How reliable are JD lawn tractors?

[Eric Barney]

Thanks for feedback. I was aware of the K72 but I noticed on blogs that sometimes you have to change other parts or brackets. Would the K66 or K72 be installable on the JD x340 without other modifications. I would really like to install a transmission that is going to be able to handle the functions I purchased the X340 for and at a cost of $5000 I would like it to last as long as possible. I thoroughly maintain this mower for that reason, and purposely did not buy the box store version. Had I known about the K58 weakness in the X340 I probably would have gone to the X500 version 6 years ago when I could afford it. I'm retired now and can't do that so I need to repair this tractor with a transmission that will last.

Use the K66 for your new transmission. The K72 will require too many alterations/modifications of your tractor to be a practical swap. A K66 will be much easier to install, and should do the work you need with no problems.

 

[LBrown59]

1* So your saying that any two cars at the same price point are equal? Any two tractors at the same price point are equal?
2*The other part of your statement is simply untrue and won't need further addressing.
3* Well I know that Deere especially has an extensive line of dealerships that work on the box store mower (which they sell in their own stores). And don't forget that Toro and Cub Cadet also have their own dealerships (may I dare say, with service departments!) that work on the box store mowers (which they sell in their own stores).
4*No blind assumptions that have no facts or evidence behind them would help.
5*Maybe some proof would help.

1*No: What I'm saying is the color you paint the product and the label you put on it doesn't change the tractor underneath.
2*I have no idea what you're talking about here.
3*I did not say you could not take a BIG BOX STORE Tractor to a dealer ; you can but that means you go on the back burner while the dealer takes care of his own customers first.
What I said is the BBS don't have their own service and repair shops.
like the dealers do.
4*I spent weeks/months looking at and compaing all the tractors at all of the Big Box Stores before purchasing my Kubota BX so I can assure you it's from experence not blind assumptions that have no facts or evidence behind them.
5*If you don't beleive me find your own proof just as I did.

 

[BleedGreen]

1*No: What I'm saying is the color you paint the product and the label you put on it doesn't change the tractor underneath.

So... are you implying (or outright stating) that all the big box machines are the same other than color and decals?

 

[Martian]

So... are you implying (or outright stating) that all the big box machines are the same other than color and decals?

Seems as though he really is! :laughing::laughing:

 

[JD 420]

The plain and simple fact is that you get what you pay for. Just because it says J D on it doesn't mean your going to get a heavy duty tractor that's going to last for 20 years. It is no different than thinking that a harbor freight tool is going to be as high a quality tool as a snap on or Mac tool and when you get to that first tight bolt and your harbor freight wrench leaves you bleeding with smashed knuckles and on your way back to the store to get another tool to finish the job. I'm a firm believer in buying a quality product the first time and saving myself the headaches that inferior products tend to bring. But on the flip side of the coin not every one needs or has the financial ability to buy a x7xx series or snap on tool I would rather see a person spend with In there means than over spend and let the bank come get it a year later. Which unfortunately tends to happen way to offenthese days.

 

[jenkinsph]

All the big box store lawn tractors are the same so it don't matter what the label or the color is. ***There is no retail support on big box store lawn tractors , JD or other wise.

When you tell the truth you don't have to remember what you said.

 

[John Puican]

Thanks Eric. You confirmed my thoughts and research on this topic. Hopefully I can get JD to agree to a reasonable cost on this. I'm assuming you would agree it's a waste of time to reinstall another K58.

 

[Martian]

4*I spent weeks/months looking at and compaing all the tractors at all of the Big Box Stores before purchasing my Kubota BX so I can assure you it's from experence not blind assumptions that have no facts or evidence behind them.

I find it amazing that you were looking at a box store lawn tractor (usually in the $1,500 range) and ended up with a BX ($15,000 range). Your saying that your blew your original budget out of the water by 10 TIMES the amount?! I mean that would be like when you went to get your second BX planning to spend the $15,000 and ending up with a $150,000 on a row crop tractor!

 

[V1Rotate]

If you live close to the dealer you can get it serviced "almost" free for the warranty period, but you still have to transport it two ways and that is even worse for those of us who live 35 miles from the dealer. I think you are lucky to have the LA120 without the electric clutch and also with a 42" deck. Both of those things help reduce stress on the deck pulleys, idlers, and belts. It seems lots of folks have more luck with similar models. I have discovered that taking the advice of the folks on TBN and not washing out the deck with water and being careful to not get water on top of the idlers (and into the bearings) has extended my deck's life. For the first time this year, I have had no failures of idlers or spindles. I have greased the spindles every 4th time I mow since it takes about 2 hours to mow my lawn and I think 8 hr is good between spindle greasings. I think I now have 175 hours on the mower, so with cost and repairs, if it fails today, I've paid $16/hr for the mowing time. I'd sure like to get that down to below $10/hr before sending my LA145 to mower heaven. The problem with inexpensive mowers is that some will be like yours and completely trouble free and others will have continual problems; both with the same use and maintenance. It's a roll of the dice.

That's an interesting way look at the cost of ownership. Back in the 80s my dad bought a JD 175 hydro, I think he paid around 3000 for it. Two years ago I sold it for 500 with just over1200 hours on it (still runniing great) That works out to just over 2 bucks an hour to own.

 

[Eric Barney]

Thanks Eric. You confirmed my thoughts and research on this topic. Hopefully I can get JD to agree to a reasonable cost on this. I'm assuming you would agree it's a waste of time to reinstall another K58.

I think that if your tractor is in good condition, and does not seem like it may need other major repairs soon, then yes! Install the K66. I definately would NOT put another K58 in, unless it was free.