Birthday gift for husband

ctlawn · Jul 28, 2005

I am looking for some feedback on the John Deere LT180. I am purchasing a John Deere for my husbands 30th. We have 2 acres, relatively level. The salesman said the LX280 is the way to go but it is much more expensive. Does anyone own the LT180 or 190 and what is your experience thus far? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Gatorboy · Jul 28, 2005

The LT180 would be a very fine machine. Your husband is gonna love it.

BTW, my birthday is in April. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

ctlawn · Jul 28, 2005

Thank you very much! I have been doing some research and came across this web site. I may be the only female on here! It is good to get advice from real users rather than the sales people!

Bird · Jul 28, 2005

( I may be the only female on here )

Nope, we have several female members, but you, and they, are in the minority. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif However, that doesn't mean we aren't glad to have you join us. Let us know the reaction when he sees that new mower. A photo would be best. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

rockyridgefarm · Jul 28, 2005

Will he actually get to use his gift? I got a tractor, too. I get to see her take off and return with it...

These mowers come with the 30 day promise, so you can get what you think is best, but can have a month to decide if it's right...

here is some comparison info from Deere:

SEAT SUSPENSION
Springs are adjustable for operator weight, which allows fine-tuning of the suspension for each operator. Seat can be easily adjusted fore and aft by the operator while on the seat. 9-in. of seat travel.
Folds forward to protect it from the elements.

SECTOR AND PINION STEERING
Extra-tight 14-in. turning radius for excellent maneuverability.

POWERFUL ENGINES
Provide plenty of torque and horsepower for difficult cutting and bagging jobs.
Overhead valves and cast-iron cylinder liners.
Full-pressure lubrication with standard oil filter.
Kohler Command engine used in LT150 and LT160.
Kawasaki engine used in LT180 and LT190.

XENOY HOOD
Tough and durable and will not rust. Color is molded in for long-lasting good looks. Two quality headlights are standard equipment.

TWIN TOUCH™ AUTOMATIC
Forward and reverse pedals are comfortable to use and allow easy control of speed and direction.

EASY-LIFT MOWER HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
Easy-to-use foot-pedal lift system makes changing cutting height and lifting front blade quick and easy.

MULCHING ATTACHMENT
Allows converting mower so customer can mulch grass or leaves.

PERFORMANCE-PROVEN MOWERS
38-in. high-performance two-spindle mower is designed for rear bagging as well as mowing and mulching with Tricycler™ attachment (LT150, LT160, LT180).
42-in. convertible (42C) provides optimum performance and easy conversion to mulching or bagging (LT160, LT180).
48-in. convertible (48C) three-spindle mower is compatible with Power Flow™ material collection system and mulching attachment (LT180, LT190).
Freedom 42-in. two-spindle mower is designed for mulching grass and leaves. Mow wet or dry grass. Two timed blades uniformly control the flow and distribution of material within the dome-shaped mower housing (LT160, LT180).

beenthere · Jul 28, 2005

First, a big welcome to the forum.

Now, I don't know about your situation, but I would not want my wife to make such a decision for me, no way, no how. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Maybe your husband is much different in what he has for desire for 'toys' but I wouldn't want the cheap end of the line unless I studied it and became satisfied that either I would accept the low end and live with it, or do without until I could afford the higher quality.

Likewise, I wouldn't buy a sewing machine for my wife to use. I had that in mind, and was going to go for the computer controlled, expensive model when I inadvertently found out she definately did not want that machine. Avoided that mistake. I waited until she bought the machine she wanted, then I added the extras to it to make it better. Much happier.

This year on my birthday, dear wife bought me a 25'tape measure that was battery operated to feed it out and to reel it back in. She thought I could use something that worked with one hand. The idea was great, but the thing was heavy, would be uncomfortable to have hanging on my belt, and didn't perform all that well. It was 5" long, so inside measurements required subtracting 5" (just to give an idea how big it was). I took it back for credit, under the guise that the 'motor' inside didn't have enough power.

Your situation could well be much different. But it wouldn't work for this curmudgeon. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

And I would agree with the salesman /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif However Deere has a 30 day 'take it back' guarantee that should work if your husband doesn't like it and has the courage to take it back. That takes some careful physciatry to avoid hard feelings too. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

rico304 · Jul 28, 2005

The LT180 is an excellent machine. I looked at them when my Mom bought one for my Dad. Contrary to previous post, he LOVED it. If you aren't sure, have one of his friends tell him he is looking at both, and see what your hubby tells him. I would prefer to have the tractor there on my B-Day. Especially with buy back promise from JD. You can't go wrong! Worst case scenario is you got him a 300 pound (?) gift certificate towards the machine he wants! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Oh yes, could you speak to my wife????" /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

frank_f15 · Jul 28, 2005

Welcome to the forum, and make sure the hubby gets on also. now about your question, make the deal with the dealer WITH the understanding that if your hubby wants something different , he can change it,

Gatorboy · Jul 28, 2005

( but I wouldn't want the cheap end of the line ) 

The LT Series is not their cheap line.

DmansPadge · Jul 28, 2005

Welcome to TBN!

The LT180 is a very nice machine. I can't imagine any husband not being happy with it. But like the other posters said... John Deere does have a 30 day satisfaction program. So just in case it isn't exactly what he wants... he could trade in for the "perfect" mower.

I don't even know you.... but I wish I would have married you! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif