Which JD Model ?

[dkostiha]

I may buy a used JD riding mower, 38-46 inch. I would like to get one of the real JD mowers, not one of the Lowe's models. Hydrostat trans would be nice, but not required. My budget is $500-900 for a good used one. Which models are considered to be very good in this price range ? Which ones should I stay away from too ? Thx.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

I may buy a used JD riding mower, 38-46 inch. I would like to get one of the real JD mowers, not one of the Lowe's models. Hydrostat trans would be nice, but not required. My budget is $500-900 for a good used one. Which models are considered to be very good in this price range ? Which ones should I stay away from too ? Thx.

I have an LT180 which is 5 1/2 years old. I paid over $3000 new with a grass catcher on the rear. It has performed flawless for the most part. I've only replaced a mower deck spindle bearing set and blades because I seem to like to mow over rocks... Anyhow, I think I've seen them sell for about $1500 this old. Mine has about 104 hours on it mowing my acre yard.

 

[2720wes]

The late 90's early 2000's GT series are heavy duty good machines. My 2001 GT225 has worked hard and not one problem.

You may find some in your price range

 

[jinman]

I may buy a used JD riding mower, 38-46 inch. I would like to get one of the real JD mowers, not one of the Lowe's models. Hydrostat trans would be nice, but not required. My budget is $500-900 for a good used one. Which models are considered to be very good in this price range ? Which ones should I stay away from too ? Thx.

There is no such thing as a non-real John Deere. They are all manufactured by JD even if they are sold in box stores. You will be hard pressed to find even the most inexpensive model for sale at your budget price of $500-$900. You can find used ones at that price, but most are nothing more than salvage. I would suggest that you add $1000 to your budget and start looking on craigslist for a deal. Even so, you will still be in the class of the LA-models of only one or two years old. If you want the more expensive JD iron, you will have to budget close to $3000 minimum. Nobody is going to sell a good working "Lexus" at a "Tercel" price unless they are a candidate for the 'funny farm.' Just remember though that a Tercel is better than walking.:thumbsup:

 

[Deadman]

I have a LX 279. The LX series was the premium series mowers, and had fully welded frame and is a "rock-solid mower".

Not certain on the LT series. I think the LA series were the Home Depot junkers. They are junk, but close to what you will find with your budget.

I'd save up, and buy a solid machine instead of a low dollar piece of crap thats gonna only last a year or 2. My JD's usually last 30 years, and I expect my LX 279 to also.

 

[rexwagon]

While the LX series was premium they are lawn tractors and not garden tractors. Which is fine but you need to be careful what you ask of a lawn tractor as the transmissions are not as rugged as those in the GT or GX series.

The poster who said you need to spend 3000+ for a good machine has not either visited a local JD and looked at used tractors or looked at machinefinder.com. There are many good lawn and garden tractors around for less than that.

Just looking around mg area (MD) there are several LTs and LXs for less than 2000. To the OP I think it will be hard to find a quality machine within your budget but if you can spend 1500 I think you could do well.

Good luck

 

[dkostiha]

Thanks for the feedback thus far. I can spend a little more if needed. It will be used for mowing only as as I have a JD CUT already for bigger chores.

 

[dkostiha]

I just saw a LX280 with low hours for $1000. Is this a good deal and model ?

 

[Deadman]

While the LX series was premium they are lawn tractors and not garden tractors. Which is fine but you need to be careful what you ask of a lawn tractor as the transmissions are not as rugged as those in the GT or GX series.

The poster who said you need to spend 3000+ for a good machine has not either visited a local JD and looked at used tractors or looked at machinefinder.com. There are many good lawn and garden tractors around for less than that.

Just looking around mg area (MD) there are several LTs and LXs for less than 2000. To the OP I think it will be hard to find a quality machine within your budget but if you can spend 1500 I think you could do well.

Good luck

So true, but I didn't think his budget would find him a Garden Tractor!
LX is great mower, but by no means tractor.

 

[dkostiha]

Is the LX 280 a good rig ? I found one with less than 200 hours on it.

 

[jenkinsph]

Is the LX 280 a good rig ? I found one with less than 200 hours on it.

Should be okay, atleast it doesn't seem to have the K46 hydrostatic tranny. If it looks good and is priced right then proceed further. Without seeing the specific unit it is hard to give you much else.

If you have found an LX280 with 200 hrs in good shape then $1000 is a good deal.

 

[dkostiha]

Any feedback on an LT155 ??

 

[John_in_TN]

In general the LX280 is a significantly beter mower than the LT155. Has a stronger hydrostat & engine, heavier frame, larger wheels/tires, and I believe the Kawasaki 18 HP twin engine is a much better product than the Kohler 15 HP single cylinder. Good Luck!

 

[andrec999]

How long is the expected life of a JD tractor mower or any other make for this matter, I had a 97 Cub Cadet 12.5 H.P. for my first one ,lasted 12 years no repairs needed, I still have it and could easily get 400. on the for sale sites. I had paid 1700. fot it new in 97 and cut grass for 2 propertys with large lots. 1300. for 12 years is just over 100/yr. not bad.
I replaced it for what poeple call them cheapies from Home Depot a 22h.p. Twin cylinder B&S motor and, if it last me another 12 to 14 yrs I will be very happy. They are like everything we buy today, use them untill they brake and then throw them away. At the price they charge a the JD dealer to fix them I dont want my machine to go there to often anyway.

 

[BobOB]

I asked the same question about 6 years ago and decided it might be worth picking up an older model. I found a JD 165 Hydro for $500 and I lucked out. It has been a work horse. Recently, I needed to overhaul the motor, so I picked up a used on on E-Bay. It is running great! I've used this little tank to move dirt, snow, haul heavy loads, and cut grass without any issues.

There are some great buys out there, just make sure if you buy a used one, look for the model on E-Bay to see what types of parts, and if there are plenty of them available. I chose the 165 because the 130, 160, 170, and 185 are pretty similar and there are a lot of new and salvaged parts available.

If I were to buy a new one, I'd be tempted to purchase the new 304. What cracks me up is, my unit new in 1987 cost $3,400 with bagger. The new 300 series are right in that price range.

I recommend that you search E-Bay (I'm not wild about Craigs List, but it is a good place to see what is available locally) and use this forum and other forums. Out of all the different forums I've searched, I'm finding that tractor forums have a lot of real good folks participating. I know there are a lot of farmers, and people that just know what the heck they are doing, and that they just want to help. If you have an issue with your future tractor, someone here probably can help you.

Good luck!

 

[BobOB]

One more thought. I read a comment by a previous viewer regarding not wanting to have his unit serviced at the dealership. I agree. I wanted to have my tractor serviced by JD, and they wanted $190. I went to our local United Rents, and they charged $114 to fully service and sharpen the blades. There are plenty of places that service and repair lawn tractors, and some even will pick up your unit if you don't have a way of hauling it. Just a thought.