JD L120 and L130 Horror Stories HELP!

[Kyle_in_Tex]

I just bought an LT180 but I purposely ordered it with a 42" deck. They had the 48" in stock. I did this so that I could use the rear bagger that doesn't need power assist. I don't normally use the bagger. Just for composting leaves and cutting the tops off of weeds in the lawn.

My dealer really insisted that I'd be happier in the long run with the LT over the L120 or L130.

My only gripe is, and this is comparing to my old Snapper single blade comet, it is hard to clean off the mower deck with just water hose pressure.

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

I bought an LT150 (instead of a deck for my 4115) and have been very happy with it. Mow about an acre with it for three years now and other than routine maintenance have not had a single problem with it. I am not that familar with the "L" series but I have several friends with various size LTs and they all have been happy also. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[bontai_Joe]

The Deere "L" series are ok machines, but not designed for 8-10 hours a week. They are more for Joe Suburbs to cut his 3/4 acre flat lot once a week (one hour 26 times a year vs. the 150 hours per year you need). If you want true reliability and strength of design, I'm afraid that you need to be looking at machines in the $2500-3500 price range.

 

[1962]

i agree with the post above. you might want to check out a garden tractor size machine. thats quite a bit of mowing you are going to be doing. check out some other machines too, toro (wheel horse) has some nice heavy duty units that have grease zerks everywhere and are the larger garden tractor size. the prices are compareable, and years down the road you shouldnt be wishing you had a more heavy duty tractor..

 

[JeepOne]

I got the L120 which I purchased 3 years ago (now have 290+ hours). I mow 5 acres with it and I'm waiting for it to die so I can get the Kubota ZD28 (my dream machine). Problem is the L120 keeps going like the eveready bunny. It rattles and shakes but keeps on goin' on this bumpy/hilly property. The only maintenance I have is scheduled maintenance. If I can get this little lawn tractor to cut 5 acres you should'nt have any problems. I think the key is doing the required maintenance and sharpen those blades on a monthly basis. Oh, by the way, I keep this baby wide open and boy does it scream...........lol

 

[shero]

The reality is you can only buy what you can afford, i mow 5 acres with a L 110 and have put 230 hours on it over 3 years. I believe that a mower will last if you treat it right. My mower is going strong and will probally last for years, dont be pursuaded into buying something too big to do the job, or go over your budjet, hope you find something to suit you

 

[slowrev]

The reality is you can only buy what you can afford
//

Very good point shero. Of course I know of many stateside that buy more than they can afford /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Ben

 

[shero]

I am a victim too /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[phxraptor]

My wife spends about 9 hours on our L130 weekly in the summer. Have well over 100 hours on it and no trouble yet. Just wish the blades would last longer.

 

[stuart]

I have an L 120 with 40 hours on it and have had no problems. I cut 3 acres each and every week in spring and summer.