John Deere riding lawn mowers - the D100 Series reviewed

The D100 Series of John Deere riding lawn mowers is the 2011 update on Deere's 100 series of riding mowers (the John Deere LA105 to LA175 models).

Whilst some 100 Series models may remain available for a while, the D100 Series takes over the role of John Deere's entry level group of riding lawn tractors, designed to provide ordinary home owners with the chance to get themselves a Deere at a (relatively) affordable price.

Therefore, whilst the D100 Series is available at John Deere dealers as you would expect, unlike most John Deere lawn tractors, it is also available at some big box stores, such as Home Depot, Lowes and online.

The John Deere LA105	The John Deere D110

Apart from some differences in engine power for individual models, the key differences between the John Deere 100 Series and the D100 Series are, according to the Deere press release announcing the introduction its introduction, that the D100 Series has:

''Better fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and sound levels, and enhanced operator comfort and visibility.
'The 100 Series tractors have always been great machines, but now owners will have greater fuel economy, feel more comfortable when operating the machine, and enjoy increased visibility from the seat,' said Greg Weekes, John Deere group product marketing manager.''

There are 8 D100 Series models with engines ranging in power from 17.5Hp to 26 Hp (13.05 to 19.4kw), cutting decks from 42 to 54 inches (107 to 137 cm) and prices starting at around $1500 and rising to $2,800.

Below, we look first at the features common to all of these John Deere riding lawn mowers and then at the individual specifications that set the various models apart.

Common features

All D100 series John Deere riding lawn mowers have the following:

• An overhead valve Briggs and Stratton engine with full pressure oil lubrication for better efficiency, longer engine life and better performace on inclines;


• Tool-less oil drain system;


• Single lever choke and speed control;


• Rear mounted, 2.4 gallon fuel tank with a mechanical fuel gauge visible from the driving seat;


• Full-length welded steel frame:


• Cast iron front axle;


• Enhanced and roomy operator station, with easily adjustable seat;


• Non-slip, anti-vibration foot mats;


• Deere's 'Edge' cutting system that is designed to prevent grass build-up and to ensure a finer cut


• Cup holder;


• The Deere 'CargO-mount' system for easy installation of attachments;


• An 18 inch turning radius;


• Cutting height between 1 and 4 inches, with 13 position adjustment in increments of 0.25 inches;


• A tough mower deck of 12 gauge steel with a wash port and easy levelling capability;


• Reverse implementation option, which means it can cut in reverse if switched to do so;


• US warranty of 2 years/120 hours


• Optional Attachments:
  
  
  • 6.5 bushel, 2 bag collection system;
  • Mulching system;
  • Lawn striping kit;
  • 46 inch snow blade;
  • 44 inch 2 stage snow blower;
  • Snow cab;
  • Sun canopy;
  • Bucket holder;
  • 16 different tow behind tools.

The D100 Series of John Deere riding lawn mowers - the full line up

The D100

The John Deere D100 has the following particular specifications:

The D100 is a very good value lawn tractor for areas of up to around 2 acres or so. It gets good reviews from its owners who praise its comfort, ease of use and its ability to mow through high grass even when wet.

You should be able to get this machine for under $1,500 US. Check out the latest price and delivery options at Lowes or Home Depot.

The D110

The D110 in action

The Deere D110 is again suitable for areas of up to about 2 acres but has a little bit more power than the D100, so may be more suitable if you have some sloping ground or otherwise tougher terrain. This model is also geting a good rap from purchasers. Check out the latest Lowes and Home Depot price and delivery offers and buy online.

The D120

A step up in power, cruise control and a higher seat back are the principal features that distinguish the D120 from the D110. For those additions, you can expect to pay an extra couple of hundred dollars online at Home Depot.

The D130

The John Deere D130 marks the progress to a twin cylinder lawn tractor engine in the D100 Series. the D130 has a slightly more powerful engine than the D120 and is about 4.5 inches longer. It also has slightly wider rear tires. Expect to pay about $100 more for the D130 compared with the D120. Check out the latest deals on this model at Lowes

D100 series riding mower with cart

The D140

The D140 is differentiated from the D130 by the size of its cutting deck. The D140 sports a 48 inch deck and, as a consequence, an uncut circle radius of only 20 inches. Obviously the extra width means you will need some extra storage space, but all other things being equal, you'll get the mowing job done substantially quicker with the D140 when compared to the 42 inch models.

Check out the latest price and availablity at Lowes and Home Depot, you should be able to pick up a D140 for around $2,000.

The D150

The D150 is similar in most respect to the D140. The principal difference is that the D150 features a Briggs and Stratton Extended Life Series (ELS) engine. These engines are specifically engineered by Briggs to provide power and longevity for higher spec lawn tractors.

Expect to pay around $300 more for D150 than for a D140.

The D160

The John Deere D160 lawn tractor

The D160 represents another step up in power. Its 24 Hp engine should mean it is capable of dealing with areas up to about 3 acres and tougher terrain than the lower powered models.

Expect to pay around $2,500 more for a D160.

The D170

The D170 is the top of the range model in the D100 Series and it distinguishes itself from the D160 not only by its increased engine power (26Hp) but also its wider cutting deck (54 inches).

For entry level mowing and hauling this represents a great value machine. You can pick one up online at Home Depot for around $2,800. Compare that with the similarly powered 25Hp, 54 inch deck, John Deere X340. Admittedly the X340 is a higher spec machine overall, but with a list price of $4,749, it costs almost $2,000 more.

Conclusions

THe D100 series is an impressive range of John Deere riding lawn mowers. These are probably not the machines for you if you need something especially rugged to deal with lots of big slopes and rough ground or if you want to use them for any substantial ground engaging tasks. If you want a Deere for that kind of work, you'll need to look at the Select Series - the X300, X500, X700 models. But for mowing substantial areas, hauling, snow blowing and general lawn and garden tasks, these might just be hard to beat.

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