2 Must Have Upgrades John Deere Lawn Tractor

[@SPMech1]

Went back and watched the oil filter housing replacement............great job........explaining and doing ! ! ! ! !

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thank you!

[@andybecker2693]

That “Easy Oil Change” has to be the worst gimmick that I’ve ever seen but then again John Deere wrote the book on expensive proprietary parts. You made it into a reliable and easy to maintain machine like they should have from the factory.

[@legionofanon]

This right up there with the no oil change gimmic i saw on some push mowers, they removed the dip stick and just used plugs

[@cgilleybsw]

@@legionofanon I cannot get my head around "no oil changes." My head wants to explode.

[@legionofanon]

@@cgilleybsw those mowers did too

[@bertgrau3934]

​@@cgilleybsw The idea was, the engine would use enough oil during normal use that when you add oil, it would replace the old oil. I prefer to just change it

[@johndominick814]

@@bertgrau3934not true

[@dennisg.7498]

I have a 2023 late production S130. They listened and are now using front wheel bearings , but there's no grease zirc fitting on the wheel anymore. For the EZ change oil conversion, if you want an easier drain set up, they have a factory style drain hose that clips right onto the side of the engine. You install a barb type fitting into the engine instead of the metal pipe. Both the hose and the fitting are available on Amazon. Another great upgrade is LED headlamp bulbs. I got projector style and they are really bright.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

How about that. What size mower deck do you have? The last person said he has a S180 that came with wheel bearings but he has a 54” mower deck and that would explain it. Well, I’m glad to hear they’re finally stepping up. All of the years prior all have bushings and all wear out the front axles prematurely. Yes the LED lights I have started to use on some old tractors that needed better lighting. I will put together a video for the poor man’s power steering, the LEDs. Thanks for the heads up!

[@rvalens2]

Great idea about installing bearings in the front wheels. However, I went one step further and also installed flat roller bearings in the pivot points on the front axles. My mower now turns with one finger and I can push it with one hand by simply leaning on it. Another upgrade I did was to install grease fittings into the spindles on the mower deck. I then drilled and tapped weep holes that I sealed with a small bolt that I can loosen. When grease starts to ooze out from around the bolt, I know the spindle is full of grease.

[@rvalens2]

For the small amount it would cost, it's unbelievable that lawn tractor manufacturers don't automatically do these upgrades. 1. Bearings instead of bushings 2. Flat roller bearings in the steering pivot points. 3. Spindles with grease fittings. They will make your mower easy to turn, roll and those spindles will last for years and years. 🤨🤔🙄

[@davidschwartz5127]

@@rvalens2 JD likes to sell amazingly overpriced parts.

[@kevinzemanek4178]

Can you say a little more ? I.e. - What model of JD do you have? Which roller bearings did you get? Thanks.

[@tomspithaler8448]

Thanks, great video. I just bought my S170 a few weeks ago. I already knew about the Quick Change oil filter issues, but had no idea this tractor does not have front wheel bearings. I'm under 4 hours and am going to order those bearings today.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Don’t order the bearings until you look at your front wheels. You may have bearings. John Deere brought the bearings back in the 2024 model. You may want to install the Thrust Needle Roller Bearings in this video.kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKW7i4qZg9iMh5I. It will work with your S170,

[@bmurray330]

Wonderful. I have an LA160 with 190 hours on it. While I grease the hubs every year I can only imagine what my spindles look like. Not happy with JD over this design when bearings should have been used in the first place. Will take them off tomorrow to see what they look like. Great video!

[@Failure_Is_An_Option]

A bushing bearing is actually stronger and usually has better wear characteristics in low speed applications. IF... they are lubricated, and relatively shielded from abrasive contaminants. A shot of grease every season is more than 95% of them ever see. I bet you are in fine shape.

[@dedicated2WHOiLove]

that flips me out too!

[@dedicated2WHOiLove]

@@Failure_Is_An_Option but we seen the wobble this guy had after only 15 hours service. the clearance on his bushings was way too big out of factory. my TroyBilt TB-105 push mower has bushings and after 10 years the wheels are wobbling like crazy (i had no idea i should've been greasing them).

[@billdriesslein4157]

Wow,I had not heard about the JD bushings issue and already have about 100 hours on my S120. THANK YOU! I'll be replacing mine very soon.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Your machine will thank you in the long run :)

[@kevinzemanek4178]

Pull a wheel and check first to see if you have bearings already. My 2024 S140 came with front wheel bearings instead of bushings.

