I don’t want to be snobby and say the L models or 100 models are not real John Deeres. But like all brands you do get what you pay for. Of course a cheaper model is not going to last as long. But, sometimes you can buy 2 cheaper models for the same price as a more expensive model so you still can be getting your money’s worth. I have a friend with a flat yard like you have and he bought an L model and just loves it. He takes excellent care of it. It’s not a year old yet so we will see about the durability.

I do get plenty of e-mails from people who have bought the small models and want to add attachments later on. Then you might wish you had the more expensive model. If you are sure you just want to mow on a nice flat surface I think the less expensive models could work just fine.

I’m new to this forum, so please forgive if I ask a question that has already been asked. I’m looking to buy a new John Deere lawn tractor to mow my flat 1 acre lawn. I won’t be using it for any heavy work such as plowing or hauling. I’m looking at 2006 Model 145 with 48-inch cut (or 2005 Model L120). I’ve done some searching in epinions.com and was surprised at the number of negative comments about the L120 and L130 such as “it’s not a “real” John Deere” or “it’s made much more cheaply than “regular” John Deeres”.

So my question is: is there much truth to this? Should I pay the extra $1600 to step up to the next higher price level of John Deere tractors (such as X320)? Will these 300 series tractors last much longer than the 100 series (or what used to be the “L” series in 2005)? I’m sure the more expensive models are slightly more sturdy and have some better features, but for a regular mower like me, does it really make that much of a difference?

Thank you for any advice you can provide
Best regards
Gary