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Jeff of Mansfield GA (08/28/08)
HOME DEPOT talked me into buying this John Deere 42 in. lawn mower that is noting but a problem from the start. The mower is a auto hydro trans. and has gone out and the John Deere Company said they have no parts but would like me to buy a replacement mower from them. The cost of another $3000.00. I said no thanks.
I guess it is time to send it to the scrap metal yard so I can repay myself back the money that I spent on this hunk of junk. I own a Kubota tractor now.
Gary of Middletown DE (08/25/08)
I have bought a John deere from both Home Depot and a John Deere Dealer. The first one I bought at Home Depot and it was a total piece of junk. Ran terribly, belt kept coming off, nuts and parts fell off. And wasn't worth crap at cutting grass. After fighting with several Home Depot stores I finally got my money back. Was told that the ones they sell at Dealerships were a much higher quality though they cost twice as much. Okay I was stupid twice.
The second one cost $9200.00 for a 60 inch cut. It's just as bad as the first one. The head lights quit the first year, pieces fall off a lot. I have to take off and run fast or it stalls when I turn on the mower blades. If the grass is more than 6 high I have to cut my lawn twice or else it looks horrible and friends joke about my grass. I have to sharpen the blades almost everytime I cut the grass and clean under the deck with a scraper (every time) or else I again have to cut the grass twice and then it still looks bad. Also the control to raise and lower the deck only works sometimes.
When I turn on the mower blades while moving or else it stalls it bucks like a wild bronco and snaps my neck. After cutting my grass I take aspirin, tylenol whatever I have. I am otherwise a healthy guy. It has rolled over on me and nearly broke my leg. It is very easy to roll over and nearly has a number of times. I am currently trying to gather data for a class action lawsuit. You will NEVER see a John Deere mower being used by professional lawn care people. Just look at the little trailers they pull with their pickups...the is NEVER a John Deere on the trailer.
$9200.00 for a piece of junk that always needs repair and does a poor job of cutting my lawn. I think the years of cutting my grass with a mower that has to be moving before I turn on the mower blades and then it bucks and snaps my neck has taken a toll on my and my wifes backs and necks (and yes we get real headache every time during and after). Usually after cutting our lawn we can expect to have a sore neck and bad back for a few days.
Dale of Whycocomagh Inv. Co. OTHER (08/14/08)
I bought a model 125 lawn tractor in june 2006from the dealer and it worked fine for the first season.June of 2008 a pulley went on it,dealer replaced part under warranty and was told to check tractor all over.Two weeks later a real problem happened,the engine blew up (Connecting rods came out through the case)with ONLY 45 HOURS on the tractor.
I contacted MacLeods (dealer)and dropped it of to be fixed the mechanic said it had to be a defect and it should be covered.Two weeks go by before the dealer calls me and then says John Deere will not cover the engine.The area rep said the govener had a wrench mark on it and accused me of turning it up causing the engine to over rev.and there is nothing they can do about it.I am a mechanic myself and would not do such a thing.If there was a wrench on governer it was done at the dealer or the factory.
I called John Deere customer office and was told by Amber there that they stand behind there dealers decision.I am now left with a 2200.00 dollar piece of JUNK..I Found out the hard way that John Deere doesnt stand behind there products and the dealer doesnt care either.
David of Salado TX (08/13/08)
Last year I bought a JD L130 series riding mower. I bought it with one year interest free no payments in October 2007. The tracter has a total of 32 hours operation on it. It was at the 32 hour mark when I was mowing that the mower started making some noise and then the belt came off. After some examination, I saw that the middle spindle had completly seperated from the deck and had fallen through. When I got the tractor back to the garage and took the deck off, I noticed that the middle spindle was missing two bolts. Either they were never installed or they were not properly installed. The JD dealer told me that those bolts are designed never to come out. I am guessing that he insinuates that I took them out becasue he said he would not cover that item under warranty and the cost to replace the deck now is at $1100 dollars, half of what I paid for the mower. I am going after JD on the basis of the Unform Commercial Code on implied warranties and sellers remedies.
Debbie of Big Rock IL (08/12/08)
We bought a John Deere 190C automatic lawn mower from Lowe's a couple of years ago. Right as the 2 yr. warranty was expiring, we started to have nothing but problems with our Deere. First one of the pulleys broke so we had that fixed. After the warranty expired (within one month) the belt kept popping off and the tension was tight. Finally we thought we fixed the problem with the belt coming off, and then it kept blowing fuses and the PTO wouldn't work.
The dealer came to pick up the tractor and wanted $58.00 for pickup and delivery and we only live maybe 7 miles away! Ripoff!!! It took the dealer 2 weeks to fix the tractor. They said the wiring harness got stuck on a pulley and shorted out the PTO. Hmmm, sounds like a design flaw to me!! Had to get a new wiring harness and new clutch, not to mention a new fuse.
The kicker... I mowed my lawn for about an hour after getting the tractor back home from the dealer and guess what? The front left tire fell off!! And I just got it back from the dealer!! Needless to say, I will NEVER buy a John Deere ever again as they are JUNK! They are NOT quality machines. I will stick with Kubota tractors from here in out!!
Mary of Cypress TX (08/12/08)
In October of 2004 we purchased a John Deere Gator HPX. It ran pretty good for about a year and a half but for a $10,000 vehicle we expected more. We have spent over $5,000 on repairs since then. We were always told there was nothing they could do for us. Finally we were able to get the name of the regional rep, these guys don't like to have their names out there..pretty spineless!! They are willing to buy our gator for what I could sell it to anyone else and then sell us another.
I will never own any product from John Deere againl. They then will sell this gator to some unsuspecting buyer. So to that employee who has worked for John Deere and is tired of all the complaining, I did buy my gator from an authorized John Deere retailer and am still getting a very bad deal from them. May be Steve, you should tell them to stand behind their products and quit being so spineless. John Deere is a terrible company. Their product is no longer a quality product. Eventually their reputation will catch up to them and they will go out of business. The sooner the better.
We are out over $5,000 in repairs and now have a gator that will not stay started.
Marti of New Smyrna Beach FL (08/11/08)
I purchased a Deere Tractor GT245 in 2005 at nearly $6,000. It ran good and cut good. At approx. 65 hours and 11 month later it refused to start. Gas poured out of the engine and on to the floor. I had the dealer pick it up and they claimed there was too much oil in the crank case. The changed the oil and filter and also sharpened the blades.
I expected to pay for the sharpening but not the other service. They claimed the repairs were not warranty items. I had not over filled the oil. The machine was brought back and used twice then the same thing occurred. Back to the shop and they claim to have put a new carb. on it. This time they did not charge for the repair. Apparently what should have been done the first time.
The engine did not run as fast as before, but it started good with the exception of about 3 times during the next year. During those times it did finally start, so I did not complain. Yesterday the same thing happened. Won't start, gas pour out of the engine and the oil now has gas in it. Now I can not mow and am sure I will be stuck with another repair bill. I bought a JD because I wanted the best! Lesson learned.
