Don't buy John Deere

[Rickinco]

I bought a John Deere Lawn tractor. It ran 150 hours in 3 years then started having problems. The dealership replaced several parts then told me the transmission was bad. They said they checked the fluid level and it was good. However when I got it home I pulled the transmission and it was nearly empty of fluid. Since its sealed and neither the dealership nor myself could see leakage, its obvious they never had it full when they sold it to me new.
John Deere Corporate has been a nightmare to get any honest answers. They have lied accross the board several times and will not address the questions nor the issues. Even the territory manager has lied.
this isn't my dad's John Deere. Spread the news.

 

[Geezer]

Sorry, Can't do the news spreading for you. Have had too many good Deere products over the years.. From 4430 all the way down to a 265 Lawn tractor. Best if you just rant to yourself.

 

[Greenday]

John deere doesnt even build there own lawn tractors anymore!

 

[Gun guru]

I think that the small Lawn tractors are made by MTD or another manf. Deere only really makes the expensive $10,000 lawn tractors and the diesel utilties.

I sympathize with you.....My 2305 Deere diesel has been great, 120+ hours and 2.5 years old.

Call another dealer, get on the TV News if you are that pizzed.

 

[NoDakInMN]

So in the 3 years and 150 hrs of operation you never once checked the fluid level in the transmission? If so you would have known it was low and would have done something about it long before now. Did you ever read the owners manual and the recommended service intervals? Small wonder you can't get satisfaction from Deere, they tend not to warranty stupidity.

My suggestion is that you get yourself a $1500 brand X tractor and just plan on replacing it every couple years as they are designed to wear out in that time span and inconveniences like checking fluid levels doesn't really affect that.

 

[bison]

I ain't a JD fan myself,mostly cause of the price of that green equipment,But all brands have their lemons at one time or another and some dealers tend to lend a cold shoulder to the problem.

I have however a 63 112 JD lawn tractor that has performed pretty good over time,i still use it all the time mowing my 2/12 acre lawn.

But then that tractor was build by JD and not in china either.

 

[bob15]

I think even the small Deere lawn tractors are still made in Horicon, WI.


bob

 

[Heavyduty1]

(quoted from post at 00:10:15 09/14/10)
So in the 3 years and 150 hrs of operation you never once checked the fluid level in the transmission? If so you would have known it was low and would have done something about it long before now. Did you ever read the owners manual and the recommended service intervals? Small wonder you can't get satisfaction from Deere, they tend not to warranty stupidity.

My suggestion is that you get yourself a $1500 brand X tractor and just plan on replacing it every couple years as they are designed to wear out in that time span and inconveniences like checking fluid levels doesn't really affect that.

I think on the cheaper mowers you can't check the fluid. It's sealed from the factory and no way to check. They are built to last until the warranty runs out, then it's time to get another one.

My Moms JD 332 has a sight glass and checking the trans fluid level takes 1 sec.

 

[NoDakInMN]

JD offers several different levels of L&G tractors. They have some that compete in the MTD market, then others that are in the mid range and others that are in the more commercial catagory, including the small diesels.

If you cannot mount a tiller or snow blower that uses the tractor's engine, then you have on of the MTD class as they have the unibody and do not have a frame.

 

[cole in mo.]

those transaxals are filled and sealed at the factory, no way to check fluid levels, they do have a filter in them, BUT there is NO break down on them as for getting parts, they are sold as a replacement unit, the one for my L-130 JD that I put over 600 hours on cost $612.00

 

[NoDakInMN]

(quoted from post at 18:29:32 09/13/10)

(quoted from post at 00:10:15 09/14/10)
So in the 3 years and 150 hrs of operation you never once checked the fluid level in the transmission? If so you would have known it was low and would have done something about it long before now. Did you ever read the owners manual and the recommended service intervals? Small wonder you can't get satisfaction from Deere, they tend not to warranty stupidity.

