment doesn't get a lot of use All the more reason it irritates me when the JD is falling apart. This of course makes it worthless as a trade in. So someone give me a good reason why I should ever consider buying another JD. Corporate doesn't care about the junk they turn out, it's still the most expensive on the market...makes orange look better all the time. For what a JD costs you could buy 2 other tractors and toss when when it wears out.
Pros: I can't think of a single thing pro about this tractor.
Cons: Worst tractor ever, unsupported by corporate management.
John Deere 425
Model Year: 1995
I just purchased a used JD 425 with a cab and dual stage 47 inch snow blower in preparation for winter. The tractor and attachments are incredibly well built and heavy duty. As in all things done for the first time, I found it took longer to drop the mower and put on the snowblower than I anticipated it would. I have the 60 inch mower deck and it is much heavier than I thought it would be, but I am confident that no corners were cut in the production of the mower. Handles tall grass with no problem and am eager to try out the snow blower. I have a lot of trees on a 2 1/2 acre lot and thanks to the all-wheel steer I can mow faster than with my zero turn around them.
Pros: Smooth running machine.
Cons: Can be tricky to start especially when cold. All wheel steering tie rod ends are the only under engineered thing I see so far on this machine. I am going to see if I can find an automotive grade tie rod end that could fit to make this problem less troublesome.
Model Year: 1995
I just purchased a used JD 425 with a cab and dual stage 47 inch snow blower in preparation for winter. The tractor and attachments are incredibly well built and heavy duty. As in all things done for the first time, I found it took longer to drop the mower and put on the snowblower than I anticipated it would. I have the 60 inch mower deck and it is much heavier than I thought it would be, but I am confident that no corners were cut in the production of the mower. Handles tall grass with no problem and am eager to try out the snow blower. I have a lot of trees on a 2 1/2 acre lot and thanks to the all-wheel steer I can mow faster than with my zero turn around them.
Pros: Smooth running machine.
Cons: Can be tricky to start especially when cold. All wheel steering tie rod ends are the only under engineered thing I see so far on this machine. I am going to see if I can find an automotive grade tie rod end that could fit to make this problem less troublesome.
Excellent Tractor
Model Year: 1999
I have had this GT425 since new in 1999, performed required maintenance and kept mower blades sharpened and balanced. Use a full synthetic motor oil. Replaced 54 inch mower deck gauge wheels last week. I am on second battery.
Pros: Price, quality. finish, reliability, built to perform well.
Cons: Nothing noteworthy.
Model Year: 1999
I have had this GT425 since new in 1999, performed required maintenance and kept mower blades sharpened and balanced. Use a full synthetic motor oil. Replaced 54 inch mower deck gauge wheels last week. I am on second battery.
Pros: Price, quality. finish, reliability, built to perform well.
Cons: Nothing noteworthy.
JD 425
Model Year: 1998
Purchased the JD 425 all wheel steer in 1999 and have used it for mowing 3 acres and plowing snow from a 1/4 mile drive since that time. 54 inch mower deck and 54 inch snow blade. In that time, I've been consistently pleased with mowing performance (very versatile; follows the contours of a not-so-level lawn very well) and snow plowing. However, some body parts are not as well constructed as they might be. For example, the tail lights came loose within a few years and have basically been just hanging on ever since. Also, I had to have the engine rebuilt after 600 hours due to burnt valves, and lately the transaxle has developed a leak. While the tractor has got the job done on a large yard and very long driveway for 15 years now, it hasn't been inexpensive either as an initial purchase or to maintain. For general durability and doing a nice job, I'd buy the same model if I had it to do over again, but I'd be much more satisfied with my purchase if expensive repairs didn't crop up every year or two. In fairness, the first 7 or 8 years of service almost no additional expense was necessary. But the last 7 or 8 years I've paid approximately $3K to my JD dealer to keep the 425 operational.
Pros: Strong, versatile.
Cons: Expensive to purchase and repair; some features and parts are somewhat prone to breakage.
Model Year: 1998
Purchased the JD 425 all wheel steer in 1999 and have used it for mowing 3 acres and plowing snow from a 1/4 mile drive since that time. 54 inch mower deck and 54 inch snow blade. In that time, I've been consistently pleased with mowing performance (very versatile; follows the contours of a not-so-level lawn very well) and snow plowing. However, some body parts are not as well constructed as they might be. For example, the tail lights came loose within a few years and have basically been just hanging on ever since. Also, I had to have the engine rebuilt after 600 hours due to burnt valves, and lately the transaxle has developed a leak. While the tractor has got the job done on a large yard and very long driveway for 15 years now, it hasn't been inexpensive either as an initial purchase or to maintain. For general durability and doing a nice job, I'd buy the same model if I had it to do over again, but I'd be much more satisfied with my purchase if expensive repairs didn't crop up every year or two. In fairness, the first 7 or 8 years of service almost no additional expense was necessary. But the last 7 or 8 years I've paid approximately $3K to my JD dealer to keep the 425 operational.