Currently only out the 1st repair bill of over $100.00. I am sure they will slam me with a repair bill and tell me it was bad gas or service needed or trash in the fuel. There is a problem with those engines that they will not admit.
Ernest of Simpsonville SC (08/10/08)
I have heard many times that nothing runs like a Deere so I took the plunge and purchased a John Deere JS45 front caster walk behind mower from my local Lowes store. I mowed my lawn one time and later found a surpise.
A large plastic part that attaches to the grip and control area came off when the plastic washer-like part broke off. Why use a cheap plastic part as an attaching point that can break off so easily on such an expensive mower?
The BIG surprise came when I went to move the mower to another part of the garage, I found a large (6-7 round) oil puddle on the garage floor under the deck. It seems that it leaks oil right at the front just behind the valve cover. I cleaned it up and tightened the valve cover screws thinking that this was the problem. Well, the leak was back within a few minutes. It seems that the leak is coming from somewhere in the lower front part of the engine.
I took it back to Lowes and got a full refund. I also found ackward using the 'Mowmentum' lever that controls the rear traction speed. You have to push this lever forward as you are walking, making it a bit touchy to handle. I was really disapointed at how bad such an expensive brand new mower can be. Mark this as my last John Deere mower.
William of Lakeland FL (08/08/08)
Purchased a new John Deere model JS-40 self propelled mower on March 19, 2007. The the mower worked good for the first season, although in Florida you have to cut greass 12 months of the year. This season the mower failed to perform properly, left front wheel broke, enging failed to start.
The last time I started it...it took 40 pulls before the enging would start. I contacted Lowe's about the problem and they told me to bring it in and they would send it out to an authorized dealer for repairs. Well the mower sat at Lowe's for to weeks before the authorized repair company came to get. I tried to find out where the mower was sent for repair so that I could find out when the repairs would be finished and I could pick up the mower...Lowe's didn't have that information so now I am stuck!
This mower has been by far the worst mower I have ever owned...I deeply regret purchasing it! I replaced my 11 year old Honda mower with this John Deere which was a big mistake...my Honda served me well for 11 years and only had to go in once for a tune-up. The Honda always started on the first or second pull...fantastic machine. I would never purchase another John Deere product again...poor quality, poor design and lack of dependability...I only hope that one day they call me to say the mower is fixed and to come and get it. I will mostly try to sell it and then purchase another Honda. One tries to support American made goods but when they are crap your left to purchase quality mfg foreign products.
I received painful blisters on my fingers from pulling the start cord 40 times and my arm was sore from pulling.
Murphy of Bartlett TN (08/08/08)
John Deere 130 lawn tractor, piece of junk. 34 hrs, bearings gone, runs poorly, son in law has identical mower and bearings fail consistently, John Deere unresponsive, needs class action lawsuit as these mowers are plagued with problems anf poor workmanship.
Kristie of Stokesdale NC (07/31/08)
I find it very disappointing that John Deere will not sell replacement parts to customers. I went online, found my part and started the ordering process only to find out that they refuse to ship to me and that I would have to go get the part from the dealer. I own this mower, my husband knows exactly what is wrong with it, the part we need, etc, but we can not get it anywhere but the dealer. The part isn't even a John Deere manufactured part (manufactured by Warner Electric). How inconvenient. I won't buy another John Deere, that's for sure.
Mower out of commission until I get time to drive 45 minutes to nearest dealer to pick up part, Gas at $4 per gallon to drive to same dealer, plus whatever dealer decides to do to screw me over once I get there.
Billy of Adamsville AL (07/28/08)
since purchsing the L130 at my local Home Depot 4 years ago I have had numerous problems with the mower. Belts, deck pulley's, bearings, and now the electric clutch has gone out. This is a very expensive part. My real complaint is that had I know that any of these machines sold by Home Depot or Lowes are not John Deere products the manufacture has merely purchased the right to use the J.D. name. This does not seem right to me. Anyone familiar with the J.D. names expects a quality product and this is nothing but a high priced piece of junk.
Kevin of Shelbyville KY (07/20/08)
I purchased a johndeere L120 back in 2004 for 2400.dollars at first it did great for about 6months then the hubs on the rt side,sitting on the tractor looking at the frt tire.the solid hubs were eating away at the axle. so i took it to johndeere in shelbyville to get it fixed. they fixed it twice. under warranty. the second time the put ballbearing bearings in them. they last about 1 and ahalf mowing seasons. and I have been relaceing them ever since.so i will never buy another one.
the hubs that ride on the axle are harder than the axle, so in turn it eats away the axle on the bottom.
Robert of Osceola IA (07/19/08)
The Transmission won't pull rest of tractor and mower
Robert of Lisle NY (07/18/08)
Plastic GEAR on camshaft broke along with plastic Gear on water pump.WHY would anyone use cheap gears in Quality equipment???
Comments : I would like to know how you can claim QUALITY in your
JD products when you installed a Plastic Gear on the cam shaft of your
6x4 Gators. The gear stripped and I can't just replace it I have to buy
the whole cam shaft plus gaskets,followers,water pump gear and labor to
rebuild for a cost of over 600.00. All for a Plastic gear that cost less
than 10.00. I have been buying John Deere products for 40 years now and
this is the first time I run into this but wanted to let you know that I
was disappointed in my purchase this time.
Dale of Germantown WI (07/15/08)
Approximately four years ago, I purchased a new John Deere Garden Tractor, Model G110 for $4000.00. I needed a larger tractor because I have a large lawn, with a steep grade. Approximately 3 months after I purchased the mower, I experienced problems with it. After it runs for a while, it begins to backfire, looses power, and the engine dies. I have had the mower in the shop 10 times over the past 4 years with exactly the same problem. I have been forced to mow with my small back-up mower. Which does the job fine, but takes a long time.
After working on the mower the last time, I was told by the dealer that they simulated the grade of my lawn, and the mower did die. My small mower, however, does not. They told me they talked to John Deere, and it was a design flaw with this model. John Deere told them there is nothing they can do about it. I have written John Deere several times requesting a replacement mower, or my money back, to no avail. At the present time I have been forced to hire a costly lawn service.
As i mentioned, i have been forced to hire a lawn service, several times over the past few years to complete the mowing season.
Lowell of Sod WV (07/07/08)
I bought a John Deere L130 in 2005 and it did just o.k. cutting grass until this year. I always had to go over the grass twice, because it would not cut evenly. But, this year, the spindle went bad and broke the belt. I found out at that time, that you have to go to a dealer to get parts, which I did not like, and the nearest dealer is about 60 miles away. But I got lucky and found an aftermarket that would work, which cost me about $80.00. I got my mowing finished, finally, then when it came time to mow again, my mower threw another belt, and I believe the other spindle is tearing up, and I barely got started mowing. I
have had several mowers that were a lot cheaper that lasted me ten years before the mowing decks wore out. And I gave the mower, minus the deck, to an old man to ride around on. My nephew has the same mower and has had nothing but trouble with his. I can't afford a $3,000 mower that I can only use for 3 years! It's pathetic! I bought the mower because I need a big mower to cut about 5 acres, and I thought John Deere was supposed to be the best! Nothing runs like a deere is a big joke! I can't afford to waste what little money I have on a piece of junk. I'll never buy another!
