John Deere JD130 3.40 star(s) (10)

JD 130
Model Year: 0

My primary tractor is a Cub Cadet that is approximately 50 to 55 years old, and it has been an outstanding unit. It is a 1250 hydro. I decided that I needed an upgrade. The L130 John Deere is truly the most awful piece of equipment that I have ever owned. I bought it new and it mowed for 30 minutes before stopping. It has been a major problem in all areas since. At 150 hours, the dealer announced (while working on a carburetor problem) that I also needed a deck rebuild. An independent mechanic, who was rebuilding the deck, told me that it appeared the deck was never greased at the factory. It’s just junk.

Pros: None
Cons: You name it

Poor on Leaf Pickup
Model Year: 2013

Unhappy with mulching blades so installed hi-lift blades for better leaf pickup. Still bad, even with gasoline-powered Cyclone Rake, leafs are spit out the top, right-side of the deck. I have tried reducing the rpm's of the blades with and without the power rake to no avail. Now using the twin bagger attachment and performance is still unacceptable. I would not re-purchase if had to do over again.

Pros: Good engine, workmanship.
Cons: Poor cut and lift performance.

Maintenance
Model Year: 1986

Much to my disdain, it comes to my attention that John Deere ordered the transaxle as a throw away after 200 hours of use. I does not have a drain plug or a filler tube. From my observations the only thing to do is remove the unit, open it up, dump the fluid, change the internal filter and refill. Pretty shortsighted.

Pros: Cuts the grass.
Cons: Transaxle.

John Deere Garden Tractor L-130
Model Year: 2003

Bought a used John Deere L-130 garden tractor for the wife to use around the house to mow. I thought I was buying a quality piece of lawn equipment---was I wrong. When it is warmed up and mowing, it will last about a half hour then it starts getting slower and slower. Pretty soon it won't pull itself. After it sets for approx an hour you can start it up and drive it four another half hour then it does the same thing. John Deere says it needs a new transmission. I can't believe there isn't a repair for this problem. So far my good deal has turned into a terrible purchase.

Pros: Good name.
Cons: Terrible piece of mowing equipment.

John Deere L130
Model Year: 2005

The Good: Great engine. I have never had an issue with this tractor's engine. It has been garage kept and has never failed to start. One tune up and six oil changes! That is impressive in my book. The Bad: I want to make sure that you know I push this little tractor way past its intended use. I pull more weight and take it through high grass and brush regularly than it should be expected to handle. I have replaced the front axle, the steering linkage, and have rebuilt the K46 transaxle twice now, once for the motors and once for the differential. One set of blades and two deck spindles. If you are considering a D series from a local box store, be warned, these are lighter machines and can not be used (abused) as anything other than grass cutters and very light hauling. You will end up replacing lots of parts if you do. I might have been better served to upgrade into the X series and paid the difference for the way I use it. So I can't really blame the tractor. And now I have just moved and have a gravel driveway that will need maintaining, along with two acres that will need mowing. I am deciding between a compact tractor with a belly mower and front end loader and box blade, or a zero turn and a used tractor like an 8N Ford. My concern is the compact tractors will not handle dragging the driveway, does anyone have any thoughts about this. I hate to buy another undersized machine.

Pros: Great engine. Great price.
Cons: Do not mistake these box store tractors for anything other than grass cutting.

Poor Workmanship
Model Year: 2005

I purchesed this tractor new, At 200 hours the transmission stated to slip. the Paint is peeling offthe deck. Ihad to replace all the mower deck spindels as the had no grease fitting. When I talked to the service manager he said I was(luckey that I got the many hours) That was outrageous. I would never by a j Deere product again,As it is I am rebuilding the transmission My self. Thany you

Pros: Easy to operate.
Cons: Poor workmanship.

The Early John Deere 130
Model Year: 1986

Hi, The original model 130's were made from 1984-1986. They came with a Kawasaki nine horsepower engine and Peerless five speed transmission. They are known for their durability over the newer LA-130s. You could have got one with a 30" deck or the wider 38" deck both single blade deck's. They offered a snow plow and snow blower for these machine's that ran off the front mule drive system. They had an electric PTO clutch made by Orgura.

Pros: Sharp turning, adjustable seat, quick stopping, single blade mowing deck.
Cons: None.

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John Deere LA130
Model Year: 2005

I mow 1 1/2 acres each year with my John Deere tractor. It has never failed me. The only maintenance I have to do is change oil, sharpen blades and grease the fittings once a year. I have had to perform some unscheduled maintenance like battery and belt replacement, but other than that the John Deere just keeps going. I also tow trailer, spreader, sprayer and thatcher.

Pros: Can tow, reliable, ease of changing oil and other maintenance. Lot of attachments available.
Cons: None.

No Problems
Model Year: 2004

I have about 1 1/2 acres fairly level.grass catcher excellent 48" deck replaced spindles and idlers after 200hrs trans axle good for 500 hrs. Going to change mine the fall. Fluid is 10-30 oil.take apart, clean w/card\b cleaner,replace oil,use some more.have 23HP Kawaski motor didn't want Briggs.will smoke on startup, park uphill don't run low like told.

Pros: Buy the correct size.
Cons: Not yet.

L130
Model Year: 2004

Non-user, serviceable, transaxle failed after 6.5 years of use. The fact that you cannot easily change the transaxle fluid & filter without removing the transaxle from the tractor lead to the failure in my opinion. I replaced worn/broken differential gears in the transaxle. So far all appears okay after 5hrs of cutting grass and towing a JD10P cart. The 48" cutting deck is awkward to keep level. The original tires easily slip on hilly terrain. The decals blow off easily with the pressure washer (user issue).

Pros: Engine(Kohler) and frame is solid.
Cons: Non-user serviceable transaxle, uneven cutting, & the seat cracked after first winter.