Going Green with the Green Machine - John Deere LA 120
Written: Apr 06 '08 (Updated Apr 06 '08)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Hydrostatic transmission, cruise control, dump cart, high seat back and large back tires.
Cons: None, after the fuel line was replaced. A factory defect. Line was too short.
The Bottom Line: This hydrostatic transmission lawn tractor is terrific. It sold us, and if you have a spouse who doesn't cut grass, this just may sell him/her too.
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| joga56's Full Review: John Deere Lawn Tractor LA120 |
This is our first lawn tractor. We absolutely love it. We previously used a Toro Self-Propelled Mulcher. As we get older, we opted for a ride on, and we chose the John Deere Series 100 LA 120.
In 2006, we looked at a John Deere tractor. However, we didn’t purchase our tractor until 2007. We’re glad we waited to buy until 2007, because the price went down, the new model had larger back tires (more stable), the hp was increased by 1hp to 21hp, it has a higher seat back, and we got a free front bumper (promotion at the time).
We had a small problem right after our purchase. There was a faulty fuel line (too short) which kept it from starting. The company came and picked it up, and replaced the fuel line at no charge. This was a problem with some of the LA 120 machines. Other than this, we’ve had no problem with the tractor.
There are 6 models in the 100 Series, which came out in 2007: LA100, LA110, LA120, LA130, LA140, LA150. The LA120 is the first one in the Series that offers the hydrostatic transmission, which is part of the reason we chose this model.
This mower is suggested for up to 2 acres. We mow less than ½ an acre, but live on approximately 1 acre. There is a large brick planter in the front yard, and a flower garden in the back yard to mow around. We still have to clean up some areas with our old mower, but most of the lawn is accessible with the tractor.
We purchased a dump cart to haul all kinds of things, from sheep manure and potting soil, to just moving items back and forth from our baby barn to the garage each season. We even used it when we had to dig up our septic tank for its every 3 year cleaning to hold the dirt. It comes in handy for all kinds of tasks. (The dump cart cost $225.)
John Deere sent us a little token of their appreciation for buying their product a few weeks after our purchase. We received in the mail a free green John Deere cap. Now we can ride in style on our John Deere.
Features:
• 21 hp V-Twin engine made by Briggs and Stratton
•Cruise Control and LCD hourmeter monitors operating hours and reminds you when it needs servicing.
•Standard mulch cover
•Automatic, foot control (Hydrostatic)
•Forward Speed 0 – 5.5mph
•Reverse Speed 0 – 3.2mph
•Bypass Valve Lever
•Mower Deck 42 inches
•Cutting Height 1-4 inches
•Manual Blade Engagement
•High back seat
•Front Tires 15 inches
•Rear Tires 20 inches (this was a change from previous models – more stability)
•Wheel Base 48.9 inches
•Storage pocket on left front for gloves, etc.
ה cup holders for drink, cell phone, keys, etc.
•Lever on left side raises or lowers the blade to desired level (when getting on the tractor you may wish to move this to the far position so that it doesn’t hang on your shorts or clothing)
Accessories we purchased:
•Dump Cart (Release a pin and it tilts to dump)
•Headphones used as ear protectors (the lawnmower is noisy, so we purchased headphones locally)
Features we like in particular:
•Hydrostatic transmission is great. No shifting gears on this tractor.
• 2 cup holders for a drink, keys, cell phone, etc., and a pocket to put a pair of gloves.
•LCD hourmeter tells you when service is due.
•Large back tires (New feature in 2007) make you feel more secure on hills. We have a slight grade on one side of the house, and this helps with traction.
•High back seat. Very comfortable. (New feature in 2007)
•Steering wheel is small, but the lawnmower turns on a dime. Excellent steering system.
•Bypass valve lever. You pull this out, after unlocking the park brake to push the machine backwards. (For example: if you want to back it up in your garage when it’s turned off)
Safety Features:
•If you leave the seat, the mower shuts off.
•If you attempt to backup without pressing the override button, it will cut off (if blade is engaged).
•Larger back tires make it more stable on grades.
Servicing Schedule: (see manual for service required at each stage)
• 1st service is performed after 8 hours
•Every 25 hours they suggest you lubricate the spindles, pivot points, axle pivot, and axle wheel spindles and bushings.
•Every 50 hours
•Every 200 hours
Warranty:
• 2 years on listed parts (the emissions control system parts)
•Battery has a warranty for 90 days (will be replaced if defective)
•Beyond the 90 days the battery has a pro rata adjustment from 24 to 40 months depending if your tractor is in the A, B or C category. (The battery will have a warranty code on it).
John Deere LA 120 Model Specs Online:
http://www.deere.com/en_US/ProductCatalog/HO/servlet/com.deere.u90785.cce.productcatalog.view.servlets.ProdCatProduct?pNbr=SKU20399&tM=HO&link=enav
How to Buy a Riding Lawn Mower:
http://www.ehow.com/ehow/ehowPrintable.jsp?id=17887
Final Comments:
This lawn tractor is well built, performs well, turns on a dime, and makes our life much easier when it comes to taking care of our lawn. This machine actually makes us look forward to cutting the grass.
If you’ve never owned a riding mower, be sure to read the article above on how to buy one. Write down the features that you really want or can’t do without, and then look accordingly at the ones that meet those requirements.
There is nothing hard about operating this tractor. Once you learn the steps, it’s very easy. Put your choke on, turn the key, push both levers down, and away you go. Once you’re where you wish to start mowing, engage the blade, and start cutting grass. It’s easy as that.
You have a brake on the left, but if you take your foot off of the petal on the right it will stop. If the blade is engaged, to back up, you simply press and hold for a second or two the override button, then press the petal to go in reverse. The override will remind you to look behind you before going in reverse for safety reasons.
We’re very pleased with our purchase, and recommend this lawn tractor for anyone who has 2 acres or less to maintain. As stated, we upgraded from a Toro self-propelled mower for ease in maintaining our lawn. I highly recommend buying a lawn tractor that has the hydrostatic transmission (same as an automatic transmission). After having this tractor, you would never want to go back to a manual tractor.
If you’re getting older, like we are, you may wish to make your lawn cutting more enjoyable by riding instead of walking. Why not do it with a John Deere? We’re sold, and you will be too!
With everything going green these days, you would be right in style with the John Deere green machine!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
joga56
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Location: Canada (from USA)
Reviews written: 35
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
I think it's important to research items we purchase.
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