Should You Buy John Deere Mowers at Box Stores?
Article Update
This has been a popular article for quite some time. I wanted to update it and respond to some of the comments that have been left about my take on things. More specifically I want to comment about some of the confusion in the comments. It is true that some of the Box Stores sell some of the same exact models that you can find at the John Deere dealers. It’s also true that some of the models at the box stores are made specifically for them with different specifications. Regardless of how you feel on the topic the main point of the article is this, you get what you pay for, nothing more, nothing less.
Buying John Deere Mowers
You see the ads every Sunday from your local “Big Box Stores”, you know the ones, the orange place and the blue place. They advertise a brand new John Deere mower at a price point comparable to brands with far less reputation.
Like you I was amazed that they could sell the thing for such a great price. The John Deere 42″ X300 shown in the adjacent photo retails for $3,099.99. The John Deere BG20444 (sometimes also sold as the LA105) shown in the photo below retails for $1,499.00. The BG20444 is a model sold exclusively at Home Depot.
Apples To Apples?
Both of these are John Deere 42″ mowers. The one from HD is a model manufactured exclusively for HD. Here’s where the problem starts. The big box stores have made deals with manufactures to supply exclusive products at attractive price points. I know there are many people who will argue this fact and say there is no difference. However, go to the John Deere site and search for Model BG20444, you will not find it. You will find the LA105 which is a similar tractor but the BG20444 was manufactured specifically for HD.
Whether you agree or disagree with this argument is really no big deal. What is a big deal is paying attention to specifications and truly understanding what you’re about to buy. The reality is that high end brands (like John Deere and many others) have jumped on the big box store wagon and started manufacturing lower price point products so they don’t miss out on sales. The old saying holds true, you get what you paid for.
I bring this up because I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with some John Deere dealers that are frustrated with the results of this practice. They end up seeing the customers when something breaks or doesn’t work correctly anymore. The number of John Deere mowers now sold in this Country is huge because of the lower price points. However, the lower price (lower quality ?) mowers are far more prone to break down and suffer from wear and tear. The cheaper models show up in their repair shops repeatedly for worn out and broken parts. When they explain to the customer that there is a huge difference between a lower priced model purchased at the big box store and a upgraded model they might find at a dealer the customer has a hard time understanding.
The big box stores and manufacturers (yes I blame them both!) play some interesting games with the specifications to trick the average Joe. For instance, the two models I’ve compared here do not have the same size engine. In fact, the cheaper model has a larger motor, 19.5 HP, while the X300 only has a 17 HP engine. So an unsuspecting customer might stop right there and think the larger motor and cheaper price must mean he’s getting a better deal. The reality is the bigger motor isn’t as nice as the smaller motor and the rest of the machine is no where as good quality (plastic parts, thinner metal frames, etc).
When I purchased my X300 the dealer was pretty blunt with me. He said listen, if you want to buy half the machine then we’ll sell you one of those or go back down the hill to the orange building and get one. But make sure you save the other $1,400 because you’ll need it repairing the cheaper model. I’m no dummy and I know that you get what you pay for so it wasn’t a hard decision for me.
The bottom line is this, if you see something that seems too good to be true, IT IS! Please understand how these franchises are operating in this country and do your research before you make a major purchase and find yourself unsatisfied later. Secondly, don’t blame the repair man for the expensive frequent repairs if you choose the cheaper model. I’d like to say that I believe the blame goes to John Deere and the big box stores for reducing their quality to make a sale. However, I understand that the market place is a tough place to survive.
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Just another reason why I don’t like HD. My grandfather would be appalled if I bought a John Deere tractor from HD! He used to own a John Deere dealership and now collects John Deere tractor scale models. I’m jealous you have the x300. We had to settle for buying the previous owner’s lawn mower because it was such a good deal. Someday we’ll upgrade to a John Deere.
Indeed. And they do it with name brand power tools too, and that was confirmed to me by a former northeast DM for Bosch.
In 2000, I bought a Milwaukee Super Sawzall from the orange store. I took it home. Motor ran/blade no go. Took it back and got another one. Same freakin’ problem. Took it back and this time had the tool crib guy test it for me.
