Which lawn tractor to buy?

[lennypoulin]

Hi All,
I have a Deere L130 lawn tractor that is at the end of its useful life. Last summer I was going to replace it with the equivalent Deere product. I called the 2 closest Deere dealerships, talked with a couple salesmen, and never heard back. I even emailed the dealerships. No replies. I guess I wasn't gonna be spending enough money.
Now, a year later, I REALLY need a new lawn tractor. And even though I wanted a John Deere a year ago I think I no longer do. With all the folks being fired and production being moved to Mexico I wonder if I buy a Deere product today if it will be supported 10 years from now. And I'm peeved that production is being moved to Mexico, with dramatically lower labor costs, without Deere lowering prices.
So, I'm looking for opinions on other brands. One thing I really like on my current machine is the electric clutch for the mower deck. I really dislike the belt clutches that just tension the belt with a lever. It has been my experience that the electric clutch systems have longer belt life, cheaper belts, because they are shorter, and have fewer problems. So I want a machine with the electric clutch.
Any help choosing would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You,
Eric

Hi All,
I have a Deere L130 lawn tractor that is at the end of its useful life. Last summer I was going to replace it with the equivalent Deere product. I called the 2 closest Deere dealerships, talked with a couple salesmen, and never heard back. I even emailed the dealerships. No replies. I guess I wasn't gonna be spending enough money.
Now, a year later, I REALLY need a new lawn tractor. And even though I wanted a John Deere a year ago I think I no longer do. With all the folks being fired and production being moved to Mexico I wonder if I buy a Deere product today if it will be supported 10 years from now. And I'm peeved that production is being moved to Mexico, with dramatically lower labor costs, without Deere lowering prices.
So, I'm looking for opinions on other brands. One thing I really like on my current machine is the electric clutch for the mower deck. I really dislike the belt clutches that just tension the belt with a lever. It has been my experience that the electric clutch systems have longer belt life, cheaper belts, because they are shorter, and have fewer problems. So I want a machine with the electric clutch.
Any help choosing would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You,
Eric

I bought a Ferris 48" 500S last year. It's a zero turn, 25 hp, nimble and fast, cuts going forward or in reverse, plenty of power for all conditions. I couldn't go bigger than 48" to go through gates, between rows or berry plantings, and around the front yard landscaping. No regrets for spending the $$$5k to finally own a great mower. My mowing time has been cut in half or more. I once had a DR 46" walk behind, then a 52" Buntin walk behind (a high maintenance beast), a Cub Cadet lawn tractor (went through 2 engines). I looked at the John Deere but wasn't impressed. I compare to the Gravely equivalent, and the shock absorbers on the Ferris made the deal, along with the simple grass catcher / bagger option (no power blower needed). Of course, you need an acre or more to cut to justify this machine, or you just want a quality fast, fun machine and have the money to get one.

 

[jyoutz]

I bought a Ferris 48" 500S last year. It's a zero turn, 25 hp, nimble and fast, cuts going forward or in reverse, plenty of power for all conditions. I couldn't go bigger than 48" to go through gates, between rows or berry plantings, and around the front yard landscaping. No regrets for spending the $$$5k to finally own a great mower. My mowing time has been cut in half or more. I once had a DR 46" walk behind, then a 52" Buntin walk behind (a high maintenance beast), a Cub Cadet lawn tractor (went through 2 engines). I looked at the John Deere but wasn't impressed. I compare to the Gravely equivalent, and the shock absorbers on the Ferris made the deal, along with the simple grass catcher / bagger option (no power blower needed). Of course, you need an acre or more to cut to justify this machine, or you just want a quality fast, fun machine and have the money to get one.

The 4 wheel shocks on the Ferris make it stand alone above all other options, unless the area to cut is pool table smooth. I own the Stihl version of the Ferris. Same machine, different paint color.

 

[gp1200x]

Since you're asking about riding mowers...

