John Deere JS45 Walk-Behind Mower

by Ryan Baier
(Hancock, MD, USA)


This is a wonderful walk behind mower. It has the quality of all john Deere products at a low price. The 190 cc Briggs and Stratton motor runs extremely well. A downfall to this mower is that it doesn't have an electric start but it takes nothing to pull start this mower. There is now grass too tall or too thick. One weak spot I have found is the main shaft holding the blade. I work at a facility where you are mowing very rough terrain.


If you hit the any debris the shaft will bend. I have returned two with no question though with immediate replacement. The design of the front wheels swiveling 360 degrees is wonderful. When your reach the end of a cutting strip you don't have to pick the mower up to turn it around, it just turns on a dime.

The variable speed self propel drive is excellent. Even if you are in wet grass or steep hills it will pull its self there. The higher speeds make you able to walk behind it quite comfortably while still providing an excellent even cut. The bagging system is the best I have ever seen for a walk behind mower. It doesn't leave a small strip of grass piled up like some bagging systems.

This mower is also excellent for picking up those pesky leaves instead of blowing them around. The cut quality of this 21 inch mower is second to none. With such a wide cutting path it cuts down on the mowing time by a considerable amount.

All four wheels have adjustment so I was able to fine tune my cutting heights. Over all this is a wonderful mower and I would recommend it to anyone who asked.

Comments for John Deere JS45 Walk-Behind Mower

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Jun 07, 2019
Rating
starstarstar 		No problems yet..
by: Anonymous

If your reading this, it's 2019 and most of these mowers are probably junked. I got my Js45 for a whopping $2 and believe me it wasn't worth it. After fixing it up a bit I've realized it's pretty cheaply made.. After 10 years the stickers are falling off the deck is beginning to rust and the welds are starting to crack. On the up side the engine is still running strong. I still have my 1985 mtd mower standing by just in case this mower suddenly dies.
Sep 25, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		JS45 Rules
by: P.Ferguson

11 Years of cutting a .5 acre yard. Its been the Best mower Ive ever owned. I wish I could find another one . Sadly this units been discontinued. After 11 years of thick Midwest grass and bagging it every time( that's 2 65 gallon rollout units) to the curb almost weekly she has started to demise. It began to recoil halfway through pulling the rope which caused me to destroy a couple of starting heads. I finally removed the pull start and began using my cordless drill and a socket adapter and somewhat created my own electric start. I could keep this going but I think its time to move on . Thank you John Deere for a great Chassis and thank you Briggs for an almost indestructible motor.
Apr 20, 2016
Rating
starstarstar 		Love/Hate Relationship
by: Mike in DeWitt Iowa

Bought this mower from a local John Deere dealer 4-5 seasons ago after 25 years of replacing "big box" mowers. I should have returned it right away, but loved the features and turning radius. The mower's front casters really take a lot of work out of mowing rows and around landscaping/trees. However, the mower has had an issue since day one, where once it is running and warm, you'd better not shut it off, or it will not start again until 10 minutes of exercising pulling the 8+ hp engine over is completed.

Have never used ethanol fuel in any of my small engines, and used the cap stabilizer John Deere sells. New plugs, filter, nothing helps this. Usually starts in a couple pulls when cold, but not when warm.

Now this year I noticed one of the caster arms was bent. I must have ran it into my fenceposts, am not sure. But, it actually tore away from the deck, so I now will need to fix it with some 3/4" pipe straps and drill some holes in the decking for the nuts/bolts to secure it.

So I love how the mower cuts, mulches, and turns. The B/S engine has plenty of power, but I recommend not buying unless you have a strong pulling arm, or get it equipped with the optional electric start. I recommend There be better reinforcement in the area of the caster arms, they need to be equipped to run into fence posts without tearing the actual decking (Keep in mind we are walking not driving 10-15 mph when we bump things). I assume the starching issue when warmed up is a one off, since I have gone through several reviews and do not see this issue anywhere else.
Jun 15, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Working great after 9 years
by: Rgw