Just that here in WV we have a hard enough time finding or keeping a decent job, let alone throwing hard earned money away like that. I financially need to get my moneys worth. I barely get by most of the time, and bought this mower because I thought it would last me a long time with few repairs. I should have bought a cheaper mower and spent my money on my house that I have been trying to finish for thirteen years!
Frank of Sarasota FL (07/04/08)
In June 03, I purchased L130. First year of cutting was trouble free. The next season my one spindle went bad. I pop out the bearings from the spindle, pretty simple. my dealer told my I would have to buy the whole unit they did not sell this bearing. well the next spindle failed and was able to find bearing on line for 6.00. Since then I replaced bearing 6xs.
Also the grease fitting is useless because the sleeve in the spindle stops the grease from getting to the bearings. The bearings are also sealed. Now my idler pulley melted the shaft on the deck and broke the belt.The dealer tells me a kit is avialible for this defect before they sold you a new deck. never will I purchase a John Deere.
I have invested over 50hrs of my time and over 500.00 just to keep this green monster running.
Richard of Elkview WV (06/26/08)
I purchased a John Deere L-118 Lawn Tractor with hydroststic transmission in 2004 for $2000.00. In 2006 I noticed that the mower was having trouble on inclines. I also realized that the transmission would not hold on an incline, but would take off and roll freely. This is 2008 and the mower has less than 100 hours but will not go up an incline but does ok on flat surfaces. Because my lot is not perfectly level, the mower is practically useless.
My John Deere dealer said that the problem is the transmission and that a new one will cost $600.00 for the part alone. Since this is a sealed unit, it is not servicable and the whole unit must be replaced. Their Service Manager said that the replacement transmission will more than likely give me the same problem if used on an incline. Obviously, John Deere Lawn Tractors were not meant to be sold in WV since all we have are hills.
I believe that $600.00 for a new transmission is too much to pay for an inferior product that will last for less than 100 hours when the mower cost $2000.00 originally. I am 67 years old and have to mow any inclines with a push mower.
Rex of Waxahachie TX (06/25/08)
I purchased a John Deere 115 in 2006 and initially it ran well. By the end of the first season, the engine would sputter when I pressed the reverse button and attempted to back up. By the end of the second season, I would have to keep the reverse button depressed continually while backing up. Now the 20 amp fuse blows within seconds of starting the mower.I've replaced the battery and the solenoid, but still continue to have the same problems. I thought that buying a JD meant quality (I could have purchased two Murrays for what I paid for this JD, and they went 4 years before problems started to happen). Contacting JDHQ was a joke. They just want you to pour more money into the JD pockets (I think I've given enough). And to the JD employee that said consumers should purchase their mowers from JD Dealers, I only have one thing to say. If John Deere puts their name on a machine, they should make it with quality. None of this two tier pricing. If I buy it at Lowes or Home Depot or a JD Dealer, it should be the same quality. If you look closely at the parts, they are stamped from third world countries. I think JD is just cutting corners and that their employees do sub par work.
My mower sits in the garage and my yard is in need of mowing. I'm disabled and forced to mow my 2 acres with a push mower.
Kay of Burnsville NC (06/24/08)
My husband and I purchased a new John Deere LA100 riding mower ($1499) from Lowes in May, 2007. One year and one month later, the right spindle on the mower deck completely separated from the metal of the deck -- the bolts pulled through the metal. My husband took the deck to the authorized service dealer, Parkway Tractor, in Asheville, NC. This trip is an 80-mile round trip from our home.
Before he could return home, a service rep called to say that they would not honor John Deere's supposed two-year warranty; a new deck would cost me $587.00. I called John Deere's 800 customer support number, and I was told that John Deere's customer support would not override a dealer's decision. I asked to speak to the JD territory rep for North Carolina. His name is John, and a few days later, he, too, refused to honor John Deere's warranty.
I made the 80 mile round trip again, this time to pick up my broken mower deck. This time, I spoke with the service manager at Parkway Tractor. His first name is Clay -- he REFUSED to tell me his last name. When I told him that I had maintained my mower carefully, and I had used it for really one season, and I planned to file a consumer complaint, I was told, I could do anything I wanted, but other people had tried, and they hadn't gotten anywhere. I contend that I did nothing to cause such major damage to my mower. I was mowing a level lawn when the spindle dropped out.
I feel that John Deere manufactured a defective part, and the company is refusing to honor its two-year warranty. I regret that I did not read the complaints from so many others on the consumer affairs web site BEFORE my husband and I purchased my mower. At this point, I don't expect to receive any help from John Deere, but I hope that other consumers will be warned by my experience.
Shannon of Jay FL (06/21/08)
I purchased a JohnDeere Lawn Mower in Late 2003 for $1,500.00 based off of the fact that me and my wife are disabled and we trusted in the claim of quality by johndeere and we could not afford to continue to buy or repair such. Almost since the first use we have had nothing but trouble with this mower which is a Saber Model. It has been back and forth to the place of purchase several times and they have came to my house to work on it as well to no avail, it still remains broke down as it useally does each time it is used it seems.
My complaints have gotten the retailer to attempt repairs again to no avail, as it remains broke down now. I was informed by the personel that, that is why johndeere stopped makeing such model shortly after I bought it due to so many problems but they never would swap or attempt helping me get into another selection, I wanted a lawn mower that worked, not refund. Now I have to attempt use of a neihbors lawn mower to cut grass, because the albatross I purchased has never worked right.
The consequence to this matter is now as it has been since the time of purchase that I have a mower that I have to attempt to put money in just to cut my grass and that is adverse to our decision to purchase this product being on a fixed income. We are now faced as we have been since the time of purchase to have to continue to pour money into it or buy another of which we dont have. They knew they had problems with this lawn mower that is why they stopped production and they should have recalled such and helped us instead of sticking us with it.
Jeremiah of Coventry CT (06/18/08)
Riding Mower model 102 brake failure after one season of service (20 month old when incident occurred). I was asked to pay $69.99 for Warranty repair of a major safety component!
minor bodily injury and property damage due to brake failure.