About a year later, I was cutting some soft metal when the blade stopped. Motor ran/blade no go. Back to HD, where I’m told it will take as long as six weeks to get it repaired. They advise me to take it to House of Tools in Coney Island, which is a franchised Milwaukee shop which does on-site repairs.
The guy opened it up and immediately said, “Home Depot, huh?” I asked him how he knew and he showed me the plastic parts which are metal in the non-HD model. That included the critical mechanism that broke in mine.
Two days later, House of Tools told me the saw was ready. I was handed a $78 repair bill. What?? Milwaukee tools are supposed to have a lifetime guarantee! The owner looked up and said, “The lifetime of your particular model is one year. Read the warranty.”
I always had my suspicions but once I actually talked to a couple of dealers and started to hear the differences I was pretty amazed. Again I’m not going to fault John Deere, I just want people to know there is a HUGE difference in the quality so you need to adjust your expectations.
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/homeowners/deere.html
More on this subject….
You scared the Bejesus out of me yesterday when I read your comments about reduced quality John Deere machines at the Orange and Blue, becasue I had discovered the model on both the HD and Lowes sites and was thinking hard about them. So instead, I went to the John Deere site and found the LA105 at the same price HD/Lowe’s was charging for what you said was a cheap knock-off, $1,499. Then, just for the hell of it last night, I went to Lowes and looked for myself. The model at Lowes listed as the BG20444 said “LA105″ on the side, not “X300″. And the sales guy swears it’s the same LA105 I’d get if I went to a JD dealer (as a matter of fact, the Lowes machine had a sticker from the local JD dealer stuck on it). And the price is the same, $1499.00. So what gives? Why would Lowes and John Deere sell something called by the same model number (LA105) at the same price ($1499.00) and the one at Lowes be junk while the one at JD is of high quality. Doesn’t make sense to me…?
I think you’ve come across the rare occasion where you are comparing apples to apples. You certainly are not buying an X300 for that price! Typically HD and Blue only carry models that are specifically manufactured for them. I’ve spoken to many folks about this topic and John Deere stores DO NOT carry those special models. I’m a bit confused myself….just know that the LA series are on the lower end of the spectrum.
I think I am, Todd, you’re absolutely right. And thanks for the warning about the LA’s being low end. I have about 3/4 of an acre, mostly flat, a couple of very gentle slopes, so the LA105 ought to be fine for me. Now the only question is to buy at Blue, who is open the kind of hours that people with jobs appreciate, or take time off from work to go to the JD dealer who has banker’s hours…
Been struggling to reconcile the different specs/model numbers from big box vs. dealership — so frustrating. Your post is really, really useful — thank you.
The BG20444 is identical to the John Deere LA105, same specs, same price. The 300 series refered to is like comparing Schaefer beer to Spaten Oktoberfest. Yes you get what you pay for.
Ibougth from a big box and have never had a problem. My riding mower has run perfect with standard tune ups for 3 years. I have 11 acres 4 which I mow.
Another example of an uninformed and uneducated writer twisting facts to suit his perception of a story. While many companies DO water down the quality of the models they sell at the big box stores, the 100 Series mowers at Lowes and HD are EXACTLY the same as the 100 series models you can buy a a JD dealer. They are low-end, residential mowers comparable to other similar mowers in the same price range. They are set up by local dealers, who attach their stickers to the mowers so owners will know where they can get local service. The 300 Series mowers are the “cadillac” of mowers; compare the specs. Better engine, stronger components, more features (such as cruise control), etc. But a 100 Series mower is a 100 Series mower whether bought at the big box or the local dealer. And you won’t save any $$ at the big box; the dealers sell them at the same price. Like an earlier poster said, though, do you want to take time off from work to buy a mower from a dealer with bankers hours, or do you want to shop at your convenience. My local JD dealer wouldn’t give me the time of day when I stopped there FIRST, so I bought mine at the big box store. Many dealers think they are above needed to sell these things due to the reputation JD has. But you still need to treat your customers with respect.