Starts on the first pull every time. I haven't had the problem with high grass, never sheared a pin, but the one problem I have had is the free running caster wheel needs reinforcement. I have had to bend it back into position at least twice a year. I only unlock the caster when I have a tight turn and in my yard I do unlock it a lot. All of my previous lawn mowers last maybe 2 years, It does look funny with the casters but over all I am very happy with this one. I would buy it again
Jun 01, 2014
Rating
starstarstar 		Not good value, but it is still ticking and working hard
by: Anonymous

Had this 5 years, got it because my wife liked the brand, I liked the horsepower and we did not consider the wheels. The engine has not been an issue for me. However the cables, caster wheel retaining springs and loose handle nuts have been my issues for 4 of the last 5 years. I have spare nuts/bolts and retaining springs on hand at all times :)

Yeah, the frost pushed up a stone and I sheared a pin, so my bad. The JS45A DOES cut tall wet grass that my previous 10 year old Snapper would not 'cut'. A forest is always trying to reclaim my 3/4 acres of "grass". Obviously, I am not easy on mowers.

Another tip: keep the caster wheels locked unless you really need them. At the start of my mow, I "may" release them to do edging. Rest of the time they are locked. And I rarely use the bagger, just for leaves that get placed in the compost bins.

The operator pretense cable was the first mystery I had to figure out. The adjustment stripped again, after being replaced by JD. I made a tacky fix, no problems anymore. Today the drive cable broke (probably at the kink which was caused by folding up the handles for transport to JD). So $20 and my time.

Must say, I pulled it out into the sun this morning for the first time this season. Second pull, it started.

Got a JD 160 series riding mower 3 years ago. So the JS45A only does trim, under the plum tree, on on the steeper bank.

I would not recommend this mower because of it's design. Not surprised it was pulled. A mistake I will be tinkering with for another couple of years.

May 04, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Been decent to me
by: Jimks

Wow, glad I haven't had any of those issues. I've had it 4 years. Only 2 problems I've had ... is exhaust pipe weld breaking and exhaust needing replaced. Found out it's made in China, and did some work in China, don't ever trust anything welded in China. Each time though, it was me running into a low limb or something when trying to cut around something... and it's design in the front exposes it to this damage. But, it breaks "easily".

The other,same incident... if you try to cut a bit under a bush, it can catch the spring on the throttle and come off. Put it back on by taking filter off, and adjust, and off running again. A better design would have eliminated this.

Otherwise, been problem free, starts at all times, cuts good, etc. Cuts tall grass well, love the rotating front wheels and makes mowing my place and around things much easier. Easy to mow with than many others that I've had and mulches well.
May 04, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Been decent to me
by: Anonymous

Wow, glad I haven't had any of those issues. I've had it 4 years. Only 2 problems I've had ... is exhaust pipe weld breaking and exhaust needing replaced. Found out it's made in China, and did some work in China, don't ever trust anything welded in China. Each time though, it was me running into a low limb or something when trying to cut around something... and it's design in the front exposes it to this damage. But, it breaks "easily".

The other,same incident... if you try to cut a bit under a bush, it can catch the spring on the throttle and come off. Put it back on by taking filter off, and adjust, and off running again. A better design would have eliminated this.

Otherwise, been problem free, starts at all times, cuts good, etc. Cuts tall grass well, love the rotating front wheels and makes mowing my place and around things much easier. Easy to mow with than many others that I've had and mulches well.
Aug 02, 2013
Rating
star 		js45
by: tom from baltimore

biggest piece of crap 600.00 can buy.run over a twig and sheer timing pin. happened 4 times in 2 years. dont expect any help from jd.they are as****es.bagger works when it wants to. and cables have been replaced 2 times.because of folding handle down. if you love this mower tou are the same as jd.as***le
Jun 19, 2012
Rating
star 		Finaly had enough
by: Anonymous

I bought mine at Lowe's three years ago. It never ran right. Took it to the local JD dealer, and that was no help. Had a bit of luck from a post on how to tweak the throttle cable by turning it counter clockwise 2 times. I had done all the suggested maintanance. When I went to start it this year, it was making a terrible noise, then it just blew up. When I pulled it, it nearly ripped the handle out of my hand. It has been curbed. It was picked up for scrap within ten minutes. Never buy another. Good bye 700.00 The bagging system was designed by a moron. You had to fight to get it to go toghether. The nuts and bolts kept loosening up. The front caster wheels bent, you name it. Lawn service now, only 25 per week. All is good.
Jun 19, 2012
Rating
star 		John Deere J-45
by: Anonymous