Billy of Rockdale TX (06/07/08)
In April I bought what I thought was a new 100 series John Deer lawn mower. When I got it home it aready had oil in and time on the hour meter. From the first time I used it when lowing the cutting deck it made a terible noise and shook real bad. I kept checking the level on the deck thinging that was the trouble. I used it three times about fifteen minutes each time. Final I called the JOhn Deere headquarters and they told me to take it to dealer nearest me, which was; Coufal-Prater in Cameron Texas. I left it and when they called me they said it had pieces of string which looked like boot laces wrapped around the top spindle and it burned the belt up.( it cost me about $93.00 dollars our of my pocket to fix it)
Now this lawn mower acted up up from frist time I got on it. My thoughts someone bought it and messed it up and brought it back and they sold it to me as a new mower. My wife and my son witnessed the noise the first time I got on it. I am sixty seven years old and this is the first John Deere lawn mower I ever bought. Also I have mowed my yard for many years and one thing I do is check each time before I mow for anything that migh be laying in the yard that would tear a mower up. I don't know if there is anyway to check the ID number to see if it had been sold before I bought it and brought back to Lowe's. It is a JOhn deer riding lawn mowe series 100. Can the ID number be traced to see how many owners have bought it?
Lorraine of Collegeville PA (05/13/08)
I purchased my mower from top a John Deere dealership about 9 years ago. It was sputtering and dying. OK, I called for service. They returned it a few days later. It ran exactly the same. 3 service calls later - still runs awful. Here is it a year later and now it won't run more than 10 minutes. They replaced brand new parts I already replaced and charged me over $400.00 to do it. Then they tell me they don't have time to run the mower for 30 minutes until the engine sputters and dies. in other words they don't have time to service it properly. Great! Lets take the widow to the cleaners. The little lady won't know the difference anyway. I have a John Deere Lawn Ornament surrounded by 6' of grass. The bills still come in my deceased husband's name despite me telling them for the past 9 years he died right after the purchase of the mower. Insensitive and caloused.
the dealership wrote off the late fees I refused to pay but isn't going to refund any repair over charges. John Deere corporate sent me a little thank you for being a customer card and a coupon for 35% off my next parts and service bill. Mower still dead on the lawn. They won't give me detailed bills of what they repaired, what I was charged for or refund anything for parts I previously replaced.
Billy of Tennessee IL (05/11/08)
i purched a gx540 johndeere lawn tractor may 25 2006 and it had a 2yr warranty. it wouldnt start may 7th 2008so returned to dealer for warrant service. they said the choke had come undone so when i picked it up they charged me 30.00 for anew air filter which i thought was outragious but i shouldnt have had to pay for anyway. so this will be my last johndeere product.
George of Bluefield WV (05/11/08)
question -talk about false advertising---how is john deere allowing lowes , home depot etc to sell a mower with the john deere logo on it when the dealer says these mowers are not made by john deere ....!!!!!!!!!!!!!yes thats right john deere dealers tell people that the lowes and home depot john deeres are an inferior quality---think its about time that we start notifying our attorney generals on this slick trick...................
Kathy of Walton Hills OH (05/08/08)
John Deere L120 riding mower, purchased in 2003 at local Home Depot, barely lasted out the 2 year warranty, after which the transmission failed, causing the mower to shut down after mowing for a few minutes. This was a very poorly designed machine. The transmission, a Tuff Torq model K46AC, looks tiny and undersized compared to other comparable mowers. Why not a bigger transmission?
This cheaply built machine appears to have been designed to take advantage of John Deere's good name. It is basically a throw away that costed over $2000.00 for 2 and 1/2 years of use. Not only do we feel suckered, having invested so much money in such a poor product, there is the trauma of realizing that the John Deere company, for so long a quality name, put out a machine that you can't even refurbish in a cost effective manner. The transmission, a poor choice for the mower anyway, is only available through a dealer and will be expensive. We will probably sell the motor and the seat and discard the rest.
My dad bought this machine, and he loved tractors and was a mechanic. He lived pretty far from any John Deere dealer. He had looked at this mower at the John Deere dealers, but bought at Home Depot because it was close by. This mower was a supreme disappointment to him in his last years. He's mowing Greener Pastures now, and I hope he's up there telling Mr. John Deere how his company has taken a dive with these cheap machines.
Cynthia of Fairview WV (05/04/08)
My husband purchased a John Deere mower L-100 a little over 2 years ago. Last season he was experiencing some trouble with it but just put it up till this April and loaded it up to take it back to the dealer. We did not purchase the extended warranty but still thought it was worth fixing since it looks like a brand new mower. The problem started with the deck. The bolts were not tighten from the factory like they should have and it worked loose. Both the shafts were worn out, the bearings are bad, and then the cam shaft is bad in the motor. The mower itself probably has less than 50 hours on it. The repairman said to my husband after telling us it would take $900 to fix it,
We have had a lot of problems with this model, they quit making the cam shaft plastic. They never reveiled that information at the time of purchase that 2006 and 2007 John Deere mowers had a cam shaft was made of plastic. Since we are so discussed with it and have talk to a few other people, that repairman was right, there are alot of problems. In all fairness they did offer $100 trade in on another mower. But the guy that loaded it back into the truck, with the mower still off of it said, You could probably piece it out and get more than $100, the seat, by itself almost cost that. Long ago, I bought a little Murray riding mower that far out last this, it's problem was just rust. We though having a John Deere would be top of the line not the bottom. Now everytime my husband see's a commercial about JD or any thing with a logo on it, he cringes. I guess it's a push mower or maybe a new craftsman in the future.
Our yard is large and the grass is very high, we have an non riding lawn mower in pieces that the dealer wants almost what was paid for it to fix it. We felt like they were just trying to get us to buy a bigger one but wanted us to go in debt to buy it. When that didn't work, the sales dept and the service people acted indifferent, I went to sit in the truck while we waited for them to load it back up. Of course they didn't put it back together, they thought we would purchase another. We took it home in pieces and it still is!
Nicole of Autryville NC (05/02/08)
We purchased a John Deere 340 lawn mower on Sat. Apr 12,08. First of all the equipment sits on their lot in the weather all year long. The tractor had extensive sun damage and old gas sitting in it. We were told to take it home for the weekend and bring it back Monday for repairs and detailing. My husband used it Sat. evening for a short time, then later when he tried to start the mower it wouldn't start. Sunday he replaced the fuel filter, spark plugs, and it still wouldn't start. Mon. 4/14 he returned the mower to Jim Reaves and explained the problems, and asked them to order us a brand new mower. Jim Reaves was hesitant to comply, but finally agreed. The new mower was to arrive in a week.
Well, a week passed and I called Mr. Reaves he said it was on it's way; I inquired about the bagger also, and he said they hadn't seen it. I wanted the bagger to be installed when the mower arrived, but we received the mower on 4/25/08, and the bagger was no where to be found. I called on 4/22 to follow up on the bagger, and he said it would be here on 4/29. I called on 5/1 amd was told the bagger and turbo had arrived, but we were waiting on the chute. We paid $800 for a bagger, and Bobby,the parts manager, told me they didn't order the chute. I called Jim Reaves on 5/2 after speaking with Bobby, and he said the chute was on freeze from John Deere and wouldn't be shipped till the middle of May. He then proceeded to tell me that he called JD and told them he needed one now!
