John Deere Riding Mower Model LA125

By Brand

By Type

Tips

Subscribe To This Site

John Deere Riding Mower Model LA125

by Karen
(Florida)

This riding lawn mower is a dream!! I cannot wait to get out into the yard and mow the grass. This riding mower was purchased in April of 2006 and still looks and operates like brand new! The turning radius is wonderful, the ride is extremely comfortable and the maintenance is relatively low. I enjoy taking my grandson for a ride which he absolutely adores doing.

This is definitely one outdoor chore which is extremely high on my list. Living in Florida, during the summer it is not uncommon to have to mow your lawn at least twice a week. In the past, this has been a difficulty for me especially with property of any degree of size using a push mower was not something very high on my to do list.

Well now, it is number one!! This model handles turns, hills, obstacles all with ease. I have a one-half acre piece of property and this dream machine makes cutting the grass a pleasure and no longer a chore.

Sure I could have purchased a much cheaper riding mower but decided that the term "you get what you pay for" definitely pervails. I did check out the Sears line of riders but was not happy with the ratings, feedback or consumer report findings. One of my neighbors purchased a MTD Yardman from Walmart and suggested I try it out since the cost was so much less than any John Deere rider.

Well I can tell you I was not impressed and after my neighbor tried my John Deere, she definitely is a reformed lawn mower owner! She is green with envy every time I hop on my rider. She is most anxious for hers to die so she can justify purchasing a John Deere!

Comments for
John Deere Riding Mower Model LA125

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Feb 07, 2012
Rating

won't start
by: Anonymous

Bought it in 2008 and it ran great the first year. After that, trouble starting. Thought the battery was bad, but now the starter won't even turn it over when I jump it. It's always belched smoke when cold.

Expensive crap if you ask me.

Jan 05, 2012
Rating

Blown Motor LA125
by: Jake

My LA125 just started blowing smoke at 72hrs despite all the services being done on time.
Took it to the local dealer and the engine needs a rebuild!!!
I thought I was buying quality at $4250 (here in Australia) much dearer than similar Japanese models.
Won't ever be buying another John Deere product!

Nov 17, 2011
Rating

Junk Brigs
by: Dale

Bought A john deere la 135 and blew the engine after 54 hours. I have yet to talk to John Deere but I know what the out come will be. What a peice of junk! Do not buy John deere lawn tractors.

Oct 29, 2011
Rating

Wasn't rating the JD was rating the page
by: Anonymous

John Deere is a piece of crap, and to who ever wrote the previous message, must work for JD. HOw would you like it if you bought a new JD mower, ran it for 48 hours, kept it well maintained, then the engine just blew, now JD will not back their product.

Oct 29, 2011
Rating

Why give it 3 stars?
by: Anonymous

Why do you guys that hate the JD pos give it 3+ stars if/when JD won't acknowledge your dissatifified state?

Oct 29, 2011
Rating

Piece of Useless junk
by: Anonymous

My LA 125 blew engine after just 48 hours of use, kept it maintained, it was on the class action law suit, but they keep running around the issue of the engine ID NUMBER. I sent it to them on 3 seperate occasions but each time, send me a letter stating need another number,when I have given them every number on the mower.
DO NOT BUY JOHN DEERE WITH BRIGGS AND STRATTON ENGINE, WILL NOT BACK.

Oct 21, 2011
Rating

Don't waste your money
by: Anonymous

Piece of junk. Engine blown after 80 hours. Always kept maintained. No warranty. Buy something cheaper so when it breaks you won't be so disappointed.

Sep 05, 2011
Rating

Burning Oil
by: Randy

Bought the LA125 new in 2008 have 106 hours on it now it smokes, burning oil, rev it up it smokes or idle down it smokes, but not yet to the point of smoking all the time, sounds good, anybody know what the problem may be , i took very good care of this maintainence wise.

Aug 15, 2011
Rating

Blown engine
by: Portsmouth Reid

Same as previous commentor. Engine blew after 50 hours of use. Was told by the John Deere repairman that it had an oil leak. They want $1200 to fix it. We are not pleased with John Deere right now.