This mower has a 8.75 Briggs and Stratton motor which is needed for the thick St. Augustine grass in southeast Texas. The mower can't take advantage of the engine because the mower deck is poorly designed and the grass gets stuck on the metal bar by the side discharge chute. If you bend the handles over for storage it can kink the drive cable which also is connected to the kill switch on the engine. You can get this fixed for less than $100.00 if the problem is not misdiagnosed. The self propelled is the worst in the industry and I suspect , but have no proof, that a Murray engineer was involved in this poorly designed mower. Too bad John Deere can't copy Snapper's self propelled disc system or Lawn Boys front wheel chute to get rid of the grass. Try again J.D.
Jun 18, 2012
Rating
starstar 		not really happy
by: Anonymous

Purcased the JS45 about 4 years ago. Never had any kind of problem till this year. The motor would not start and when it did it ran horrible. Now i'm an ASE auto tech and finaly decided to look in to it. Found the coil/magneto was melted. So "ok" thats the problem. Right? Nope, still would not start and really weak, random spark. Turned out the flywheel key sheared in half and cracked the flywheel. I will never buy a JD from a big box store again.
May 20, 2012
Rating
starstarstar 		JS45
by: Gunny

Since I was given my first John Deere the only issue I gave is peeling paint and a dull blade... Checked the oil (down a few ounces) fresh tank of gas and checked the spark plugs. Fired right up after two good pulls. Smoked for one lap around the yard and after a second check on the oil stick, purrrrr'd throught the first cutting of our half acre lot! Will keep y'all posted after the blade has been maintenanced and all cables refreshed with Mystery Oil... Semper Fi!
Apr 14, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Great Mower!
by: Nugget

I've had this mower for 10 years and it's been great. Finally had a problem with slow starting last year. Might finally be giving out (not certain) Great mower though.
Apr 08, 2012
Rating
star 		Huge Pile of Junk
by: Anonymous

With an average sized yard to mow, this beast has been nothing but trouble from day one. Bought the extended three year warranty and have had to take it in three different times.
Impossible to work with, amazingly fragile for a lawn mower and the worst investment ever made. Heard this is a Snapper mower in a John Deere wrapper, and the frustration level since buying it in 09 hasn't dropped one bit. Next mower will not be this brand. And it wont be purchased at Lowe's either.
Apr 01, 2012
Rating
star 		JS25
by: Trish

Would all of you "do-gooders" who say the broken front wheels are from user error wake UP!
Look at how many people have that complaint! It is not user error! I've been mowing yards for over 50 years and have NEVER had my front mower wheels break. This is a MISTAKE MOWER! Avoid at all costs!
Apr 01, 2012
Rating
star 		Not so good on front caster wheels
by: Anonymous

The front caster wheels is a defect, that is why they do not make there anymore, they got tired of people returning them. It is a flawed system. The cable that controls the locking front wheels brakes within a year that is if the plates that hold front wheels do not bend first and make your mower go in a diagonal direction. I took it to John Deere to be fixed and they guy that worked on it said see you next time. Meaning it will happen again real soon and he even said it was a flawed system for front wheels to have a plate. Then the went to the pool in the front wheel holders, but did not make adjust. WEEDS!
Mar 20, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Inconsistent engine running
by: GJD2859

I also bought this relatively expensive lawnmower for the "John Deere" name. I would however like to point out that the John Deere name is tied to the lawnmower chassis primarily. The engine is Briggs and Stratton, so we would have to complain about a long line of lawnmowers with this engine company, which I don't think is appropriate.

My mower is about two years old and has had light use. The engine has been dying while mowing the lawn. I took the carbeurator off and cleaned it, changed the air and fuel filters and spark plug, took the gas tank off, blew it out and checked all the air and fuel lines for blockages. I found that everything had been working fine.

THEN!!! I looked at the two control cables and found that they were seriously kinked from the folding handles. One of the cables was engaging the engine kill! I guess folding the handle to save some space in the garage had been detrimental to this mowers inconsistent engine running. When I straightened out the cables, the problem went away and the mower once again runs excellent.

