John Deere 14SB How To Buy (What To Look For )

What To Look For When Purchasing A 30yr old John Deere Mower. The John Deere 14SB lawnmower is another quality, classic piece of machinery from the crew at John Deere. This walk behind, 5 speed, self propelled mower has long since finished it’s production run but is still quite a sought after piece by JD enthusiasts.
It is powered by an FC150 Kawasaki engine, that pumps out 5hp, which is really quite a lot of power for such small lawn mower. Perhaps John Deere made a mistake when they were creating this model and gave it an engine that was far more powerful than needed. The upside to this however is that you can easily take on long wet grass without having to worry that the engine is going to cut out even when you are mulching the grass. It also has the advantage of being able to also take a bagger. Kawasaki FC150V Manual www.toro.com/g...
The John Deere 14SB has a 21 inch mower deck, which is pretty standard for a walk behind, self propelled lawnmower. While many people remark on the longevity and strength of this model, the only real downside to it is that it weighs quite a bit. But this is due in large part to it’s engine. The great thing about this model though, like all John Deere models is that even though it may have been over 10 years since one has been produced, there are still replacement parts available for it from John Deere.
Some feel that it’s the reliability of the Kawasaki engine that makes this model so great, while others feel that it’s the John Deere parts that make up the rest of the lawn mower that make it so good. The jury is still out. If you own a 14 SB or have ever used one, please leave your thoughts on it in the review section below.

[@kirkthebeerslinger]

Excellent points on what to look for with a JD 14SB/JX75 Archie! If you don't mind me adding a few comments: 1. Beat on mowers are not nec ones to walk away from-just depends on why you're looking at it. For me, a rough mower for $50 or less is a cheap parts hog...if it runs even better...I run two machines commercially daily that were $50/EA but 1 residential lawn at $50 and the mower is paid for and from there it is making me money...so I don't need or want a 'cream puff' for this application because it would hurt my DNA to further beat on a beautiful machine! 2. Don't be afraid to spend 'good money's on a perfect mower. I say this because $300-$500 on a perfect JD 14SB with mulch plug and bag is WAY better than the same money on a new mower in that price range and probably double! (Of course less is better - just my two cents on value for dollar - I wouldn't sell my JD's especially my nicer ones for less than $500 because that's the value they represent and I couldn't replace it for $1000, $2000 or even $3000 here in Canada for a comparable Toro/Exmark) 3. When checking oil on a used mower-personally, I would rather see it filled to the right level and medium dirty/discolored than fresh and clean...the reason is I have no idea what level it was if it has a fresh oil change when I see it (I am going to change it anyway)...at least if it is a bit used, I can make an assessment on the overall condition matching up with that along with blade/under deck condition) 4. Undo the plastic cover at the back to see how much debris is in there-this will tell you how well maintained the unit was if it is full of clippings/hay etc and the mower is clean, you are looking at lipstick on a pig...(which can be ok...just know what you are looking at) 5. Condition of the wheels...are they evenly worn (someone who knew they could be rotated), are only the back ones worn...have they been replaced? Just gives some indication how much use/abuse the machine has had...always remove the rear wheels and clean any debris out once you have it at home...check gear ring for cracks/wear... don't forget to grease them Zerks once you put them back together! Enjoy your mower! You'll have the best mower offering the best cut on the block even if it has been beat on...I provide clients an amazing cut with a pretty rough looking pair of JD's - they can do the same for your lawn...still better than a steel deck Toro or even a Super Recycler with a Chonda engine and Personal Pace - yuck!

[@TonysLawnCare215]

Very Well Said Kirl 👍If I was looking for a donor JD 14sb Ect.. Then yes looks don't matter usually those are the JD'S That sell for less then 50$. But If I want 1 for my Collection then i am after the best In appearance .Those are the things I look for in a mower for me Also a crappy looking JD Mower as a donor How many parts can you get off of one ? Not many most you can salvage is the carb ,cables, motor and the Trans ect.. 👍

[@cusoonmyfriend3738]

i can get one that is running (at least last week) for 40 dollars, whats your opinion plz ? the picture shows a mower in ok condition, maybe something on the right front wheel

[@kirkthebeerslinger]

@@cusoonmyfriend3738 what do you want it for? Is it as a showpiece or just to cut your own lawn? Is it for lawn care business? $40 why not? That's cheap no matter how you look at it...