[@justmylife4421]

i am doing an E-170 with about 320 hours on it and all original parts about 4 years old and the front shafts were worn down almost half the diameter. the owner did even notice the wobble in the front tires. but i did and he already has a new set of bushings but i think i might give him a call and see if he wants to just replace them with sealed bearings. i think it will fit his needs better he’s in his 70’s and don’t wanna have to keep greasing the them every few uses. and his yard is about 5 acres with a driveway almost a half mile long with 3 passes on the each side of his driveway.

[@stevew1851]

BRAVO to your dedication and work ethic.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thank you for watching and the kind words!

[@georgedrake1430]

You can put the bering in front wheels to make it easier to steer to

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Yes, I will be working on trying it in the future.

[@bseely772]

Great video. I have an x320 and a questionable lower back. Any improvements you might suggest for improving suspension?

[@jamessharier7529]

I’ll be checking mine in the morning

[@stevefountain8355]

my oil is very clean as I got rid of the "quick Change" the first year I had my S120. Great advice

[@robertmailhos8159]

I've replaced the wheel bushing for the wheel ball bearings on my craftsman gt tractor and the craftsman ys mower and the poulan XT mower Plus the poor man power steering kit

[@oscar6myer]

I did the "power steering" too, EXCELLENT idea! Doing the wheel bearings tomorrow.

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@oscar6myer you are going to see the difference in the mower when you have to move it around in your shop my poulan XT mower is so much easier to move because of the wheel bearing s and the poor Man power steering kit

[@FyrFytr998]

Thank you man. Your videos have been invaluable to this new JD owner.

[@FyrFytr998]

I’m assuming these bearings are also good for the S130?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Yes

[@FyrFytr998]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines Roger that.

[@OKHansen]

Thanks for your tip here. Just ordered a set of bearings for mine now. That upgrade seems like a no-brainer at that price!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I absolutely agree.

[@rogerbrandt6678]

How much were they?

[@breannaoliver6316]

​@@JohnsonsSmallEnginesI would like to know the item number please thanks?

[@cgilleybsw]

Just wrapped up the bearing change, and moving to pulling out that quick change nonsense. Purchased the bearings from your link. I don't know if the part has changed, but it now has an inside offset. At 7:26, you can see this interior extension. At 9:40, your washer goes write over and allows the c-clip to engage. I could not get my washers on.

[@Perly53]

Always appreciate your videos! Best wishes.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad they’re helpful and thank you for the kind comment

[@dalek.6171]

Well done vid, Thank you. That Upgrades to the X Series, same Part #, AM127304. Could go one step farther with Poor man's power steering bearings too.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

It is also the same bearing they have been using since I started working on them The John Deere 111 that was made from 1976 to 1985 also used the Am127304. I have had many comments on the poor mans power steering and I will try it out. Looks to be another great upgrade.

[@Failure_Is_An_Option]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines Ahh the 111. I have a soft spot for those.

[@macmccollum6064]

Great video. Will those bearings fit the Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro series? Thanks.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Unfortunately no. Cub Cadet machines are all made by MTD. The XT1 series Cub Cadets have plastic bushings and they are very behind the times with there front axles and wheels as far as bushings and bearings. I can say the newest XT1 LT42B has made improvements and I think I saw a comment that the new XT series has ball bearings but I cannot confirm this until I see it for myself.

[@billh-gl2lf]

This is exactly the model(S170)that I have now,except mine has the yellow mower deck.I also hated the “EZ change” oil system,and retrofitted the old style filter to mine.I may have to look into the wheel bearing upgrade as well.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I will have a steering upgrade coming as well. It will be on a E series but will work with all L,D and S series as well.

[@billh-gl2lf]

My mower has aroun 70 something hours on it,I haven’t noticed much wobble yet but maybe I haven’t been paying attention

[@mikehunt4465]

You are a one-handed mechanic. Great job. dealing with your disability.

[@bigmackstruckstop9213]

That's awesome, I might get bearings for my D110 tractor, thank you for the video 😊

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Did you get your new engine installed in your D110?

[@bigmackstruckstop9213]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines not yet,my friend is to busy and I possibly have someone else near by said he'd help me with the engine swap some evening, do you have a Facebook page by chance.

[@bigmackstruckstop9213]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines also, I'm not able to download any videos on my Utube channel for some reason.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I do not. I have enough going on with my business and KZbin channel.

[@bigmackstruckstop9213]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines ok,I appreciate it, when the engine swap is finished I'll try to force the download and hope that you get to see the new engine in my D110 tractor.