I'm still very happy with my Husqvarna. I bought it at the "evil big box store" (Lowes), 8 years (?) ago. It currently has I think around 250 hrs on it. It has the orange welded "armored" deck, that some folks think you are only able to buy at a Husq dealer (not true).

Other than blades, and 1 battery 2-3 years ago, I haven't had to do anything to it. Not until this summer, when I ran over a couple of impervious objects that wiped out my mower spindles (took out the blades too). So I did just (a month ago) replace all 3 spindles, but that was due to operator mishap.

I pull carts, wagons and a sprayer with this riding mower, and have done so since it was new. I just used it today to pull my 30 gallon sprayer around and spray for grass and weeds in my gravel.

I think it cost me $2K when it was brand new, and I'm happy enough with it that I would buy another one if this one died.

I have one of these I bought at least 10 years ago just because of the armor deck. It was heavy duty back then and still strong today but they are using much thinner metal in the body parts in the machines the build today. The less metal parts the better off so some of these zero turns with the heavy duty frames and reduced parts may be better buys. I also replaced the spindles on mine over the years and now just change the blades and oil on it. I mainly use it in the faill to pick up grass and leaves because it has a large 3 box bagger with a 48" cut and really cleans up the yard well before winter.

 

[charlessenf]

I have a Deere L130 lawn tractor that is at the end of its useful life. One thing I really like on my current machine is the electric clutch for the mower deck. Eric

John Deere 100 Series D130 has been discontinued. John Deere does have branded engines, but they do not manufacture their own. Depending on the model, you will find engines manufactured by quality brands like Kawasaki and Briggs & Stratton.

https://www.amazon.com/l130-john-deere-parts/s?k=l130+

john+deere+parts

So, why not rebuild the one you love? I'm not in your neck o the wood, but here we have quite a few riding mower bone yards advertising on Craigslist and Facebook.

Check with JD to see if your SN is the right one for the parts they have for the L130's. If so, it appears you can get "any part you need" from a dealer.

https://www.

tractordata.com/lawn-tractors/000/0/7/70-john-deere-l130.html

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

My folks owned a Husqvarna rider recently and it was a complete piece of garbage. This from a family that ran a single Cub Cadet for 20 years. After two years the Husqvarna was trash. I'd never buy any piece of Husqvarna equipment after seeing that POS. They replaced it with a Toro ZTR that they love after three years.

 

[Paul McILwain]

I have a 2000 jd 345 with Kawasaki liquid cooled twin engine. First thing I did when I bought it new was disconnect the deck & seat cutout’s. Have 1600 hours with very little trouble. Still has the original spindles. Replaced the clutch once only because I bent the sheaves and belts would not last long

 

[CAchris]

Hi All,
I have a Deere L130 lawn tractor that is at the end of its useful life. Last summer I was going to replace it with the equivalent Deere product. I called the 2 closest Deere dealerships, talked with a couple salesmen, and never heard back. I even emailed the dealerships. No replies. I guess I wasn't gonna be spending enough money.
Now, a year later, I REALLY need a new lawn tractor. And even though I wanted a John Deere a year ago I think I no longer do. With all the folks being fired and production being moved to Mexico I wonder if I buy a Deere product today if it will be supported 10 years from now. And I'm peeved that production is being moved to Mexico, with dramatically lower labor costs, without Deere lowering prices.
So, I'm looking for opinions on other brands. One thing I really like on my current machine is the electric clutch for the mower deck. I really dislike the belt clutches that just tension the belt with a lever. It has been my experience that the electric clutch systems have longer belt life, cheaper belts, because they are shorter, and have fewer problems. So I want a machine with the electric clutch.
Any help choosing would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You,
Eric

You may want to consider ordering your new tractor directly from the John Deere website.
I would recommend the x300 or x500 series with Kawasaki engines.
Good Luck!

 

[blueguy]

I have a Huskvarna LGT- 2654 which I bought at Lowes about 9 years ago which has 348 hours on it. About a month ago the frame on both sides broke and I have just finished welding and reinforcing the broken areas.