Pros: Strong, versatile.
Cons: Expensive to purchase and repair; some features and parts are somewhat prone to breakage.
425 Very Nice Tractor
Model Year: 1998
We purchased a dealer program 425 lawn tractor for reconstruction of our yard. We have had great experience with in power, reliability, and the mowing is a blast! My wife likes the easy to use hydrostatic transmission, so I rarely have to mow myself. They say nothing runs like a Deere, I can't agree more. We liked so much, we bought a 325 for our lake property and have equally enjoyed it.
Pros: Strong built tractor, not the box store cheaper quality.
Cons: Plastic hood that developes cracks.
Model Year: 1998
We purchased a dealer program 425 lawn tractor for reconstruction of our yard. We have had great experience with in power, reliability, and the mowing is a blast! My wife likes the easy to use hydrostatic transmission, so I rarely have to mow myself. They say nothing runs like a Deere, I can't agree more. We liked so much, we bought a 325 for our lake property and have equally enjoyed it.
Pros: Strong built tractor, not the box store cheaper quality.
Cons: Plastic hood that developes cracks.
Many Uses
Model Year: 1993
Mowing, 60 in deck, hst tranny. Great! Very maneuverable and cuts a wide swath with no hesitation. Never had hydrostatic before, fantastic! Got modified cat 1 arm for the cat o 3 pt and can use cat 1 implements by reversing one of the pins so they both point same direction. Use carry all, boom, back blade. Made a post hole digger from 2 man digger hung from the boom. Now one man and no carry, no effort. Use the carry all with 55 gallon rain barrel to water new trees. Can move a 26' travel trailer no issue.
Pros: Size, power, reliability.
Cons: Not the Simplicity of my 1975 214 to work on.
Model Year: 1993
Mowing, 60 in deck, hst tranny. Great! Very maneuverable and cuts a wide swath with no hesitation. Never had hydrostatic before, fantastic! Got modified cat 1 arm for the cat o 3 pt and can use cat 1 implements by reversing one of the pins so they both point same direction. Use carry all, boom, back blade. Made a post hole digger from 2 man digger hung from the boom. Now one man and no carry, no effort. Use the carry all with 55 gallon rain barrel to water new trees. Can move a 26' travel trailer no issue.
Pros: Size, power, reliability.
Cons: Not the Simplicity of my 1975 214 to work on.
I Love My JD 425 As Well!
Model Year: 1998
In reading the manufacturer's data on the phased out JD models, it refers to the 425 as the Cadillac of lawn tractors, or maybe it was a thread posted in TBN, I don't recall which. At any rate, I cannot say enough good things about my experience with this tractor. So far I have had no problems with it. I'm replacing things to refurb. as I can afford to. As someone else posted here, JD parts are somewhat more expensive, but you get what you pay for. My money is considered well spent on quality JD parts.
Pros: Well worth the expense if taken care of after purchase; quality built in.
Cons: Slightly more expensive JD dealer parts.
Model Year: 1998
In reading the manufacturer's data on the phased out JD models, it refers to the 425 as the Cadillac of lawn tractors, or maybe it was a thread posted in TBN, I don't recall which. At any rate, I cannot say enough good things about my experience with this tractor. So far I have had no problems with it. I'm replacing things to refurb. as I can afford to. As someone else posted here, JD parts are somewhat more expensive, but you get what you pay for. My money is considered well spent on quality JD parts.
Pros: Well worth the expense if taken care of after purchase; quality built in.
Cons: Slightly more expensive JD dealer parts.
JD425
Model Year: 1999
Purchased last year to replace aged Ariens GT19 which is an outstanding tractor but was old. Couldn't be happier with my Deere. It's an outstanding tractor that makes the upkeep work of my yard easier than I could have imagined (I mow about 4 acres). I am anxious to see how the blade does in the snow, but already know it works well in the dirt and gravel. My only complaints are: 1) Price; the used tractor was very high priced compared to the other makes. Additionally, parts and accessories are very high priced as well. It would be nice if the JD price structure was a little more reasonable. 2) Dealer Attitude; The dealers that I've run into thus far are generally a little a lot. You want a Deere, you gotta come to me type of thing. This I could do without but this also may be limited to my area and experience alone. Never-the-less, love my Deere, it is, all things considered, worth the money because the product simply performs as expected. Good running, good power to weight ratio, great features, good documentation and amazing ease of use. I thought my Ariens was well thought out when it came to changing attachment, that is until I experienced the Deere. That being said, I will definitely stick with the Deere product line in the future. I think "once you get there, you'll never willing go back". Thanks for the opportunity to express my opinion....Doug
Pros: Performance, ease of use.