I asked him why he was selling baggers if he couldn't get the chutes? He didn't have an answer for me, he just continued to blame John Deere. I also told Jim Reaves that this was the worst customer service I had ever received. Each of his employees told me and my husband a different lie. Jim stated that I could bring the machine back if I wanted to. Well, if my husband didn't have lawns to cut this weekend I would return his lawn mower. Unlike the staff of Reaves Tractor, we have integrity, and will be cutting our customer's grass this weekend. Again, the bagger chute should be here on 5/5; however, if it is not I will be going to get our $800 back. This is a disgrace to John Deere dealers everywhere. Had I know we would have this much hassle I would have purchased the JD elsewhere!
Well the financing of the mower was not done as agreed. Johnny, the salesman, didn't disclose to us any of the information about adding insurance to the loan. He also gave us a different rate than he quoted us, which I found while signing the contract. He also did not disclose all the charges included to us on the settlement page. I found the copy in the trash, I would not allow my information to be thrown out; unless shredded and that is something they don't do. I brought all the incorrect copies home with me to shred. We have wasted time, gas, and lost lawn care business, due to this hassle.
Kevin of Eddyille KY (04/30/08)
I bought this JD L120 from a local dealer not to long ago. It has 64 hours on it and have had nothing but trouble. First, at 10 hours a pulley went bad. I took it to the dealer and they said it wasn't covered. Price was only $11 but was a hassle. Next the fan blade over the rear end broke and had to pay for that too. Another $20 bucks. Later the mower decides it doesn't want to start.
The dealer says I need to replace the spark plug. The didn't fix the problem so I called a local mower repairman. He said to not bring it to him because he hates the JD mowers. Finally, yesterday I was mowing and the brake/clutch linkage breaks and links be unable to stop. Before buying this junker, I had a cheap Craftsman for 10 years and never did anything to it but add fuel. I'll never own a John Deere again.
Holly of Bedford IN (04/24/08)
I have a 15-20 year old John Deere riding lawnmower. The tires are in desperate need of replacement, I do not have the owners manual, all I have is the name of the mower printed boldly on the front of the mower itself. STX.38 Hydro. I want to know why I can't go to the official John Deere website and find a parts listing for that type of mower? They manufactured it. I need to know what size tire to buy, to replace mine. All I got everywhere I went on their site was model# not found not accurate part #. etc. They say Nothin' runs like a Deere So obviously, they expect their products to last, so they should have an easier way to access part #'s for their older model products.
I spent a great deal of my time searching for this information, and still don't have an answer. It seems as though this should have been an easier thing to do. I guess now I'll have to go out an get the tire off and take it to my local tire store, so they can look it up. For all the time I spent on their useless website, this is probably what I should have done in the first place, I would be mowing my lawn by now. I thought it would be a little easier if I could just go and tell them what I needed, buy it, come home, replace my tires, and start mowing. Thanks for nothing, John Deere!
Wessel of Pretoria OTHER (04/24/08)
First of all, Ive been using John Deere turf equipment for over 2 years now. John Deere are very good equipment. The problem I have is SERVICE. Anybody can sell equipment, but can you deliver a service after selling the equipment. The golf club spent R4m on John Deere equipmet. 2500E - The reel motor broke down twice. Firstly Afgri sent me 2 second hand motors and say Just check witch one works This was for a warranty claim... Now really, is that right?
Second motor - I am waiting for a month for a new motor kit. They promised me it will be here before the 17 April, and guess what, today is the 24th and still no motor kit. I had my Club Champ on the 19th of April, I had to change my tees mower to mow greens, and my semi-rough mower to mow tees. In the whole equipment deal With Afgri-golf were verti-drain needle tines and blocks. After a year and 2 Months i still have not received the tines and blocks. For the last 3 months I phone every week. Every time they have a different excuse. I have spoken to few greenkeepers and they feel the same This is unexceptable.
Bonnie of Rancho Cucamonga CA (04/21/08)
March 22, 2008 I purchased a brand new John Deere riding mower. Didn't work from day one. First off, the battery was totally dead, wouldn't start. Now, it's unusable because of a defective seat switch. I've called John Deere numerous times, Lowes has called John Deere, always the same answer, that they're not responsible. I have a One Year In Home Warranty that they also will not honor. They state that it's only for maintenance only. No where does it say that.
John Deere will not be responsible for anything, their warranty is worthless! On one of the numerous times when I called their customer service number (that's a joke in itself)the lady I talked to even said that she'd heard of the faulty seat switch before. So John Deere knows that there is a problem, they just choose to do nothing about it. Now I see why people file class action lawsuits.
Tom of Louisville KY (04/12/08)
I was within an inch of purchasing a John Deere lawn mower/tractor earlier today at Lowe's and I didn't because I wanted to do a little home work on it first - and I'm glad I did. When it comes to putting stock in customer reviews, I'm not so much concerned about equipment troubles as I am with the lack of good customer-service. Any company can have a run of bad luck from time to time with a certain piece of equipment- thats just part of the business world- but the customer service needs to stand up for the customer needs to help them get their problems worked out and apparently John Deere is not one of those type of companies. I just want to let the John Deere people know (and I know from reading some of these complaints that the people at John Deere do actually view this site and monitor these commments) that the bad comments here regarding lack of good customer-support cost them my business (for whats it worth to them).
Ron of Candler NC (03/30/08)
I have a John Deere L120 riding mower with 109 hours. The mowing deck middle spindle's top completely broke off from its bottom. I bought another for around $45 from a JD dealer. At least this one has a grease fitting. After injecting it with grease I began to install it on the deck. Guess what! Screw holes in the spindle were not even threaded. Now I'll have to spend another $7.00 in gas to take it back for a replacement. Good grief. I wonder where the spindle was made? Maybe the entire JD mower was made there too.
David of Morton IL (03/04/08)
I bought an X304 back in March 2007, and the machine works fine. My issue is that John Deere decided to increase the warranty from 2 to 4 years in November, 2007. Since my riding mower is in the same model year, I asked for them to grant me the 4-year warranty. They said no. I am curious if anyone else feels the same way as I do.
While this is probably considered a non-issue to many, I feel slighted since the mower was bought in the same model year, and John Deere preaches about it's quality.
John of So Hadley MA (02/24/08)
Just wanted to say that I bought a John Deere lawn tractor(Lt133) way back in may of 98 and have had little to no problems with it to this day. Great machine. The people at the dealer were really polite and helpful. I will buy another one from them when I kill this one someday! Thanks.
Steve of Windham ME (02/15/08)
I have worked for John Deere for some time now. I am tired of hearing people complain about the products. Most of the complaints are about big box store bought products, not from a dealership. You got what you paid for; they are built for cost units, not premiums that dealers sell. Second of all, if you purchased an extended warranty through the box stores it has nothing to do with Deere, so again that's your problem. Maybe you should have researched that a bit more. If you had gone to your local dealer they will tell you that the units are built to cost units, not premiums. You the consumer need to think about it for a second; its like paying $30,000 for a new car or $11,900 for a new car.
