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Slow forward speed on JD L120

16 years ago

I was wondering if anyone else was having an issue with unusually slow forward speed on their lawn tractor. Mine is a 2004 JD L120 with 121 hrs on it. I have a 1 acre flat lawn and my neighbor has the exact model and is able to mow same size yard in 1/2 hr less time. I'm interested if anyone has any suggestions on what may be causing this and whether there is a possible correction for it. Its rated for 5.5 mph forward speed.

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Comments (6)

jdfanatic
16 years ago
If there is a difference, it sounds like the linkage would need to be adjusted.

Cheers

JDFANATIC
deerefan67
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for the suggestion. By the way I'm considering upgrading to the select series tractor. I'm thinking about the x320. I test mowed with the x304 and didn't like the play in the wheel and hard to keep a straight line with the 4ws. I was also considering the x500 but think its overkill for a 1 acre yard considering I don't need ground engaging or snow blower. what's your opinion as to the x320 vs the x500? The JD dealer I'm looking at can get the x320 for $3,750 and the x500 for $4,600.
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metal
16 years ago
It would probably enable you to mow as fast or faster than your neighbor, which seems to be your goal, so I would say go for it.
jdfanatic
16 years ago
deerefan,

I've not spent enough time on these new models to really give you an opinion. There are quite a few happy X3 owners and the few forum owners of the X5s also seem happy. I know our dealership sells almost no X5s as most of the buyers either go with the X3s or up to the X7s or sub-CUTS. Either model would be a step up from your L120 (which really is a nice little tractor). Our church uses a L120 and it really does a nice job, though to me it rides a bit rough with the smaller tires.

I'd recommend you spend some seat time with the tractors (perhaps the dealership will even let you take one home for a weekend to see how they perform).

Cheers

JDFANATIC
engine_tech
16 years ago
Deere sells an adjustable transmission linkage that could solve your problem.
pefer
16 years ago
Unless your money is upsetting you/ & needs to be spent...

Agree with engine-tech & JD fanatic, possibly a linkage can do the trick, Or perhaps it could be a loose, dirty drive belt too.

For some guaranteed results (given your tractor hours), others and myself have experienced, a tranny oil change does wonders!

If you can turn a wrench or two, and spend about an hour or two, dump that old nasty oil, put in fresh synthetic oil in the unit, you'll see. (sarch the forums if interested)

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