Cons: Initial cost and cost of repairs and parts/attachments.
Model Year: 1999
Purchased last year to replace aged Ariens GT19 which is an outstanding tractor but was old. Couldn't be happier with my Deere. It's an outstanding tractor that makes the upkeep work of my yard easier than I could have imagined (I mow about 4 acres). I am anxious to see how the blade does in the snow, but already know it works well in the dirt and gravel. My only complaints are: 1) Price; the used tractor was very high priced compared to the other makes. Additionally, parts and accessories are very high priced as well. It would be nice if the JD price structure was a little more reasonable. 2) Dealer Attitude; The dealers that I've run into thus far are generally a little a lot. You want a Deere, you gotta come to me type of thing. This I could do without but this also may be limited to my area and experience alone. Never-the-less, love my Deere, it is, all things considered, worth the money because the product simply performs as expected. Good running, good power to weight ratio, great features, good documentation and amazing ease of use. I thought my Ariens was well thought out when it came to changing attachment, that is until I experienced the Deere. That being said, I will definitely stick with the Deere product line in the future. I think "once you get there, you'll never willing go back". Thanks for the opportunity to express my opinion....Doug
Pros: Performance, ease of use.
Cons: Initial cost and cost of repairs and parts/attachments.
I Love This Tractor
Model Year: 1999
Purchased used for 2750. It had issues, PTO would not work,busted panels,seat broken off,etc.Put about 500 into it and some TLC. It is quiet, turning radius tight, good power, wide cut 60", easy steer (power steering). Bought Quick-tach, blade, snow thrower on Craigslist. Installed a enhanced reverse pedal. Had a Troy built (mtd) 42" previously. What a difference!
Pros: Solid tractor.
Cons: Reverse pedal.
Model Year: 1999
Purchased used for 2750. It had issues, PTO would not work,busted panels,seat broken off,etc.Put about 500 into it and some TLC. It is quiet, turning radius tight, good power, wide cut 60", easy steer (power steering). Bought Quick-tach, blade, snow thrower on Craigslist. Installed a enhanced reverse pedal. Had a Troy built (mtd) 42" previously. What a difference!
Pros: Solid tractor.
Cons: Reverse pedal.
Love It!
Model Year: 1996
Got a great deal on. Has many capabilities plus different attachments available (if you can find them) snowbower, tiller, front end loader, blade, etc. Love the all wheel steering, but sometimes wish the back two wills were able to lock in place for long rides.
Pros: Reliable.
Cons: Expensive parts & accessories.
Photo Uploads:
Model Year: 1996
Got a great deal on. Has many capabilities plus different attachments available (if you can find them) snowbower, tiller, front end loader, blade, etc. Love the all wheel steering, but sometimes wish the back two wills were able to lock in place for long rides.
Pros: Reliable.
Cons: Expensive parts & accessories.
Photo Uploads:
Mike's 425
Model Year: 1996
This has been a good tractor. I only had 2 major problems so far: 1) was it kept dying-had it taken to 3 different dealers and the first two said it did nothing. The third dealer told me he could fix it and he did, but I had to take it to n.c. to get it fixed. 2) A water leak issue at crankcase cover.
Pros: Good tractor.
Cons: Cost of simple parts for a JD.
Model Year: 1996
This has been a good tractor. I only had 2 major problems so far: 1) was it kept dying-had it taken to 3 different dealers and the first two said it did nothing. The third dealer told me he could fix it and he did, but I had to take it to n.c. to get it fixed. 2) A water leak issue at crankcase cover.
Pros: Good tractor.
Cons: Cost of simple parts for a JD.
Outstanding
Model Year: 1994
This lawn-tractor has been outstanding! No problems and it is a hard working machine. I would recommend this tractor John Deere 425 for anybody looking to buy a reliable lawn tractor. I have changed oil and filter every 50 hours, plus the air filter at 100 hours. Greased it every 50 hours. It is a heavy duty lawn tractor that with prevention maintenance will keep you going without trouble.
Pros: Everything
Cons: None
Model Year: 1994
This lawn-tractor has been outstanding! No problems and it is a hard working machine. I would recommend this tractor John Deere 425 for anybody looking to buy a reliable lawn tractor. I have changed oil and filter every 50 hours, plus the air filter at 100 hours. Greased it every 50 hours. It is a heavy duty lawn tractor that with prevention maintenance will keep you going without trouble.
Pros: Everything
Cons: None