@ anonymous – I actually still disagree. However, even if you’re correct I’d argue the opposite of your experience and I mean no offense. I’ve yet to go to a HD or Lowes and get the same kind of customer service and knowledge that you can get from a JD dealer. In addition, JD dealers around here are open Saturdays, when I bought mine. My problem is you go to a box store and think you’re getting a great product when in fact you’re getting a watered down item that they sell because of the brand.
Computer manufacturers do the same thing when they sell their HP and COMPAQ PC’s at Costco and SAMS Club. Same basic marketing model, different products
I think it can be summed up best by comparing the Deere L series to the Ford Ranger 2X4, no matter where you buy it, it is still a Ford Ranger 2X4. Although the Ranger 2X4 comes in different models, king cab, crew cab etc, it is still a Ranger 2X4. Most people that buy a Deere from a box store think they are getting the F150, F250 or F350 4WD.
People see green and think big John Deere like they see on the farm…FUNNY.
If you buy a John Deere at a box store keep in mind it is going to cost you about $150-$250 or more annually to run, all dependent on the size of the job. Most people buy things today think they can turn the key and it should run, these are the same people that don’t get their car serviced regularly or change their oil. The same people that complain when their car needs tons of maintenance because they didn’t care for the up keep. The same person that thinks the cost of ownership is what they paid when they bought the item. How much does a car cost, is it what the sticker on the window says? Forget about gas, car insurance, regular maintenance, or the big ones like depreciation, financing charges, annual state tax and tag fees, and repairs.
I purchased a John Deere LT 172 Tractor from my local John Deere dealership in 1991, I am still using this machine in 2009. From 1991-1995, I operated a lawn maintenance company while in high school. Aside from my business, I was required to mow 6 acres every week as my principal chore at home, the LX-172 was my tractor. I can’t begin to tell you the number of hours that I have logged on this JD, but I can tell you the number of times that I had it serviced, the exact parts I have had to replaced, and the number of times something broke on the tractor.
I take the tractor every year to my local authorized JD dealer for service. In addition to the service I grease the points, sharpen the blades a few times and change the oil for a second time. In 2008 I paid $78.00 for the annual service.
Over the 17 years of ownership, I have had to replace 7 drive belts, 6 batteries, 23 sets of blades, 26 new spark plugs, 2 sets of brakes and 1 complete set of tires. The only parts I can recall breaking over the years is the plastic throttle lever and a tie rod.
If it were me, I would buy from the dealership who knows more about the product and service, but what do I know.
@ Matthew – Well said! As far as I’m concerned the debate isn’t all that hard. You get what you pay for…further…if you buy from a dealer you know they can help when something does finally break.
The folks on here who are saying they are the same are correct.
The J.D. tractors available at Lowes and HD (i.e. LA175) are the exact same as the ones at a dealer if you are looking at the same model in both places. The ones in the big box stores are set up by the local dealer.
J.D. was smart enough to give the local dealers a piece of the action — the fee for setting up the tractor that is then shipped on to Lowes or H.D. Once they had their piece, they were happy and no longer feel the need to spread inaccurate information.
In the beginning, when JD started selling at big box stores, the dealers were pissed b/c they had to compete at a price point that cut big time into their margin.
With all that said, if you are buying a 100 series mower, no matter whether you buy it at Lowes or a dealer, you are buying an ENTRY level machine at an ENTRY level price point, so the manufacturer (i.e. JD) is cutting corners somewhere.
Well the x-wife got the JD mower in the divorce. It was sticking point in the seperation bc she new it would hurt to the core! that one came from the dealer and never had a minutes problem with it. Now for financial reasons, (see above!) I am forced to look at the big box models. Not feeling good abt the lower priced products.
Bought the last one to keep lots mowed, Im a contractor with vacant lots, so knew I needed a good mower. Now that mower is being used to mow 1/4 acre, WHAT a waste of a good machine!
Any suggestions? The grass is starting to grow and a decision has to be made.