Aug 05, 2011
Rating

Don't waste your money
by: ASheffe

On our third season with this lawnmower (only 55 hours of use) and the engine blew. We've kept up religously with all required maintenance only to be told by John Deere that there was no oil and the warranty we paid $300 for will not cover the $1200 repair. Oil was checked regulary and before the incident occured.
We're hoping to talk to SOMEONE at John Deere that can help.

Aug 04, 2011
Rating

John Deere LA-135
by: Duane

I wrote 2 weeks ago about my LA-135 burning spot marks in my yard when evenI stop for a few seconds when engine is running. To date I have received no response from John Deere to my 2 letters to them on the problems.

Yesterday I was mowing my lawn when I heard a loud clunk and nower stoped. In looking under the mower deck I see my front bumper. Upon removing it I find it all busted up-see attached pictures.

I am sending the pictures to John Deere along with another request for a response to my LA-135 causeing burn spots in my yard.

My LA-135 is only one year old-John Deere certainly does not make the quality machine I am used to as in the past I have always had John Deere.

Aug 02, 2011
Rating

junk
by: ed ruiz

bought 2 years ago at end of 2008 ,expired warranty and now crank case seal looks like its blown had to add oil several times.i only have 117 hrs on this junk.made in usa great job american workers.i will buy japanese from now on ,same goes with cars.

Jul 28, 2011
Rating

DONT BUY THIS PIECE OF CRAP
by: Anonymous

I thought I bought the best when I bought a John Deere... Well, the joke was on me... I have 3.5 acres in Middleburg (NE) Florida... in the summer we have to mow the lawn 2x/wk... this piece of crap leaves the worse cut lines I've ever seen... It looks like one blade is cuting at 2" and the other cutting at 3"... I cross-cut the yard trying to get an even (ballpark) look... No friggin way Jose! WTF hasn't JD come up with a fix??? I see all these bitches about the crappy job the LA125 does... and JD don't give a shit... Their service dept's are a friggin ripoff too... God help you if you need a repair... bring some vascilene... cuz you're gonna get screwed...

Anybody want to drive by my house and look at the bitchen cut I get, come on by... 2845 Black Creek Drive Middleburg Fl 32068... Maybe this will provoke the JD crew to fix the piece of crap theY duped us into buying... being assured that the name says it all... SHAME ON YOU JOHN DEERE... COME UP WITH A SOLUTION HERE... I SURE AS HELL WISH I READ THIS COLUMN BEFORE I BOUGHT THIS JUNK FROM HOME DEPOT IN 2009

Jul 20, 2011
Rating

Engine going on 2 year old machine
by: Rick in Illinois

I chose the John Deere LA125 when I bought our house in Illinois with just over an acre. Using the Deere reputation as it the best, decided to spend the extra money to have a tractor for the next 10 years.

Mistake.

To protect my investment, each year I change the plugs, the fuel and oil filter, oil, belt, grease the fittings. Everything according to schedule.

After two seasons, the engine now burns approximatley 0.25qt of oil per hour. I'm left with either paying a landscaper $100 per week or limping along in a cloud of blue smoke until I can make it to the end of the year. I'll save the money and rid myself of it at season's end.

What an extreme disappointment.. I should have bought the Cub Cadet... Hell, I've had less problems with a near disposable Murray lawn tractor than this green piece of shit.

So long, John Deere. I won't be the fool a second time.

Jul 11, 2011
Rating

burns grass
by: Duane Plagemann

I have had John Deere mowers for many many years-always very pleased until I bought this LA 125.

I bought this mower to mow and keep my lawn a show place as I always have. Now I have burnt spots in my lawn that are very unsitely. I am extremly displeased with this.
You must be receiving many complaints on this and certainly must have a fix at no charge.

I would appreciate hearing from you and send what ever I need to correct this.

Thank you.