I hope this helps others in their quest to justify the money they spent also...
Mar 16, 2012
Rating
starstar 		Thoughts about the JS45
by: Small Engine Specialist

1) Overpriced
2) Caster Wheels poor design
3) B&S Engine - not a bad design
4) Engine Maintenance - No more than other engines

I agree with the posters who complain about the caster wheels.. It was a poor design, and repairs are not cheap (This is true with any JD equip).

Complaints about bending crankshafts should be chocked up to user-error. The mower isn't made to chop through one-inch thick stumps, concrete, iron or steel. It wouldn't matter if this engine was on a Cub Cadet, a Troybilt, a Toro or any other mower, if you hit solid objects hard enough to kill the engine, YOU made a mistake.
Oct 20, 2011
Rating
star 		How to fix the JS45 problems...
by: Dave's Lawn Care

Yes, I can help you fix the JS45 once and for all. Simply do as I did.

(1) Remove gas from tank
(2) Drain oil
(3) Put JS45 out on the curb with the rest of the garbage
(4) Wait for garbage pick up day
(5) Buy new mower, anything but JD (especially anything like the JS45).
Oct 20, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		JD JS45 wont start
by: Anonymous

John Deere JS45 - cant get it started. Clean fuel, changed air filter, cleaned carb, changed spark plug. Just wont turn over? Any ideas?

Thanks

Oct 06, 2011
Rating
star 		thumbs down
by: Anonymous

Thanks for the tip Poindexter. May you never hit a stick with your fabulous js45.
Sep 30, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Worth the money
by: Josh

I've had my JS45 for two seasons. No problems to speak of - very reliable with a very good cut. Keep the blade sharp and follow the maintenance schedule and I think you'll find it a good buy. The "MowMentum" system is wonderful!

To the folks complaining about shaft damage or the unit not holding up when striking debris: it is a lawn mower. It is meant for mowing grass. It is not meant to hit rocks or branches or anything else. This is a dangerous practice as you can eject shrapnel which can harm bystanders. Be smart out there!
Sep 24, 2011
Rating
star 		Worst piece of junk I've ever owned
by: Paul

I thought I was paying a bit more for a mower that would last. This is my second summer to use it on my 1/3 acre lot. The first one I got I had to return to the store because the right front wheel was hitting and wouldn't swivel because the castor bar was bent. The next one has been nothing but trouble: Starting, running, backfiring.... I've regularly changed the oil and used non-ethanol fuel only. I'm on my third brand new air filter and now there is oil shooting out of the carb intake which fouled the new filter. And finally, the pull start cord would not reel in the last time I tried to start it so I took it apart and two plastic pieces fell out. Now I'm part searching...JD website returns:"The page you are looking for is unavailable".
I knew better than to buy a Briggs&Stratton but was convinced by a friend they had improved. NEVER AGAIN, JD or B&S.
Aug 26, 2011
Rating
starstarstar 		Unfortunately, I'm not happy
by: Terry

I own several pieces of JD equipment, a Gator, garden tractor, farm tractor, implements, etc. and have always been impressed with the durability and quality. I bought this JS45 two years ago though and it hasn't lived up to the usual quality I expect from JD. Changing from bagger to side discharge to mulcher is just too cumbersome. On my old Sears I can swith from one to the other almost instantly. After you start this mower and shut it off, it's almost impossible to re-start it without starting fluid and I've tried the cable ajustment and other suggestions on other sites. It often dies while running as well. I do like the caster-type front wheels, rear-wheel drive and self-propelled system but if I could only get it to start and stay running.
Aug 24, 2011
Rating
star 		Perfect?
by: Anonymous

That's a laugh. Lawnmowers are not christmas ornaments to be handled with velvet gloves. Eventually you run over stuff that wasn't intended for a lawnmower to run over and it should be able to handle it (like other brands of mowers do). Nothing you can do maintenance-wise will prevent a poorly designed, weak shaft from bending in a stiff breeze.
Aug 24, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Perfect!
by: Anonymous

If you do your Maintenance and do not abuse the mower, your experience should be the same as mine and you will find that the JS45 is the perfect Lawn Mower made for the consumer. If you abuse it, like anything made, it will break. Own up to your abuse and do not blame the equipment for your short comings. The mower was designed to cut grass, not run into fences, pick up rocks or jump curbs.
Aug 23, 2011
Rating
starstarstar 		people...
by: Anonymous

Really
by: Anonymous

No, it is a certifiable piece of junk so they stopped making it. The marketplace is the judge. The only crack users here are the ones with 25 square feet of yard who think this 500 dollar piece of crap is great; I laugh at you. JD gets no more of my dollars. They should go back to making tractors. The marketplace has spoken.

