Which Older John Deere Garden Tractors Should You Spend Big Money On?

As a very belated follow up to a video I put out a year ago, here's a few tractors I would recommend if you're wanting to buy good quality garden tractors, but save more over buying new. Most of the tractors in here would be $7000-10000 today and some over even $15000. However, this is a very general list of the ones I've familiar with. Certainly this is an overall opinion piece and folks will have different opinions on which are best or worth the money. Special thanks to Luke's John Deere Garage and VGI for allowing me to use several of the photos.

[pkhayden]

I have a JD 425, all-wheel steer, with a 60" deck - bought new in 1993 by my mom. Still running strong with a 20 HP Kawasaki motor, hydrostatic drive. I have had some needed repairs like head gaskets, water pump, gear case on the mower deck, and numerous minor fixes as needed. We have used this constantly during this whole 30+ years, for mowing about 2-4 acres regularly each season, never in the winter for snow. And I have used it a little for some hired work, mowing stuff that was 3-4' high at times. What a beast! I intend to fix and use this forever if possible. It was around $13, 000 new, in 1993! Keep your machine greased, lubed, oiled, and maintained - it will reward you!

[timmatteson]

Just helped my brother restore his newly purchased 425. Things a tank! Great machine. Our grandfather had one back in the day. Brother just got his and I'll be getting one this year as well. Zero turns aren't all they're cracked up to be. Great vid!

[TubeRadiosRule]

I have a JD 445 that my dad bought brand-new in 1994. It has been kept meticulously maintained over the past 30 years, the plastic valve covers upgraded to the later aluminum ones, and the failure-prone plastic gears replaced as a preventative measure. Before he gave it to my wife and me (along with two 54" mower decks, a 48" deck with a power flow attachment, wheel weights, a snowblower, tire chains, and lots of spare parts!), my dad honed the cylinders and replaced one piston and both sets of rings (the one piston had a broken land, and the tractor had begun to burn oil at a high rate). It runs like new now!

[machone]

Bought my daughter a used GX345 for for her 1st mower with 1200 hours on it. You'll usually spend 400-800 in repairs on such a machine, but you come out with a heavy-duty machine that will last a long long time. I bought a used X485 for myself with 1100 hours on it. Did some repairs on that one, but made it into a great machine. Let someone else buy them new, buying used is a good way to go.

[DH-mflv]

I use to own a 316 with a single cylinder engine and a 46 inch deck. Sold it and bought an x720 Ultimate with a 54 inch deck. Kept it 12 years then downsized to an x590 with a 48 inch deck. John Deere is steps above Cub Cadet. Thanks for the video.

[klausswartz]

I have owned a very nice 425 (96 model) since 2002, and it’s been a solid machine. I did the steel cam upgrade last year- it’s not a big deal. Have installed a lot of new replacements over the years (muffler, hood, side panels, water pump, etc.) but it’s ok, because I don’t know what could replace it in new tractors.

[liquidcode]

I have two 80s 400s that I need to fix up, one has front loader and backhoe

[LukesJohnDeereGarage]

Really informative video! Outlines the most heavy duty models really well. I strongly believe buyers should seek out a GT/GX tractor before getting anything from Home Depot or Lowe's. They are solid and don't always require "big money" like a 420/430 might. Great pictures! 😀

[johnc]

I have a 2001 425 with 1900 hours on it had it since new very few problems best jd ever made!

[LewisMowersandBoats]

Thanks for sharing 👍 I really enjoyed your video 😊

[georgeballow]

Love my 445 bought new in 1999. I retired and moved to 1/3 acre lot but I still kept the Deere. Keeping forever.

[Harrison]

The 200 series JD's should be in the conversation. Tough as nails, great attachments, plenty of spare parts still available, serviceable with generic parts also

[ethanrepine]

Years ago I bought a used John Deere STX38 lawn tractor for $300(best $300 I invested) but had some repairs over the the years until last year when I believe the engine head gasket failed(not a mechanic). I looked into repairing it(basically getting a new engine) and didn't like the price. So I started looking for a new lawn tractor. Talked to my dad and he told me my uncle was selling his John Deere GT 235 for $1500. In the process of buying right now. I don't mind push mowing my lawn but its so much easier to get a lawn tractor. Good to know its a better lawn mower. PS my dad on his farm has not only 2 JD 425's but also a JD 650, JD 4720 and a JD 5410. He has a tractor for each barn, garage or shed, lol.

[chrisreibold]

I have a Gt242. In my opinion it is kind of in between the box store and dealer John Deere garden tractors. It's a 14hp Kawi, 6 speed manual ( last manual JD made I think)manual steering and lift. They have a fabricated steel front axle as opposed to a cast iron one. I believe the decks are higher quality. All in all it's been a good tractor that I've had for about 6 years. The worst part on it it the super brittle plastic hood that likes to Crack if you look at it the wrong way.

[hunter]

I picked up my first JD, a 2004 GX255 with 500 hr two years ago for $2500. Has power steering, posi-traction, 54" deck and the 20HP Kawasaki engine. Power steering is amazing after 40 years of mowing without it. Modded it with a 455 suspension seat to improve the ride on my lumpy lawn and forward/backward switch mod. Put in a new drive belt recently and a couple other odds and ends, but I couldn't be more pleased so far.

[joycemcahren]

Interesting video, good job! You didn't mention the 425 in the 400 series; is it basically the same as the other 400's?.

[JamesTyreeII]

Oh, the series of John Deere tractors that are sold at Lowe’s and Home Depot are just the entry-level series and you can get them from your John Deere dealer as well. They are usually the D’s or is or S series 100 lawn tractors. They are usually a lineup that includes one of the “garden tractors“, which is really a lawn tractor with larger rear tires, and maybe fender handles. They are not made any less well because they are distributed through Home Depot and Lowe’s. They are just the entry model lineup. One can purchase from a John Deere dealership. I think Ellen might or might not save money because they are certainly quite expensive for what they are at the two big box stores.

[clutchsp]

Found a GT275 to backup my L120 to care for property. WoW...the difference in quality of the two is indescribable.

[TylerHankss]

I have a 1996 jd 345. Had plastic camshaft gear that broke after 1, 400 hours. But other than that. Love it

[BrooksideFarmBarreMA]

The 318 came out in 83; initially powered by an Onan B43G at 18 HP, then in mid-84 and on with an Onan P218G at 20 HP. 👍🏻