5 Year Old LT133 or New L110 ??

jrbek · Jan 12, 2005

Was wondering what you experts out there thought... have an opportunity to pick up a 5 year LT133 in good operating condition at $900 (approx 200 mile drive out and 200 back to pick it up) or just have an L110 delivered to my home at approx $1800

As far as I can see, the L110 is a hydro unit and the LT133 is not... The LT133 is significantly older with a 13hp Kohler in supposed good condition (approx 140-160 hours). The L110 is brand new... The LT133 is supposed to be a more durable unit and from what I hear, many of you experts don't particularly care for a the L100 series...

I have 3/4 acre of mowing.. live in florida so no snow blowing.. probably won't be doing any towing or anything.. just mowing...

Would like a quality machine. From what I've read the many of the experts out there prefer the higher end units to the new cheaper L100 series...

Given what I've mentioned above, which way would you guys go.. is the 5speed LT133 so much of a better machine (at half the price and long long drive) to forego hydro in the L110 with "somewhat" lower durability and questionable long term quality.

Experienced opinions greatly appreciated...

beenthere · Jan 12, 2005

My Son-in-law has the LT133 and I tried to talk him into the hydro (LT155 I think). But his has held up well over the years. However, I don't think it is any better to holding up over the hydro. Seems to me the hydro units are pretty trustworthy, and to me, a lot safer and easier to manuever than the geared ones. But that is just my opinion of being around hydro's for a long time.
I am impressed that the LT133's are holding their value like you quote. I believe 5 years ago the LT133's new were about $1400 or a little less. Guess they are holding up well.
I have a friend who has a lawn service and is running nothing but the cheapest of the Deere line, and his 'fleet' is holding up well to day in and day out mowing all summer. He says they can't be beat. Just another thought to consider in your dilema.

DmansPadge · Jan 12, 2005

I say newer is always better. I'm sure that could be debated. My boss, who is a small engine expert, bought a L110 this year and he is very pleased with it. He mowes 1 1/2 acres. He did tell me that the Kohler 17.5hp did have some trouble with the valve guides wearing but it wasn't enough to sway him from buying one. The design might have been revised for the newer units... I'm not real sure.

I perfer the hydro and a warranty that comes with a new one. I'm sure the LT133 is a good unit but I wouldn't make up my mind without looking at it. Then again, who wants to drive 200 miles each way to find out that it isn't in as "good" of condition as the owner states! I don't think you would be disappointed if you bought the L110. With your needs I would imagine you could look forward to 15+ years of service with it.

johndeere2210 · Jan 12, 2005

I would vote for the new L110. LT133 is a good machine but there is no warranty on a five year old machine. The L110 will have a two year warranty and a 42" deck as opposed to the 38" deck on the LT133. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif The L110 will also have a cup holder and hour meter built in.

Dutch445 · Jan 13, 2005

You've also posted this in the JD Tractor Buying/Pricing forum,,, you are getting different answers from both separate posts,, interestingly the tractor guys say go with the LT, while the L&G guys say the L110 (which I felt also)

/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

stuart · Jan 13, 2005

Well I read your post in the tractor section and saw that almost all of those responses were for the 5 yr old JD. I have an L120 and could not be happier. I see a mower working 10 maybe 15 years. My ist one was an MTD I paid 900$ for. Lasted 11 or 12 years and sold it for 300$. Still ran great but the deck had suffered a bit. I wanted something more comfortable and a bit larger cut. My advice: go with the new John Deere.

Ledgemere Farm · Jan 20, 2005

Supposedly, the LT series are heavier (thicker frame) A friend of mine has an L100. It works great. Personally, I think it is a little ugly (sorry), but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
My nephew has an L120 which also works great (looks better too). He said the Briggs motor is hard on gas though. Personally, I prefer Kohler, but that is a good point of debate also.
I would not let the age be too much of a factor. I have a 1989 JD RX72 with a 9HP Kawasaki that refuses to die. I also have a 1978 JD 65 rider, that aside from some carb trouble (Tecumseh) keeps on ticking.
All things considered, the new tractor comes with a warranty and a 400 mile round trip does not sound very appeasing.
Go new.

johndeere2210 · Jan 20, 2005

GreenRules, please don't take too much offense at this, but how can you say an L series tractor is a little ugly when you own an RX72? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Ledgemere Farm · Jan 20, 2005

Like I said, beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. I am not offended. To be fair, my friend has the L100 with no fender flares. They look funny. Like the wheels are too small or something. I don't know. They just don't catch my eye. My wife says I look silly on my RX72. She says it looks like I am riding a kid's toy.