John Deere LA135

The John Deere LA135 lawn mower is a popular garden tractor from the team at John Deere. It consists of a 4X2 2WD chassis that houses a Briggs and Stratton gasoline, 2 cylinder V twin engine. This engine is 0.656 liters (40 cubic inches) in size and produces a power output of 22hp. The engine is started using a key ignition and 12 volt battery. The 12V battery is charged by a 9 amp alternator. The air cooled engine needs 1.9 liters of oil to remain fully lubricated. The fuel tank supplying the engine is located to the rear of the machine and comes in 2 different sizes; the California model can hold 8.5 liters (2.25 US gallons). while the ‘regular’ model can hold15.1 (4 US gallons)

Power from the engine gets to the wheels through a Tuff Torq hydrostatic transmission which means that the John Deere LA135 has unlimited gears going forwards and unlimited gears when reversing. The top speed of the lawnmower is 8.8 kph (5.5 mph). The chassis on the JD LA135 is made from welded steel and has a powder coat of paint. You will be glad to know that this lawnmower incorporates John Deere’s CargO Mount system which allows for the quick attachment and detachment of a variety of tools, from baggers to a sun shade.

The front wheels on the John Deere LA135 measure in at 15×6-6 (15 inch diameter, 6 inch width and 6 inch rim diameter) while the rear tires come to 20×10-8 (20 inch diameter, 10 inch width and 8 inch rim diameter). These tires offer fantastic grip to the garden tractor while at the same time minimizing the damage that they could possibly cause to the lawn you are working on. The minimum turning radius of the JD LA135 is 0.46 m (18 inches). The cutting width of the mower deck is 42 inches. If you are looking for a smaller model in the ‘100’ series then check out the John Deere LA125 but if you are looking for something bigger, then you may be interested in the John Deere LA145. If you are interested in learning more, then have a look at the official John Deere page for the LA135 by clicking here.

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17 Reviews of the “John Deere LA135”

  1. JAMES BASILE says:

    Easy to drive & like the reverse button for continued mowing in reverse & when the break is applied you can get off the tractor seat without the engine stalling, but the engine will shut down if you leave the mower engaged for safety.

    Year of Manufacture: 2010
    Pros: As a D.I.Y , I appreciate the easy to understand maintenance schedule. bought the LA135 SE new & just had to replace the battery after 4 yrs. this tractor is used all year round ,cutting grass & using cart for mulch or topsoil & plowing snow ,when needed in winter to clear a 200 ft driveway. very pleased with this workhorse.
    Attachments: trailer cart,snow plow, 42inch mower deck

  2. Robert MacDonald says:

    We purchased our LA135 new in 2009. I am guilty of not performing the regular cleaning and maintenance for the first 5 years and have had no issues. I have changed my ways as this little workhorse deserves better! Some paint did peel off the deck after 5 years and I changed the battery in 2016 but both are regular wear and tear issues as far as I am concerned. I have run over large rocks and dirt clumps, this tractor just keeps going. I love our John Deere!
    I was shocked to see several bad reviews regarding this tractor as I am being completely honest regarding my neglect and as earlier stated, I love our John Deere, not a single problem!????

    Year of Manufacture: 2008
    Pros: Large fuel tank
    Durable and built tough
    Comfortable high back seat
    Deep water bottle holder
    Hills and culverts are not a problem
    Great looking tractor
    Cons: None with our tractor
    Attachments: Mower deck
    Modifications: None

  3. laura jankowski says:

    junk

    Year of Manufacture: 2010
    Pros: Worse piece of junk EVER, Have had problems right from the start, many repairs back to the dealer, bought extended warranty whick of course is now expired. All the paint on the deck pealed off in big sheets at year 2, not even extended warranty would cover it because they called it cosmetic, dealer wanted 170. to repaint. replaced front wheel bearings now real axle is leaking and guess what it is a sealed unit so cannot be repaired new real axle $800 plus labor- are you kidding. I will never buy a JD again. THEY NEED TO SAY “NOTHING BREAKS DOWN LIKE A DEERE”
    Cons: JUNK< JUNK< JUNK

  4. D. Noland says:

    Before I pay $1000 for a transmission, I’ll buy a completely new mower.

