EmailBest Reviewed
Lawn Tractors
- Best lawn tractor overall John Deere X304 *Est. $3600
- Best value, medium-duty lawn tractor John Deere LA115 *Est. $1750
- Budget lawn tractor for light duty Poulan XT PXT16542 *Est. $1000
- Best zero-turn lawn mower Toro TimeCutter Z4200 *Est. $2700
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Best value, medium-duty lawn tractor
- Comfortable ride and handling
- Cast-iron axle, full-pressure lube
- Strong bagging performance
- Lots of attachments available
- Not suited for larger lawns
- Mixed reviews for reliability
- Weak performance on hills or rough terrain
The 42-inch John Deere LA115 is the budget automatic-transmission model in John Deere's series of lawn tractors. Reviewers say it is a good buy for homeowners with relatively small, flat lawns up to 1.5 acres, and they like its even cutting. It also mulches and bags well, though the kits cost extra. The tractor's automatic transmission, adjustable seat, headlights and washout port add to its ease of use. For larger lawns or lawns with more obstacles, reviews prefer the 42-inch John Deere X304 (*Est. $3,600), which is also built more sturdily. The X304's four-wheel steering and 15-inch turning radius make it easy to maneuver around obstacles.
The best review for the John Deere LA115 tractor is available from ConsumerReports.org, where it's put through exhaustive objective tests and ranked in comparison with 21 lawn tractors. A single-product review at ConsumerGuide.com provides more details. We also found useful owner-written reviews at Lowes.com, CompactTractorReview.com and GardenWeb.com forums.
Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
This review compares the John Deere LA115 with 21 lawn tractors across a wide price range. All 22 lawn tractors are ranked based on weeks of objective mowing tests. The resultant ratings chart shows each model's ratings based on six factors.
Review: Lawn Tractors, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, May 2009
This detailed expert review recommends the John Deere LA115 lawn tractor as an excellent buy for all but heavy-duty lawn maintenance. The LA115 is said to cut less evenly on tall grass and tough weeds.
Review: Expert Review: John Deere LA115 Lawn Tractor, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, April 7, 2008
3. Lowes.com
Nearly three dozen owners give the John Deere LA115 fairly high average ratings for its design, value and ease of use. One enthusiastic owner says, "I bought the LA 115 2 weekends ago and I cannot wait to cut my yard again." Another says, "What a dream!"
Review: John Deere 19.5-HP Hydrostatic 42" Cut Lawn Tractor, Contributors to Lowes.com
4. CNNMoney.com
In this brief article, West Palm Beach, Fla., horticulturist Mike Page recommends a John Deere model that is one step up from the LA115 -- the John Deere LA125 (*Est. $1,900), which works well for lawns of half an acre or more. Page doesn't compare mowers or commend any others.
Review: Gardening Gear, Charles Passy, April 19, 2006
Several owners review the John Deere LA115, noting its limitations and highlighting some problems -- for example, the front wheel alignment can't be adjusted. One owner says it's fine for flat lawns under an acre.
Review: John Deere LA115 Reviews, Contributors to CompactTractorReview.com
This forum discussion highlights differences between the John Deere LA115 and the sturdier John Deere X300 series, with some debate about which model uses which transmission. The transmission on the less expensive LA115 isn't rebuildable.
Review: John Deere LA115 vs. John Deere X300, Contributors to GardenWeb.com, June 2008
This site publishes feedback from users and is well-organized by brand and manufacturer. Almost every lawn tractor manufacturer receives complaints, including John Deere.
Review: John Deere, Contributors to ConsumerAffairs.com
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