2 Must Have Upgrades John Deere Lawn Tractor

These two upgrades will help your John Deere tractor live a long life! **** Most newer 2024 year S100 series machines have the bearings already in the front rims ***. The S180 already comes with the wheel bearings, (most likely due to the 54" deck being so heavy).
How to remove the "Quick Change Oil" Filter. • How to Remove the John... .
John Deere conversion kit to delete the quick change oil filter. amzn.to/42Qx2rk.
How to Install Front Wheel Spindle. • John Deere Front Wheel... .
Wheel Bearings only. amzn.to/3W6W4kE.
Wheel Bearing Kit with yellow caps. amzn.to/44pN8cx.

[@EMan-ex5xm]

Great video! I just bought a 2024 Deere S110 mower. At 71 years old, my first new riding lawn mower. My only other one was used and it was 40 years ago. After watching this video, I bought the parts and was ready to swap out the wheel bearings after 3 hours to avoid future problems. Pulled a wheel and discovered it already had roller bearings that looked exactly like the ones I bought on Amazon from this video. The wheels also had no grease fittings and the spindle/axle had no grease. Wanted to give a heads-up to you and others who may be able to note that, if their new S100 Series mower's front wheels have no grease fittings, they *may* already have roller bearings (I don't really know if that's always true of course). Thanks for the great videos. They helped prepare me for using my new mower... a lot!

[@kevinzemanek4178]

It's also true for a 2024 S140. I ordered/received the bearings without checking first, pulled the wheel, and found the same situation as you. Note to self: Always check before blindly following a YT video, even one from someone who is known and helpful.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

It sounds like they changed to all wheel bearings on the newest 2024 model for the S100 series tractors. I would have not known until I had one come into my shop. I thank all of the comments that share information to help us all! Thank you!

[@SPMech1]

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

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thank you!

[@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.

[@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

[@stevew1851]

BRAVO to your dedication and work ethic.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thank you for watching and the kind words!

[@Perly53]

Always appreciate your videos! Best wishes.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

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

[@jamessharier7529]

I’ll be checking mine in the morning

[@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?

[@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.

[@gordbaker896]

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

[@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.

[@waderigsbee6923]

Keep up the good work i really enjoy your vidieos.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thank you for watching and supporting the channel!

[@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.

[@IndRepair]

Great job and tips!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thank you for watching and the kind comment!

[@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.

[@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).

[@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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@bseely772]

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

[@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.

[@mikehunt4465]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@57cbo]

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

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Yes

[@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.

[@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

[@AudiophileTommy]

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

[@AnonymousGameWarden]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@craigmclaughlin7870]

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)".

[@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.

[@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!

[@James_Hough]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@flockshot1967]

Does the 200 series have bearings or bushings?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Bearings

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@bigjim1327]

What size socket did you use for the install.

[@gordbaker896]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.?

[@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.

[@bowdoin5063]

Programmed obsolescence / a good reason not to buy JD

[@bertgrau3934]

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

[@jonesy4588]

fake John Deere's

[@RJ1999x]

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