My suggestion is that you get yourself a $1500 brand X tractor and just plan on replacing it every couple years as they are designed to wear out in that time span and inconveniences like checking fluid levels doesn't really affect that.

I think on the cheaper mowers you can't check the fluid. It's sealed from the factory and no way to check. They are built to last until the warranty runs out, then it's time to get another one.

My Moms JD 332 has a sight glass and checking the trans fluid level takes 1 sec.

True, but as the poster did not specify the model, all we have to go on is his post. Since he said he had JD put a lot of parts in it, I made the conclusion that it was worth repairing and hence a higher quality model. If it was, as you say, one of the cheaper ones, anything over a minor repair would exceed the worrth of the tractor. Additionally, since he cited 150 hrs, I concluded that he had a higher quality tractor as the cheaper ones did not come with hour meters.

If I came off as a little testy, I apologize. But as one who has to deal with service issues, I tend to be a little short with those who find fault with the product when they fail to provide even minimal maintenance.

A few years ago, a female friend asked me if it was normal to have to replace an engine in a 3 yr old car withoout benefit of warranty. She was concerned that she was being taken advantage of because she was a woman. So I agreed to look into it for her.

Long story short, the mechanic told me that in his 40+ years of experience, that was the first time that he ever pulled the plug out of an oilpan and nothing came out.

The blank look when I got when I asked the the young lady if she had ever checked or changed her oil, told me all I needed to know.

I told her to pay whatever the mechanic wanted and to pay attention when he explained how not to repeat this.


e

 

[Heavyduty1]

(quoted from post at 01:16:09 09/14/10)

(quoted from post at 18:29:32 09/13/10)

(quoted from post at 00:10:15 09/14/10)
So in the 3 years and 150 hrs of operation you never once checked the fluid level in the transmission? If so you would have known it was low and would have done something about it long before now. Did you ever read the owners manual and the recommended service intervals? Small wonder you can't get satisfaction from Deere, they tend not to warranty stupidity.

My suggestion is that you get yourself a $1500 brand X tractor and just plan on replacing it every couple years as they are designed to wear out in that time span and inconveniences like checking fluid levels doesn't really affect that.

I think on the cheaper mowers you can't check the fluid. It's sealed from the factory and no way to check. They are built to last until the warranty runs out, then it's time to get another one.

My Moms JD 332 has a sight glass and checking the trans fluid level takes 1 sec.

True, but as the poster did not specify the model, all we have to go on is his post. Since he said he had JD put a lot of parts in it, I made the conclusion that it was worth repairing and hence a higher quality model. If it was, as you say, one of the cheaper ones, anything over a minor repair would exceed the worrth of the tractor. Additionally, since he cited 150 hrs, I concluded that he had a higher quality tractor as the cheaper ones did not come with hour meters.

If I came off as a little testy, I apologize. But as one who has to deal with service issues, I tend to be a little short with those who find fault with the product when they fail to provide even minimal maintenance.

A few years ago, a female friend asked me if it was normal to have to replace an engine in a 3 yr old car withoout benefit of warranty. She was concerned that she was being taken advantage of because she was a woman. So I agreed to look into it for her.

Long story short, the mechanic told me that in his 40+ years of experience, that was the first time that he ever pulled the plug out of an oilpan and nothing came out.

The blank look when I got when I asked the the young lady if she had ever checked or changed her oil, told me all I needed to know.

I told her to pay whatever the mechanic wanted and to pay attention when he explained how not to repeat this.


e

No problem. 8)

I hate anything sealed. I hate sealed grease fittings on cars, trucks and tractors, also.

These days it seems things are built to have a limited life span.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I live 2 miles from the closest john deere dealer and I drive 20 miles to another because I have to take my own part# with me , these young guys just dont have the knowledge to look someth ing up and use common knowledge. I went in to get a hydralic filter for a 4020 and he couldnt even do that wanted to know which one.And didnt have the o-ring either.If your wanting a 2 cyclinder part forget it, I dont know what the youngsters are gonna do without us oldtimers.Oh they dont carry classic green either. say no one uses it.Ha. carry on.

