First Impressions - Deere D105
- Thread starter sciphi
- Start date
- Status
I got my first mow of the season done yesterday. It took about 40 minutes to cut 1/2 acre of fairly flat lawn.
First off, the CVT drives quite nicely. While this mower does not have cruise control, I was easily able to find a comfortable speed and keep my foot in position well. Slowing for turns to cut the radius and then speeding back up were not an issue. It just went. The gas gauge barely moved, too.
This mower cuts very well. Even at a fairly high 3" deck height and having a mulch plug installed, the deck was not shooting clippings everywhere. When paralleling the sidewalk and the driveway, there were very few stray clippings shooting out. I didn't bother sweeping because the wind took care of the few that were not dropped back into the grass. The cut appeared to be fairly even. Some folks have stated that the lower-end Deeres can leave a strip of uncut grass. I didn't notice that today, and will keep an eye out. The jury is also out on how well it deals with mulching a lawn full of very tall grass.
Ride-wise, this mower is a comfy place to spend time mowing the lawn. There was a little vibration that made its way through the steering wheel to my hands. Going over some unseen bumps wasn't a jarring experience and didn't seem to upset the machine. The steering was accurate, good enough to place the machine up alongside the edge of landscaping features without worrying about veering into them. It's also quick to respond to steering input, although turning circle isn't quite as tight as I'd like at about 30" or so.
The downsides of this mower are that being a Briggs engine it's fairly loud. Earplugs are a recommended accessory. It does vibrate a little, although nowhere nearly as badly as other riders I've used in the past. It's also a bit slow while mowing, at least for me. But it's thorough in mulching, which a higher ground speed would diminish.
Overall, I'm quite satisfied with the Deere D105 so far. It's a nice-cutting, easy to handle riding mower that likes a relaxed pace. There certainly are faster riders and more powerful riders. For the price there may not be a better-cutting mower.
First off, the CVT drives quite nicely. While this mower does not have cruise control, I was easily able to find a comfortable speed and keep my foot in position well. Slowing for turns to cut the radius and then speeding back up were not an issue. It just went. The gas gauge barely moved, too.
This mower cuts very well. Even at a fairly high 3" deck height and having a mulch plug installed, the deck was not shooting clippings everywhere. When paralleling the sidewalk and the driveway, there were very few stray clippings shooting out. I didn't bother sweeping because the wind took care of the few that were not dropped back into the grass. The cut appeared to be fairly even. Some folks have stated that the lower-end Deeres can leave a strip of uncut grass. I didn't notice that today, and will keep an eye out. The jury is also out on how well it deals with mulching a lawn full of very tall grass.
Ride-wise, this mower is a comfy place to spend time mowing the lawn. There was a little vibration that made its way through the steering wheel to my hands. Going over some unseen bumps wasn't a jarring experience and didn't seem to upset the machine. The steering was accurate, good enough to place the machine up alongside the edge of landscaping features without worrying about veering into them. It's also quick to respond to steering input, although turning circle isn't quite as tight as I'd like at about 30" or so.
The downsides of this mower are that being a Briggs engine it's fairly loud. Earplugs are a recommended accessory. It does vibrate a little, although nowhere nearly as badly as other riders I've used in the past. It's also a bit slow while mowing, at least for me. But it's thorough in mulching, which a higher ground speed would diminish.
Overall, I'm quite satisfied with the Deere D105 so far. It's a nice-cutting, easy to handle riding mower that likes a relaxed pace. There certainly are faster riders and more powerful riders. For the price there may not be a better-cutting mower.
Sounds like a great machine. How is your reverse speed? I've got an Ariens with the same transmission and like the transmission a lot. Only thing is Reverse is dog slow. It will get there but man is it slow. Is yours also slow in reverse?
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
Foot pedal forward/reverse/speed control is the best as far as I'm concerned. Love it. Deere decks are generally pretty well thought out and do a good job.
