John deereLT180

[Ricn]

Hope this question is ok to post here, not buying new I just need some advise on this model rider mower.

My old Scott, made by JD, model 2046 has been terrific for 20 years but is starting to have serious engine issues so thinking to buy another rider. My neighbor is moving away and has offered me his LX280 JD with 174 hrs of use for $2000. before putting it on Creigslist. The seller just had all new belts installed two weeks plus oil and filters changed and new battery saying, he wanted everything to snuff prior to selling. I mowed about one acre with it this morning and all went well, rougher ride than my Scott but liked the turn radius and Pwr steering features, also what looks to be a 54 inch cut made mowing time much less although, I found it a little wide in areas that I could, if careful, live with. My Scott has a better seat but the JD is softer and could easily get used to it I think. Like most JD theses days the hood is cracked but is also replaceable at around $125. otherwise this mower looks like new. The mower has the Kawaski engine at 18 hp, 2 less then my Scott Briggs engine but still it mows fine and starts right up ready to go.

So is 2K high for this mower, hrs and age? The Net says the last year was 2005 and I don't know the year of this one; also says it has the K62 transaxle with drain plug but my JD dealer says they seldom need changing. My Scott has no drain and still runs strong in the rear end department but the Briggs is almost toast now.

Any thoughts on the LX280 from the experts would be appreciated. I mow 1.5 acres + about every 10 days.

Ricn

 

[tomplum]

SO an Lt180 is nothing like you describe. Not a bad LAWN tractor. Not worth 2K, didn't have a K62 nor I believe a 54" deck. Double check that model number.

 

[Ricn]

LX280, my error, thanks.

 

[tomplum]

Ah, there you go. I'm guessing this has all wheel steer rather than power steering? I would say if so and the tractor meets your needs, you would be hard pressed to find a well maintained, low hour AWS for 2K. Be sure to check hood pricing yourself if you haven't already. I think this may have the replaceable top if that is all what is cracked.

 

[Ricn]

hum, might be AWS but the factory sticker on the hood says LX280 only; will have to go look, drive and watch wheels but sure steers easy! Serial number should tell me as well or, just get down there and look! Yeah, the top hood is cracked and also cheaply made POS IMO- New ones shown on several websites if I end up buying it. Had though to buy a new X380 but this one is tempting.

Ricn

 

[tomplum]

Lx's were nice lawn tractors. Just about every one I see has a broken hood. They just get brittle - from the sun I'd guess. Hours are crazy low. Really any of the transmissions in the LX's are dependable. Though I had a customer with a high hour LX280 that did have a wiggy transmission. I changed the fluid hoping for the best, but then he decided to let it go.

 

[Ricn]

Good feedback. looked at steering and it's not AWS, guess it just turns easy is all.

ricn

 

[Ricn]

Mowed 1.5 acres today testing this mower, nice cut throughout and no hiccups, just nice quite operation. A little rough riding on the bumps but tires may be over inflated so will check those. The ground is not smooth in places so I expect some roughness. Not sure how the choke works yet as it pops back when pushing the lever up and is sort of stiff to push so maybe needs some attention or the warm weather is holding it from moving easily? After, checking everything I see no rust or anything else showing concern. No fading of the plastic and engine compartment is about spotless so looks to have been kept inside the garage or shop. Can't get over how easily it turns and in tight radius around trees, much nicer than my Scott 2046.

Ricn

Ricn

 

[tomplum]

This gives you an opportunity to have a real nice lawn tractor. It is like a time capsule. What may help with the choke is either using a spray lube at the control below the carburetor and or removing the clip off the engine shroud that holds the cable out of the hood's way. Maybe too check the tire pressure in regards to the rough ride. Commonly 14 PSI in front and 10 in the rear. You can run softer especially if the lawn if flat and not bagging. Keep us in the loop and a couple of pics of the new ride could be nice!

 

[Ricn]

Tires feel pretty hard so will check the pressures and lower as I won't be bagging grass. The deck is in mulch mode but without a manual will be leaving it that way for now anyway. Here are two photos showing this mower in it's work clothes.

Ricn