    Year of Manufacture: 2010
    Pros: Good looking machine.
    Bought it from the local JD dealer with lots of promises of priority service over Lowe’s or Home Depot.
    Cons: Have always had issues with it starting. Took it back to the local JD dealer for a simple check about 1 1/2 years old. Was informed that it likely needed the bands adjusted. (Never heard of that.) I was charged for a charging system check, a battery charge, a band adjustment, and simple service. ($435.00) It is still hard to start and it has actually been a decent machine until today while mowing I heard a “Pop” when pressing the hydro pedal to slow the machine and now it will start but it won’t move. From what I’m seeing in many of the reviews, I’m not liking what I’m reading!
    Attachments: None
    Modifications: None

  5. Ralph L. Hitchens Jr. says:

    Good

    Year of Manufacture: 2010
    Pros: Great looking mower. Even purchased chrome JD hub caps for it.
    Cons: Had to buy a new battery after one year. Backfires a lot after cutting lawn. Would like answers.Uses no oil (I use Mobile One). 200 Hrs on Mower.

  6. Dawg says:

    I love my tractor. I’m disabled and this tractor makes it possible to take care of my 2acre home. I use it like a mule. ????

    Year of Manufacture: 2009
    Pros: A real workhorse
    Great with implements
    Durable
    Cuts great
    Cons: Have to start tractor weekly during winter for battery
    Tuning deck can be tricky
    Would like armrests
    Attachments: Big gorilla cart
    Seeder
    Ariator
    30gallon sprayer
    Fertilizer spreader
    Mulch kit

    Modifications: No mods

  7. Bill says:

    If it works, it cuts the grass well if the grass is not too high. I found that the grass bagger never works well and stopped using it a long time ago. It would keep getting blocked and would require manual cleaning about every 5 min or so. I did convert it for snow removal which I did work great at. It could handle almost 2 feet of snow with little problem. However, a big however, it could not handle any significant incline with snow removal. I found that every year if I did not use it in the winter it would not turn over and would require a new battery even if I tried to recharge the battery or jump start it. The transition from summer to winter was involved and complicated and since I am busy and not terribly mechanically inclined I would have john deer do the conversion which typically cost in the 300-400$ which I found steep.

    Overall, I would not buy it again.

    Year of Manufacture: 2010
    Pros:
    If it worked it would cut grass and remove snow ok.
    Cons:

    It often would not start if not used frequently. Conversion to winter was involved to put snow attachment.

  8. Robert Winters says:

    Horrible

    Year of Manufacture: 2008
    Pros: None, Zero. Can you rate below zero I would
    Cons: Everything. I bought this POS New in 2008. before I had 8 hours on it bent push rods. Repair them and it is always a pain to get started. Now with just 36.4 hours of use I cant even get the POS to start.
    Tried new plugs etc. Not going to spend another sent on this piece of crap
    Will never buy a John Deere again.
    Next time I will buy a Walmart POS then when it breaks I won’t be disappointed.

  9. Paul Garrison says:

    very pleased

    Year of Manufacture: 2010
    Pros: I have about 500 hours on my mower. Very pleased. I put dowel sticks in the front cargo holes & have a bunji cord anchored at one end and a u bolt affixed to the grass deflector. When I am in tight places, I simply lift the black grass deflector. I cut several yards & 2 are on major roads so keep a small trash bag and long handled grabber to pick up trash as I cut. On the left dowel stick I keep fire ant poison. I wish I could come up with a tool bag for the cargo holes on the rear for pruning sheers etc.
    Cons: The yellow paint is rusting off the deck. I don’t get very good gas millage.
    Attachments: leaf bagger that works well after I got it set up.
    Modifications: A bunji cord to grass deflector for tight spots.

  10. Ross says:

    I bought mine used, have had it for 3 years now and mow 3/4 of an Acer and have not had any major issues with it.

    Year of Manufacture: 2010

  11. Cole says:

    This is a great-looking machine that I’m proud to own. I can’t say I’ve ever had a real problem with it. I bought it new in 2010 and it’s been a great tractor ever since. The engine has plenty of power and the controls are very easy to operate. I enjoy the compliments I receive when it’s cleaned up. This thing is fun, even if you’re not cutting grass.

