John Deere LX172

The John Deere LX172 lawn mower is powered by a Kawasaki FC420V 1 cylinder engine. This gasoline engine has natural aspiration and a displacement of 0.422 liters. It’s air cooled and uses a foam and dry type air filter to purify the air intake of particulate matter. The oil level in the engine needs to be maintained at 1.6 liters. Interestingly the JD LX172 is almost exactly identical to the John Deere LX176. The only difference between the 2 is the transmission. While the JD LX176 uses a hydrostatic transmission which makes it an automatic, the transmission on the LX172 gives it 5 different speeds going forward and one for reversing. It’s top speed is 8.4 kph (5.2 mph).

The John Deere LX172 had a long production run from 1990 until the last one rolled off the assembly line 7 years later in 1997. The fuel tank on the JD LX172 can hold up to 9.5 liters (2.5 US gallons) of gasoline. There are a number of different mower decks that are compatible with this John Deere mower. The smallest of which is a 38 inch (cutting width) mowing deck. The next biggest is a 44 inch (cutting width) mower deck. The largest is a 48 inch (cutting width) mower deck. Do keep in mind that the total width of each mower deck is about 10 inches wider than the the actual cutting width due to the discharge flap protruding out the side.

The John Deere LX172 lawn mower is also compatible with a range of other useful tools. Most notably is either a 38 inch snow blower or a 42 inch snowblower that can be attached to the front of the machine. Don’t forget that there is also an optional bagger attachment for the back of the JD LX172 to collect the grass clippings.

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6 Reviews of the “John Deere LX172”

  1. Brent says:

    It’s about worn out, but can’t complain for what it’s been through

    Year of Manufacture: 1993
    Pros: 31 years old& still use it for hauling dirt,sticks and other stuff love the Kawasaki engine. There are no telling how many hours is on it
    Cons: My son used it when he was a teenager when he started his grass cutting business. He tore the hood off. Replaced pto switch , belts and brakes and 1 spindal bearing and blades
    Attachments: 48 inch with mulch kit
    Modifications: None it’s been a tough mower, pulling heavy loads with a lawn trailer

  2. Kentucky says:

    I’m satisfied, considering I mow almost two acres of very hilly lawn two-dozen times a year . . . about three hours each time. I think if it had a good hydrostatic transaxle it would be just about perfect.

    Year of Manufacture: 1993
    Pros: Has the 38″ deck. Mows nicely if I don’t let the grass get ahead of me. I mow at the highest setting so I mow oftener than many. I change the oil and filters regularly and grease anything with a lube fitting.

    I’ve repalced all the belts a few times, of course, as well as the PTO clutch, front wheel bearings and spindle bushings, entire front axle (weld broke), steering linkage, steering shaft bushings, throttle cable assembly, seat, blades, batteries, and a transaxle.

    Also changed out the tires. Put a pair of “lug type” tires on the rear axle, and it really helps out the handling and power transmission.

    And yes, I have repaired the silly plastic hood pivots several times.

    I consider all the above, with the possible exception of the transaxle, to be “normal maintenance” over the years.

    Modifications: A few years ago it began failing to start. The solenoid would pull in, just not quite far enough to close the motor contacts. Searched the ‘net and discovered this was a common failure on older tractors. The solution is simple: run a heavy wire from the positive battery post through a heavy-duty pushbutton directly to the starter solenoid. Cranks every time. Before I discovered this I believe I replaced a perfectly good battery. Apparently there’s enough “loss” in all the safety switches after they get corroded over the years to reduce the available amperage to fully “seat” the solenoid. Easy fix, though.

  3. Jim says:

    Love it, I’d buy another and highly recommend it.

    Year of Manufacture: 1997
    Pros: Purchased in late 1997, probably one of the last off production line. Worth every cent paid. Only problems in 15 years has been 2 batteries, belts and routine maintenance. I’d buy another in a heartbeat. I was hesitant about the Kawasaki Engine, however it has been a very dependable, strong engine.
    I attached chains just about as soon as I got it, great investment.
    Cons: I selected the 44 inch Mulching deck with the mower. It can “corn row” the grass if it’s not cut often enough, but this has never been a problem I’d really complain about.
    Attachments: 44 inch Mulching deck – I like the fact that I can get close to both sides of any trees because of the rear discharge.
    Modifications: Chains

  4. King Ghidora says:

    I’ve used this mower on rough terrain for 17 years and the amount of problems has been very small. I wouldn’t hesitate to suggest to anyone what a good mower it is.

    Year of Manufacture: 1994
    Pros: Very reliable mower. Very few breakdowns in 17 years and it’s still going strong. It starts in any weather as long as the battery is good. I can’t complain about this machine at alll.
    Cons: The front end is too light but that’s easily fixed with weights.
    Attachments: Just the 38″ deck.

  5. T. Burnsworth says:

    Great lawn tractor, thats it, not a mans tractor.

    Year of Manufacture: 1994
    Pros: This tractor starts right up every time. It doesn’t use much fuel. It is the smoothest cutting tractor i have ever seen. Ive never had any problems with this tractor. Its very quiet. It only has about 500 hrs on it because it was handed down to me when my pap passed away. I’ve only changed the spark plug once.
    Cons: You Cant Pull Heavy Loads!! Its not a heavy duty tractor. It goes about as good as a Dodge Charger on ice. I dont like the electric pto because it sounds like it rips it in gear.
    Attachments: 38 inch mowing deck

  6. sbtytx says:

    Wish I could but another one ..

    Year of Manufacture: 1993
    Pros: All I can say is I have owner this machine since 1993 and it’s still going strong. Change the oil every year just because and the plug every couple. Have never set the valves. No problem with the transmission.

    I have moved twice since I bought it and cleared 1+ acre lots both times with this machine. Mower deck is shot since I didn’t start putting the Bondo on soon enough and the high-lift blades it came with did a fine job of blowing everything against the top of the deck and eating it up. Looking for aanother deck now.

    Have replaced all of the tires and of course had to deal with the plastic hood like everybody else …

    All in all ..a very tough machine.

    Cons: Plastic hood pivot ..
    Modifications: Fixed the damm hood ! Have pics if anyone is interested.

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