In regards to the noise, I think it's common of most larger single cyl engines, be it Briggs, Kohler or import. If it's not the exhaust, it's the roar from the cutting deck.
In regards to the noise, I think it's common of most larger single cyl engines, be it Briggs, Kohler or import. If it's not the exhaust, it's the roar from the cutting deck.
Originally Posted By: sciphi
Some folks have stated that the lower-end Deeres can leave a strip of uncut grass. I didn't notice that today, and will keep an eye out.
I find this is more common with the three blade models like the 48" and 54" deck. Mine is 54" and will do it occasionally but only on sharp turns. It happened more often with the factory blades, but I haven't noticed it since buying Gator blades. It is also important to level the deck before using the mower, which if it was bought at a box store most likely won't be done, and the consumer usually won't do it. I've had people bring me newer riding mowers that don't cut well, and one side is set 1-2" higher than the other side.
As far as the noise, the only engines I have found to be on the quieter side are the Kawasaki engines, and even some of those are fairly loud.
I use these head phones while mowing. They are extremely comfortable, cancel noise very well, and have held up for a few years.
http://www.amazon.com/3M-Peltor-H10A-Opt...ring+protection
Some folks have stated that the lower-end Deeres can leave a strip of uncut grass. I didn't notice that today, and will keep an eye out.
I find this is more common with the three blade models like the 48" and 54" deck. Mine is 54" and will do it occasionally but only on sharp turns. It happened more often with the factory blades, but I haven't noticed it since buying Gator blades. It is also important to level the deck before using the mower, which if it was bought at a box store most likely won't be done, and the consumer usually won't do it. I've had people bring me newer riding mowers that don't cut well, and one side is set 1-2" higher than the other side.
As far as the noise, the only engines I have found to be on the quieter side are the Kawasaki engines, and even some of those are fairly loud.
I use these head phones while mowing. They are extremely comfortable, cancel noise very well, and have held up for a few years.
http://www.amazon.com/3M-Peltor-H10A-Opt...ring+protection
Originally Posted By: itguy08
Sounds like a great machine. How is your reverse speed? I've got an Ariens with the same transmission and like the transmission a lot. Only thing is Reverse is dog slow. It will get there but man is it slow. Is yours also slow in reverse?
Mine's okay in Reverse. It does need to be floored, though.
The deck was fairly level from the factory. I did level it before first use, which likely helped. It didn't need much adjustment.
Sounds like a great machine. How is your reverse speed? I've got an Ariens with the same transmission and like the transmission a lot. Only thing is Reverse is dog slow. It will get there but man is it slow. Is yours also slow in reverse?
Mine's okay in Reverse. It does need to be floored, though.
The deck was fairly level from the factory. I did level it before first use, which likely helped. It didn't need much adjustment.
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
None of the residential or professional grade stuff is fast in reverse due to OEMs trying to protect themselves from litigation.
Most can be adjusted to be faster in reverse, but doing this on hydrostatics will take away from the forward speed. What you gain in reverse is taken away from forward.
Most can be adjusted to be faster in reverse, but doing this on hydrostatics will take away from the forward speed. What you gain in reverse is taken away from forward.
Originally Posted By: JTK
None of the residential or professional grade stuff is fast in reverse due to OEMs trying to protect themselves from litigation.
Most can be adjusted to be faster in reverse, but doing this on hydrostatics will take away from the forward speed. What you gain in reverse is taken away from forward.
Yup, all because operators are too dumb to look behind them before they back up.
None of the residential or professional grade stuff is fast in reverse due to OEMs trying to protect themselves from litigation.
Most can be adjusted to be faster in reverse, but doing this on hydrostatics will take away from the forward speed. What you gain in reverse is taken away from forward.
Yup, all because operators are too dumb to look behind them before they back up.
Originally Posted By: sciphi
I got my first mow of the season done yesterday. It took about 40 minutes to cut 1/2 acre of fairly flat lawn.