[@tycox8704]

There’s another upgrade that deserves consideration… JD movers are lousy at mulching grass. My brother upgraded his mowing deck with a JD-made Mulch Control kit that encloses each blade with baffles. I am not speaking of the simple side discharge plug. He says his grass clippings are no longer obvious.

[@RCALivingStereo]

Great job and tips I just bought a new x738 series at my local dealer Most important thing on any of these Grease grease grease ! Love your shop but the way Lots of room to work And just subscribed to!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Very, very nice :).Your tractor is in a different league!! In a good way. Did you get 4 wheel drive? No wheel bushings on that machine.LOL. Thank you for supporting the channel.

[@RCALivingStereo]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines Yes this one has 4 wheel drive. Have not needed to use that yet but good to have if needed.

[@waderigsbee6923]

Keep up the good work i really enjoy your vidieos.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thank you for watching and supporting the channel!

[@life_of_riley88]

We have an early 2000's JD 48inch deck mower. . . besides a newer B&S engine design(arguably better), this mower is basically exactly the same thing that they have made for 30+ years now. Not saying thats a bad thing, but its interesting how little has changed in that time.

[@donnierobitson7221]

Sealed bearings last longer, but you must use a high temp grease and pack them. The manufacturer puts a dribble of lithium or whatever they bought cheapest in them. Grease them with high temp and you never have to grease again.

[@Failure_Is_An_Option]

LOL... Yeah those low speed bearings need high temp grease.

[@patriotcustodian7777]

This may be a crazy question, but what about the rear wheel bearings? Any concerns there? Great video by the way.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

There are no rear wheel bearings. Straight axle into the transmission.

[@drmikeosgood]

Real nice job. Bless you, sir!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful and you enjoyed the video!

[@racerx1250]

What's the thread size on the quick change is 3/8-18 NPTF? I'm looking at using this design on a Kohler 7000 series for Craftsman/Troy-Bilt instead of the yellow plastic oil drain kit that Kohler sells. John Deere also sells a longer 5-inch version p/n AM131612. I saw one for sell on eBay and this was how i found out about the part number. Kohler also has another quick-change fitting that is all metal with a 90 degree on it. P/n 25 462 12-S* 2" 25 462 13-S 3". It's about $45 and $52 for those fittings. The AM131612 was being used on a John Deere L130 with a Kohler Command Pro CV23S engine. To install the Kohler 90-degree fittings, a pipe extension would be required to clear the frame. Do you have any videos showing those Kohler fitting being installed? I didn't want a long quick disconnect hose. And want something similar to the John Deere design. Is the John Deere quick change more reliable than the Kohler yellow quick disconnect fitting?

[@gordbaker896]

Get some brass shim stock and make that bearing Tight on the axle.

[@dedicated2WHOiLove]

i figure that the huge "EZ Change" filter offers more filtering capability. after 36 1/2 hours of service my oil is just now showing a bit of golden dirty and i'll be changing it and adding what's needed to bring it up. yes, it's expensive, but it's been on there since Aug '22 when i bought the S-120 and it's now May of '24. i figure John Deere suspected most noncommercial operators were letting the oil change slide till it was like black molasses.

[@benredacted8468]

Yeah, John Deere was looking out for it's customer's 😂

[@pnv8477]

Faithfully maintain my John Deere s100. Had it for3 years and checked the wheels and they are wobbly. Must be a bad design or cheap material.

[@videoscrapheap]

I have a new X370. Does that already have front bearings?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Your good. All X300 series have the ball bearings installed.

[@herkyhawk2003]

I Believe all the X series have bearings.This is more for a mower bought at a big box store.

[@tommywwalden1599]

I found this info on JD website for your X370. AM127304: Flanged Ball Bearing Part Number: AM127304 $14.08 Suggested Qty: 4

[@PhillipDrumz]

Is there such a thing as porting a lawn mower engine for ‘mower’ power? I want to boost my e180 somehow

[@Scat.original]

Will the John Deere conversion kit work on a S130 or any of the mowers that have that stupid "Quick Change Oil" Filter? Thank you for your videos I greatly appreciate them Thanks again

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

It will work with all John Deere Briggs and Stratton engines with the quick change oil filter system.

[@57cbo]

Thanks for the informative videos. Will these bearings work on my E130 ?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Yes

[@AnonymousGameWarden]

Does the newer x390 need the oil conversion? Or is that only the L and S models?