[@cusoonmyfriend3738]

@@kirkthebeerslinger heya there , first of all thank you for the quick reply. Yeah well it will be a personal mower , i just wanted an oldschool iseki honda kawasaki or deer with aluminium carter. And i have a spare kawasaki motor in the garage

[@kirkthebeerslinger]

@@cusoonmyfriend3738 go for it! For the investment - you can't get a better mower if it runs...parts are still available through dealers and amazon - tho some are getting harder to get...let us know how it turns out!

[@SoBlue1]

would love to see a video of you doing a good cleaning under the deck and motor. great content!!!

[@TonysLawnCare215]

I think I will do 1 Just for you . Not A Big Job Thnx For The Idea 👍

[@SoBlue1]

@@TonysLawnCare215 Thanks! I just bought a 14 SB for $80 bucks because the guy couldn't get it to start.... He didn't have any gas in it! 🤣 just ordered new wheels, carb ring gasket and a new blade. It cleaned up real nice, but has some minor erosion under from caked on grass. Now hunting for the infamous yellow elk, aka the oil adapter! 😇

[@TonysLawnCare215]

@@SoBlue1 Flea Bay AKA Ebay will be your best bet they pop up

[@TonysLawnCare215]

My fellow JD friend thanks for Question in short sounds like your Transmission could be shot if your blade spins when you engage it then your clutch is fine but if the mower won't move then sounds like a bad Transmission big job to replace and big money to by a used one if lucky you can find a new one on Fleabay GOOD LUCK 👍 😉

[@TonysLawnCare215]

Sounds like the Transmission is bad

[@JohnnnyD63]

Thank you for the videos, they are great! How do you keep your catch bags so clean?

[@TonysLawnCare215]

Great ? I always cut dry grass never wet grass and if I see they get dirty I just water hose them 👍

[@JohnnnyD63]

Thanks for the reply! 👍

[@brianhargiss9575]

One of my neighbors put a PZ out on his curb today with a box of parts! I snatched it up quick like!

[@brianhargiss9575]

I already own a almost mint JX that I cut my lawn with. Best mower I ever bought

[@TonysLawnCare215]

The Pz is a nice solid JD lightweight and very easy-to-use with Briggs 5HP On it 👍

[@TonysLawnCare215]

@@brianhargiss9575 I also am a big fan the JX line Greendeck is such there JD trade mark color.which I love ❤️ Lucky you I really would live to find 1 .👍

[@brianhargiss9575]

My question for the round table is this, how much is too much to spend on the PZ? Remember I got it for free. I just got it today so I haven’t had much time to go over what I have.

[@TonysLawnCare215]

@@brianhargiss9575 under 30$ if kneed parts like spark plus oil ect.. there very easy to work on no belts on them no Trans just spark plugs changes oil ect .make sure it has the partsIn that Box like side Discharge Chute, mulch plug, and the bag, if not there were your going to drop the money for the bag new 60 to 80$ and the frame for the bag 60 to 90$ about 60+ used on ebay.Also for the side Discharge another 60+ for the mulch plugs 40+ it's starts to add up quick you got yours for free so 160+ in them parts your good to go so your in it at 160+ already 😉 👍

[@bfoust3488]

I’m seeing a lot of videos showing the 14 sb to be 5hp, I just purchased 2 yesterday it they both show to be a 4.5 Kawasaki. 1 was purchased as a running good mower the other was complete but sold for a parts mower or repair. It runs well but as soon as it’s started it just high revs, any thoughts? I did tear apart the carb and jets and all appear to be clean and open but I still went over it all ( will update after work) any thoughts on if it may be the governor etc