Check the following web site—-MytractorForm.com. Go under Lawn and Garden Tractors By Brand. And then check out John Deere Lawn Tractor L130 – dying hydrostatic drive. I have a L130 with 170 hrs and it has DEAD trany !!!!! The Ct John Deere dealer said the trany cost for the trany was $ 671.00, that does not include labor !!!! I am doing the up grade as we speak, as if the John Deere Co does the same replacement you will get the same trany again and it will only last the same or less hours and dye again !!!!!! My Hope that there is a Class Action Law Suite And I and other John Deere owners are paid for the problems that they have made a poor products.
I have now experienced this first hand and I’m not very happy. I bought a JD G110 Lawn Tractor from HD and it lasted 3 mow seasons. Died with 135 hours on the motor. When I discussed this with the JD rep and the local JD dealer, I was essentially told I was out of luck and needed to buy a select mower from the dealer to get a quality mower. I paid nearly $3000.00 for my G110 tractor and now being asked to shell out another $4000 for a new mower. Not happy.
Folks, I have become friends with the owner of the local JD dealership. I had previously bought my LA175 from HD. The machine was delivered to the local dealer for assembly and delivery to me. He has assured me that it is the same machine, I know him and he wouldn’t lie about that. I would have bought from him (next time)but I didn’t know him then. He got paid for set up and delivery though.
@ Adam – I think there has been sufficient information gathered over the last year on this topic to back up what you are saying. I think the bigger issue here is you get what you pay for. These lower end models are being promoted at the big box stores so much that consumers fail to realize there are much better quality models available. The old saying you get what you pay for is surely appropriate with the LA175 as the number of complaints will justify. Thanks for your input.
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I have read all of the comments. I also proved on the JD site that the JD 100 series is the Lowes 100 series. Now it’s an even playing field comparing apples with apples. If the 100 series is so horrible, why is John Deere watering down their fine reputation to begin with? It’s their name on it. I have a 10% off coupon for Lowes which brings it down to $1350.00. My question is: Is this mower better than the Troy-Bilt, (which appears to be a MTD), and Husqvarna, (which has a Kohler motor), mowers they also sell? My coupon will work on any of them. I can do my own repairs and maintenance so that is not an issue. I’m wondering if the John Deere is just a glorified mower with MTD components. I’ve bought too many MTDs in the past. Any comments are appreciated. Thanks.
@ Wayne – I think we all now realize that the JD100 is the same machine. I think the issue here is you get what you pay for. I think lots of people were buying the 100 series thinking they would be getting the same mower that a 300 series is. The bottom line is you get what you pay for. All I can speak to is the quality of the 300 series. I’ve seen too many complaints about the 100 series to ever recommend it. Good luck and I hope someone can chime in with their experiences on the other makes you listed. Happy New Year
Thanks Todd. I went to my Consumer Reports Online account tonight and looked it up. They rated John Deere as a general brand at the top of their scale. Specifically though, they named the LA115 as a best buy. The one I am looking at is the LA105 which, at a glance, has similar specs to the LA115. I will spend more time scrutinizing it this weekend. The 300 series at $3,000.00 is just too much as I could but 3 MTDs for that and I definitely know how to work on them, LOL. To support what you are saying though about the 300 series, the X304 was 1st, Craftsman 28933 was second, X300 was 3rd, and the LA115 was 4th. There were many others below those 4. If I get what I pay for, it looks like I’m better off kicking in $400.00 more and getting the Deere. The brand reliability score was based upon 18,600 readers who bought a riding mower between 2004-2008. I guess it may still come down to “your mileage may vary” Thanks, Wayne
@ Wayne – Great info. One of the big differences between the LA and X series is power. Most of the complaints that I hear are about LA series really only working well on small flat lots. The guys at JD talked me into the X series and I’m glad I spent the money. My lot is quite hilly and it’s worked out well. What I was trying to get across to folks is just because it says JD on it doesn’t mean it’s a top of the line model. Good luck! Keep us posted.
