John Deere Push Mowers

In JD green:
JX-85 commercial duty with the metal wheels
JX-75

In JD silver jubilee:
14SX or 14SC commercial duty with the metal wheels, one version doesn't have the BBC...
14SB
14SE if you're into electric start

There are newer models that'll be in JD green, but I believe the ones above are what you want. The JX and the 14S models use the same style aluminum deck so they don't rust like steel decks. There are also some zone start 14 models (where you must be standing at end of the handles to start mower) also. There is also a rarer Briggs and Stratton two-cycle version of the 14s that I believe are 12xx models. The JX and 14SX/SC/SB/SE all have Kawasaki engines. The JXs are also newer than the 14S models and some have larger Kawasaki engines on them.

Thank you so much for the reply.
What is the difference between the JX-85 and the 75? Are the 14 all very similar?

I will keep this list handy for reference while the search for the perfect mower continues. Thanks again!

The JX-85 is a commercial use variant of the JX-75. It has steel wheels instead of yellow plastic, metal guards around the wheel height adjust positions, metal guards around the deck edge on left & right (help with wear against edging, stone, etc), and it has an oil filter. Most of these features can be added to the JX-75 with some minor mods. Here are some good links with pictures.

JX-85
http://www.mytractorforum.com/155-walk-behind-mowers/655041-finally-found-holy-grail.html

Adding to JX-75
http://www.mytractorforum.com/155-walk-behind-mowers/692929-john-deere-jx75-jx85-upgrades.html

Thanks for the info and links. More good information.
If you come across a mint JX-85 send it my way.

I had a JX 65 (overhead valve Briggs) I loved it. The transmission quit so I gave it away. They have a great cut.


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I didn't mean to say anything bad about the newer JDs.... Its usually the 14S_ or the JX75/85 that people are looking for. A lot of people seem to like the zero turn front wheels on the one of the newer models.

I've got a WE-85. It has to be one of the heaviest 21" walk behinds I've ever used. It gives the nicest cut and has the most power of anything I've used in that size too.

Thanks for the info. Didn't know about the WE series.

Here's some useful information I've collected and compiled on the 12 and 14 series "silver deck" John Deere mowers. (I welcome and corrections/additions to the list)

John Deere 12 & 14 Series Walk-Behind Mowers

Decoding the Model Numbers:
1 = 21” mower
2 = 2-cycle engine
4 = 4-cycle engine
S = self-propelled
P = push
Z = zone start
B = BBC (blade brake clutch)
E = electric start w/ BBC
T = Tricycler (mulching)
C = commercial
X = commercial w/ BBC

So a model 14SB indicates 21", 4 cycle, Self-propelled, Blade brake clutch; 14PZ indicates 21”, 4 cycle, Push, Zone start; etc., etc.

These mowers were made with two different 4-cycle engines, the Briggs & Stratton Quantum (on the less expensive models), and the Kawasaki FC150V on the more expensive models.

On the self-propelled models, there are two transmission types: 2-speed and 5-speed. Both are Tuff Torq transmissions made by Kanzaki. The Briggs engine models used the 2-speed and the Kawasaki engines used the 5-speed. None of the Briggs engine models used the BBC blade control. Blade control was only available on Kawasaki engine models (like the 14SB, 14PB). And although not reflected in the name coding, the electric-start 14SE also has blade brake control.

The Tricycler was a unit set up from the factory for mulching. It came with a mulching plug and a grass bag. A Tricycler conversion kit was also available as an accessory. Mulching Kit BM17484 included a mulching plug (M112582), mulching blade (M125413), and rear cover decal (M112911). Conversion Kit BM17497 included these items plus a Tricycler label (M113068) and the side discharge chute (M76488).

The commercial models (12PC, 14SC and 14SX) had steel wheels for durability.

12PB
1990-1991
Briggs & Stratton 2-cycle engine (96722 I/C)
Push
Recoil start
Briggs Magnetron ignition

12PC:
19??-19??
Briggs & Stratton 2-cycle engine (96722 I/C)
(Commercial model)
Push
Recoil start
Briggs Magnetron ignition

12SB
1989-1992
Briggs & Stratton 2-cycle engine (96722 I/C)
Self-propelled (5-speed)
Recoil start
Briggs Magnetron Ignition

14PB
1989-1993
Kawasaki FC150V 4-cycle engine
Push
Recoil start
Blade Brake Control
Flywheel magneto ignition

14PT
1993-1994
Kawasaki FC150V 4-cycle engine
Push
Recoil (zone start)
Flywheel magneto ignition

14PZ
1991-1997
Briggs & Stratton 4-cycle engine (122700 series)
Push
Recoil (zone start)
Briggs Magnetron ignition