Edgar of Columbia VA (02/11/08)
I had bought a new John Deere tractor. To my understanding I was the first time buyer. After 149 hours and still under warranty, the power reverse clutches went out. When I called the dealer, he said the warranty didn't apply to this. Then found out I was the third owner, but it sold as new with warranty. In talking with other farmers in the surrounding area, they also had the same problems with this model 5525. I would like a response.
I got stuck with over $2000.00 dollars with "used" tractor. I refuse to pay the bill.
William of Irwin PA (02/11/08)
Product: John Deere Lawn Tractor, Model L120 Purchased: 5/29/03, Purchase price: $2200.00 Issue: During the 07 cutting season the unit started experiencing a loss of power. The main drive belt was replaced since it showed signs of wear and was somewhat brittle; no improvement. The unit was taken to the dealer and they determine the transmission was shot and replacement would be about $500.00. The dealer also said they have seen a lot of problems with transmissions on the L series of tractors. The unit has only 240 hours, approximately 50 hours per cutting season. A call to the John Deere Customer Communications Center was fruitless; the agents response to all of my questions was that the unit is out-of-warranty. Needless to say I will not pay $500.00 for another 240 hours of operation. I have owned many lawn tractors, mostly inexpensive, low end. The decision to purchase a John Deere was based on my desire to purchase a unit that last many years. Having a major component failure at 240 hours is unacceptable. The cost of purchase is over $9.00 for every hour of operation. To further exacerbate the situation I can purchase, through the dealer, the transmission for the same $500.00 to self install. I would consider replacing it myself if John Deere would provide one at dealer cost and not an inflated price. Nothing breaks-down like a Deere.
Corey of Gastonia NC (02/09/08)
I purchased a John Deere (JS25) from a local Lowe's Home Improvement store in April 2007. From day one, I had trouble cranking the mower. I used the mower for a couple of months. (Everytime the mower was hard to crank, but I loved the way the mower cut and handled, so I didn't stress over the difficulty starting the mower too much.) I contacted Lowe's Service Advantage (additional warranty I purchased) in late '07 to file a complaint and get the issue fixed. They referred me to a local John Deere dealer. The dealer had the mower for 3 weeks, and in that time they tore the motor down and said that they could not find what was wrong. I contacted John Deere who, in the beginning, was helpful and instructed me to have the dealer issue a DTEC order with John Deere that would allow the dealer and John Deere to communicate with one each other about the mower.
I contacted John Deere 2 weeks later (because they never called me), and they said that there was strange marking on the cylinders of the motor. They believe that the markings may have caused the mower to lose compression and prevent it from cranking. They said that it is possible that the mower was cranked at some time without oil. If that happened, I certainly did not do it. I filled the mower with the oil that was provided with the mower before I ever unfolded the handles. John Deere is assuming that the mower was not defective when they received it. John Deere did not manufacture the motor for this mower. It is a Briggs and Stratton mower that was shipped (sealed....with no ACCESS) to John Deere, and they install it on their mower. John Deere is assuming that the mower was started without oil because that is the only thing they can come up with to explain the strange markings on the cylinder heads. They refuse to believe that the motor may have been defective when they received it although they have no definitive way to back that up.
Deere will not honor their warranty, and now I need to replace the motor on a 9-month-old lawnmower. I paid $400 for the mower from Lowe's + $40 in additional warranty coverage through Lowe's, and now the dealer is telling me that it will cost another $270 to fix the mower. In essence...I will have a nearly $700 walk-behind mower. It is completely ridiculous to have to put up with this type of issue from a company like John Deere.
Jason of Uxbridge MA (01/28/08)
I purchased a John Deere L108 tractors at Home Depot serial number: GXL108A016404 with a 18.5 hp Briggs & Stratton. About two weeks ago it stopped running after I finished snow blowing the driveway. The tractor would not crank. I checked the oil, it was black but full. I had it brought to 146 supply center in Millbury, MA. The service Dept. stated that the engine was seized due to lack of lubrication, and it needed a new engine at a cost of $1600. I was stunned! I say stunned because I've worked in the automotive business for 20 years. (I've spent roughly $17,000 dollars with John Deere in three years.) On the L108 dilemma, I spoke to Joanne in John Deere customer service looking for some assistance with this repair. Joanne was polite, but just kept repeating what the retailer said to me: that the machine seized due to lack of lubrication. I explained to her that I could not accept this explanation. I told her that in its very short life I had changed the oil in this machine more times than what John Deere recommends with only John Deere oil purchased at 146 supply. I stated that I could look her in the eye and honestly say that I check the oil in all my machines prior to starting. I realize this is very important due to the small amount of oil in small engines.
I've changed the oil 7 times in 2 1/2 years and have the dates of doing so. I do have the hours listed because I purchased a John Deere hour meter so that I would know exactly when I needed to change the oil. I take pride in my tractors, and I'm very loyal to the John Deere brand. I started to do some research on the internet. I happen to find another L108 customer with the same complaint. This customer was told the same thing by his retailer and John Deere. Maybe this is an issue for the L108 model and its just coming to light now? Just because it made it through the warranty period doesn't mean the manufacturer is off the hook. If there is an issue with the L108 model, John Deere has an obligation to at least look into it. I'm not looking for a free ride. I'm just looking for some brand loyalty consideration. I would even consider buying the engine at dealer cost. $1600.00 is a lot of money to spend fixing a machine that I paid $1600.00 for--and that included bagger.
Today, January 26, I picked up my John Deere L108 so that I could replace the engine myself. Before I left the retailer I had an interesting conversation with a John Deere retailer employee. He informed me that during the spring and summer months they replace about five (5) L series engines a week. He stated there is a problem with the Briggs & Stratton engines in the L series, and that they only last about 100 hours. He also stated, if you use a snow blower attachment the engine's life is much less, which is funny because John Deere recommends and sells a snow blower attachment, which I own on this L108. It sounds like John Deere has a big problem with the L series!!
John Deere wanted $1600.00 to replace engine. I was able to fine an OEM replacement for $527.50, which I installed myself.
Richard of Sebastian FL (01/25/08)
I purchased a John Deere riding mower in July 2004 from Home Depot in Vero Beach FL at a cost of $1,799.00. I used the mower for 2 months with no problems. In 9/04, this area of Florida was hit by two hurricanes in two weeks, and due to damage to my residence, I was out of the house for 8 months, and had hired lawn service during that time. This in turn caused the 50 hour required service to be done later than John Deere Inc. beleives to be responsible. However,the issue here is really the 100 hour service which was performed by Moore Motors on 9/8/07. The first time I used the mower after this service, all the oil leaked out and the engine seized. Moore Motors picked up the mower in October 2007 and still has it to this day. Their response to the problem is that they fouund no reason for the oil to leak out, which is moot point, since it did leak out. They do not accept responsibility, although their oil change was obviously the culprit. A call to John Deere, Inc. went nowhere, as the person I talked with just stayed focused on the fact that the 50 hour service was not performed when they thought it should have been. I followed up this phone call with a registered letter to John Deere in Moline, Ill., to which I have never received a response. I also have never heard from Moore Motors, who still has the mower. I am sure if I contact them, they will assess me a storage fee, so I am letting that sleeping dog lie. What I would like to accomplish is to have Moore Motors replace the engine and return the mower to me, which I will put up for sale immediately.