 

[Roy Suomi]

I've heard the line once; " It had oil in it when I bought it" .. sort of fits here..

 

[jd b puller]

Why is it no matter how many times this comes up, there's still people bumbling around thinking that the Deere Lawn Tractors are made by MTD or made in China?

As has been stated multiple times, the LA's are made in Greenville, TN and the rest are made in Horicon, WI by Deere employees in Deere factories. When did China buy a factory in Wisconsin? The guys that work there are gonna be ------ that they have to learn CHinese.

 

[730d se]

Geezer, I don't think it is fair to compare products built in the 1970-1990's with some that is sold today.
We bought a GX 335 brand new in 2002. Less than 4 years (stored inside), the cheap plastic hood cracked. That stupid hood piece (because they are the only ones that have it) list for around $200. They were going to "cut me a deal" and knock $25 off.
No matter how we feel about the older products (I have several that are over 50 years old and still running), the new stuff ain't built as well. There is much better built lawn equipment for less money.

 

[Dirtjockey]

I wouldn't say for less money, more money yes

 

[Kansas4010]

Hate to admit it but he has a point. I just bought a new D series skid loader. I got 40 hrs on it before it had to go into the shop. JD corporate denied anything was wrong. Finally told them to give me back my money and they can keep it i'll buy a different brand. Thats when they decided something was wrong and it got fixed. They are not the company they once were.

 

[johndeeregene]

you all can do what i did when i got tired of john deere mowers, i bought a good one, AGCO, which are made by simplisty, i think that is how you spell it. any how if you ever buy a acgo mower you will never go back to anything else, twice the mower. an we have always been john deere, an still are with tractors.
johndeeregene

 

[LarryM]

I hope my brother sees this. He used to work for Deere and I think he had access to some of the documentation that indicates that they are not perfect. But what do you do? The new Case IH are having problems to the point thatthe neighbor family that runs 6000 acres bought 4 new green ones no one ever thought that would happen.

 

[Machinery-Man]

I have been a poster on this site for many years. I believe it is designed to educate and share information on operations, repairs and general needed information on John Deere equipment. I don't think it's a boycott service or a complaint department. Maybe the gentleman should have requested proper information how to resolve a service issue but just bad mouthing individuals and product corporations seems out of line.

 

[Hotflashjr]

The L series tractors that seems to be this issues here with the transaxle, did you all buy them from Home Depot or Lowes? If you did, then you got what you paid for. We bought my father a JD X340 lawn tractor a year ago. It has been a great machine. No issues at all. The L and LA series when put next to the X series is half the quality, exactly why we spent more and g0t Dad the X series tractor. Could have got the biggest LA series mower for the same money but it was much cheaper in terms of quality. Deere or not, you get what you pay for.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Too late!

 

[Anonymous-0]

Kubota, Kubota, Kubota!!!!!! I have a 26hp diesel Zero turn. Wonderful machine, no sealed anything. Built like a tank and great service too!!! I fell out of love with the NEW DEERE stuff years ago, it just doesn't last like the old stuff.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Some people would be a lot better off hiring someone else to mow their lawn for them.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Everyone deserves to get quality equipment for their money!!

 

[Anonymous-0]

We are all guessing which piece of equipment he bought, and he's not posted that information even as an afterthought.

The lighter-duty models were made to mow a flat lawn, not to pull a heavy trailer or carry a heavy operator up a big hill either. The transaxle is sealed.

So, if he is a big guy who got 150 hours from a box store tractor pulling a trailer and on hills he did well. On the other hand if he got 150 hours from an X-300 or bigger he did not do as well.

 

[n2deep]

I love John Deere, I own a 790 and have not had one moments worth of trouble. I use it responsiblely (its an over grown lawn tractor not a dozer), change the oil, grease it properly and keep it clean. Will I buy another deer, you bet. Our family has a small fleet of deeres and they hold up well also.

