John Deere LX178 4.90 star(s) (9)

Excellent Machine
Model Year: 1994

I bought this in 1994 and only used it for mowing a one acre lawn. It had normal maintenance other than the front wheel bearings and a driven sheave on the hydrostat, belts. I never have had a spark plug out of it and still has the OE fuel filter. It runs the same as the day I got it. Originally came with Pirana Mulching deck. I hated it because I don't cut grass every two days. Dealer told me to take the baffles out and pull a sweeper. He said a 48" with a bagger was too big. So I used a sweeper for several years....PITA. Eventually I checked with another dealer and he said it would spin a 48 no problem. I bought a 48" deck with a power bagger and it is AWESOME! This is what should have been on it in the first place. It has plenty of power and picks up leaves in the fall. I'm so impressed that when I see ones on Craigs for 5-700 bucks, I'm tempted to buy another for a spare. It was 4 grand new but I have got more than my monies worth.

Pros: Very dependable, lots of power, smooth and quiet, no problems to speak of.
Cons: The mulching deck

Review
Model Year: 1995

Like the fact this is a water (antifreeze) cooled motor. It is relatively quiet and smooth running. Have had some carb. issues that have been fixed.

Pros: Great machine.
Cons: Bagging system is prone to plugging.

LX178
Model Year: 1993

Bought this new to cut my yard at my previous house and plow snow. Used it there for about ten years. The yard was about an acre. Driveway was about 130 feet. Not too long after I bought it, the electric clutch went bad, just out of warranty. The yard I have here is much smaller and so is the driveway. I plowed my driveway and 5 of my neighbors for about 6 years. Sold the plow and got a snow blower. The tractor had it's original belts 'till last year. Still has it's original tires. I tend to over maintain all my vehicles so I'm sure that's helped. I looked at a couple different brands before I bought this one but this was by far the best. The most expensive but the best. Real good in all aspects.

Pros: Everything about it but the seat.
Cons: Can't buy just a headlight housing, have to buy the whole top half of the hood. Seat started cracking after 2 years.

Versatile
Model Year: 1996

I use my little tractor for grass snow and as a utility tractor. I have the water cooled motor 17 hp. and it has lots of power for any purpose so far.

Pros: Just a breeze to drive.
Cons: Slow reverse.

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Half Acre
Model Year: 1993

We moved to a home with a half acre lot in 1999. The first three years we mowed with various mowers until we located the 1993 LX 178. Purchased it locally from the original owner. It has served us well for ten years.

Pros: Satisfied owner.
Cons: None.

LX 178
Model Year: 1990

This mower has been very dependable. Was used in lawn mowing business for several years. No major problems-very good mower.

Pros: Ease of operation, dependable.
Cons: None.

Only an Hour Meter Could Make it Better
Model Year: 1995

I Bought my LX178 in early 1996. The dealer told me it was the best tractor I could buy for my needs. I have always changed the engine oil and cleaned the air filter pre-filter at midseason, which is about every 45 hours. I have always replaced the spark plugs, fuel filter and air filter every spring. I replace the blades every spring and keep them sharp throughout the mowing season. I have only used JD brand maintenance parts. From 1996 through 2008, I had no repair costs except for normal maintenance (oil, filters, spark plugs) In 2008 I had to purchase a new seat (cracked cover)and two front tires (Slow annoying leaks). In 2010 one of the deck spindles started making noise so I replaced both spindles. In 2011 the throttle lever broke and I replaced that. Except for the seat, tires, deck spindles and throttle lever, the mower has required no other repairs. My LX is now on it's 17th year of service. It has always been very dependable, starts up every time, has never cut off on me except when I run it out of gas, cuts my grass perfectly, and its paint quality is near new condition. Both rear tires are original, however I will be replacing them soon as both have a slow loss of air pressure My only complaint is that I wish it had an in-dash hour meter. As my brain is getting older now, I'll probably install one this season and mount it under the hood so as to not tax my mind in keeping track of the hours used. Not knowing any better, in 2001, I went to the JD dealership looking to replace my LX with a new tractor for no reason other than getting a newer model. When the salesman learned that I was looking to replace an LX178, he told me that of all the new tractors that fit my needs, none came close to the quality and dependability of the LX series and suggested that I keep the LX. Thank God for that salesman's honesty. He gave me that advice knowing that it would prevent him from selling me a new tractor. My LX178 has been the best mower I've ever had. The tractor still does it's job just as it did in 1996. Even in it's 17th year, it still makes mowing enjoyable and easy. If I could go back in time, I would buy my LX all over again.

Pros: Quality, dependability, very strong Kawasaki engine.
Cons: Doesn't have an hour meter.

Wow, What a Great Machine
Model Year: 1995

The LX187 tractor has it all. Plenty of power, a dual piston water cooled engine. The engine is quieter than most tractors. Mine has the hydrostatic transmission which I can't imagine doing without (shifting gears would be very annoying). I have about 30 trees on my property so I need to use forward and reverse several times a cut. You won't go wrong with the hydrostatic trans. I have owned it since new but I have not used it every season as our lawn and snow was done by a service for a few seasons. This tractor does it all. I live on about 1 acre in a home on a hill and this tractor has performed extremely well over the years. I have maintained the tractor according to the specs and it has not let me down. The reliability has been superb. I have had no major repairs to put up with. I have several attachments that I simply could not do without. The 42" snow blade, the dump trailer, and the mulching deck. I always heard that nothing runs like a Deere, now I know it for sure. Buy a John Deere and you will not be disappointed.

Pros: Runs and runs and runs without a speck of trouble.
Cons: Seemed expensive at time of purchase - has paid me back by now!

John Deere LX178
Model Year: 1992

One heck of a mower, it takes everything I can throw at it! I use it for plowing during winter, cutting grass in summer, plowing in spring, leaf pickup in fal, and it takes it all without a sweat! The only thing about the mower is the Kawasaki FD440v in it is a little finnicky in cold weather if you don't adjust the fuel mixture. All in all, a great mower, plenty of power, 100's of attachments, very reliable, and easy to use. I have no complaints on this mower! I would recommend it to anyone!

Pros: Lots of power, many attachments, and reliable.
Cons: Expensive.