John Deere L or LA

[ACH]

Hello
I recently purchased a John Deere L or LA. It is missing the tag. It is electric start and has lights. Is there any other way to identify or is it a L or LA.
Thanks

 

[Anonymous-0]

Hi Were are a couple of ways "if" the rear rims and tires have not been changed a John Deere L has 22 inch wheels and the LA has 24 inches wheels with cast centers! The next way is the motor is that is not change out! The LA motor will have a casting # L 4200-T The Elc start L will have L 4010-T Third some john deere LA have "LA" stamped on the top rim of the tranny not all of them but alot of them! John Deere L does not! Hope this helps you out you can post a picture also ! Chris

 

[willie in mn]

ACH
Don't have either one close by to check, but according to my reference books, L had tube main frame, LA had solid shaft frame.
Tube frame on L might have ends plugged. Try tapping with a hammer , maybe can tell if tube or solid by different sound, or pull a bolt somewhere & peek inside.
HTH
Willie

 

[Hotflashjr]

Sheetmetal may also help. If you have the square hood, which is from the unstyled machines, you only have an L. There were not ever any unstyled LA's produced. Also, check the motor and bell housing out. If it is one cast piece, you have a later L or LA. If the block and bell housing can be unbolted, then you have a motor from an unstyled or early L. The John Deere manufactured engines were cast as one piece, and those were not used in the LA's. Once again, you can change out motors and sheet metal, but if you look around at some photos you should be able to tell. Get a parts book as well and look at your casting numbers against the book. That may help you narrow things down as well.