Strengths I bought mine from JD dealership new in 2005 and have had zero problems with it. Cuts even, always starts, my wife and kids can operate it safely. I mow about 1.3 acres.

Weaknesses Mine would backfire occaisionally when shutting off, but as someone else mentioned reducing the throttle for a few seconds works everytime. Other than that, I haven't had any of the problems mentioned.

Overall After reading the negative posts I was amazed. My overall impression is you get what you pay for. To step from the L130 lawn tractor into a real tractor was $2500. Even with the luck I've had with mine, I still wish I would have made the step up to handle snow throwing. Which brings me to my point of this post... has anyone used the L130 for snow? I know the 23HP Kohler will handle it. But what about the rest of the tractor? I thought at the time I bought it, that the snowthrower, chains, weights were all available.

Strengths

Weaknesses The Kohler 23 hp engine had to be replaced at 165 hrs as it was burning a qt of oil per hr, smoked excessivly at start up from new.Haven't had any other problems but I do relize I was taken in by the JD name. My old MTD with 1450 hrs is still doing the job better then this so called Deere. All mowers need maintence but JD parts are twice the price so think twice before you get the greene weiney.

Overall I will try a Cub Cadette next time.

Strengths price

Weaknesses EVERYTHING! I have spent more time fixing this machine than I have spent mowing with it. The original models were sold under the Scott name and I waited until Deere 'perfected and branded' it before buying... they may have branded it but they sure didn't perfect it. I knew it would not last as long as my old 318 but this is a joke.

Overall DO NOT BUY unless you want some yard art.

Strengths Absolutely none!!! Very disapointed with this lawn tractor!!!

Weaknesses Turning radius a joke, steering is hard, you would think John Deere quality would be better!!!

Overall Too expensive for what you get!!!! Would not buy another one!!!

Strengths none!!!!

Weaknesses it uses a lot of belts..and the turning sucks..the heavy duty cast iron front axle snapped into on mine earlier today.wonder wht tht will cost

Overall

Strengths Maneuverable compared to my JD 4200 CUT with 5' rotary cutter. Easy to get parts through JD dealer.

Weaknesses Hard steering, hard starting when engine is warm to hot, backfires on shutdown (shut engine off at a few RPM above idle eliminates this nuisance). On third set of mower belts (first was mangled when it fell off in use, second failed at the splice joint). Mower belt idler pulley bracket broke apart in my hand. On third set of blades (can't blame Deere for that, using Gator blades now). Electric PTO clutch and dash switch puked at 56-hours ($200 in parts, self repaired) and I had to make a special wrench to hold the engine from turning while removing the clutch bolt. RIO Lawyer Switch annoying, I disabled it. Kubota style HST pedals suck when going in reverse. Added three wash ports to deck, which help keep some of the crud from sticking to the deck, still have to scrape once or twice a year. Mower deck tough to lift. Power port weather cap keeps popping off. Had to SLIME the tires due to goat-heads on the property. Non-serviceable transmission. Seems hard on gas.

Overall I bought this new 2005 tractor in 2006 to cut the weeds and native grasses on our 2-acre lot after the heavy weeds moved out, and the Bush Hog was too bulky to get around the trees I planted. I didn't expect this thing to be a real Deere; but good grief it is more like my old S-10 pickup that I called the 'Vega Incarnate.' The 100 series tractors are essentially the old Scotts Sabre line of entry level tractors. The Tuff Torq K46 transmission is the bottom of the line from TT. When the engine and/or transmissions pukes, I'll junk it. In the meantime I'll save my money for a JD X700 series shaft drive unit, or look for a good used shaft drive mower. I have 60-hours on mine.

Strengths 23hp Kohler motor runs smooth and has needed nothing but oil changes and air filters. Frame itself is solid. Turning radius is tight.

Weaknesses A lot. Steering is heavy and inaccurate. Lots of problems with bagger (at the connection point at deck) - currently on 3rd unit (platic cracks and breaks); Deck itself collects TONS of clippings. After 450 hrs, transmission is going out. Lost front wheel bearings at about 300 hrs, replaced deck wheels twice. LOTS of problems with PTO - wires breaking 3 times, there is a service bulletin on it. Very poor design like trying to put gas in it with bagger on and going through a belt a season- which seems excessive.

Overall I bought my L130 thinking a "Home Depot" deere should be better than most others at HD not expecting traditional "Deere quality". EVEN expecting less quailty, I'm still deeply disappointed. I DID buy mine at a dealer - and has been dealer serviced both spring and fall - plus I am maticulous on service. After 5 years, 500+ hrs (mowing 1.7 acres) its almost junk time. That is sad. For the money spent, I can't recommend this line of tractors to anyone, too many others with similar quality a for a lot lower price.

Strengths Its green and yellow.

Weaknesses Smokes, backfires, doesn't cut well, spits grass and dirt everywhere. I have never seen a mower that makes so much stuff fly. Steers hard.

Overall Wish I had bought a used Scag or Dixie Chopper.

Strengths

Weaknesses

Overall Yeah, the John Deeres you buy at Home Depots are not John Deere Quality mowers you idiots. Buy a real John Deere and it will last you a life time. Man people are stupid.

Strengths Gave me a new sun cover and a model L130,

Weaknesses Piss poor quality. Deere should be ashamed to have their name on this. Tried to sell it but everyone knows it is junk. I put it in the shed and I use it to haul a small cart for wood. I bought a MTD like I have always done and it is twice the mower for 1/2 the price. It is junk but doesn't try to pretend it is anything else

Overall Stay away from any Deere lawn tractor