JD Dealer vs Lowes/HD

[jenkinsph]

My reasoning is that if his budget has him looking at HD or Lowe`s machines, then at least steer him toward the more durable model.

As far as the whole K46 reliability issue goes, JD and many other brands have been using these for 10 years now. If they were the ticking time bomb that some make them out to be, then JD would NOT be putting them in the X300`s and X304`s, which come with a 4yr, 300hr warranty. That would make no sense from a business or reputation standpoint.

I am not assuming his budget is limited to Lowes or Home Depot, he saw the mowers there and inquired about them. I did steer him towards a more durable model. If the OP wants to save money then fix the deck and forget the hood.


Well they did and still do. Lots of people here on TBN have experienced the same problems with the k46 traansmission. I like Deere products but I call it the way I see it. I bought the L130 prior to joining TBN if I had known what I know now I wouldn't have bought it.

 

[mbrun]

Thanks. I was looking for something comparable to the GT275. I've been impressed with the machine and can't blame JD (too much) for the hood, as I nudged the garage with it. The deck got beat up from the Florida sand getting sucked up in it. Motor is still strong.

If you are looking for current model compatibles, that begins with the x500 series.

 

[Prepper]

As far as the K46 goes, it will last for years when used for it`s designed purposes. Less than two acres and reasonably flat land is what it was designed for. People run into problems when they start using their LT like a GT. I`ve read horror stories about K46 failures, but have known many more people who have hundreds of hours on them with no problems whatsoever. Many 10 yr. old JD LT series w/K46`s are still in service and run fine.

Glad to hear that but I suppose different years could have different builds of K46 in them. My Husqvarna YTH2348, which has been a great mower for 4 years and I love it, quit driving last fall. Totally flat ground and about 2 acres is all it's ever been used on.

Just my experience with a 2007 model.

 

[radioman]

My father bought a JD from lowes and when he wants service, the local JD dealer says you didnt buy it from us with a snide. But then that was 5 years ago I think.

 

[AndyMA]

In my area the Deere dealers, Lowes and Home Depot sell at exactly the same price. Problem as mentioned earlier is that the Deere dealer willl put you last in the service queue if you didn't buy it from him. Also the Deer dealer has lots of accessories that the box stores don't carry. Let alone product knowledge.
Having just bougt a X748 from a dealer last year.

Andy

 

[jenkinsph]

I was in Lowes today and walked past the Deere mowers on hand, four identical D100 models. At $1499 sticker price with a gear tranny I don't think it matters much where you buy it, I would still prefer to buy from my dealer but they don't stock any thing below the 300R and only a handful of the others at that.

 

[hizoot]

I love my GT 275....bought it new ,restored it recently and replaced the hood,new paint and tires as well

 

[jdtractor]

Hi around here where I live , the lowes, home depot , etc.... are called side walk stores. My point being if you want a side walk john deere ,then go to a sidewalk dealer. If you want a john deere! go to a JOHN DEERE DEALER! The john deeres the side walk stores are not john deere, just john deere paint, and that maybe an off brand! You just get what you pay for.Just my 0.02cts.in southwestern Pa.

 

[jenkinsph]

Hi around here where I live , the lowes, home depot , etc.... are called side walk stores. My point being if you want a side walk john deere ,then go to a sidewalk dealer. If you want a john deere! go to a JOHN DEERE DEALER! The john deeres the side walk stores are not john deere, just john deere paint, and that maybe an off brand! You just get what you pay for.Just my 0.02cts.in southwestern Pa.

A 100 series John Deere mower is the same whether you buy it from a big box store or the John Deere dealer. It may be a crappy John Deere but it isn't a rebadged mower either. Currently the decent riding mowers start with the x310 and up, if you want a longer service life and more capabilities you have to move up numerically.

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

My dealer sells the Lowes/Home Depot versions for the same price they do, plus they stand behind them. If youre going to buy green, go buy it from a dealer.