A lot of people today buy inexpensive tractors and think they are built to move mountains, nothing could be further from the truth, in short if used improperly any tractor will fail prematurely. Buying a Kobota of the same size will not solve the problem, buying the right tractor for the task will. Just because you see a small lawn tractor moving dirt in the sales brochure does not make it a good idea.

Sorry for the rant but I see this too often.

 

[jdf11287]

i ran into a similar situation in shorewood, il. deere dealer didnt caryy classic green either. also asked for a pto seal for my 41 b and they didnt even know how to look it up. i actually showed the kid behind the counter how to lookk it up. needless to say they didnt have it. so i went ot the dealer i normally go to and they knew exactly what i needed and had it in stock. These guys need to pay attention to the older gentlemen working there. they could benefit fro the lessons.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I say BUllsh8t

 

[Anonymous-0]

your the reason why we all have to pay so much taxes. The japanese don't pay our welfare - we do. I am so sick and tired of hearing this stuff about the hondas, and kubotas. It seems you have forgot about toyotas being proud they saved millions by killing off 40 of us here Americans so they could save a buck. Tell me when your moving to Japan and I'll pitch in for the ticket, as long as it's only a one way.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Where do you think all JD tractors under 50 horse are manufactured? Does TURKEY ring a bell? where are YANMAR engines made? Deere can't even manufacture their own engines!!!! Let me know when you are going to get on the dumb @#ss bus so I can buy your ticket!!!!!!

 

[Heavyduty1]

(quoted from post at 03:37:07 09/15/10) your the reason why we all have to pay so much taxes. The japanese don't pay our welfare - we do. I am so sick and tired of hearing this stuff about the hondas, and kubotas. It seems you have forgot about toyotas being proud they saved millions by killing off 40 of us here Americans so they could save a buck. Tell me when your moving to Japan and I'll pitch in for the ticket, as long as it's only a one way.

Guess what I saw sitting right in the middle of the John Deere showroom today? I nice shiney looking JD green generator/air comp. powered by a nice black "Honda" motor. I reckon they are all in it together these days. :shock:

 

[Tx Jim]

(quoted from post at 19:50:45 09/15/10) [

I nice shiney looking JD green generator/air comp. powered by a nice black "Honda" motor.:shock:[/quote]

My Honda engines are RED. I wonder why JD chose BLACK?

 

[jd b puller]

(quoted from post at 20:50:45 09/15/10)

(quoted from post at 03:37:07 09/15/10) your the reason why we all have to pay so much taxes. The japanese don't pay our welfare - we do. I am so sick and tired of hearing this stuff about the hondas, and kubotas. It seems you have forgot about toyotas being proud they saved millions by killing off 40 of us here Americans so they could save a buck. Tell me when your moving to Japan and I'll pitch in for the ticket, as long as it's only a one way.

Guess what I saw sitting right in the middle of the John Deere showroom today? I nice shiney looking JD green generator/air comp. powered by a nice black "Honda" motor. I reckon they are all in it together these days. :shock:

And what would you propose they put on a homeowner Generator, a 6.8L????

If they put a Briggs on there you'd whine and cry that it was a Briggs, Hondas (Jap or not) are better engines.

 

[Grey]

I just went to the Deere dealer in Asheboro NC. Big dealership that is part of a large multi state chain of dealers. I needed an unusual part for a 40+ year old plow. I didn"t have model number of the plow to give them, just a description of what it looked like, and the old broken part. I had three parts guys spend over an hour with me looking through the computer and books trying to find the part. They were sucessful and ordered it at what I thought was a very reasonable price and had it delivered in 36 hours. You guys bashing John Deere need to shut up and get a life. I have never minded paying extra for Deere tractors or equipment because they very rarely let you down in the field and the dealers are excellent to help with anything.