"Hate the RIO switch, which forces you to press a button every time you want to reverse with the mower engaged---a truly terrible and annoying feature designed only to prevent lawsuits. Two problem areas: something in engine came loose (don't remember what), but was repaired just before 1 yr. warranty expired, now steering gear is worn out and I don't even autocross it. Good, solid tractor for the money. I use it year round with the JD snowblower in winter. I would buy it again, just need to disable the RIO switch."

"Worse mower I have ever bought. Like all other John Deere items, overpriced."

"I've seen a lot of people knocking the JD's built for sale at the big box stores, and I'm afraid I don't understand why. Their major complaint seems to be that they aren't built as heavily as more expensive JD equipment. It's true, they aren't. They aren't meant to be though. They are an entry level machine built to compete on price point with machines of a similar build. I bought mine because I have a yard just a little too big to mow comfortably by hand, and I often have to tow a cart full of building materials or dirt/crushed for work. I also tow a two-wheeled post hole auger behind it and it does it with no problem. The LA 105 is a good size for this kind of work, and can get me into places that larger machines simply don't fit. It does an excellent job of the mowing I need to do, does okay moving light top soil or snow with the blade, and has no problem towing a cart or even dragging railway ties with a chain. Not bad for what is basically a lawn mower. Traction is a bit of a problem at times, even with chains and wheel weights, but the same could be said of any similar lawn tractor. I have had no real problems with it. The one real breakdown I've suffered was from mowing a large u-bolt, and you can't blame the machine for that. "