John Deere L118 3.90 star(s) (8)

A Very Good Mower
Model Year: 2006

I have not used any other riding lawn mowers of this configuration to compare my L118 to (I didn't mow much during my 15 years in Alaska) but I have used a lot of miscellaneous equipment over the years (currently a Case 580K and three Stihl chainsaws for example). But, I would have to say that this is one tough mower. I probably have about four acres (of 20 total) of lawn, soccer field, field, and woodland trails that I mow. The property winds up and down a 100-foot elevation change, some of it along a gravel road and some of it along a bog. I've had two flats, replaced one tie-rod, and currently the battery bleeds off so I just disconnect the terminal or put a trickler on it when done; and have gone through about six sets of blades. Same deck. I have no idea what the hours are but I'd guess about 100 hours per year since 2006. I run it dry and put Stabl in it for the winter. I change the oil regularly. I have beat this thing and every year think, "Well that's it, I need to move or get a new one next year." And next year I'm still here and it fires up with a little coaxing and we begin again. I leave the last year's blades on until I'm pretty sure I have hit all of the winter rocks and re-find the ones that are hidden by the spring high grass. I'm going to downsize but would love an excuse to buy a new version of this mower should the opportunity present itself.

Pros: Tough
Cons: too many idiot shut-off switches, should have gotten narrower tires

John Deere L118 Strong Performer
Model Year: 0

I bought this new for $2,000 plus tax. It is a strong performer. Very durable. I've worked it hard including edges of farmland and forest. I Changed the engine oil, oil filter, gas filter, and air filter at the end of every season. This is what makes this machine last. Some people don't even check engine oil levels. That's why engines fail! Someone here says it's a Cub Cadet painted green. It's not. Cub Cadet is made by MTD. John Deere is made by John Deere and this unit was made in Tennessee. It starts right up, runs great, and cuts great! Normal wear items have been replaced with 400 hours. Belts, tie rods, front tires, battery, and blades; typical for all lawn equipment. The Briggs engine and transmission on it will last a very long time by taking care of it.

Pros: Outstanding life, good power and very good durability
Cons: Wish headlights were brighte

Never Again
Model Year: 0

I grew up on a farm using John Deere products. This is the biggest disappointment I have for a John Deere product I have ever owned. I replaced the entire rear end at only 89 hours. The motor is under-powered, even with a 22-horsepower Briggs & Stratton. The paint faded within a year of buying it. I've always kept it in the garage. I have had multiple electrical problems with it. The discharge chute broke within the first year of use. The tires always lose air. The seat cracked after only 2 years. It has always started hard since day one and the batteries never seem to turn it over like it should. I have repeatedly pieced this mower back together, including the hood falling off, muffler falling off, shroud on hood falling off, and fuel pump that almost never works properly. If I didn't have experience in repairing my own things, I would have never kept this mower as long as I have.

Pros: Absolutely none
Cons: Extremely cheaply made but you still pay a big price for one

My JD L118
Model Year: 2005

I have 6 acres of which half an acre is grass and the rest wooded. The lawn is partially sloped with about a 20 foot run pitched at 10 degrees in one area with the remainder flat or near flat. The wooded acreage is a mix of slope and flats with the steepest area I go through being about 8 degrees pitch. On the lawn, in addition to cutting I use 42" plug aerator, 42" roller, and 40" dethatcher. For hauling wood, I have a 13 cubic foot JD trailer. I also have the rear weight kit for improved traction when pulling heavier items. Generally speaking, I've been pleased with the performance of my tractor. I did have to have the transmission rebuilt at about 300 hours after I ran it with the transmission release on partially engaged. It has been upgraded to the K57 version with a charge pump and other parts enhancements plus drain plugs. Seems to work great now. The engine is loud compared to the higher end models and my started burning and dripping oil after about 300 hours. It finally got so bad that I had it fixed this year at 415 hours. New block seat gasket and head gasket. The mower deck remains in good shaped, but lost a brake pad last year so had that fixed with the oil leaks. It cuts well and is easy to remove/reattach, but is a bear to level properly and I don't like the lack of finite height adjustment. At this point I have about $1,000 in repairs into it that had I known I'd be spending, I might have bought a higher end unit, but you never know with any machine parts fail. I also replace the original rear tires with a better better turf traction tire like you see on zero turn mowers. The Turf Savers spin too much on my sloped grassy areas. The front tires are worn from all of the tight turns and will have to be replace soon. Overall, I'm pleased with the machine. My biggest complaint is how loud it is. I wish it were quieter. I'm a bit miffed about the repairs, but am hoping it will run a long time now without additional major issues. The frame is pretty solid and it has pretty good pulling power. I've pulled some pretty good loads of wood from out in the back of our property. Had I the money, I would get a heftier unit with AWD or at least a machine rated as a garden tractor.

Pros: Good power, easy to use, solid build.
Cons: Original transmission weak, very LOUD.

John Deere: If I Only Knew
Model Year: 2004

Bought this in a hurry for a 3/4 acre lot in a subdivision when I was going overseas (for my wife to use). I found out later it's just a green painted Cub conversion at a higher price! It now works a hilly 2 acre lot mowing and occasionally pulling a utility trailer. To be fair, it's done pretty well as hard as I've used it. The non-serviceable spindles went out pretty quick at two years. The front wheel bearings were replaced with an upgraded part. Drive belt replaced twice, deck belt replaced twice. Drive belt idler wheels replaced. Just removed the transmission at 580 hours and changed the fluid.

Pros: Hasn't broken hard, and has an engine oil filter. Parts are much cheaper if bought anywhere other than the dealerships!
Cons: Transmission is not serviceable unless removed from chassis. Drive belt difficult to access/change.

John Deere L118 Lawn Tractor
Model Year: 2005

Like other owners of John Deere lawn tractors, I thought I had purchased a quality product that would last until I decided to quit mowing my on lawn. I have taken good care of this mower, cleaning after each use, changing oil regularly etc. etc. This year it would not pull an incline after 30 minutes of use. Thanks to this forum I have learned that these units have a non-serviceable trans axle, which doesn't last as long as it should.

Pros: None.
Cons: Transaxle.

Oh Deere John
Model Year: 2005

Bought this mower new in 2005 and the 2 problems I have had with it were my fault, Great mower, mows better than my brothers 2012 Sears Craftsman Professional 26 hp 48" deak, would like to have a zero turn for my next mower, either John Deere or Toro.

Pros: Great working mower.
Cons: Faulty paint from the factory and dealer would not repair.

My John Deere L118
Model Year: 2005

I purchased my L118 some 2 years ago looking for a better way to mow the lawn without the push mower. I so far have only had to replace some steering parts, mower bearing, fixed the fuel pump, and i need to replace my battery. Now that i have replaced the wore out parts, it operates like new. It definitely out preforms the push mower and is a joy to ride. There are times that i wish i had Ag tires on the back but otherwise i am very pleased with its performance.

Pros: Good cup holder, easy to operate
Cons: no Ag tires

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