To All,
I sell John Deere and Stihl lawn and garden products at a local dealership. But I worked for a merchandising company for 7yrs were we merchandised many lines (including John Deere) in all of the Lowe’s stores nationwide Here are some things that will help you out. It is questions that should be asked first. My first question I ask all of my customers is how much do you mow (100′s-1.5 acres and down)(300′s 3.5 acres and down). How many Lowes or hd employees will even ask that. Second do you have any hilly areas to mow (100′s small inclines every once in a while like a smaller ditch area no problem)(300′s, can handle a little bit more of the incline and deeper ditches, for major hills x320 or bigger would be recommended–bigger transmission) do you have a fence with a gate (42″ deck will not fit through a 42″ wide gate). Warranties x300 4yrs or 300 hours which ever comes first 100′s 2yrs or 120 hours which ever comes first. The x300 has a heavier frame, transmission, more torque engine etc. The x300 (38 or 42 deck) and x304(42 deck only) have the same size transmissions as the la165 (48″ deck only) and la175(54″ deck only). I will use myself as an example. I have to look at the real value and what is important to me. Based on the size of my yard I probably woud stick with a push mower (I run a jd js45 push) I have a fence with a 42″ gate the only John Deere rider that will fit is an x300 with a 38″ deck. But I would not have a problem with an la135 (best value in the 100 series with a 42″ deck). But I am not changing my gate so do I spend the extra $1000 for double the rider and double the warranty so I can get 38″ deck, or just get the extra exercize and push. On the banker hour questions. Most dealers are family owned and most do not sell light bulbs etc. It is very hard for the dealers to control labor cost when you only have 1 to 5 customers coming in after 5pm or 6pm in spring and fall. It is a double edge sword for us. Some people ask why should I buy from the local dealer instead of the big box, even though they are the same price. I tell them more personal service (we register your warranty your responsibility at Lowes and HD, we will show you how to operate the machine, etc), machines have not been stepped on, sat on etc by a lots and lots of people (machines have to be sold set up or it voids the warranty)local community stores, local taxes, local owners, personal service (I am willing at times to stay after closing to finish a sale), answers questions the best that we can. Please feel free to ask any questions.
@ Scott – Thank you VERY much for this information. At some point I plan on writing a newer version of this article and I’ll include your suggestions. What I find frustrating is hearing all the complaints from people with 100 series mowers that don’t last and they think they got ripped off. The fact is that 100 series mowers are the bottom of the line and you get what you pay for. Thanks so much!!
Todd, if a 100 series doesn’t last, they did get ripped off. A 100 series is not a commercial series mower and shouldn’t be used like one, but for a homeowner a $1500 or more investment in a riding mower is a big investment no matter the brand. Most homeowners looking to buy a mower have a .3 to 1.5 acres yard they want to cut. A $3000 mower is not justified. A $1500 mower that doesn’t last is a valid complaint.
Hi Scott, I see that you work for a JD dealer. I’m currently in the market for a new x300 but the high price tag is a bit out of my budget. Do dealers negotiate prices at all?
Thanks,
Jim
I find it interesting that everyone is blaming Lowes. Isn’t it John Deere that is selling out by offering a cheaper version to Lowes?
I am researching different lawn tractors as we need a new one and in no way affiliated with Lowes.
During my talk with a J.D. sales representative…it was explained to me, or at least understood by me, that J.D. doesn’t actually build the LA Series mowers. They just stamp their logo on them. This enabled them to compete with other below $3k mower manufacturers.
I plan on speaking with him again this coming week to verify what he said was indeed what I understood.
Anyone know about this as I’m in the market for a J.D. riding mower.
Mark – The debate seems to continue with no 100% confirmation either way. I think the bigger point here is to understand that you get what you pay for. You also have a bit better leg to stand on so to speak if you buy it at a JD location. The other important factor is buying the “Right” mower for your situation and your yard. I ended up with the X300 after doing lots of research. Good luck.
There is only one specific detail offered in this piece – the HD model mower has a bigger but lower quality motor. The rest is just anecdotal. More specifics on the differences between the products would make it more persuasive; as it is, I’m skeptical about the claims made here.
I bought a Deere power mower from HD and, indeed, a cable did break – after four years. I’m still using it, nine years later.
i have been crawling the web for weeks and have found significantly more ‘good’ than ‘bad’ reviews about the 100 series JD models. the argument that entry-level models from big manufacturers are low quality is sketchy, at best. the new 1 Series BMW is an excellent machine. prior to that, the 3-series was the bottom of the BMW line-up and still managed to be the best selling model for decades. surely, the folks that were shopping a 7-Series and settled for a 3-Series were disappointed, but that has much more to do with being an uneduated shopper than someone having “gotten what they paid for”.
