"For the most part, this has been a diehard mower. I've changed the oil every 100 hours after break-in and have stayed up on the air cleaner, spark plugs, and carburetor. I like the hydrostatic transmission and the cruise control mechanism. The controls seem simple and easy to use. It is fairly comfortable for 2-3 hours of mowing and has decent gas consumption. The bad. It has a 200-hour or less deck on it. The deck bends and warps easily. The paint on the metal parts is horrible. The paint started chipping off the body and deck in the first 50 hours. It looks like the metal was never properly prepped or even primered. "

"Only repair was a spindle that was found at 250 hrs. Much better then Troy Bilt had 3+ years and failed with engine crack. Twin cylinder engine less noise and vibration, Good grass pick up and with Deere mulch kit acceptable results. I do not like to see brown clippings. For the price a good buy."

"Within 3 months I had to put on a new deck belt. The belt continually pops off the pulleys. The drive belt is almost broken and I have been quoted 250 to replace it. The steering gears are worn and I can barely turn the wheel. Another 250 repair bill. The transmission seal is leaking. How much will that be? Another 250? The front of the hood has been melted by the exhaust and it now sags. The headlights don't work. This mower has totally turned me again John Deere products. That's a shame. I was a very big fan."

"When I was shopping for a replacement lawn tractor, the local dealer DeKalb Implements were very helpful in making my decision.They are gave me the pros and cons for all the other manufacturers. In fact, I was intent on buying the Z225, but they suggested I look at the la135se for the type lawn I have and how I planned to use the tractor. In fact they have the tractor delivered to my home - for free. So far the tractor has given me no problems, and if I have any issues in the future, I know they will stand behind their tractor."

"Only had for 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"

"I have only had this Deere for 1 year, and have had zero problems. The dealer, DeKalb Implement, was great. They answered all my questions and gave me a great deal. This unit replaced a Simplicity lawn tractor I owned for many years."

"Great lawn tractor for my needs. I mow approx. 1.2 acres. I have no complaints so far. The hydro drive is great. The reverse rocker peddle is a little hard to use (lost 1 star on features!). I got around that by using the back of my heel on the top of the "gas" peddle and pulling backwards. Very easy and great control that way. The 22 hp ohv engine runs smooth and reasonably quiet. Turning radius is better than I expected around trees. Cuts are smooth ( I use 2" with mulching attachment), no clumping even when damp (also takes care of leaves, no raking!). I do not find the RIO button too much of a problem, it works smooth and easy, no need to disable."

"The LA135 does a nice job on the lawn with a good quality cut and disperses clippings well. Quiet and smooth and has easy steering. Had a rough bit of flash on the molded steering wheel and several wires that were routed against moving pieces.(Easy to fix.) Takes a minute to warm up before it runs smoothly. The PTO lever can hit your knee if you're tall and the deck height lever gets in the way when you get on or off on the left. The reverse rocker peddle is a little hard to use. The RIO is awful, but very easy to disable."