Because I live in Florida, I cut grass on a year-round basis. I cannot be without a lawn mower. I had to purchase another riding mower in 11/07 at a cost of $1800.
Dave of West Shokan NY (01/02/08)
The snowblower attachment for the X300 Tractor destroyed the front differential when the auger jammed. The shear bolts didn't have a mark on them. The differential is made in India--cheap junk. The size of this thing is so small to handle 18 Hp. It looks like I am in store for many replacements under warranty. Soon to be sold.
John of Sebastian FL (12/15/07)
I have the John Deere LT133 lawn motor tractor. The entire hood system is plastic; it shattered as I was just lifting the front when the tractor got stuck in the mud., The lawn tractor is junk. The motor deck wheels fell apart within months of purchase. I paid over $2400.00 for it.
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Tommy of San Saba TX (10/10/07)
I bought a 5302 John Deere 65hp Tractor in 2004. It was in the shop numerous times for leaking head gaskets, leaking hydrolic arms and lifts, and general shoddy performance. They supposedly ground down the heads and put new hydrolic armature lifts on it but it never worked right from the very beginning. Finally after plowing one day and stopping for lunch , just as I got to the house I heard this loud, KABOOM! My tractor blew up! It had less than 400 hours on it and after numerous attempts and threatened lawsuits they (John Deere) sent two inspectors out to investigate. They determined that it was due to a malfunction of the tractors bypass switch that somehow keeps it from overheating. Well obviously! The lawyer representing John Deere is very good at avoiding returning my calls and after 10 months has managed to evade making restitution on this matter even though he said John Deere accepts the responsibility and now he is saying something about contacting John Deere in India where it was manufactured (Imagine that!) and supposedly that is the new hold up on getting me a new tractor or financial reimbursement.
Dale Angelo of Madisonville LA (10/04/07)
Deck on tractor is total junk. With less than 150 hrs on mower spindles have been replaced multiple times, pulleys have been replaced multiple times and now deck has hole warn in it.
Richard of Orange Beach AL (09/26/07)
I purchased a john deere 4410 tractor new in 2003 from Foley Implements. The tractor only has 277 hours on it and I have had it in the shop numerous times some with big surprises. Under warranty it was there several times. Now that the warranty is out the PTO went out for the tune of over $600 all electrical. Seals on the front end of the 4wd are leaking and now the tractor won't work. Had it hauled in and had a estimate for $2900.
Ray of Mount Vernon WA (06/09/07)
We replaced the transmission in our three year old John Deere riding lawnmower last year in our own equipment repair shop,
at a cost of nearly $500.00. Ten months later the new transmission is slipping as bad as the one we replaced. Local dealer says no warranty since we installed it ouselves..
Paul of Sewickley PA (05/21/07)
I bought this John Deere lawn tractor LT133 a few years ago. I thought the name was worth the extra money and I would have mant years of good service. WRONG. This is worse than the cheapest MTD that I purchased years ago whne money was tight. Things keep breaking that shoul;ny. Ex. spring under seat that cushions ride. I am looking for a repair man right now because my rear axle just snapped in half for no just reason. I can;t stop a person from buying a John Deere but I suggest that if you do put their repair phone number on speed dial, it will save you a lot of time.
Broken axle, body resting on tire, can't move it to repair shop.
Nathan of Greene ME (04/06/07)
Complete Garbage Hydro-static tranny has no power to back up. This started at day one of having the tractor home. Dealership claimed to replace traning but no change. if it gets stuck then the rear tires do not move.
Paul of Knoxville TN (03/31/07)
I own the John Deere L120 , approximately 4 yrs. old . The deck on the mower is in terrible shape. At the end of last year the middle spindle completely froze so I took the deck off to check the rest of it out. In doing so I found that one of the other spindles were worn out also . But this is not my only complaint . I found that the paint on the deck is coming off everywhere, bolt holes, on edges and also just in random spots. I had to take the belt covers off 2 yrs. ago to sand and paint them. I am now in the process of repainting and repairing the deck.
I sincerely hope that someone affiliated with John Deere gets to read this. The quality of the L series tractor is pure CRAP . I will not purchase another John Deere lawn tractor (unless I can get one for 5 bucks,LOL) If I had planned to throw away $2000.00, I could have thought of much better things to do with my money!
Also a little tip for those that still have some of the spindles with no grease alamite, I know we should'nt have to do it ourselves, but it is fairly simple to install the alamite yourself. I managed to save one of mine by installing the alamite. Oh yeah, when I called the J. D. dealer to see about the spindles (with grease fitting) , I asked how many they had in stock to make sure I didn't make the trip for nothing. No problem, we have 102 in stock. Sounds kind of fishy to me.
Gerald of Sherwood OR (03/18/07)
I purchased a John Deere L120 riding mower 2 years ago. Now have only 95 hours on it; always stored in shed. The mowing deck started to make lots of noise. Turns out the three blade spindles are completely worn out. I was very surprised to see that the mower ships with spindles that cannot be greased - they are throw away items. The replacement spindles at $45 each now have grease nipples. I just can't believe that saving 5c per nipple was appropriate on a $2400 tractor. This will be my last JD product.
Sam of Columbia MO (03/13/07)
My John Deere STX 38 lawn mower was a real disappointment.
I bought this mower, and the hood broke off at the front, for it was made of plastic. The electric PTO posed to be a problem. It kept running the battery down. The mower was sent in for maintenance at Lawn and Leisure of Columbia, and after I got it back, it wouldn't run right. They put on a fuel filter that wouldn't allow enough gas to get through. Also, this mower had a problem of the brake lock locking in when I pushed the clutch, stopping the mower dead in it's tracks.
Joseph of Hernando FL (05/09/06)
The mower is only two years old with 205 hrs of use. The power take off that runs the mower keeps failing and causes the mower to be out of service for weeks till repaired under warrenty. Called John deere company and got no satisfaction. The power take off is about to malfunction again for the 4th time so instead of having it fixed with my money I traded it in for a SIMPLICITY MOWER. John Deere is not the product that it was before. Now they make the mowers for Home Depot and Lowes makes them cheaper and less reliable.
Charles of Crosby TX (04/04/06)
John Deere L120 Riding Lawn Mower is a lemon. I've had nothing but trouble with it. All the spindles have worn out. Replaced two belts already. A wiring harness. Now the blades won't spin at all and suspect the electic clutch has gone bad. Also, have had to tighen too many nuts and bolts that have come loose or come apart and completly fallen out especially in the steering column.
I spent over $2500 for the lawnmower barely 2 years ago and another $500 in parts alone. It's become a crap shoot every time I mow knowing weither the lawn mower will work or not.
