JD D100 series

JDGreenGrass · May 9, 2011

Howdy folks.

I am considering a purchase of the D140. I have read somewhere that when it comes to Deere rideing lawn mowers there is a quality jump in the line-up. In other words the lower models are not the quality of say the X-series.

Is the D140 a quality unit that will last say...15 years.?? Or, is the quality of the D-series much like a Craftsman or a Cub Cadet.

In which model Deere does the quality become great versus mediocre.??

I should add that I am looking for a strong deck. My 1.5 acres of lawn is nice but, not pristine. I have some areas where the grade needs to come up with some topsoil but now has some rock pokeing up through.

Thanks in advance.

ctlguy · May 9, 2011

The 100 series machines where created to compete with the craftsman style mowers. Main difference is you have most likely better aftermarket support from Deere than Sears otherwise very similar machines I think in terms of durability if you take care of them. The decks do appear to be mounted better on the x series than the 100 series.

Johndeere50d · May 9, 2011

JDGreenGrass said:
Howdy folks.

I am considering a purchase of the D140. I have read somewhere that when it comes to Deere rideing lawn mowers there is a quality jump in the line-up. In other words the lower models are not the quality of say the X-series.

Is the D140 a quality unit that will last say...15 years.?? Or, is the quality of the D-series much like a Craftsman or a Cub Cadet.

In which model Deere does the quality become great versus mediocre.??

I should add that I am looking for a strong deck. My 1.5 acres of lawn is nice but, not pristine. I have some areas where the grade needs to come up with some topsoil but now has some rock pokeing up through.

Thanks in advance.

Get it....what are your engine brand options???

JDGreenGrass · May 9, 2011

Johndeere50d said:
Get it....what are your engine brand options???

Briggs and Stratton 22hp V-Twin.

I assume you have the 150D.?? Is the deck built strong.??

Johndeere3720 · May 9, 2011

I Got the brochure on the D100 series and they have a warranty up to 120 hours. That means my L118 has out lived it's warranty almost three times! I have 354 hours on it and it is still going strong. It comes down to how they are taken care of and what they are used for. I have also heard horror stories about the L series about their poor quality and people always look towards the X series which will last as Deere claims up to 20 years. The L series is a 5-10 year unit. So pay cheap now and get something that will last up to 10 years or pay a little more and get 20 years? With the d series, I assume they have the K42 or something tranny? The trannys on the L's and LA's go out at times from 50 hours to mine which hasnt gone out and has 350. The X320 has i think a K54 in it which will outlast those smaller trannys and I have to say that it is a noticeable difference in quality. So it also comes down to what you want to spend, do you want to risk it with the big box mower or get a quality unit for a bit more? i don't have anything against the D series, i am just saying that if you want something better that will be better built and more reliable look at the X320. The X300 has the L series tranny so I would steer clear if it if you can.

jenkinsph · May 10, 2011

I have mixed feelings on the 100 series mowers but haven't had any real problems with their cut quality. If you keep up the maintenance, keep the blades sharp and the deck clean you can get good results out of them. The K46 tranny is the weak link, mine needs rebuilding now with about 225 hours on the machine, but some get more or less time. I have a 2005 L130 which I use for mowing duty only, I expect the transmission repair parts to be about $200 plus my labor to rebuild. Still I hope that with the repair I can get a few more years use out of it. I would not recommend pulling carts with any of these small mowers. Since I already have it I intend to use it to reduce the hours on the newer mower.

Last fall I purchased an X749 which I use for the heavier lawn jobs and while it is a vastly superior rider in every way it does cost more too. I use this in my work quite often for close quarters touch up jobs. I find that having this small machine eliminates a lot of hand work we use to do where the larger tractors couldn't fit. I have mine equipped with the TPH and rear pto and it handles the small implements well enough. Very satisfied with it so far.

If all I had to do was mow and fertilize my own lawn area and wanted a good machine for these jobs I would recommend an X320. This is where the better transmissions start, it has a K58, below this model most have a K46.

trook · May 10, 2011

I have had both a L series and an x320. While the L series was marginal, but probably better than the craftsman, murry, etc, the x320 was in a totally different league. This was one GREAT mower in every way and worth the additional cost.

JDGreenGrass · May 10, 2011

Thanks for the comments.

I am in the same situation as soo many others. Trying to find a tractor that does EVERYTHING I NEED.

I am nearly big enough for a RFM. I would love that but, too many obstacles and just about 1.5 acres to mow. Doesn't really justify a RFM. And, my JD770 has Ag tires. Not good for mowing. Heck, I could get a RFM for about $1500 which is reasonable but, once again, not justified on a small piece of property.

So, that puts me into a rideing mower but, I am tired of the $1500 junk Craftsmen units. And, I can't really afford a 3 to 4000 dollar mower, like an X320. My hands are tied.

Fact is... the 770 is my first tractor. Great machine, I love it. But, having it for 2 years has made me realize that it is not a versatile machine for my needs. Which brings me to this point.....A JD2520 is made for my property. Do I want to turn around and sell my 770....Heck no. Do I need a 2520...yes I do. It would fit my needs to a T.!!!! Can I finance $10,000 after selling the 770 and putting 3 to $5000 down...yes I can, but I don't want to. Just like I don't want to put $3500 into a rideing mower.

What would you all do.??..... I love my grass.!!:confused2:

jhonb · May 10, 2011

JD Greengrass, I have a LA120 I picked up new in 2007. I use it to mow 3/4 acres and it get's it biggest workout clearing the leaves in the fall as My lot is wooded. I occasionally pull a dump trailer with it, but that's about it. I have under 100 hours and with the exception of a minor issue the first month I had it, it has worked flawlessly.
I read hear that some people think it is a POS, but I love mine. It still looks like it's new and has no signs of letting up. I just dropped the deck for the first time and gave it a good cleaning and it too looks new. I am surprised as I have some stone landscaping that I suck the leaves up on and hit the stones often. I purchased new belts but left the original one on as they still looked good. I am retiring in a few years and plan to take it to my house in Florida and see who dies first. I truly believe that if I take care of it, it will last me forever.

Johndeere50d · May 10, 2011

JDGreenGrass said:
Briggs and Stratton 22hp V-Twin.

I assume you have the 150D.?? Is the deck built strong.??

Dont waste your time with a Briggs, get a Kawasaki my best friend has a lx280 with a Kawasaki and it's runs/sounds GREAT!!! And no actully I don't have a Deere mower in the family business we have a John Deere 260 skid steer 970 with a 440 bucket loader tractor and a John deere 50d witch is a mini ex(that's my username) oh and a new holland ls170 skid steer, but I know that the Briggs isn't really that good