I have been looking at picking up a used lawn tractor, more specifically the JD units. There are a few used D100 series and an x300 for sale locally. Any pros and cons for these models? What hour limit are guys guys getting out of these mowers before they start to have engine and transmission failures? I know these are fairly generic questions on 2 different series but any real world info would greatly help. Thanks in advance!
questions on used JD riding mowers
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John Deere is a very popular brand around here, namely because of the quality and local dealer availability.
I know a couple folks that have an X300 series that mow 2+ acres with them every week. I couldn't tell you the number of hours on them, but I'm sure they're fairly high by now. And for quality and durability, they are light years ahead of the big box store D100 series (the local dealers don't even sell them).
I don't subscribe to the "hour limit" idea-there are too many variables in maintenance and use. That being said, the X series will last a lot longer, has far more capability, and far more features than the D series.
I know a couple folks that have an X300 series that mow 2+ acres with them every week. I couldn't tell you the number of hours on them, but I'm sure they're fairly high by now. And for quality and durability, they are light years ahead of the big box store D100 series (the local dealers don't even sell them).
I don't subscribe to the "hour limit" idea-there are too many variables in maintenance and use. That being said, the X series will last a lot longer, has far more capability, and far more features than the D series.
Agree with with PopRivit said. The 100 series is a cheaper model sold on big box stores. The lest I knew the 300 series was Deere dealers only and much higher quality. I know a few 300/500 series with over a thousand hours and still look and run like new. Can't say that about the 100 series.
Also I think the 100 series is more limited on the kinds of attachments you can get caught the 300.
Also I think the 100 series is more limited on the kinds of attachments you can get caught the 300.
My dad has been mowing his 4 acres with the same 300 series Deere for the past 25 years. Still runs like new. He will probably splurge and get himself a new 300 series in another 10 years or so.
I have an old STX series (28 years old) that we mow our acre with and it still runs fine. Pressure oil with a filter. That's what I'd be looking for. Belts and pulleys will come and go, need the main bits to be reliable...
I run a JD L111 unit with a B&S 20HP twin. I only have ~ 150 hours on it but, neighbors with ~ 750 hours (same basic tractor) have had no problems with theirs. Ed
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I'm not sure why would anyone expect a D-series JD riding mower to be anything like an X-series? X-series machines start at about double the price of a "D".
When you're comparing an MTD or Husqvarna Group built rider, the D-series fits right in with that price point and IMO, might be a step ahead of MTD or HG in terms of parts availability and service for some folks.
When you're comparing an MTD or Husqvarna Group built rider, the D-series fits right in with that price point and IMO, might be a step ahead of MTD or HG in terms of parts availability and service for some folks.
Originally Posted By: BrocLuno
I have an old STX series (28 years old) that we mow our acre with and it still runs fine. Pressure oil with a filter. That's what I'd be looking for. Belts and pulleys will come and go, need the main bits to be reliable...
I also own a 28-year-old John Deere STX30 lawn tractor that continues to run like new. I change oil and filter once a year and have always used synthetic motor oil. The only repair I can recall is replacing the ignition module about 10 years ago. Believe it or not, it still has the original spark plug in its little 9-horsepower Kohler engine!
I have an old STX series (28 years old) that we mow our acre with and it still runs fine. Pressure oil with a filter. That's what I'd be looking for. Belts and pulleys will come and go, need the main bits to be reliable...
I also own a 28-year-old John Deere STX30 lawn tractor that continues to run like new. I change oil and filter once a year and have always used synthetic motor oil. The only repair I can recall is replacing the ignition module about 10 years ago. Believe it or not, it still has the original spark plug in its little 9-horsepower Kohler engine!
I have some experience with the older JD LT series and L series.
I own an L111 (20hp Briggs V-twin, hydrostatic trans) that I have been using for the past 10+ years. It has about 120 hours on it, runs well, and is still in good shape overall. The only things I've had to replace on it are mostly routine maintenance items (a couple of batteries, fuel filter, air filter & oil filter). The only non-routine thing I've replaced is the rubber latching strap for the bagging attachment.
My father has an LT-155 (15hp Kohler, hydrostatic trans) that is about 15 years old. His lawn tractor has also given good service. There are only a couple things I know that have failed other than routine stuff; His steering sector & gear wore to a point where the tractor would not turn properly. I put a new steering shaft / sector on for him about a year ago. He also has had to replace the rubber latching strap on his bagging attachment, as well as the grass bags themselves. I also have replaced the belt for his twin blade mowing deck.