14SB
1989*-1997
Kawasaki FC150V 4-cycle engine
Self-propelled (5-speed)
Recoil start
Blade brake control
Flywheel magneto ignition
Pressurized lubrication
(Note: Although the first 14SB's weren't sold the public until the begining of 1989, the first machines came of the assembly line in December 1988)

14SBs
1997
Kawasaki FC150V 4-cycle engine
Self-propelled (5-speed)
Recoil start
Blade brake control
Flywheel magneto ignition
Splash lubrication

14SC
1993-1994
Kawasaki FC150V 4-cycle engine
(Commercial model)
Self-propelled (5-speed)
Recoil (zone start)
Flywheel magneto ignition

14SE
1989-1997
Kawasaki FC150V 4-cycle engine
Self-propelled (5-speed)
Electric (key start)
Flywheel magneto ignition
Blade brake control

14ST
1993-1994
Kawasaki FC150V 4-cycle engine
Self-propelled (2-speed)
Recoil (zone start)
Flywheel magneto ignition

14SX
1995-1997
Kawasaki FC150V 4-cycle engine
(Commercial model)
Self-propelled (5-speed)
Recoil (zone start)
Blade brake control
Flywheel magneto ignition

14SZ
1991-1997
Briggs & Stratton 4-cycle engine (122700 or 124700 series)
Self-propelled (2-speed)
Recoil (zone start)
Briggs Magnetron ignition

SilverDeck,
Wow! That list is fantastic! Just what I was looking for. Now when I see one listed for sale I'll know exactly what it is.
Thanks again!

KDL said:

Thank you so much for the reply.
What is the difference between the JX-85 and the 75? Are the 14 all very similar?

I will keep this list handy for reference while the search for the perfect mower continues. Thanks again!

Click to expand...

If you are interested in either a 14SB or a JX75 I will have both for sale very soon as my JX85 will be my primary mower in the Spring.They are both in beautiful condition.
Where you are in Mass it woun't be quite the ride I went to-to pick up the '85.

Jeff

JCturboT said:

If you are interested in either a 14SB or a JX75 I will have both for sale very soon as my JX85 will be my primary mower in the Spring.They are both in beautiful condition.
Where you are in Mass it woun't be quite the ride I went to-to pick up the '85.

Jeff

Click to expand...

I'd be interested. Send me a PM with details. Thanks!

I too am a huge fan of the cast deck JD's with Kawi engines. Extremely well balanced, and give a great cut. I've had, worked on/rescued, and flipped a bunch of them, and really like them all a lot.

JCturboT said:

If you are interested in either a 14SB or a JX75 I will have both for sale very soon as my JX85 will be my primary mower in the Spring.They are both in beautiful condition.
Where you are in Mass it woun't be quite the ride I went to-to pick up the '85.

Jeff

Click to expand...

Well the JX75 is going to it's new Home with KDL here from the Forum.
Enjoy it Karl, it's been a fantastic mower for me and I'm sure you'll love it once Spring arrives, it does everything very well.

If anyone here is interested in the 14SB hit me up either by PM on the Forum or e-mail me at [email protected]

Jeff

JCturboT said:

Well the JX75 is going to it's new Home with KDL here from the Forum.
Enjoy it Karl, it's been a fantastic mower for me and I'm sure you'll love it once Spring arrives, it does everything very well.

If anyone here is interested in the 14SB hit me up either by PM on the Forum or e-mail me at [email protected]

Jeff

Click to expand...

All I can say is, WHOO HOO!!! Thanks to JCturboT I'm the happy owner of a JX75! Nice to be able to meet and buy from a fellow MTF member.
It's a very nice mower and it's obvious it was well cared for.

Thanks to everyone here that helped me with my search. Now if the grass would just start growing..........

Today I finished making some paint repairs and installing new wheels. Very happy on how it came out.

Karl,
The mower looks brand new now!
Did you use the factory JD Paint? In a spray can or touch-up brush?
Are those genuine JD wheels or the Oregon branded ones?

Jeff

Thanks Jeff

I used Rust-oleum JD green in a rattle can. I've always had good luck with their paint. I did the sides and the front edge where it was worn and blended it with the top. Also did inside the transmission tunnel. I used a black vinyl paint for the top. I splurged for the JD wheels.
I was looking at it earlier today. Never know it was a 16 year old mower.:fing32:

I like my JX 75 so much I was on the hunt for another one for a spare or at least spare parts. I came across this deal the other day. Three JX 75's, model year 2000, 2002 and a 2006. The 2006 is in almost prefect condition. I haven't tried to start any of them yet. I'll take them one at a time and go through them over the winter and see what I got. I was able to get all three for less than the cost of a set of replacement wheels so I'm happy with that. What do you think? Good deal?