[@MintyElder]

My 2024 S130 has sealed ball bearings in the front wheels. Not sure if all the models are coming with sealed ball bearings now.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

From what most have commented, all the S series 2024 models moving forward, all have gone back to what was there in the 1980's and 90's. I guess John Deere is watching You-Tube and I'm sure the cost isn't that big to go back to what worked better back in the day. Yes the roller bearings will wear out in time but at least that will be all you will need to replace and not the axle too!

[@waderigsbee6923]

I removed the deck on my S170 and put 2 coats of POR15,only had 5 hours.It came with ball bearing in the spindles,I was shocked.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I'm hearing that a lot. I think they must have started putting them in mid production? Some have bearings and some do not.

[@youmbgtube]

Great info. I already did the filter mod but will do this front bearing upgrade for sure but was wondering, should the rear bearings (bushings) be replaced too?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m not sure what model you have but check to make sure that your front wheel bushings are still bushings? I have heard that the newer S 100 series come with bearings.If you are talking about the rear wheels? The rear is part of the transmission and there are no bearings to replace.

[@youmbgtube]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines I have an S130 from last year (has the green deck). Thanks for the information- will check for roller bearings.

[@youmbgtube]

@@JohnsonsSmallEnginesI watched many videos on the front bearing mod and yours is the best! I took the front wheel of my 2023 S130 and it does have bushings. I’m going to get the roller bearings and do this mod but I have one more question. I have seen many add thrust bearings under the spindle support to help aid steering. Some say it’s like power steering. What are your thoughts on this mod. (It will be quicker to do along with the wheel bearings). Thanks-Mike

[@C-Mack1972]

The S180 model should already have front wheel bearings installed at the factory. I bought a bearing kit to switch out what I thought were bushings on my brand new S180 and was surprised to see it had bearings. And yes, get rid of the quick change oil filter nonsense in favor of traditional filter and oil drain extension.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thanks for the update. I just put in the description, "The S180 already comes with the wheel bearings, (most likely due to the 54" deck being so heavy)".

[@genesmay6589]

My auto mechanic has one hand. He has different attachments he's made that strap on and he uses for things like drum brake springs, welding etc..

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Nice! thank you for sharing.

[@DocLaw172]

Sir, did you figure out if the S220 has bearings or bushings, and if they have bushings, will the bearing kit work for the S220?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

All S200 series lawn tractors have bearings.

[@2015_Rubicnn]

I kept the big filter, but I added the drain nipple.

[@dennislindenbach4066]

This is a great video. I'm looking to purchase a new S120. Are these bearings the same for that model mower?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Yes, it should fit all the 100 series tractors except I did find out that the S1 80 already has the bearings in it

[@muytico2709]

Q: Do the rear wheels ride on bearings? Thanks for the video; it is of great info.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Rear wheel rims slide onto the transmission axle. No bearings or bushings needed.

[@kevinzemanek4178]

FYI - The S140 (48" deck, manufacture date 4/2/24) comes with front wheel bearings. Or at least mine did.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thank you for the update. It sounds like John Deere finally started to put the bearing back in the front wheels and they are now on the 2024 "S" 100 series. If you will be washing your machine, (I do not recommend, unless necessary )I would recommend pulling the front wheels and filling the hub with grease to keep the water out.

[@IDATMAN]

I just traded in a X300 for a used X304 at my John Deere dealer tonight. Do you know whether the X304 has bushings and a grease point?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

All X300 series machines have bearings.

[@FyrFytr998]

So I went to do a bushing replacement as part of my 8 hour maintenance, only to find out my S130 already has ball bearings, and the wheel itself has no spot for connecting a grease gun. Is this new to the S series?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Strange, I went and looked up the S130 on the John Deere parts look up and it only shows bushings and even the grease fitting for the rim. No bearings. Maybe they changed it in production. What is the date of manufacturing on your sticker above the left rear tire? What size mower deck do you have? Someone else said the S180 with a 54” mower deck also had bearings. I would get a grease gun, remove the tire from the machine and fill the hub the best you can with grease to help keep moisture out. If you’re really handy, you can get a zerk fitting, drill and tap threads in the rim so you can grease. You should be just find if you fill the hub or just go with what you have. At least you’re much better off with bearings and will not have the wear issue.

[@FyrFytr998]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines I called up the local dealer who assembles the JD’s for Lowes, he told me that the wheels were upgraded. He didn’t elaborate if it’s across the board or for the ones they set up. I did in fact finish all 8 hour lubrication as indicated, and just hand packed grease into the “upgraded” wheels. The manufacture date on my machine is 02/21/24, and it has a green deck, not yellow.