    Year of Manufacture: 2010
    Pros: Looks great, plenty of power, gets the job done every time!
    Cons: I sometimes experience a lot of plugging in my bagger chute. I have to stop and clean it out. I know that John Deere offers a blower system that helps to prevent this issue, but it’s a little pricey.
    Attachments: None
    Modifications: None

  12. Steve says:

    I’ve had this tractor 3 years now, engine runs great, never had a problem. I change the oil once a year myself, and I have it serviced every spring from where I purchased it. About $350/year. I mow my hilly property, just under an acre, every week and it works fine, I also pick up all my leafs and it’s a back saver, I have about 25 trees on the property, so it takes a bout a month of ‘mowing’ up the leaves every weekend. I have run over stumps, giant rocks, you name it, it keeps on going and is pretty tough for being the low end model (LA135). My only complaint is that mower belt falls off about 2x a season, and I have to put it back on, it’s a pain… other than that, I like it.

    Year of Manufacture: 0
    Pros: Starts up easy
    Good attachments
    Cons: Mower belt falls off frequently
    Attachments: Leaf system

  13. Kevin says:

    What a piece of garbage! John Deere ought to be ashamed of themselves for putting this P.O.S. on the market. I will NEVER buy another John Deere product… I’d rather take a beating than to give John Deere another dime of my hard earned money.

    Year of Manufacture: 2011
    Pros: Very safe to operate. Virtually impossible to get hurt while operating this lawn mower.
    Cons: Worst piece of junk I ever bought. I definitely have a serious case of buyer’s remorse. Within the first 6 weeks I had to have the mowing deck leveled due to uneven cutting, along with several other repairs. To add insult to injury, the dealer charged me for the repairs. From my perspective, the repairs should have been performed under warranty.
    To make matters even worse, the mower operated great for two cuttings before the alternator went bad. Since I refuse to sink any more $$ into this piece of garbage, I now have to make sure my battery charger is fully charged whenever the lawn needs to be mowed.
    Finally, this past weekend I discovered to my dismay that the oil drain cap somehow had vibrated itself off somewhere along the way. I very nearly fused the pistons to the engine cylinders because all of the oil drained out while I was cutting the lawn.
    Attachments: None
    Modifications: None

  14. alan cranmore says:

    Very safe!

    Year of Manufacture: 2011
    Pros: Nice paint
    Cons: Transmission quit at 30 hours. Cost as much to replace as a new mower, PLANNED OBSOLECENSE anyone? Very safe…will not move!
    Attachments: 42″ deck
    Modifications: none

  15. Michael Bazemore says:

    worst lawn mower ever. i got my jd lawn mower in 2008 and have nothing but problems with the deck. since i’ve had it i’ve had both deck spindles replaced more than once. and now my deck is completly broke, i am going to get the deck welded so i can finish out this mowing season with it and going to buy a new mower at the end of season, and it will not be a john deere.

    Year of Manufacture: 2008
    Pros: Engine and transmission work great, hydrastatic transmission awesom
    Cons: worst deck ever made
    Attachments: none
    Modifications: none

  16. Holly says:

    This is the first John Deere lawn tractor we’ve owned. Of course, my family owns a huge farm/ranch and John Deere’s have always proven to be a highly respected farm implement.

    Year of Manufacture: 2010
    Pros: We have two acres of lawn to mow and this lawn tractor does a GREAT job when it comes to getting the job done right and getting it done fast. We’ve owned this lawn tractor for more than a year and it’s been an excellent addition to our gardening arsenal.
    Cons: None that I can think of
    Attachments: snow pusher.
    Modifications: none

  17. Andy North says:

    Very happy–nothing runs like a deere!!

    Year of Manufacture: 2010
    Pros: Looks great. JD makes the best looking tractors. Only had 6 weeks- but so far very happy. Cuts grass great. Built solid- should handle my flat .5 acre lot for years to come. LA- Series JD’s much better than D100 series (they are junk)
    Cons: none so far
    Attachments: bagger
    Modifications: none

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