#### The marketplace doesn't know shit and they may be crack users but you obviously are on Meth!
Aug 20, 2011
Rating
star 		ya know...
by: Anonymous

Lucky John, you could have just taken the cable loose and twisted it a few times to tension the cable.

Aug 19, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		guess I'm just lucky
by: John

After reading all the comments I feel very lucky. I have been using my JD mower once or twice a week for the past 2.5 years and have had only one problem, when you engage the drive it would stall. I fixed it by drilling a small hole next to the original hole where the cable attached at the handle, the 2nd hole tightened up the cable and had no more issues. Starts on first pull every time, no bent wheels or broken shafts. I would consider it the best mower I have ever had.
Aug 17, 2011
Rating
star 		Very disappointed
by: Anonymous

I have owned this mower for two years (trim mower). Although I like the quality of the John Deer name, I have had nothing but problems with the Briggs motor.

I'm sure it's probably just random bad luck, but this motor is pure junk.

I will continue to buy JD, but never again will I purchase anything with a Briggs and Stratton engine.

Aug 15, 2011
Rating
star 		Really
by: Anonymous

No, it is a certifiable piece of junk so they stopped making it. The marketplace is the judge. The only crack users here are the ones with 25 square feet of yard who think this 500 dollar piece of crap is great; I laugh at you. JD gets no more of my dollars. They should go back to making tractors. The marketplace has spoken.
Aug 15, 2011
Rating
starstarstar 		good & bad
by:

When it runs it's a very good machine. easy to handle,pulls thru high grass and up hills. sometimes starts right up other times won't start without a shot of starting fluid then you never know if it will run allday or a few minutes. local dealer is no help. been back to them many times,always same, "couldn't find anything wrong another $50 please." did find that if you loosen gas cap & vent tank it will run longer. Never had a wheel problem (yet)it is garage kept. from now on will check reviews before buying another mower.
Aug 15, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Great mower
by: Anonymous

Yall people are crazy. This mower is great. Great power, great cut, great bagging system. Simply put "take care of your equipment and it will take care of you". Remember this is a "lawn" mower not a stick, twig, rock or small tree mower.
Aug 04, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Best Mower- If you know how to use it and actually love mowing your yard
by: sweetpeamccann22

This mower has been a great mower for me... a cadillac for that matter. I have had this mower for 4 years now, the only problem I have had is the wheels bending in the front ONLY after 3 years. The other people that comment about hitting a small stick and bending the wheel rods- what crack are you smoking? They have to be hitting a tree limb. Mine bent from mowing our ditch and catching the right wheel that does not lock. I love this mower- it has power, runs great and does not have any other problems. Some people I guess are just hard on their stuff, and don't take care of it. Mine gets washed and waxed at least once a month. I have it set on mulch and cut my grass at the second from the highest level. Are these other people mowing on the first click or what? I just don't understand it at all... you either love this mower or hate it. I think if you truely love your yard, and take care of your things, you are among the people who love this mower, and don't have problems with it.
Jul 21, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		John Deere JS45
by: Terry J

Best mower I ever owned. I had 2 1/2 years not a problem. starts on the first pull almost every time. no ploblems with the front wheels. I cant believe what Ive read here. I love the swivel casters. My yard is big and I mow every 3 to 4 days.
Jul 04, 2011
Rating
star 		This Mower Is A Zero
by: René Valentin

This is my third summer with this mower. Have had nothing but problems from the moment I bought it. Only mowed twice last year with this piece of junk. Took it to the JD repair and was there almost a month. They kept finding one thing wrong right after the next.

I mowed once this year. Mowes for about 5 minutes and it dies. Will not start after ten or fifteen pulls. Put new gas, spark plug cleaned the machine, nada (nothing). Now it lies silent in the garage--dead. Oh, don't you dare hit a stone or a small piece of rock, it'll probably cry.