Starboard side

Port side

Turns our the frame on these tractors is stamped steel and I guess not too strong. Granted the ground is very uneven and hilly here but I never expected such a break to occur. According to my research almost every brand tractor is made by MTD so there are few choices. I also found out that the transmissions in these tractors are weak so don't try to tow anything.

After fixing the frame and reinforcing the break area I tested the mower out and after a while the tensioning spring for the mower deck belt broke. I am wondering what is next.

Sorry for the rant.

Guy

 

[DGZRT]

I have a Husky XD254 and a John Deere E180 . Both bought same year and yes the Husky was 500 more but it’s twice the mower .

Better , steering wheel , gage, seat, bumper, tires, Kawasaki motor , better deck , cruise control! And the deer’s been in the shop twice cheap controls . Plastic throttle which broke first time wife used it . I know the upper end of Deers lineup is awesome but for around the 3 k mark Husky for me !!

 

[chim]

Sorry for not reading all 7 pages. From what I saw, the OP is just looking to mow grass and didn't pick up on how much. It could be worth considering something cheap. In 1983-ish I bought a used Ranch King ((MTD) and used it for about 7 years on our 1/2 acre lot. Then I sold it to our investment group where it spent the next several years doing about an acre there. Then we sold that property and one of the partners bought it for his approx. 1 acre yard where he used it till around 2009. Other than changing oil, it took a battery or two along the way (electric start).

 

[kozal01]

Sorry for not reading all 7 pages. From what I saw, the OP is just looking to mow grass and didn't pick up on how much. It could be worth considering something cheap. In 1983-ish I bought a used Ranch King ((MTD) and used it for about 7 years on our 1/2 acre lot. Then I sold it to our investment group where it spent the next several years doing about an acre there. Then we sold that property and one of the partners bought it for his approx. 1 acre yard where he used it till around 2009. Other than changing oil, it took a battery or two along the way (electric start).

A 1980's MTD is nothing like the MTD garbage sold these days and from personal experience the old ones still suck. Slow mowing, poor cut quality and most didn't have an HST back then either, shifting gears sucks on a riding lawn mower.

 

[tradosaurus]

The 4 wheel shocks on the Ferris make it stand alone above all other options, unless the area to cut is pool table smooth. I own the Stihl version of the Ferris. Same machine, different paint color.

U need to try the Toro MyRide system.

 

[Elviscaretaker]

OK, so for the ones that want to call BS, I'm adding photo's of my hour meters. These are 2009 Craftsman Pro's with the Kohler Command 25 hp motor. Motor's haver never been rebuilt. My lower hour one has had the front end and steering rebuilt once along with the spindles and an starter motor, it's the one that gets abused. The high hour one has only had the electric motor system for the deck swapped out for a manual one which I prefer. These have been great mowers. Used originally to cut 6acres and 3 acres of scrub. Now they are exclusively used for scrub in less than ideal conditions, maybe 6-7 acres of it since I cannot access most areas. Wish the frames were a tad stiffer but I'm even running the original tires that are bald on one of them. Otherwise those have been very reliable mowers, still need a better system though for how I use them now.

 

[dkmc]

I forget which brand lawn tractors I saw at Lowes a couple years ago that had the plastic transaxles in them. Wonder how many hours they actually rate the life expectancy on them?

 

[Elviscaretaker]

OK, so for the ones that want to call BS, I'm adding photo's of my hour meters. These are 2009 Craftsman Pro's with the Kohler Command 25 hp motor. Motor's haver never been rebuilt. My lower hour one has had the front end and steering rebuilt once along with the spindles and an starter motor, it's the one that gets abused. The high hour one has only had the electric motor system for the deck swapped out for a manual one which I prefer. These have been great mowers. Used originally to cut 6acres and 3 acres of scrub. Now they are exclusively used for scrub in less than ideal conditions, maybe 6-7 acres of it since I cannot access most areas. Wish the frames were a tad stiffer but I'm even running the original tires that are bald on one of them. Otherwise those have been very reliable mowers, still need a better system though for how I use them now.

forgot, that 36K hours on the one and 11K hours on the other, both bought new.