[@TonysLawnCare215]

Chk that Gov for sure os look into the RPM And lower it make sure your lever handle is in low RPM Then use your screwdriver to lower down the RPM then put the lever back on high setting AKA High speed that should work Good luck 👍

[@bfoust3488]

@@TonysLawnCare215 what screw is for rpm? I hadn’t any luck

[@TonysLawnCare215]

@@bfoust3488 on the carburetor the chrome screw on top is your rpm. the other Brass is for mixture DONT TOUCH THAT ONE

[@bfoust3488]

I mess around with the governor lastnight and think I finally found that sweet spot

[@TheBikericonify]

Is it hard to replace the transmission

[@robertwoulfe69]

my sb14 vibrates badly after starting but will quit vibrating when I engage the blade. What causes that? love this mower and have no other issues except for this

[@TonysLawnCare215]

Got me on that one never heard of that happening Maybe the blade is bent if not IDK Sorry cant help on that one

[@kirkthebeerslinger]

@@robertwoulfe69 my guess is a bent shaft and it smooths out when you engage the blade...I have a JX85 that someone was using and hit a water main - did the same thing...stopped using it as too unsafe

[@TheBikericonify]

Is there a video on how to change a transmission

[@TonysLawnCare215]

@@TheBikericonify I have not saw 1 yet would be a nice repair/ replacement of a JD 14SB Transmission .cool ?

[@kirkthebeerslinger]

@@TheBikericonify I believe there is one out there with Erick? If I see it I will come back...look for JX75 videos on it...same machine

[@waynedow4317]

In search for replacement drive and clutch cables, mine are frayed and ready to bust. Where to find? Part #?

[@TonysLawnCare215]

Ebay 👍

[@JamesKoch-u3r]

I need the frame and bag for a John deere 14sb 21" where and how do I find this part? What are the part numbers?

[@TonysLawnCare215]

Ebay sells them whole

[@JamesKoch-u3r]

They seem to be 150 dollars anywhere I find them. Ebay and Amazon I even found the nose, oe, bags with and without the metal frames. Kinda costly.

[@TonysLawnCare215]

@@JamesKoch-u3r yuper i own 2 mint a 1989 and a 1990 bag still in factory bag never used got them off of ebay 4 yrs ago they pop up from time to time keep a eye out on ebay

[@toddsievers277]

My silver deck 14sb won't change speeds. Is the clutch out?

[@TonysLawnCare215]

Tranny is shot BIG MONEY TO REPAIR

[@philipneri9482]

Hey, Tony….what maintenance do you do on the underside for the aluminum deck…mine is pitted but hanging in there!…paint? Treatment?

[@TonysLawnCare215]

Great ? I don't have any pitting going/Rot Under my deck but from time to time i spray a coating of John Deere OEM Silver Paint if and when i see paint chips coming off i sand it first then i use any paint color's (Just to build up many layers) Then last coat will be the OEM John Deere Silver Paint . Also since you got pitting Under the deck Try to use auto body filler to fill in the pits then sand coat it with many layers of auto body gray primer paint then finish it off with 2 or more layers of the OEM John Deere Silver Spray paint that my friend will fix your pitting aluminum rot problem for a good while . Hope my input helped you out that will be the way i would go to repair the pitting rot problem for any JD deck . Have fun does not seam to be a big Job .Thanx for the ? and swinging pass the Channel 👍

[@loganmartin1646]

Part number for a 14se Kawasaki engine label/emblem for top of recoil starter

[@TonysLawnCare215]

OEM John Deere Logo Decal JD5604 Silver & Black Fits the Recoil Good Luck Thanks For Swinging Pass 👍

[@kirkthebeerslinger]

@@TonysLawnCare215 this speaks to your passion Archie...good guy you are helping ppl out with a decal part number!

[@loganmartin1646]

@@TonysLawnCare215 thanks got one on order!!