Stan of Glen Allen VA (03/17/06)
I had a John Deere lawn mower for 15 years, and finally the Briggs and Stratton engine quit forever last year. So, I thought I'd repeat my luck and buy another John Deere JS20 with a 6.75 hp Briggs and Stratton. I went to Lowes, picked it up, took it home, read the Quick Start instructions, checked the oil, poured in the gas, added the gas "freshener", and started it on the first pull. I mowed two and one-half rounds in my back yard, heard a fierce clatter and found that the engine blew up. Totally frozen.
No complaint here. I took the lawn mower back to Lowes within two hours of buying it, and they refunded my money without any comment. Bottom line, John Deere ain't what it used to be. How long does a John Deere last? About two hours.
David of Gresham OR (01/12/06)
John Deere Credit has listed a contract that I am not signatory to on my credit report and also indicated is that the payment is delinquent. The contract was signed by Lance S. who was my ward over 20 years ago. I have helped Lance and his wife with some payments but because of a divorce, neither he nor his wife have made payments for the last few months. Lance has contacted John Deere Tractor to come and repossess the tractor. I did not co-sign for the tractor and in no way conveyed any intention to John Deere Credit that I would assume this debt.
Daniel of White Springs FL (11/17/05)
We have the lt130 lawn tractor. The spindles keep wearing out and they supposedly upgraded to a greaseable spindle. This past summer we replaced the upgraded spindles 3 times. Our warranty runs out in March of next year, and they have informed us that we will be paying the cost of replacing these spindles everytime in the future. They will not replace their mistake with these spindles for free or offer to find a solution. The last time the spindles went bad, a pully also broke off and they replaced it with a different pully and installed it crooked.
James of Glenmoore PA (10/14/05)
I purchesed a John Deere STX-38 tractor. The hood is defective where the standoffs break ,the plastic hood drops down on the hot muffler. This is a fire hazzard. I have written John Deere twice telling them about the problem so they can fix it. I also requested that they send me a new hood where my hood is no longer usable. I was going to make my own safety changes to a new hood if they sent me a hood with no improvements.
The only response I get from them is that the tractor is out of warranty and they will not replace the hood. I gave them many examples of people having the same problem. On Ebay, many peolpe are looking to buy a replacement for their broken hood.
Dale of Duluth GA (10/02/05)
I owned an older John Deere riding mower, I purchased it used so I don't know how old it was. I couldn't break it. Someone finally stole it. I was so satisfied that I rushed out and purchased a new STX 38 Hydro. 1st the mower started cutting on and off; it turned out that all but one of the bolts had fallen out and the motor was loose, the ground was attached to the last bolt. The plastic hood is breaking and falling appart. A new one will cost more than the mower is worth. The mower deck can't be adjusted to mow the lawn without leaving ridges.
Tom of Zanesville OH (07/06/05)
Transmission on lawn tractor went bad after owning less than two years. John Deere won't make good.
Jay of Catheys Valley CA (7/10/03):
For some unexplained reason, John Deere has changed their policy on providing replacement parts for their products. For eight years since I bought my last riding lawn mower, I�ve been completely satisfied with the equipment and the replacement parts. Now, without prior notice, John Deere decided to discontinue production of the blades for my riding lawn mower. It�s a great lawn mower; I believe John Deere makes the best lawn and garden equipment. However, no matter how good a riding lawn mower is, without the proper blades it becomes nothing mor than an expensive toy for your children or grandchildren to ride.
I invested $5,000 in this riding lawn mower that is now rendered useless without blades. I contacted John Deere representatives in Moline, Illinois and Raleigh, North Carolina about their change in production of replacement parts. Their only responses were "that�s our policy" and "making a fuss over lawn mower blades is silly."
The West coast representative says his hands are tied and there is nothing he can do. Because I mow five acres about twelve times a year, I have two John Deere riding lawn mowers that I maintain regularly. As a result, it lasts a long time (eight years in my case). John Deere seems to think that after six years you should pay $5,000 to buy a replacement (two replacements in my case) for an otherwise fully functional lawn mower that runs as good as the day I bought it.
I can�t say enough good words about the dealer "Rancher�s Tractor", in Merced, California. They have been extremely helpful to me over the last eight years. In my opinion, John Deere made a big mistake putting their lawn and garden equipment in Home Depot and Sears or any other chain store. I compare that business practice to selling a Cadillac at a GoKart dealership By doing this, John Deere is cheapening their product and hurting their dealers. John Deere is also cutting the quality on their replacement parts, at least on their lawn and garden equipment which makes me wonder if they are sacrificing quality in other areas of production.
For example, John Deere has come out with a replacement blade for my lawn mower that is 3/8" too short, which means there is a 3/4" space between each blade. This leaves a trail of unmowed grass between the blades. Also the lift isn�t high enough to throw out the vegetation which continually lugs down the machine or shuts it off completely. You must then clean the mower before you can use it again. Personally I�m going to boycott all John Deere products anywhere other than at dealerships. It will be a cold day in Hell before I buy another John Deere product unless I see proof that they�ve changed their attitude and service policy.
Jim of Mabscott WV (7/3/03):
I purchaesd A John Deere Mower Model GS30, a 36-inch cut walk-behind mower with a sulky. Mower balance is very bad -- front of mower kicks causing loss of control. This mower has a five speed transmission, which won't hold the mower back on a slight grade. Dealer won't make this right or take mower back.
I purchased the mower 5-12-03, used it for around 15 minutes. Called on 5-13-03 and asked to return mower, answer was NO.
Rebecca of Brodhead WI (6/8/03):
We purchased our Ranch King lawn tractor 3 years ago, in May of 2000. Last summer the fuse started to blow every time we used it. We took it to a repairman who stated that he could not find anything wrong with the wiring, but that he had heard that some of these tractors had a problem with the starter, causing the tractor to short out the fuse. He tested everything, and then the tractor just started working again.
I have now mowed the lawn 5 times this summer and it is blowing a fuse again. I went through 8 fuses yesterday trying to get it to run, and it will not. Very unhappy as this mower is only 3 years old, and was only warrantied for 2 years. I do not want to have to buy another lawn tractor as we spent over $1,000.00 on this one only 3 years ago.
James of Huntsville AL writes (1/17/03):
August 29,2002 I bought a LT150 lawn tractor from an authorized John Deere dealer. Four months later I see the same green machines at discount stores (Home Depot) for over $500 less. I consider this as a rip-off since the dealer told me that the mowers sold at Home Depot were sold under a different name, were a different color, and not as good as the mower I bought.
It pays to shop around.
John of Whitewater, MO, writes:
I bought a $4,000 Garden Tractor from Crown equipment, a John Deere Garden tractor model 275. Since then I have been out $1000 in repair costs on a new transmission. The company agrees that this is abnormal but refused to fix it free of charge.
John doesn't say how old the tractor is or what the warranty says. He should read the warranty and, if Deere is in violation, he can sue in Small Claims Court to recover his losses.
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