Duane Plagemann

Jul 09, 2011
Rating

Battery dead AGAIN
by: Anonymous

Well I was off to mow the lawn again this morning. Since I recharged the battery last week for a full hour, one would think it might have enough charge in it left to crank the engine once today. Wrong. Spent 30 minutes moving the car, finding the jumper cables and fighting the 'safety' features of this junk heap again. Think twice before buying.

Jun 05, 2011
Rating

Help!
by: William

I enjoy the website very much. Can someone help me - to remove the cutting blade on an MTD LA125 rtg by the turning the central fixing nut clocksire or anti-clockwise?

It might seem trivial but it is of great importance to me as I need to remove the blade urgently to check a highpitched wine it makes when I engage it.

Many thanks.

stay@finca-altacocina.com

Mar 31, 2011
Rating

KEEPING THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE
by: Al

Have had my 125 for years probable one of the first 125's, those that do not like the mower try to do things the mower was not designed for like grass that is high and clumps in the pick up. Mow your grass regularly. I have had the same experience but understand the reason. I have beat this mower to death and kept it outside in the weather not cleaning it untill the deck rusted out I just built a new deck (cheaper than a new mower) I have treated this mower brutally. The engine will last a long time yet, I always maintained it properly. If I had kept it clean and covered it would still be nearly 100%. I have had several other brands they died years sooner. This is a five star mower for the price.

Mar 25, 2011
Rating

LX125--I LOVE IT
by: Anonymous

I bought my lawnmower LA125 in Dec 2008. I have had very little problems. Having owned a Yardmaster, Toro, Pouland. I was buying a new mower every year and a half. Maybe I got a good set of parts but mine runs great and John Deer has made good on all warranty problems. Had a carb problem and went to get a part for the carb. The dealer looked up my mower and said it was still under warranty and replace the whole carb. I would recommend it to friends and have. My only recommendation would be to have a way to tighten the deck belt. I have sold 2 of them on my recommendation. I am in a power wheel chair, so I have to have a machine that performs.-- LOVE IT

Dec 17, 2010
Rating

dissappointed
by: Anonymous

Two months out of warranty and this tractor throws a rod and is worthless, The dealer asked if we have ever changed the oil! We have religiously followed the required maintenance squedule by the manual and were highly insulted!John deere is refusing to help with the $1200.00 repair, so needless to say, we will NEVER buy another John deere product!

Sep 10, 2010
Rating

Don't buy this piece of junk
by: Anonymous

Dave you very funny!! I was going to get this Lawn Mower but have changed my mind

Sep 08, 2010
Rating

For Dave...
by: Anonymous

Dave, are you Dave Barry? You are a comic genius and should have your own column syndicated!

Aug 28, 2010
Rating

Don't buy this piece of junk
by: Dave

This has to be one of the worst decisions I have every made. I bought this mower to save time. WRONG.
FLAWS: 1) The bagger clogs no matter how high you set the blade. 2) The battery dies in a week. 3) The rubber clips that attach the bagger to the mower regrade after a year and break. 4) The plastic chute comes loose and hits the blade. 5) The most uneven cut I have ever seen.
TYPICAL USAGE: 1) Go out and try to start L125, battery is dead and engine doesn't turn. Hand push mower to front. I then go find jumper cables and move car to get close to mower. I start the mower and am ready to mow. Wrong, the mower is so wide it won't fit through a typically average gate in back. So I take of all attachments and push mower through gate. Ready to mow.
2) Start mowing with blade at 3". Bagger clogs after one row.
So I get off of mower and am careful not to turn if off because I might have to repeat step 1. Reach in to chute and pull out four arm fulls of grass. Ready to mow.
3) Adjust blade to 4 inches, see 2)
4) Decide to mow only half rows see 2)
5) By this time, the driveway is covered with 1/2 inch of clippings because the clog throws everything out from under the mower to everywhere except the bag.
6) Decide that because of 5) mowing without bagger can't be bad because I have a 1/2 hour of sweeping ahead of me anyway.
7) Make sure not to bounce while mowing because the switch on the seat detects the slightest weightlessness and loves to turn the mower off. Don't want to repeat 1). But unfortunately kids have left their toy bricks in the grass and now I have a decision to make. Should I turn everything off, and unmount the mower to move the bricks or should I risk amputation. Well, I am so mad that amputation seems like the easy way out.
8) Put the mower into high gear and floor it, ignoring kids, dogs, neighbors and anybody who dare get in my way. By this point I am ready to light this dang thing on fire. But I must preserve because my neighbors are watching and wondering why there are 4 inch green tread marks all over my driveway, and why I am completely covered in grass clippings.
9) Finally done. Huge clump of grass all over my yard. Grass everywhere, and the yard looks like cr@p.
10) Go get Toro law mower and start over.