First off, the CVT drives quite nicely. While this mower does not have cruise control, I was easily able to find a comfortable speed and keep my foot in position well. Slowing for turns to cut the radius and then speeding back up were not an issue. It just went. The gas gauge barely moved, too.
This mower cuts very well. Even at a fairly high 3" deck height and having a mulch plug installed, the deck was not shooting clippings everywhere. When paralleling the sidewalk and the driveway, there were very few stray clippings shooting out. I didn't bother sweeping because the wind took care of the few that were not dropped back into the grass. The cut appeared to be fairly even. Some folks have stated that the lower-end Deeres can leave a strip of uncut grass. I didn't notice that today, and will keep an eye out. The jury is also out on how well it deals with mulching a lawn full of very tall grass.
Ride-wise, this mower is a comfy place to spend time mowing the lawn. There was a little vibration that made its way through the steering wheel to my hands. Going over some unseen bumps wasn't a jarring experience and didn't seem to upset the machine. The steering was accurate, good enough to place the machine up alongside the edge of landscaping features without worrying about veering into them. It's also quick to respond to steering input, although turning circle isn't quite as tight as I'd like at about 30" or so.
The downsides of this mower are that being a Briggs engine it's fairly loud. Earplugs are a recommended accessory. It does vibrate a little, although nowhere nearly as badly as other riders I've used in the past. It's also a bit slow while mowing, at least for me. But it's thorough in mulching, which a higher ground speed would diminish.
Overall, I'm quite satisfied with the Deere D105 so far. It's a nice-cutting, easy to handle riding mower that likes a relaxed pace. There certainly are faster riders and more powerful riders. For the price there may not be a better-cutting mower.
Nice Review!
I got my first mow of the season done yesterday. It took about 40 minutes to cut 1/2 acre of fairly flat lawn.
First off, the CVT drives quite nicely. While this mower does not have cruise control, I was easily able to find a comfortable speed and keep my foot in position well. Slowing for turns to cut the radius and then speeding back up were not an issue. It just went. The gas gauge barely moved, too.
This mower cuts very well. Even at a fairly high 3" deck height and having a mulch plug installed, the deck was not shooting clippings everywhere. When paralleling the sidewalk and the driveway, there were very few stray clippings shooting out. I didn't bother sweeping because the wind took care of the few that were not dropped back into the grass. The cut appeared to be fairly even. Some folks have stated that the lower-end Deeres can leave a strip of uncut grass. I didn't notice that today, and will keep an eye out. The jury is also out on how well it deals with mulching a lawn full of very tall grass.
Ride-wise, this mower is a comfy place to spend time mowing the lawn. There was a little vibration that made its way through the steering wheel to my hands. Going over some unseen bumps wasn't a jarring experience and didn't seem to upset the machine. The steering was accurate, good enough to place the machine up alongside the edge of landscaping features without worrying about veering into them. It's also quick to respond to steering input, although turning circle isn't quite as tight as I'd like at about 30" or so.
The downsides of this mower are that being a Briggs engine it's fairly loud. Earplugs are a recommended accessory. It does vibrate a little, although nowhere nearly as badly as other riders I've used in the past. It's also a bit slow while mowing, at least for me. But it's thorough in mulching, which a higher ground speed would diminish.
Overall, I'm quite satisfied with the Deere D105 so far. It's a nice-cutting, easy to handle riding mower that likes a relaxed pace. There certainly are faster riders and more powerful riders. For the price there may not be a better-cutting mower.
Nice Review!
Good deal! I'm glad you're happy with it. I've looked at the Home Depot Deere's, and Cub's but can't quite get past the thought of giving up my old Wheel Horse.
Originally Posted By: HM12460
Good deal! I'm glad you're happy with it. I've looked at the Home Depot Deere's, and Cub's but can't quite get past the thought of giving up my old Wheel Horse.
Your old one is likely fine. With starting from scratch and knowing how most of the OPE is treated around me, I chose to get a easy to fix new one to have it last. I sure hope it makes it to double digits in age like your Wheel Horse!
