New member, new D130

[jinman]

Wow, curious what the problem is with your deck? I still have all the original deck parts including the belt. Changed out a few sets of blades is all. I clean the deck off with my leaf blower after each mowing and check the idlers and spindles when I change and sharpen the blades.

I suppose it could just be the 48" deck that has so many idler problems, but another poster just posted photos of an idler that froze and ruined the mounting stud. I quit washing off my deck and only use compressed air to blow it off. I just put on new blades, greased the spindles, and replaced one idler. Now, after four 1-1/2 hour mowing jobs (just 6 hours), I have another idler starting to howl. My problems with the deck are real and persistent. I cannot say the two-blade decks like the 42" will have the same problems, but I suspect they are all similar. Your L130 may have a different design of the deck belt routing. I think if I had mechanical engagement of the PTO instead of the instantaneous shock of the electric PTO, my idlers would last longer.

The reason I cannot recommend the 100 series mowers is a combination of the deck problems and the carb float valve problem I had with the engine. John Deere knows there is a problem with the float valve, but they won't change it unless you complain. The combination of those two issues makes me unable to recommend this mower. In my opinion, JD is not doing themselves any long-term benefit by selling these mowers. Many people will buy these and see them as a reflection of all JD products. It's just not the reputation I would want as a manufacturer. My transmission has worked perfectly for four years. If that dies, I'll just haul the whole thing to the scrap yard and sell it by the pound. I would not sell this to somebody else. I considered that and then realized my moral compass won't let me sell something that I have no faith in. If I sell it, it will be for scrap. If I put it on craigslist, it will be in the free-stuff section. Even for free, it will come with warnings and a bag full of bad parts.

 

[jenkinsph]

Jinman,
I would suspect we have the same or similar decks and that the most likely cause for your problems would be misalignment of the idlers mounting from the factory. Just a guess, but I could measure the angle of the idlers on my deck for you if it might help you. Mine is a 48" three spindle deck also.

I had a few problems with fuel delivery on my Kohler engine and added an electric fuel pump which make starting much faster and dependable.

Lookng at the D130 specs this mower has a 42" two spindle design which would be less complex with few idlers and parts which is a plus imo.

 

[EdC]

Boy, reading about all the problems with the 48 mower and the carb float really makes me feel lucky. My L120 was bought the first year these tractors came out and has been trouble free except for the battery replacement a few years ago and blade replacement. (Note to self: do not believe it when you say " Oh the mower will clear that rock":laughing