Anyhoo, things you want to watch out for:

1) None of the reasonable things (grass catcher, pipes, blade, rubber things that break, battery) are covered under the warranty. They are considered 'reasonable wear' items

2) Dealer in Escondido loved to offer no help at all and then ask 'Is there anything else I can help you with'. Uhhh, how about helping me not kill myself because I hate this stupid mower so much.

3) You will want to think about causing bodily injury to whatever engineer designed this piece of Winnie the Pooh. But put it in the back of your mind. There is always Craigslist and you might be able to get half your money back.

There, I feel better now.

Jul 25, 2010
Rating

good mower
by: craiglb

I bought a l125 last week and it's a good mower, but, the cutting height lever gets in the way when I get onto the machine. It's located on the left rear fender so I hit my leg or rear end almost every time. It says it has an 18" cutting radius, maybe, but it's no better than the 10 year old craftsman I just got rid of. The John Deere guy said when putting the PTO in, to engage the blades, do it when the engine is running at a slow speed. There are "belts and springs" under there that could come loose. My old craftsman, I engaged the blades at operating speed all the time, no problems. I didn't realize that I paid so much money for such a delicate machine. But it does a great job of mowing the lawn, nice even cut, does not clump, or very little clumping, I mulch my grass not bag it.
The best part of this mower is the seat, it is very comfortable and with my bad back it's easy to sit and mow the lawn with it.

Mar 20, 2010
Rating

requires some upkeep costs
by: Anonymous

John Deere 125 My husband and I purchased the John Deere 125 in May of 2006. We live in a fairly rural suburb in what many people would describe as "fly-over country". Our total lot size is 1.24 acres and borders a farm.

After two gruelingly humid mid-western summers spent trudging across the grass and tripping into gopher holes with an old push mower, I met the arrival of our John Deere 125 with great happiness. I am a petite middle-aged woman who had never operated a riding mower before. I had some reservations about the John Deere, but, after just a few minutes of instruction, I felt completely comfortable driving the mower. It is actually kind of fun. I am very impressed by John Deere's dedication to safety. When the driver exits the mower's seat the machine immediately shuts off.

This is a very welcome feature when the operator is met with sudden impediments in the mowing path, as is often my case. Moreover, the machine is very gas-efficient. The tank can hold approximately two and one-half gallons of gasoline, and requires very little oil, which is readily available at any Wal-Mart. The mower's tires have been a big disappointment. They are prone to deflate easily, especially in humid weather. They are also readily punctured. In three years we have had to replace two tubes and one tire. Although, admittedly, the expense on each occasion proved to be minor, all repairs were a big pain in the neck, since we had to pay to have the mower hauled to a local service provider. Having the mower's blades professionally sharpened, as suggested in the operator's manual, is not cheap.

Overall, the John Deere 125 is an excellent mower. It will definitely free homeowners up to landscape other portions of their property, since a 1.24 acre portion is easily mowed in approximately one hour--if you go fast. Consumers should be advised that tire care can be a problem. Upkeep of the mower will require a some cash. Despite these setbacks, I would strongly recommend the mower--the John Deere 125 has allowed me to focus on putting in extensive native wildflower beds. Additionally, I am now able to actually enjoy my summer weekends.

