Who still mows with vintage JD garden tractors?

[Runner]

I still use my 1989 185 all the time for mowing, tree spraying, fertilizing, etc.

 

[oldnslo]

I Still have the 73, 112 electric for mowing and plowing snow. It has been delegated more for back-up use than main tractor since the mower deck is getting wore out again. Lighter snow falls it is the Go To since the 2400H would never get warm before I was done plowing.

 

[JD420]

I still use a 83 420 to mow and blow snow and push dirt around. I have thought of upgrading to a X 700 series machine but can't justify the cost when the old 420 is such a good machine.

 

[hpc]

My neighbor is still using his 318 with the 42" mulching deck - the one with twin blades per spindle. Wish Deere offered twin blades on my 997's 72" deck - other
manufacturers like Scag and Dixie Chopper have been offering them for sometime. Though, it takes him about 4 hours to cut versus my 1.5-2 hours for the acreage
amount of grass.

I thought about a 748/749 BUT Deere refuses to offer a 7-Iron deck for it.

OOPS! It might be the 44" deck - I'm a tad out of touch.

 

[Eric102]

Still using my 25 year old 318 with a powerflow on about 1 acre of grass, its all original except for the normal wear items.

 

[papashelby]

Still mowing with my 1968 112, bought from my dad in 1996. I had the motor rebuilt 8-10 years ago, put a new carb. on it about 5 years ago, and 1 new set of blades on the deck. Other than that, it's all original. I just bought a used X485, but haven't used it yet.

 

[46andtool]

My '86 318 is currently going through the smoke elimination project (rings, pistons, valve job) at 1600 hrs. Then back to mowing and snow removal on a regular basis. I'm the 2nd owner and the guy I bought it from treated it like a museum piece.

 

[BobOB1775]

I still use a 73 140 to do a lot of my mowing. I have rental property and it is easy to transport. I repowered it with a Briggs Vanguard 18hp engine this spring. Now it mows terrific and has plenty of power. I also mow with my 317 and for big areas I use my 3520. But the one that I always head for first is my 140.

I'm using a 1987 JD 165. Its on it's second engine, but it still does a great job. I use it to plow snow in the winter and also have used it to haul a lot of top soil. I'd have a hard time replacing it because it just does a great job.

 

[Russ7127]

Who all shuns the new stuff and mows with an older JD garden tractor from the 110rf's thur the 200 and early 300 series machines. I know of many 318's still in use, looking for older yet. I am looking to get a 110rf and put it back to work mowing my yard and tilling my garden. Mike

I use a 1988 John Deere 285 to mow about 2 acres of lawn and with a snowblower attachment to move snow from an 8000 square foot driveway

 

[artfull dodger]

Got my project tractor sold tonight. Waiting to hear back on a nice 214 with the little 39" mower deck. Deck looks a bit ratty but when I spoke to the seller last week, he said it mows nice and the 214 needs nothing. Cant find any afforadble 110 round fender tractors localy. I emailed on one thats on CL, but never heard back. Mike