IMHO, it sounds like you are trying to justify your own purchase by putting down the model you were upsold from at a JD dealer. save that your facts have been mostly found wanting and unsubstantiated. i am happy that your x300 series is working out for you, but i think it’s silly for you to bash a machine you have no personal experience with, simply because it cost less than what you ended up spending.
just my .02 and YMMV ;)
I feel compelled to make a point about the “you get what you pay for” position. We all know that just because something costs more, you don’t always get more … especially when whatever it is costs much more. Is a Bentley really 15-20x better than a Honda? That probably depends on your needs (including ego) & budget. So, while the “you get what you pay for” position is not universally applicable and is often misused to get people to spend much more than they need to spend, let’s put this in perspective. As with any significant purchase, the buyer needs to do some homework and buy the best model they can that meets their needs and their budget. Me, I usually set a not-to-exceed budget and find the best model & deal that I can find. I chose a John Deere because ALL of them last longer than the competition, and I chose a specific model because it has the best balance of features vs. price — not because of snob appeal.
I have read most of the posts on this blog and everyone has made valid points on dealer vs. big box store. We bought a JD L130 mower 5 years ago at a reputable JD dealer. Suffice it to say, I will never buy another JD mower again. 5.5 years later, I have had to repair one thing or another on this mower outside of regular maintenance (drive belts, spark plugs, filter etc). The straw that broke the camel’s back was the fact that the transmission blew on this model after ~300 hours of operation. When I brought it to JD dealership I was told it would cost ~$1100 dollars to fix or roughly half the cost of the mower when we purchased it back in 2004.
Whether it be box store or JD, we won’t choose neither but stay away from JD altogether.
I just want to know, why, if the mowers at the Blue & Orange stores are lesser quality, why does John Deere put their name on it?
If the cheaper mowers are not reliable, doesn’t that tarnish the JDeere reputation?
Seems kind of stupid to me.
I bought an L130 in 2003 from Deems John Deere, Butler Missouri, I’ve got 350 hours on it now an am please with it. I get great service from my dealer, they are friendy and know how to fix any problem. They have yet to need my L130 more than a day to fix or service. The only problem I’ve had was the spindles, I’ve replaces two of them at around 300 hours and have replaced the blades twice. I’ve never had any problems with the transmission and I’m still on the original battery. I move about 2 of my 5 acres and I live on a ridge, yes a lot of hillside, no problems ever. I see my neighbor working on his big red Sears every season. I travel alot and my wife mows while I’m gone, she loves the JD. We mow the rest with a 1958 Ford 861-D. I would not even concider any brand, nothing runs like a deere.
I have been researching riding lawnmowers and although I do not mow all that much (4 lots 100X130), I am considering the X300. I have been to the local dealer and they confirmed the low end 100 series mowers are exactly the same as the ones at HD. They have the same warranty and are the same price. The only difference is that the local dealer has free delivery. After much research, I have found two sites that state the 100 series is made by MTD. Here is one: http://www.repairfaq.org/samnew/lmfaq/lmwmmwbn.htm. Essentially, if you are buying a 100 series mower from HD, you are buying a Craftsman, Murray, or any other mower made at MTD (assuming the above article is correct).
If any of you get a chance go to the JD dealer and look at these mowers side by side. Huge differences with X300: heavier pedals, heavier gauge deck and frame, better motor, etc. The dealer told me that the Kawasaki 17 HP motor would out-pull the high end 25 HP Briggs and would get much better gas mileage than most other mowers out their. The seat is heavier and more comfortable and the list goes on and on. I am buying the X300 even though it is slightly above what I want to pay.
I got more information from the dealer that conflicts with what I said above. John Deere make all John Deere mowers, not MTD. The mowers sold at HD are made at a plant in Kentucky or Tennessee and are made to “MTD standards”. The X300 and above are made in a Wisconsin plant.