Lawn Tractor - Is it really a Deere

[Spudland_Dave]

Just to add some other info, if you buy from Lowe's or HD, you'll need to take it to a regular JD dealer for service or warranty work.

My former boss had a Home Depot Deere and I had to haul it to a dealer 20 miles away on numerous occasions because that was the Closest dealer who was "authorized" to work on the HD & Lowes machines...the closest Deere dealer was literally only 1 mile away but they couldnt/wouldnt/didnt have to work on his HD machine. So I wouldnt say its a "regular" dealer, more like a "Selected" Dealer among your local dealers...
At the time there was no price difference...I told him repeatedly to just get it at the dealer...like you said though, guaranteed you get put at the bottom of the service list.... I know he had some motor problems and a recall and it took forever and a day to get it fixed every time I hauled his tractor over for him...

 

[Engine_Tech]

The recent JD dealer reorgs have pretty much weeded out the dealers that didn't want to service the Lowe's or Depot machines. So, you can take one to your closest dealer these days. The only exclusive part of the deal is that certain dealers do the setup at certain stores. Not every dealer does that.

LA100-series = Deere Greenville TN factory
EZ-Trak ZTR's = Deere Horicon WI factory

Some confusion comes also from the fact that Husqvarna/AYP/Craftsman copied aspects of the JD's a couple years ago and they look somewhat similar in the dash and frame areas.

 

[10boomer]

Good advice....Since I just ordered a new 3320 from the local dealer, he may cut me a little slack about servicing a mower....but if the prices are the same, makes sense to get it from the "builder".

 

[megotatractor]

Cheap tin in green paint compared to sturdier models in the lineup.Don't look much different to me than the other Home Depot models such as MTD...

 

[mjncad]

When I see customers looking at Deere lawn tractors at Despot and Doh's, I suggest they go to the nearest dealer as the dealer charges the same and will be the one that does the service if need be since D & D doesn't service squat. What finally sells people on going to the dealer is that the dealer's sales tax zone is 2.9%, while most D & D stores are in 7.5% - 9.6% sales tax zones. The tax savings is usually enough that someone can move up one model grade, and that is what happened with a friend of mine who bought a Deere lawn tractor.

Plus the dealer's salesman knew the product, had it prepped and ready for delivery the next day for him. Let me see the pimple faced kid at D & D do that for you.

 

[Duffster]

When I see customers looking at Deere lawn tractors at Despot and Doh's, I suggest they go to the nearest dealer as the dealer charges the same and will be the one that does the service if need be since D & D doesn't service squat. What finally sells people on going to the dealer is that the dealer's sales tax zone is 2.9%, while most D & D stores are in 7.5% - 9.6% sales tax zones. The tax savings is usually enough that someone can move up one model grade, and that is what happened with a friend of mine who bought a Deere lawn tractor.

Plus the dealer's salesman knew the product, had it prepped and ready for delivery the next day for him. Let me see the pimple faced kid at D & D do that for you.

Why is the tax different between 2 stores?

 

[10boomer]

2.9% is an outstanding tax rate...almost makes me want to drive to Co to buy one (ok, perhaps not )

I know that here...the Deere dealership is outside city limits and only charges county tax rates whereas the HD is inside the city and charges more for tax.....

 

[GeneD14]

My friend just bought the consumer grade LA175. Home Depot, Lowes, and the Local JD dealer all had the same pre-printed price tag from JD. After talking with the dealer and test driving the tractor on the dealer's lawn, the JD dealer said he would knock $100 off the sticker price it he didn't have to deliver it. Since it fit in back of my buddy's truck: he took it home and saved $100. I would never have believed that a dealer could under sell HD or Lowes.

 

[amigauser]

My local JD dealer sells everything for list so when Lowes or HD have a 10% off coupon or sale it is a much better "deal". They also both offer store credit cards with 0% for a year. Something the local dealer can't match. The local JD dealers does the setup for both Lowes and HD so there is no difference there.

I do agree the "quality" of the low end 100 series JD's does not come close to the X300 and higher series. You do get what you pay for.

 

[10boomer]

Just need something for a flat yard...about 1/2 acre. Should not put too much stress on the mower....so I'm not sure I need anything really robust.... But If I get a Deere....will match the tractor I've ordered.... I think the big and small green machines would look good together....

Boomer