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John Deere

Rob of Yacolt, WA May 27, 2009

The factory wiring was misrouted around the PTO shaft on my LA130 riding mower. After 68 hours of use, the wiring insulation rubbed off the wires and shorted out the electrical system. My warranty was 3 days from expiration (2 years/120 hours) The "authorized dealer" that "assembled" the machine told me to contact John Deere as that is where the wiring is installed.

Also, that even though currently covered under warranty - they would not be able to service the mower for 2 weeks and since the warranty would then be out, it would not be covered under the warranty. John Deere also confirmed that even though it was a warranty issue, I would not be compensated for the purchase of the ignition switch (burnt when the positive PTO wire shorted) and I would have to pay the dealer to install new wires as that is not a consumer servicable part. So the warranty is not actually 2 years... it is if a dealer will inspect your machine within 2 years...

Lauren of Hanover, PA May 27, 2009

Like the others before said, 90% of the tractors listed here (The STX series, the LA series, the L series, Z400 series z-turns) are made mostly for Mass Channel Stores (ex. Home Depot, Lowes, TSC) They are cheaply made (because they are cheaper priced) and are made to be used on the average size lawn (1 acre, flat land) They are almost made to be throw aways anymore... Hence the reason these machines only carry a 2 year 120 hour warranty, the better made tractors that you find at a JD dealership carry 4 year warranties ranging from 300-700 hours. I have never heard of anyone being unhappy with an X300, X500 or X700 series or the Z700/Z800 series z-turns. Sorry to say.... but, you get what you pay for.... And that’s with anything sold these days...

Matt of North Branch , MN May 21, 2009

I am trying to figure out what is the matter with your machines. I purchased new in'05 a John Deere L108 automatic, and I have used for 4 summers and haven't had to do anything but sharpen blades, change oil, and add gas. I have even used as a brush cutter mowing over "finger" sized brush that has been growin for years in the far back yard. I have hit rocks and sticks and Dog play-toys and Dog poo. You name it I've hit it, it does nothing but dull the blades. I took it to my Dad's and mowed his grass all summer because his stupid "Yard Machines" was in the shop, again. The last John Deere, which I bought new in 1987 was a RX75 rear engine rider, which I used for years at my work until they contracted it out. The only reason I retired it was because the rearend was starting to make noise, and the engine was getting a little tired. My L108 has been as good as the RX75 and I don't expect any prolems, I do wish they still used the Kawasaki engine as I think it was smoother than the Briggs Intek.

Bruce of Vinton, VA May 17, 2009

I just happpened to stumble across this website looking for a part for my John Deere 111 which I purchased in May of 1984. I use it for mowing in the summer and push snow with it in the Winter. I've been using it for the past 25 years without any major problems. My only expense has been routine preventative maintenance such as tuneups and new belts. I'm even still using the same four original tires that came on it. I had thought about purchasing a newer tractor. However, after reading all of these complaints, I think I will just be content with my reliable 25 year old J.D.111. "Nothing runs like MY Deere"

Jim of Brewster, NY May 14, 2009

Purchased John Deere L111 riding mower from Home Depot in 2005. Four years of regular residential use later and the transmission is broken.

rodney of samson, AL May 8, 2009

i bought a used JD5525 last summer with 900hrs on it. ran it one summer (50hrs)and last month a ground wire fried and totaled the fuse block and main wire harness running almost every electrical item on the tractor. i went to my local dealer who had acted as the selling agent for this tractor and found out talking to the shop people that an under warranty 5525 had just that month had the exact same problem. i managed to acquire the harness of this newer machine and found the ground wire ran the rear window wiper motor which my machine does not have. well, i needed my machine so i had it taken to my dealer and after a week of work, i have a bill for 2100. i was also told that JD will not help with part of this bill because of the age of my machine.

well, it seems to me there is an engineering problem with this perticular JD due to the fact that the regions parts warehouse has a large number of these specific model wiring harness in stock. WHY? (again i am friends with the workers at my local store who tell me this). also, why would the exact problem accure to a brand new machine. the shop foreman can not tell me why the short happens and cannot guarentee that it wont happen again. i havent paid the bill as of 5/8 and am wondering if i have a complaint against JD.

Mark of Rensselaerville, NY May 5, 2009

I have owned a L130 for about 6 years now and have the following issues: L130 Front axle breaks easily (2 times). Transmission needed rebuilding 2 times already. Mower deck is light duty and needs excessive maintenance - belts and numerous replacement spindles. OE spindles have no grease fittings and fail in about 1 year, but replacements have grease fittings. ??

Very poorly built tractor for 2500

Vincent of Lowellville, OH May 5, 2009

Over the years my John Deere STX 38 would not start. Sometimes the starter wouldn't crank, other times the engine would turn over, but would not start. What the thieves at John Deere wouldn't tell me was to check the relay (under the seat on the STX 38). Because this dealer and others I have spoken with over the phone believe in making money over serving their customers I have been sold a starter, two ignitions and a coil. The problem has been a Relay all along. The Relay is a part of the ignition/starting system that has been know to commonly fail and the bottom line is it only cost fifteen dollars. Pass this on!!!

Brian of Joliet, IL May 5, 2009

Within the past three mowing seasons, I have had to replace a John Deere transmission (JD part # GC90008) three times. This is a Walk behind mower model #SP6211. This means I have gone through a total of four of these units. Now, these cost almost 100.00 each. I could have bought a new mower by now with all that money. The cause seems to be failed welds located inside the crankcase. Poor quality due to a vendor that is apparently not being held responsible for such poor workmanship. This has a 90 day full replacement which I have been able to take advantage of once. My mowing season is only about five months out of the year, and the assembly fails just outside of that time limit.

Nels of Sun Prairie, WI May 3, 2009

Purchased John Deere L111 riding mower from Home Depot in 2005. Four years of regular residential use later and the transmission is broken. Repairs well over 1,000. Unacceptable. Absolutely ridiculous to have an unservicable transmission. When it breaks, you have to replace the entire unit. Had faith in the name John Deere. Will not buy Deere again.

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