John Deere LX188 5.00 star(s) (5)

Information, reviews, photos, discussion topics, owner pages, and specifications about the John Deere LX188.
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About the John Deere LX188



John Deere LX188 Discussions (30)

Here are the most recent LX188 topics from our community.
  1. Grunt0311

    New to site, LX188??

    Hello to all. I am new to the site, but have been reading a lot on here lately. I am looking a getting my first John Deere, after many years of mowing with subpar mowers. I have just under an...
  2. G

    John Deere Lx188

    Can anyone help me. Does anyone have a service manual or a user manual for a LX188. I was unable to find anything on the John Deere site for this model. My father in law passed this down to me...
  3. C

    John Deere LX188

    Hi All There's a John Deere LX188 Ride-on at my local auction house, and it looks in pretty good condition, I'm a kubota man so I know nothing about these models. Can anyone tell anything about...
  4. J

    New member with a lx188 question

    Hello all! I've gleaned a lot of info from this site numerous times over the years but it is finally time to join the conversation! I have a '96 lx188 mower that has been pretty much bulletproof...
  5. B

    LX188 Throttle Hestitation

    Hello All, This is my first post after lurking around the forum for some time. I recently inherited a 1998 JD LX188 that's been unloved over the last 18 years. The tractor starts no problem even...
  6. S

    perplexing LX188 ignition issue

    Yesterday, when I ran my mower, there was a loss of power when engaging the PTO where it appeared that the engine was running on 1 cylinder. Adjusted the (new) PTO clutch, and did a compression...
  7. L

    Looking for pdf operators manual for LX188

    Hi folks. I have the service manual but am looking for the operator's manual. Anybody have an electronic version they don't mind sharing?
  8. G

    Used JD LX188 information...

    I need to get a lawn/garden tractor to tackle just under an acre of lawn and do some light plowing of snow. My drive is about 100 ft. I have the opportunity to get a '94 LX188 for around $1600...
  9. D

    JD LX188 replacement seat needed

    Where can I find a replacement seat for a John Deere LX188 lawn tractor? The dealer price is outrageous. I have found 40 places that sell replacement seats but the LX188 seat has a unique...
  10. M

    JD LX188 Valve adjustments?

    My 92 John Deere LX-188 is surging often and seems to have reduced power. With the powerflow bagger on it will lug and stall in high grass. I have the tune up kit which I'll get with. So far I...
  11. G

    LX188 fuel hose

    My 26 year old fuel hose from the tank to the filter is looking pretty sad. Can anyone tell me what size hose that is? I would like to stay hunkered down out here in the Flint Hills and order it...
  12. B

    Mower belt routing for LX188

    Need a diagram or photo of routing mower belt on LX188. I found the same question on this site. But the answer photo would not open. Thank you Bill
  13. J

    Help with replacing the drive belt on LX188

    I need to replace the belt on my lx188 due to the old one breaking. I have removed the deck, seat, and fender wells. Currently, I have the belt routed except for the idler pulley. I have tried...
  14. Grunt0311

    LX188 or D130?

    Okay, I have been doing a lot of research on a 98 LX188. I was just about ready to pull the trigger on it, and I came across another deal that has got me thinking. I found a 2013 D130 with 3 hrs...
  15. M

    John Deere LX188 - Ignition problem

    Tried to jumpstart the mower with my battery charger connected to the battery last week and shorted something out in the system. Bought a new starter solenoid and put it on this afternoon. When...
  16. C

    Mowing LX188 loses power

    My 13-to-16 year-old JD LX188 lawn tractor - with a 17-hp Kawasaki V-twin engine & a 48" deck - often loses power while mowing. It may run fine for an hour, but if I shut it off and try to...
  17. D

    Need a seat for LX188

    I have a 94 model John Deere LX 188 that needs a new seat cushion. The cost of the seat at the dealer is equivalent to a down payment on a new tractor so that option is out for now. The seat pan...
  18. B

