My Tractor Forum banner

New JD Tractor

4678 Views 40 Replies 16 Participants Last post by  SeniorCitizen
Hi All,

My first post in the forum. I've been researching JD tractors for a couple of weeks. I have a 21" Craftsman self-propelled mower now. I've been looking at the 100 series since my lawn isn't huge (1/2 to 3/4 acre). I'm thinking about getting the D130 but noticed the LA135SE recently. From the specs it looks like the same model. I've also been looking at the Craftsman YT4000, which is comparable and comes with a bundle kit (cost a little more than the D130). From what I've read so far each tractor has a good engine (Briggs & Stratton) and with proper care can be productive for a while. I'd like to aerate, seed, and mulch the lawn. Which tractor would be suit my needs? Can you test ride before purchasing the mower? May be worth a trip to the dealer. Last question. What is the typical maintenance schedule for the JD (weekly, monthly, semi-annual, etc)? Thanks
See less See more
1 - 20 of 41 Posts
Almost forgot to list the other models I've been researching. They are Husqvarna 22V46, Craftsman YT4000 & YT3000, JD D160-D170.
The engines are the same no matter who you choose usually a vtwin briggs or kohler. I would look up the hydro trans and look at rebuild and mait costs. Also price belts, blades and pulleys as well as tune up kits for filters/ plugs etc and try to see what the projected costs would be. I dont know if you are mechanically inclined but alot of us would rather buy and older model that is more capable and reliable and tinker every once and a while vs a new one that will need tinkering anyway. Personally if you dont mind shifting a 200 series could be steal and can run alot of attachments. But im biased on those
See less See more
I vote used also if you are mechanically inclined ir even ready to learn. If you want to stick with a JD i would go for a 1xx series deere (ex 1x0 for a gear or a 1x5 for a hydro. Anything in that series). They are tough and everyone seems happy with them as i have seen. They are still small enough for your yard but tough enough to aerorate and seed and push snow or blow snow if you wish.

The gear versions do have problems with transmissions but i have never really heard a complaint on the hydros. Just something to think about

Mikey.
See less See more
I vote used also if you are mechanically inclined ir even ready to learn. If you want to stick with a JD i would go for a 1xx series deere (ex 1x0 for a gear or a 1x5 for a hydro. Anything in that series). They are tough and everyone seems happy with them as i have seen. They are still small enough for your yard but tough enough to aerorate and seed and push snow or blow snow if you wish.

The gear versions do have problems with transmissions but i have never really heard a complaint on the hydros. Just something to think about

Mikey.
:ditto: to all above. They are very tough tractors that can be had for cheap. My neighbor has a 165 that has been used pretty hard and keeps on ticking. I mow his yard with it occasionally and it is very easy to operate. I have operated only a select few newer Deeres (X700/X300), and they do have better creature comforts(foot hydro, power steering), but the 1X5 series are lasting much longer than the L/D series.
See less See more
Something like this would be nice.

Jd 165 Seller listed it on August 2nd for $700 and just 9 hours ago dropped it to $650.....Start at $ 500 for it and go from there. Maybe you can get it for $575 or $600.

http://lancaster.craigslist.org/grd/4009781933.html

See less See more
Thanks for the advice. I don't mind doing the maintenance myself; actually prefer it. I did see an used X304 for $2200 which is what I'd pay for a new D160/170. The X304 may be more machine than I need but you never know.
The X304 has 150+ hours and looks to be in good condition. Sound like a good deal?
Hi All,

My first post in the forum. I've been researching JD tractors for a couple of weeks. I have a 21" Craftsman self-propelled mower now. I've been looking at the 100 series since my lawn isn't huge (1/2 to 3/4 acre). I'm thinking about getting the D130 but noticed the LA135SE recently. From the specs it looks like the same model. I've also been looking at the Craftsman YT4000, which is comparable and comes with a bundle kit (cost a little more than the D130). From what I've read so far each tractor has a good engine (Briggs & Stratton) and with proper care can be productive for a while. I'd like to aerate, seed, and mulch the lawn. Which tractor would be suit my needs? Can you test ride before purchasing the mower? May be worth a trip to the dealer. Last question. What is the typical maintenance schedule for the JD (weekly, monthly, semi-annual, etc)? Thanks
I got an LA120 new back in 2007 and do just about what you do. No problems yet. The only thing I have replaced is the blades and filters.
See less See more
Just me but for your budget I would try to find a used x320 just to have the better trans. Good luck with the search!


Sent from the MTF Free App
Just me but for your budget I would try to find a used x320 just to have the better trans. Good luck with the search!


Sent from the MTF Free App
:ditto:

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/grd/3959377383.html

See less See more
Just me but for your budget I would try to find a used x320 just to have the better trans. Good luck with the search!


Sent from the MTF Free App
I agree. I bought a nice X340 for less than I would have paid for a new D series or sears tractor of similar size. It had 128 hours on it but thats barely even broken in
See less See more
The X320 with the cart and spreader seem nice. If doable, it'd be worth the extra $300 over the X304.
I would look for an X310 to get the serviceable transmission and hydraulic lift. The X320 has a non servicable transmission (can't change fluid or filter easily)and no hydraulic lift.
In the end you probably will do what you wish.
Here, I suspect the tractors you listed are lawn tractors - not lawn & garden tractors. Fabulous/great mowers but not really built for nor intended for heavy duties. Even pulling around an aerator, seeder or a loaded cart can stress lighter series. Oh, the engines would no doubt easily handle chores - but can the rest - - body, (frame), transmission, etc? Good luck though. JDD
See less See more
JD - what model should I start with if my needs are aerating, seeding, or pulling a car?
JD - what model should I start with if my needs are aerating, seeding, or pulling a car?
car or cart? and you were thinking of buying a D.......:eek:mg::eek::Stop:
I was thinking about buying a new D130 from Lowes for $2000. Then thought I should do a little research to see if I could find a better price. Since joining this forum and searching around I've found an X320 and LX135 within my budget. I'm still confused about which one (X304 vs X320) has which transmission, options, and does that matter? If I can perform the proper maintenance myself, I don't think the model/version should matter too much. I don't know that much about it, though. Also, how to determine which series lines are similar. For example, the D series mower is a refresh of the L series mowers. The LX line is similar to the D line but has a few more options.
See less See more
JD - what model should I start with if my needs are aerating, seeding, or pulling a car?

if pulling a car you need GT an LT wont due and wont last.
1 - 20 of 41 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top