[@Rags722]

The bearing upgrade came out when my LA145 was about 7 years old. I had already gone through one set of bushings and the second set was ready for replacement. The bearings were cheaper than the bushings, but by that time the spindles were so worn I also had to replace the spindles. I'm actually surprised to see JD is still putting bushings in new products. Stupid design then, still stupid today!

[@ginaweller620]

Help, where would I find that link you refer to? Looking for all those part numbers ,please. Thank you for your great advice. My first lawnmower..🎉

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Everything is in the description below. Click on the links for the part numbers.

[@davidesparza8337]

4:32 ​@@JohnsonsSmallEngines

[@mikepici5553]

Do they have the bushings or bearings on the x380,I'm picking a new one up on Saturday

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

All X series tractors have bearings.

[@mikepici5553]

Ok thank you, and thanks for all you do

[@bigjim1327]

What size socket did you use for the install.

[@gordbaker896]

Just make sure the socket is the same Diameter as the bearing OD.

[@sladeoriginal]

died laughing when I first heard online "experts" say sealed bearings done need greasing. The sealed part is so the bearings dont fall out. the greasing definitely comes out and back in by greasing pressure.

[@AudiophileTommy]

I upgraded my John Deere to any other brand 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@cleontotr]

Is the Conversion Kit compatible with the John Deere S240 42" Deck 2021 Model?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

This video was for most all 100 series. You just have to look at your machine to see if you have bearings or bushings. If your front wheels do not have grease fittings on the inside of the rims, you do not have the bushings, you have the ball bearing type. Check under the hood to see if you need the oil filter kit.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

This video was made for the 100 series. You will need to look at your front rims and if you do not have grease fittings you do not have bushings, you have the better bearings, Open the hood to see if you have the quick change oil filter or not.

[@cleontotr]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines You're correct! I do not have grease fittings on the inside of the rims nor the quick change oil filter. Thank you for the excellent video and keep up the good work!

[@IndRepair]

Great job and tips!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thank you for watching and the kind comment!

[@scottt4081]

What type of grease does JD use (lithium?)?

[@Failure_Is_An_Option]

Stop getting hung up on grease. Use what you have. Any is better than none.

[@PaulBriney]

Will the bearing kit work for the “S” series, or just the “L” series that Amazon identifies in the description?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Yes, The bearing you need is a John Deere part #AM127304. There also is a link to just the bearings in the description, if you do not need the dust caps.

[@PaulBriney]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines incredible. thank you!

[@evanhuber5642]

Still had the wobbly.

[@flockshot1967]

Does the 200 series have bearings or bushings?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Bearings

[@antibrevity]

Prices keep going up while product quality keeps declining. Thanks for showing people how to make this junk last longer.

[@melaniedavis9485]

Junk it is, I have 15 hours on a new S220, every time you engage the mower deck, you would swear the whole thing is going to fall apart. Been in the shop twice already! Paid $3267.00 for it. Never been so disappointed in a purchase in my life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@James_Hough]

At a certain point, you start wondering why you didn't just buy a used X300 series.

[@cgilleybsw]

You know, for a $2,000 machine, you'd think they would not take these shortcuts. It calls into question the quality level of JD. I've had my JD for about 3 years now. It's wobbled from the beginning.

[@mericanwit]

Just wait until the transmission starts the good ole stutter step😮 my D 160 is a fancy paper weight

[@cgilleybsw]

@@mericanwit oh thanks for that ;) I'll ride it till it dies... looking hard at starting a neighborhood lawncare business as a retirement side job, so I'm all into this. What us old folks are being charged is borderline criminal.

[@rogerbrandt6678]

You should throw the bearing in a deep freezer over night.

[@Failure_Is_An_Option]

You watch too much youtube... go do some work.

[@rogerbrandt6678]

@@Failure_Is_An_Option why do you say that.?

[@larryreno8293]

Don’t hit your thumb driving out that bushing!😑

[@gavinelliot3564]

Not buying ezey fck up oil change/what crap/no sale next

[@bowdoin5063]

Programmed obsolescence / a good reason not to buy JD

[@bertgrau3934]

It's not just John Deere, it's all of them.

[@ElCid70]

I would never buy anything mechanical that uses ez oil change BS

[@jonesy4588]

fake John Deere's

[@RJ1999x]

Fake? The highly marketed cheaply built garbage has been their calling card for 50+ yrs