Which john deere is better

yulost1987 · Apr 17, 2016

I I'm new to the site and I have limited cash to buy a lawn mower but I've been looking at 3 different Jon Deere models that are used and older, my yard is half an acre and no hills,a and would also like to pull a cart around with fire wood and little things. First is a 98 lt133 not sure of it because it's had the steering shaft replaced solenoid replaced and the muffler, sounds to be beat up but could be wrong. Second is a said to be a stx46 model 170 which looks to be in good shape or repainted I'm thinking and I assume it's a model 170 that just has a stx46 deck on it which the 170 came with a 38in deck originally so I'm not sure if it would cut so good being a much larger de k and it's hydrostatic. Third is a stx38 and its beat up a bit and been used a lot so I'm not sure, I know these are all low end models but I'm just wondering what one would be a better buy, pictures posted below of each

Dutch445 · Apr 17, 2016

the 170 should be gear shift, if it's hydro then it's a 175, or 185,, can you see the serial number tag?
the LT is the newest of the bunch, if it runs good i wouldn't worry about those replacement parts.
stx is in between age wise,
guess it depends on which seems in best mechanical condition, but i don't like the hybrid stx deck
on the old 170 style mower, tough to get the right belts etc when the time comes.
how does the LT133 run?

Wagtail · Apr 17, 2016

I can't say, but here's the TractorData.com JD Lawn Tractor section as a comparison reference: TractorData.com - John Deere lawn tractors

Best of luck, Mate.