Nov 20, 2009
Rating

A great mower for the price
by: Anne Cole

Pros
- virtually maintenance free
- affordable
- nice safety features
- looks great

Cons
- none

Rating
- 5 out of 5

We have had our John Deere LA 125 for 9 years and it is still running strong. It is virtually maintenance free. We have 2 acres of uneven lawn so we run it to the limit.

We purchased the lawn mower at Home Depot at a very affordable price. At the time of the purchase, we had been through a mower every 2-3 years and were tired of buying disposable mowers. We decided on John Deere because of the name brand and really did not research it much. Since that time, we have never regretted it.

Our teen age daughters are also able to operate it with the safety features on it. It turns off when you are lifted off the seat and also turns off when you are in reverse with the mower down.

The green finish still looks great and does not fade in the sun like other models. It also came with a portable roof to protect you from the sun and a drink holder for your beverage while you are mowing.

We would strongly recommend lawn mower to anyone that has less than a perfect yard. It is for someone that does not like to have a high maintenance mower. It is for someone that likes all the safety features for the young adults in the family to drive. It is overall a great mower for the price of the purchase.

Sep 07, 2009
Rating

Disapointed with John Deere
by: Anonymous

I was very excited to buy my first John Deere. I read a lot of reviews and researched the various models. One of the worst design flaws is the large plastic "chute" that takes the clippings to the rear bag containers. It almost always clogs. The only time it does not is when I am only cutting less than an inch. I can't tell you how frustrating this is and today the chute would not sit inside the bag catcher (another headache while I mow), so the grass was flying everywhere. This problem started from day one. A Deere mechanic told me that it was a design flaw, gave me a new tube, and it still does not work. I do not recommend this product.

Apr 16, 2009
Rating

A classic that never goes out of style
by: Anonymous

I have owned the John Deere LA125 Riding Lawn Mower for just over a year a now and I have do many great things to say about this piece of machinery. It is easy to start and easy to operate. BY the simple push of a front or back foot pedal, it moves easily. This John Deere is very quiet and you can barely hear it running. It takes corners with ease and provides a super sharp presicion cut that transforms my backyard into a golf course picturesque setting. This John Deere is great on gas also.

It only takes a couple of gallons of gas to fill it and it mows my entire 2 acre lawn in the country. The ride on the John Deere is a smooth one, with its big puffy yellow seat you can comfortable sit for hours on end and mow your grass. The shocks make it a smooth ride with fewer bumps and dips.

This John Deere comes in the classic John Deere green and yellow colors and is recognizable as being set apart above all of the rest.

This John Deere also has lights for night time mowing and also for those late night joy riding drives.

John Deere is a classic that never goes out of style and I would recommend everyone to own a Deere!

Apr 16, 2009
Rating

A fantastic mower for the price
by: Anonymous

I own a John Deere LA125 Lawn Tractor and I must say it is an asset to my family! My mower is designed for comfort and convenience as well. It has a steering wheel, cruise control, and a very comfortable high back seat.

The two blade cutting system allows all of my mowing to go very smoothly. It has never clogged up on me once! The mower also has an area on the back that allows easy attatchment for a canopy or the bag system. It even has a wash port underneath the deck to provide easier cleaning at the end of each use!

I love that part! It has a cast iron front end for extra support and the engine is great for a mower! It supports a 21 hp engine that provides excellent lubrication for the very best performance.

Even the hood has lots of thought put into it! It will not dent and keeps all of the UV rays out! Two headlights are placed so even the most dedicated of mowers can mow at dusk! The operator station was very well thought out as well.

It features easy access to the ignition right on the dash, wide footrests for safety, and comes complete with a cup holder.

It has a 4 gallon tank that has an easy view gauge to make it much easier to know when to fill up. The mower has a neat reverse button that allows it to keep working even in reverse!

All in all, this is a fantastic mower for the price and is a simple way to get back to your life quicker!

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to RIDING mowers - John Deere

John Deere Riding Mower Model LA125

Comments for John Deere Riding Mower Model LA125

Comments for
John Deere Riding Mower Model LA125