 

[Elviscaretaker]

I forget which brand lawn tractors I saw at Lowes a couple years ago that had the plastic transaxles in them. Wonder how many hours they actually rate the life expectancy on them?

Plastic? Really!? I'd think not long. Maybe as long as the warranty?

 

[tradosaurus]

Hi All,
I have a Deere L130 lawn tractor that is at the end of its useful life. Last summer I was going to replace it with the equivalent Deere product. I called the 2 closest Deere dealerships, talked with a couple salesmen, and never heard back. I even emailed the dealerships. No replies. I guess I wasn't gonna be spending enough money.
Now, a year later, I REALLY need a new lawn tractor. And even though I wanted a John Deere a year ago I think I no longer do. With all the folks being fired and production being moved to Mexico I wonder if I buy a Deere product today if it will be supported 10 years from now. And I'm peeved that production is being moved to Mexico, with dramatically lower labor costs, without Deere lowering prices.
So, I'm looking for opinions on other brands. One thing I really like on my current machine is the electric clutch for the mower deck. I really dislike the belt clutches that just tension the belt with a lever. It has been my experience that the electric clutch systems have longer belt life, cheaper belts, because they are shorter, and have fewer problems. So I want a machine with the electric clutch.
Any help choosing would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You,
Eric

I have never owned a lawn tractor so can't help you but research brands for reliability. Your JD and Husquavarna of yesteryear is not the same as today.

I'm not sure why you are against zero turns but maybe borrow a friend or neighbors and try it out. You might be surprised.

 

[dkmc]

Plastic? Really!? I'd think not long. Maybe as long as the warranty?

Have to take a look next time I go there. Ya I was a bit shocked at first, but then.....not really.

 

[bartjoebob]

Hi All,
I have a Deere L130 lawn tractor that is at the end of its useful life. Last summer I was going to replace it with the equivalent Deere product. I called the 2 closest Deere dealerships, talked with a couple salesmen, and never heard back. I even emailed the dealerships. No replies. I guess I wasn't gonna be spending enough money.
Now, a year later, I REALLY need a new lawn tractor. And even though I wanted a John Deere a year ago I think I no longer do. With all the folks being fired and production being moved to Mexico I wonder if I buy a Deere product today if it will be supported 10 years from now. And I'm peeved that production is being moved to Mexico, with dramatically lower labor costs, without Deere lowering prices.
So, I'm looking for opinions on other brands. One thing I really like on my current machine is the electric clutch for the mower deck. I really dislike the belt clutches that just tension the belt with a lever. It has been my experience that the electric clutch systems have longer belt life, cheaper belts, because they are shorter, and have fewer problems. So I want a machine with the electric clutch.
Any help choosing would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You,
Eric

My father has a cub cadet xt1 and my step father has the equivalent size Husqvarna but with a locking differential and Kawasaki engine. They are both solid machines for performing the mowing task. I would avoid Deere with that new 1 step oil change BS. You never get all the old oil out. I'd favor a Cub or Husqvarna with a serviceable transaxle. Simplicity are also very nice and likely to outlast Cub or Husqvarna but they are pricey. Avoid buying through box stores. The local small engine dealerships likely have the same prices and you will be getting a machine properly setup, stored, etc

 

[hslogger]

I am a deere fan... I have had an Lx172, still have that with out a hood. I have had Lx178 and that was a super machine. I am three years and 100 hours into a x370 that has power steering and power deck lift. It was a bit over 4600 out the door when purchased. It is a super machine. I keep the deck underneath religiously cleaned with a very heavy duty HF mower lift. My use is primarily in an orchard of twenty five trees plus pasture electric fence lines. Sorry for the weird way this is written but it is the only way I can enter due to some glitch with my computer.