    445/LX188 Reverse Speed

    Two + years ago I found something on ebay that worked great. My FIL had put some screws on the reverse pedal so that it would go faster in reverse. I wanted something that would not poke a hole in...
  19. S

    mower belt routing for lx188

    Hope someone can help me out . I need the mower deck routing for JD lx188 with 48" deck . Also is the correct belt length 108" ?? Mine gernaded and don't have manuals to know the routing . Thanks...
  20. W

    John Deere lx188

    hi to all, am looking to find the service / repair manual for a John Deere lx188, hoping someone may be able to help cheers Pete
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User Reviews (5)

Read what TractorByNet members think about the John Deere LX188 Subcompact Tractor
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5.00 star(s)
Anonymous Poster

LX188 John Deere
LX188 5 Units
Model Year: 2001

We have LX188s and one LX279 which is about the exact same unit but newer. These water cooled engines with hydro drive just keep on going. We have a 38, 44 Pirahna, several 48's one with bagger attachment. There is one odd thing with two of them. They often vapor lock when using ETHANOL blends when day temperatures are over 85 degrees after mowing about an hour. I thought the cause was electric but after some plumbing, I can prove that the fuel was actually causing bubbles going to the fuel pump. I have installed an electric fuel pump which seems to solved it but unsure about pressure on needle valve overtime.

Pros: Solid decks, water cooled, abused one hydro drive and it still keeps working.
Cons: Deere plastic hood generally will never last as long as engine and drivetrain. Having GREEN duck tape is advised.

5.00 star(s)
Anonymous Poster

LX188 John Deere
Rescued
Model Year: 1992

Like another reviewer, this unit was rescued. It was traded in and fell off the truck at highway speeds. It was in the scrap heap when I saw it. A quick look showed the hood and seat were trashed but all other items were fine. I took it home and checked it out. It seemed fine, I turned the key and it fired right up. I rebearinged the 42" Pirhana deck, welded a couple things and managed to find some NOS body parts for free in the junk heap again. It always starts and runs and performs flawlessly every time I use it. It has tons of power and hauls my very large frame up hills that are more ATV territory. If I ever find another one, I will grab it up!

Pros: Reliability.
Cons: None.

5.00 star(s)
Pinnacle Ridge Farm

LX188 John Deere
The Work Horse
Model Year: 1996

It just keeps on mowing...

Pros: Reliability.
Cons: Very slow in reverse.

5.00 star(s)
Eric Barney

LX188 John Deere
19 Years Old, and Works Better Than Most
Model Year: 1993

I rescued this tractor from an owner that could not repair it. Being somewhat more skilled than most at all things mechanical, I was able to get this tractor running well with just a few hours work. After discovering just how good this mower is, I completely restored it to it's like new condition. It has been turn-key reliable ever since, and is a delight to use. The quality of cut is something to behold. It is easy to drive and is a real powerhouse with the water cooled K-series V twin 17 HP engine. My only complaint is that it is not a garden tractor. So, a X540 is going to replace this great little machine soon.

Pros: Smooth powerful ride. Hydro trans. Great cutting deck 48".
Cons: Wish it was a garden tractor.

5.00 star(s)
K4rxi

LX188 John Deere
LX-188
Model Year: 1992

I've always had a riding mower of some sort. I bought a new Husky mower, had it for aprox.11 years and it was a good machine. I had the chance to get a John Deere LX-188, used, so I got it and fixed it up. It came with a 48" deck, double bag collection system and a power flow on the deck.! Wow! This thing cuts so much better, quicker and more area than the cheaper machine! Turns on a dime. I really like the water cooled Kaw engine--very quiet, strong and smooth (read very, very little vibration). The machine is great for an older unit. Only the price of the new parts is a dislike for me. I plan on painting it soon, with my trusty SATA paint gun. I'm in the process of rebuilding the front end (for easy steering) and replacing the seat. I plan on running it for a long time.

Pros: 48" deck. Water cooled engine. Sharp turn radius. Hydrostat.
Cons: Water pump replacement on the engine.

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John Deere LX188 Owner Pages

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John Deere LX188 Community Rankings

#1 user rating of 2962 Lawn & Garden Tractors items
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