And which model has what transmission, how much does the tractor weigh and how big are the tires.
For rough ground an 8 inch front and 10 inch rear wheel diameter at 10 psi along with a few suitcase traction weights softens the ride.
High end lawn tractors vs. other brands
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For rough ground an 8 inch front and 10 inch rear wheel diameter at 10 psi along with a few suitcase traction weights softens the ride.
I did check/adjust the valve clearances, The exhaust valve was somewhat loose. Adjusted it to .005" Spark plug. fuel filter and ignition coil are new. If I fill it with oil to the required level it'll usually smoke, which is why I'm suspecting a head gasket.
You got that right! Many here have an acre or more to mow (wish I did). A lot of factors to consider.
Yes - going to investigate some kind of repellant. It's amazing the damage they can do.
Some impressions I've read are that buying a John Deere tractor with a single cylinder engine may not be much of an advantage over a common brand, like MTD. The twin engines really put the tractors into a significantly higher price category. For some. with a lot of lawn to mow that's likely the best option.
I looked at many used John Deere mowers online - those that get to be in the price range I'd consider are 20+ years old. But some of the ads will say (maybe accurately) - when they were built really well. Still, I don't know if it would be wise buying something that old.
I'd feel more confident buying a well cared for 20 year old John Deere, especially with a Kawasaki or Kohler engine, than I would a brand new one with a single cylinder Briggs Intek.
The s120 is a twin. its retail 2799.
ETA: Pretty sure its a briggs not a Kawasaki though, Gotta spend 3200 ish for a Kawi.
ETA: Pretty sure its a briggs not a Kawasaki though, Gotta spend 3200 ish for a Kawi.
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Ok good to know.
I wonder is any brand twin typically better, meaning more durable than a single cylinder engine?
ls1mike
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I have a 1997 LT1000 with 1500. Those hours are not enough to tell me how good a mower is. My 2020 Cub Cadet is at 180.
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I have a John Deere GT275 I bought in 1996 that I gave to my son to use on his lawn when I got my current JD X590. It has a 17hp Kawasaki single cylinder engine in it. I'd estimate the mower has around 2,500 + hrs on it right now. Still runs strong with nothing done to the engine other than replacing the lower crank seal that developed a leak several years ago. This tractor has been used year round as it does snow removal duties in the winter. It uses no oil between oil changes which I do in late spring, mid summer and late fall (approx 30 hr changes). If you can find one of these used in good shape I would highly recommend buying it. I've seen these being sold in good shape for $1,000 to $1,500. Came with a 48 inch deck that mows great. Does a better job than the 54 inch deck on my X590.
Another testimonial that an old John Deere tractor can be a good buy with years of use to come. That is some serious hours on the one you gave your son.
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Kinda funny/amusing, my '09 Husq 2454 has just turned "666" hours! Runs ok I guess, but the deck is on death's door. In fact, I'm going to have tackle the deck this morning because the belt keeps coming off.
Hope you can fix the belt situation, then drive it at least another hour as soon as you can!
Belts will last longer if you engage the deck at idle (turtle) instead of full throttle (rabbit).
22HP Briggs V-Twin in the S120 I bought last year.
I always reduce rpms when engaging the blade. I try to do it as little as possible when mowing, which also means trying to avoid going in reverse.
I was looking the S110, currently not even available in stores around here. That was my around my original budget but I've seen posts that being a single cylinder Briggs & Stratton engine, it's about in the same league as an MTD. I would think (and hope) the John Deere tractor would still be of better quality.
The biggest problem with the big single Briggs engines in my opinion is that they're prone to blowing head gaskets. Unless you were referring to the engine specifically, I wouldn't put them in the same league as anything MTD.
I was looking on the Deere site and the MSRP for the S100 is $2400, the S110 is $2500 and the S120 is $2800
The only apparent difference that I can see between the S100 and S110 is the engine is slightly less powerful at 17.5 vs 19hp
The 100 series Deeres are a step above the other box store machines. Like mentioned the Briggs single cylinder engines are prone to blowing head gaskets due to their design. It's been a problem for decades on that specific engine design, which speaks to the quality and engineering of Briggs and Stratton in general unfortunately. The V-Twins are slightly better for sure, but you still have to keep in mind these are consumer grade pieces of equipment.
If budget is the biggest concern and you want something new, a box store Deere might be a good choice. If value is a priority, and you aim to keep something long term, a good used quality machine will be a much better choice. Not to mention the better built machines are much nicer to use.
If budget is the biggest concern and you want something new, a box store Deere might be a good choice. If value is a priority, and you aim to keep something long term, a good used quality machine will be a much better choice. Not to mention the better built machines are much nicer to use.
I had a Troy Bilt Bronco 17.5 hp and sold it to buy a John Deere D140 with a 22hp Kawasaki engine. The John Deere is so much better in every aspect compared to the Troy Bilt. The twin cylinder engine in the JD is so much smoother than the single cylinder Kohler engine.
On my 2007 cub cadet lt1050 I was able to disable the reverse "safety" feature so it doesn't disengage the deck in reverse. Now I can look behind me as I'm reversing instead of looking at the little button I had to press to go in reverse.
Also I engage the deck at like half speed....low speed might be easier on the belts but harder on the engine when it gets lugged down.
AFIK the D140 has a Briggs V-Twin. At least mine does.
On my mechanical blade engagement machines, I ease the lever into engagement, so blades spin up slower, not just slam it in. Belts last twice as long. Had a neighbor with a Cub that had the electric clutch, the belt squealing every time it engaged made me wince.
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