4 Reasons to Spend Big Money on Older John Deere Lawn & Garden Tractors

Okay, maybe not big money, but maybe more than you can get a lot of newer tractors for, including some Deere from Home Depot and Lowes. I will do a later video showcasing some of the best ones I'd consider.

[randomrebuilds]

Did the same & learned the hard way with the big box store "Deere". Flimsy, cheap build quality, just an overall POS. Took a few hundred dollar loss selling it and found a GX345 used with 600 hours on it. Difference of night and day and could not be happier.

[PurpleCollarLife]

Great overview of tractors that were built for long-term use.

[klausswartz]

I can appreciate your observations on robust construction, design and features for the JD legacy homeowner tractors. I bought a nice used 1997 425 in 2006 and I don’t plan on replacing it with a newer, cheaply made tractor until all options are exhausted.

[mudpuppy]

I have a 1999 Briggs powered GT235. The hydrostat is getting tired but it runs like a top and mows lawn like golf course quality, very informative video, thanks for posting!

[unclemikeb]

Thanks for posting this video, well done.

Good point about the engines.
Briggs and Stratton used to be completely reliable, and long lasting.
I don't know the year but a guy at a farm implement business that also does small engines told me Briggs sent production of small engines to China. They started having problems related to using lower grade metal. John Deere stopped buying Briggs engines for their mowers and garden tractors, went to Kawasakis.

I have not heard any complaints on the older Kohler engines. I have four that were built in the 1980's and they are dependable even now all these years later. They are the 210, 212, and 214 single cylinders. They actually have more usable power than newer engines with the same HP ratings of 10, 12, & 14.

Excellent advice regarding the transaxle and the suspension. Mowers like that one are not just ordinary lawn mowers, they are tractors. So they also come with a rugged frame to hold everything in place. The frame on my 212 is some seriously thick steel. They were designed to be able to manage a small farm.

Wrestle a mower deck like that one you have compared to one from a big box rider and the difference is unbelievable. Better not bump a tree with the one from Lowes, etc, you will bend it.

When I put new bearings in the mower deck of a John Deere Lt166 for a friend I could tell it had some sturdy metal in it. Last year for that series was 2001 so it was 20 years old and still was made of good sturdy metal. The Briggs engine was labeled as commercial- industrial.
I have no fear of putting money in an older John Deere due to how sturdy they are. I have paid up to $700 for a running, complete 200 series tractor in good condition because I know they last. I finally found one with a snow blower for only $400. could not believe it. Prices for that had been hovering at $700-1000.

[WorkshopRebuild]

Great info for everyone looking at older used models online! You pointed out pretty much everything buyers need to know. Keep it up

[baldeagle]

Great video! I’ve been trying to convince people of this for many years. There truly is no comparison. 🦅🇺🇸

[TheIronDuke]

I have a 1987 165 John Deere with a yellow 38 inch mower deck that was manufactured at the John Deere plant in Horicon, WI.
This tractor never fails to start no matter how hot or cold it is outside.
No, This tractor doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles that a lot of the newer tractors have - But it really gets the job done.
The mower deck makes for an excellent cut quality no matter which mower blades that I have on the mower deck and I have only replaced the primary mower deck drive belt maybe twice since I have been using it for mowing.
Even more, I really like the easy availability of parts for anything John Deere within this area of Central KY which I can’t say about some of the other competing brands.
And Yes, I have spent some money on my John Deere tractors, But it was money wisely spent.
That is my take regarding my experience with my older John Deere’s.

[TheJimmybud]

I have a 02 GT245 Awesome machine!
First brand new Joh Deere I ever bought worth every penny!

[bobpriddy]

I’ve had a lx277 23 years. Kawasaki twin. 530 hours and still runs great. Never dreamed a meet would

[Buddha-offk]

John Deere tractor from the past where built tough. I bought a 110 new in 71. I mowed with it until probably 2015ish. That's when l tried my sons ZTURN. Next weekend l had one. Now my grandson is mowing with the old 110. Those old Kohler engines are so simple to work on. Through the years it did a new deck. And a couple rebuilds. It smokes a little but it just keeps running and also keeps the mosquitoes away.

[donniedale]

I have a 50 year old 214 deere with K kohler engine. Also have a 51 year old wheel horse with K Kohler engine. Both still look fairly new and run flawlessly. Have a 312, John Deere.that I am about to start refurbing. Cannot beat these old tractors. Have a 1953 Super A with 60 inch woods belly mower. Mow 3 acres with these tractors, very low maintenance.

[bizboomer]

Deere and other companies were compelled to produce big box store products to hit certain price points. Such units are lawn tractors made to mow grass, pull a cart etc. What you are showing and Deere still produces in current models is a lawn and garden tractor. Made to mow and handle ground engaging implements. Deere also has the best parts system in OPE industry, particularly for older models. Great video full of good information.

[briandoerge]

Agree! I have a 300, two 317's and a 318... My pop has a 420 that's a real beast but I can't seem to talk him out of it, lol

[LukesJohnDeereGarage]

All really good points. I have a 345 I'm currently doing a little upkeep to to, getting ready to resell, and I'd rather have this machine over any of the new X300 machines available. Machines like these were built to last, and it shows. They were also built to be serviced, and that's a major reason why they can last so long. My old 330 is indestructible!

Great video!

[davidnoyes]

I just purchased the same one yesterday. Mine has 1127 hours on it and has been well maintained. The owner said he only used ethenol free fuel in it also. I feel the same way about the "OLD" machinery. I also maintain my 25 year old 2 cylcle Lawnboy self propel that I plan to keep using as it is still running great! Older is better!

[markgilles-ihgo]

Impressive video! The naked tractor was a hit with me! Splendid way of explaining an older piece of equipment, probably built stronger than a new one. Older...just might be the new 🙂

[FarmerGuy-]

Nice video. I’d add the decks are designed to be removed and attached without tools or cotter pins.
Don’t forget they use a car battery. Also, I had a 325 with a FC540V with 2200 hours when I bought it. Nothing like working on quality.

[buildingalegacypa]

Enjoyed the video, packed with details, nice job. You bring up a lot of great points.

[jesseamaya]

I just got a 455 pretty much free. Little 3 cylinder diesel. Previous owner accidentally put gas in it then parked it because it was knocking. I got it after it sat for at least 3 years. Changed the oil and flushed the fuel system and the sucker fired right up. Rattled and smoked for maybe 30 seconds and smoothed right out. The deck cylinder is leaking and the deck isn't lifting but going to start figuring that out tomorrow.