Base unit LA105 is a decent quality machine, we don't see many of these units with bagger, unable to comment honestly on vacuum system.

What kind of terrain are you mowing? I learned (the hard way) on an L120 two years ago that the transmission used on that series is not exactly industrial strength. I *believe* the LA series still has this same transmission. Also, the spindles on the mower deck were designed to wear out after 100 hours and are not (easily) user replaceable. All that said, it worked well with the rear bagger and offered a nice cut. I just have the wrong kind of yard for it.

LA105 is a gear trans, so no issues there. Mower spindles are now greaseable and last a long time. The 42" deck bags well with stock blades, and very, very good with the optional high lift blades.

engine_tech...thanks for the info. When did JD make the change on the spindles? Finding that they were not greaseable was very frustrating. My 120 was 2005.

Most sub $3K tractors are OK for the money and will last if not abused. I think people get into trouble when they use them beyond their engineered limits. They buy the tractor to "only" mow the lawn and end up pulling a heavy loaded cart, weighted aerator, yanking shrubs, etc... This is usually more than this price category can handle, especially from a transmission stand point.

The other wild card is the terrain - hills and rough ground will burn up the tranny and kill the under carriage and steering assembly. This is why many on these posts will tell you to buy one level up from what you think you need and you should be OK. Read through some of the older posts and you'll be able to draw your own conclusion.

Most guys (myself included) had to figure it out the hard way that you can usually find a great used GT for about the price of a lower end new lawn tractor. Whatever you end up with, keep it well maintained and use it within its designed limits - you'll stay out of trouble that way.

Engine Tech,

Have you been into the LA series spindle? I have not yet but every other mower in this price range I have seen has grease zerks BUT the bearings are sealed on both sides making the greasing useless. The STX 38 was this way for a long time and I don't know if they ever started using an open face bearing.

Mike

2006 MY for the spindle change. New service parts are the new design as well.

Net_worker, you make a good point. On these, the upper is fully sealed (so grease will not drop out the bottom if not greased / poorly serviced) and the lower is open on the inside (so grease can work into the bearing over time).

The grease does two things: 1) it keeps condensation out of the housing (like on STX38 spindles you describe) and 2) it works it's way into the lower bearing to increase life.

New grease will also be forced into the upper bearing as well (past the seals) when you grease it.

You'll notice no spindle complaints on the later tractors.

I have a LA105 that was purchased in 2008.I also have a X540. The 105 was purchased to MOW ONLY the lawn around the house and the orchard. I would also use it to pull a small sears lwan cart to pick up grass clippings. The 5speed trans failed at 61hrs. I'm concerned that my local JD dealer is not going to "help" me on this failure.

The deck lasted only 7yrs the motor is still active. The deck is cheap and rusted out to soon

Same tranny and deck I have on my L130. I wash it, replace bearings annually, do not pull too many heavy loads. 268 hours. Its starting to lose the tranny though, I might get to 300 before then. 25 hours or so a year.