In my opinion, there is not as much difference in quality between the two lines as a lot of people suggest. Yes the LT series (or current 300 series) is in general somewhat higher quality, but when I bought my machine from a JD Dealer, I looked at the LT150 / LT160 and chose the L111 over the LT models. The LT series did not justify the price difference in my opinion. I also liked the smoothness of the twin cylinder engine in the L111 over the single cylinder engine in the LT 150/160. The dealer was more than happy to sell me an L-series tractor. I suspect most JD dealers today would gladly sell a D-series tractor as well.
I own an L111 (20hp Briggs V-twin, hydrostatic trans) that I have been using for the past 10+ years. It has about 120 hours on it, runs well, and is still in good shape overall. The only things I've had to replace on it are mostly routine maintenance items (a couple of batteries, fuel filter, air filter & oil filter). The only non-routine thing I've replaced is the rubber latching strap for the bagging attachment.
My father has an LT-155 (15hp Kohler, hydrostatic trans) that is about 15 years old. His lawn tractor has also given good service. There are only a couple things I know that have failed other than routine stuff; His steering sector & gear wore to a point where the tractor would not turn properly. I put a new steering shaft / sector on for him about a year ago. He also has had to replace the rubber latching strap on his bagging attachment, as well as the grass bags themselves. I also have replaced the belt for his twin blade mowing deck.
In my opinion, there is not as much difference in quality between the two lines as a lot of people suggest. Yes the LT series (or current 300 series) is in general somewhat higher quality, but when I bought my machine from a JD Dealer, I looked at the LT150 / LT160 and chose the L111 over the LT models. The LT series did not justify the price difference in my opinion. I also liked the smoothness of the twin cylinder engine in the L111 over the single cylinder engine in the LT 150/160. The dealer was more than happy to sell me an L-series tractor. I suspect most JD dealers today would gladly sell a D-series tractor as well.
Thank you everyone for the information. I am wanting to run a JD mostly because there seem to be a decent used selection available, should be able to get parts easier in a small town (Has a JD dealer) and quite frankly green is my favorite color.
I cut maybe 3 acres or mostly flat grass, no serious hills, [censored] I wouldnt even call them hills. The X300 really caught my eye for the rear discharge chute. I pass through a few narrow gates and not having the side discharge would help some.
Overall it seems that these machines, like anything taken care of will last and thats what I want.
I cut maybe 3 acres or mostly flat grass, no serious hills, [censored] I wouldnt even call them hills. The X300 really caught my eye for the rear discharge chute. I pass through a few narrow gates and not having the side discharge would help some.
Overall it seems that these machines, like anything taken care of will last and thats what I want.
If you're cutting 3 acres, you'll definitely want an "X" series tractor. I have a JD 425, which is basically equivalent to what's now the X710. I have the 54" deck and cut 2 acres which works perfect. This is obviously a little bigger tractor than the X300, but the X300 would work great for that amount of mowing. I'd recommend the 54" deck if at all possible, but it sounds like that might be an issue if you have to go through gates.
You might even want to consider one of the bigger tractors if you wish to use it for jobs other than mowing. For example, my 425 makes a mean snow removal machine.
You might even want to consider one of the bigger tractors if you wish to use it for jobs other than mowing. For example, my 425 makes a mean snow removal machine.
Steer clear of the big box store Deere. They are built to compete at a price point, not quality level. I have a 1982 John Deere 210 that is still in very nice condition and a 1995 LX176 that is nearly mint. Spend the money, buy a good one. Treat it right and it will last many years.
Mowing 3 acres I would definitely go with the X series. The X300 will have a sturdier frame and a high quality Kawasaki engine.
The D series use a Briggs engine and they just don't last the long hours like the Kawi's do.
The X300 still has a rather light duty "non serviceable" transmission though. The Fluid can actually be changed, but it requires pulling the transmission out, tipping it over and dumping it out, and refill. If you use a good synthetic oil and blow the grass clippings off the case/cooling fins regularly, it would probably last a long time.
You have to get an X360 or larger to get a heavy duty transmission with a serviceable filter and fluid.
The D series use a Briggs engine and they just don't last the long hours like the Kawi's do.
The X300 still has a rather light duty "non serviceable" transmission though. The Fluid can actually be changed, but it requires pulling the transmission out, tipping it over and dumping it out, and refill. If you use a good synthetic oil and blow the grass clippings off the case/cooling fins regularly, it would probably last a long time.
You have to get an X360 or larger to get a heavy duty transmission with a serviceable filter and fluid.
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