John Deere Made
Written: Apr 07 '00 (Updated Jun 30 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Solid frame, axle, engine and transmission
Cons: Hard starting, engine run on, backfiring, scalping
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| RichBoston's Full Review: Scotts S1642 Lawn Tractor |
The biggest selling point of the Scott's line of Tractors is that, as of last year, they are John Deere designed and made in an exclusive agreement with Home Depot. They were formerly made by Murray and not nearly as sturdy. John Deere and Hope Depot make a powerful customer service tandem.
These are essentially the same machines sold by John Deere dealers under their Sabre line.
My comments are based on having used this tractor through 3 seasons last year and now well into the summer of 2000. The best features of this machine are the Kohler pressurized engine, the cast iron front axle, sturdy 12 gauge steel mowing deck and hydrostatic transmission. If you've never used a hydo transmission before you are in for a treat. Instead of being limited to 1 to 3 speeds the speeds are infinite and easy to vary as you go along by using the hand control.
The 16 in 1642 is the 16 HP Kohler engine and the 42 is the 42 inch cutting deck.
My tractor has been difficult to start at times and tends to run on and backfire at shutdown. I've also had a problem with lawn scalping as the deck is difficult to keep level to factory specs. My John Deere dealer, who is supposed to service this after the sale is useless. Some of the dealers are not happy with JD for working this deal with Home Depot. It certainly shows in the treatment I've received.
It's an easy machine to drive but be careful on even modest hills. It seems to have a high center of gravity and it can start to tip on you. While the hydro transmission is a joy, the reverse safety switch is a pain. It has to be pressed before backing up with the blades engaged or the engine stops. Don't time it right and you get a deafening backfire.
The standard blades are fabulous at mulching. I don't even know why they have an optional mulching kit. It mulches so well that I've never attached the optional rear bagger ($295). I even mulched the leaves in the Fall.
I like the tractor in spite of it's few problems. It's solid and I think it will last a long time.
The WORST thing? NO CUPHOLDER!!! : )
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
RichBoston
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Member: Rich
Location: Boston, MA
Reviews written: 92
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