Good deal! I'm glad you're happy with it. I've looked at the Home Depot Deere's, and Cub's but can't quite get past the thought of giving up my old Wheel Horse.
Your old one is likely fine. With starting from scratch and knowing how most of the OPE is treated around me, I chose to get a easy to fix new one to have it last. I sure hope it makes it to double digits in age like your Wheel Horse!
Further update:
I had to cut the grass today with a fairly wet lawn, as it was the day that best fit my schedule. Going slow while mulching, the D105 went right at it. I noticed very few clumps of grass, and those were at the points I stopped to turn around. The lawn looks pretty good, aside from the muddy tire tracks that are fading. The deck seemed to have enough lift to get most of the wet, driven-on grass back up, even at a 3" high cut.
The engine is still breaking in with less than 2 hours on it. It is using a slight amount of oil, which I will have to keep an eye on. There's a light gray puff of smoke and smell of burning oil on the first cold start after sitting for a week. I'm not concerned yet, as the engine is still new and hasn't been used that much or that hard so far. Today's wet lawn was its hardest job yet.
I'm still happy, although the engine using oil is of concern.
I had to cut the grass today with a fairly wet lawn, as it was the day that best fit my schedule. Going slow while mulching, the D105 went right at it. I noticed very few clumps of grass, and those were at the points I stopped to turn around. The lawn looks pretty good, aside from the muddy tire tracks that are fading. The deck seemed to have enough lift to get most of the wet, driven-on grass back up, even at a 3" high cut.
The engine is still breaking in with less than 2 hours on it. It is using a slight amount of oil, which I will have to keep an eye on. There's a light gray puff of smoke and smell of burning oil on the first cold start after sitting for a week. I'm not concerned yet, as the engine is still new and hasn't been used that much or that hard so far. Today's wet lawn was its hardest job yet.
I'm still happy, although the engine using oil is of concern.
How much is a little oil?
I wouldn't worry about it unless it is using a lot. A lot of small engines use oil no matter what.
I wouldn't worry about it unless it is using a lot. A lot of small engines use oil no matter what.
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: jhellwig
How much is a little oil?
I wouldn't worry about it unless it is using a lot. A lot of small engines use oil no matter what.
I'm not sure. It came topped off from the factory. After 1.9 hours it's down halfway on the dipstick. A few ounces, if that. I'll top it off before I mow next.
How much is a little oil?
I wouldn't worry about it unless it is using a lot. A lot of small engines use oil no matter what.
I'm not sure. It came topped off from the factory. After 1.9 hours it's down halfway on the dipstick. A few ounces, if that. I'll top it off before I mow next.
It could be that it came with 5w30 from the factory, which can cause consumption on some engines. I assume it is a Briggs right? If it keeps doing it I would change to Rotella 5w40 after you dump the break-in oil. That should help.
The machine has about 5 hours on it so far now. Oil consumption seems to have leveled off to minimal.
It got a good test mowing tall, wet grass last week. Some of the grass was about 6" high and quite dense. It handled it just fine cutting it to 3.5", although I did have to slow down a little bit.
I am starting to notice some of the line of mulched stuff coming from the center of the deck. It's not as noticeable at 3.25" high, so I just might let the grass get a little longer...
It got a good test mowing tall, wet grass last week. Some of the grass was about 6" high and quite dense. It handled it just fine cutting it to 3.5", although I did have to slow down a little bit.
I am starting to notice some of the line of mulched stuff coming from the center of the deck. It's not as noticeable at 3.25" high, so I just might let the grass get a little longer...
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
Yeah, twin blade 42" decks do an amazing job IMO. They're not typically your best vac/bag deck and can struggle with mulching due to their shallowness, but in terms of cut quality. Really good.
OT, but these General Transmission CVTs seem to be all over now. It's good to see IMO.
OT, but these General Transmission CVTs seem to be all over now. It's good to see IMO.
- Status
