I need to get a lawn/garden tractor to tackle just under an acre of lawn and do some light plowing of snow. My drive is about 100 ft. I have the opportunity to get a '94 LX188 for around $1600, the machine is very clean but the seller has no idea about the hours. He's a retired mechanic who picks up JD's, works on them and sells them as a hobby, very knowledgeable gentleman. This LX has the 17hp Kawasaki v-twin liquid cooled, foot controlled hydro, rear discharge, etc. He has is set up with a 44" triple blade deck that has Piranha labels on it, what do you think about this set up price wise and can someone tell me about this deck? Thanks in advance!!
Used JD LX188 information...
- Thread starter GrantK
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Dutch445
Elite Member
the LX188 is a great tractor!
plenty of power with the twin, and the 44 Piranha deck is quite a mulcher. There is a baffle that can be removed from the deck to allow for rear discharge without much mulching, good for deeper grasses. Each spindle on that deck has 2 blades, one shorter than the other.. to help with mulching.
As far as snow goes, they are still a lawn tractor, with the small 20" tires on the rear, so you can only expect so much as far as traction goes. Obviously weights and chains are recommended.
Depending on the driveway terrain, you may opt to look for a Garden tractor with at least 23" rear rubber.
Does the tractor come with the snow blade? I don't think it's a bad deal, as long as things are up to snuff maintenance wise,, belts,, deck bearings,, front steering spindles,,, etc...
sounds like this gentleman would be able to tell you if he's into fixing them up.
Good luck!
/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
plenty of power with the twin, and the 44 Piranha deck is quite a mulcher. There is a baffle that can be removed from the deck to allow for rear discharge without much mulching, good for deeper grasses. Each spindle on that deck has 2 blades, one shorter than the other.. to help with mulching.
As far as snow goes, they are still a lawn tractor, with the small 20" tires on the rear, so you can only expect so much as far as traction goes. Obviously weights and chains are recommended.
Depending on the driveway terrain, you may opt to look for a Garden tractor with at least 23" rear rubber.
Does the tractor come with the snow blade? I don't think it's a bad deal, as long as things are up to snuff maintenance wise,, belts,, deck bearings,, front steering spindles,,, etc...
sounds like this gentleman would be able to tell you if he's into fixing them up.
Good luck!
/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
johndeere2210
Gold Member
The LX188 is 95% bullet proof. Keep the valves adjusted (they were noted for dropping push rods) and keep a firm grip on the hood when you open it. The push rod issue is very minor and easily dealt with and the hoods have a habit of breaking the plastic hinges if not treated gently. Sounds like a very acceptable price. Go for it! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
bontai_Joe
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I think it is a good price on a very good tractor. If the blade is not included, I would suggest looking into getting a front mounted snowblower. A blower uses the tractor's HP to move snow instead of the tranny's strength, resulting in less strain on the tranny.
Ledgemere Farm
Veteran Member
Snowthrowers are definitely better than blades on small machines. The Kawasaki is a great engine. I had on on my RX 72.