I am using my old craftsman again, now seven years old. Still works great one or two pulls and it roars to life after all these years. It also has a started key that's never failed me. But I need more power. Bottom line, the John Deere
JS-45 should have been discontinued long ago by the manufacturer.

I agree with the negative comments posted on this page: The JS-45 is a piece of hulk that never should have been put on the market as a reliable mower. This should have been a recall or replaced with a machine worth the $500 plus. There should be an investigation into these practices. This mower is going to the sidewalk as soon as they pick up the garbage this week.

Today I looked at Troy-Built, Toro, and Honda,
good mowers, but I can't forget how reliable my old Craftsman has been. As with the above I'll take the $500 plus loss and live with it. I'll never buy a John Deere again. Greatly disappointed.

Jun 30, 2011
Rating
starstar 		poorly designed mower
by: Frank

Spent $500 in 2009 on what I thought was a quality product from a reputable manufacturer. Once the warranty is up you are in for big repair costs, already spent over $125 for parts to repair the front wheels which constantly break, and to replace the drive cable which breaks if you fold down the handle for storage. The bagger attachment is difficult to use and when mulching the side cover fits poorly and grass shoots out on the mower deck. Don't buy this mower, my Sears mower lasted 15 years and never broke, should have kept it, gave it to a neighbor and its still running.
Jun 26, 2011
Rating
star 		JS 25
by: Trish

The first year I bought it from a JD dealer, the kill switch made it impossible to run continually. I took it back twice before they figured it out. They finally fixed that. Then the weld broke in the front between the two front wheels. Again, under warranty. Next, the side chute "holders" bent and wouldn't hold the thing on. Charged for that!
Now, in the third year of use, the kill cable is too loose and won't allow the mower to continue running. I would not recommend this mower to anyone and that is hard for me to say because my father was a John Deere dealer for over 45 years!
Jun 20, 2011
Rating
star 		JUNK
by: Troy Nelson

We have owned this lawn mower for 2 years and it was fine for about the first 3 times I mowed. The front wheels bend for no reason and then turn sideways and stay that way. If you try to bend them back it will put a dent in the deck where the blade will hit. Our Craftsman push mower lasted 12 years and I figured a John Deere would be even better, I was wrong. This is our third season and now if you put the bagger on it will not run right and dies. Take the bagger off and it will not restart, it's beyond me. As for the posting a little further down that says "don't mow if your grass is so high you can't see what is in your yard"...PLEASE! I don't let my grass get that high and this thing is still JUNK. Go buy a 200 dollar mower and save yourself headaches and a lot of money.
Jun 14, 2011
Rating
star 		Banshee mower, yea me also...
by: Left hand typer only now

Oh my gosh, I stumbled upon this site and saw the comments about the evil John Deere JS45 mower, I thought I'd was the onli 1 cause I lost my right hand to this pure evil machine also. (sorry for my spelling, bnut it ain't eesy jst typing with my left hand yet). Any way, I was workin on this mower (it was always breaking down] and had it over on it's side for to see if I had (once again) bent that darn shaft, when all of a suden it started up and took my right hand plumb off at the rist. I tell you what, it's evil, evil machine, won't be bying anything more from John Deere and their made in China evilness.
Jun 14, 2011
Rating
star 		My wheel also broke...
by: My wheel also broke...

Yea, hey buddy, I hear ya, my wheel also broke, but not after (I live in Ca.) the damn throttle cable stuck and this darn JS45 John Deere shoots down my back hill like a banshee! Right into the neighbors yard running over their little toy poodle which was chained out in the back yard. Darn it if fur, and dog guts, and grass went flying all over their large back panoramic window. The poor old women who lived there, well she was standing right there at that window when her little poodle got splattered by the JS45 all over that window!

She had a heart attack and died right there on the spot.

Damn, I'm telling you, that JS45 is evil, stay away from it!
Jun 14, 2011
Rating
starstarstar 		weld broke, front wheel fell off
by: RV

I also had the weld break where the crossbar is attached to the bracket after 1 yr, 11 months. My local JD dealer in Monmouth Connty NJ doesn't want to fix it because it was bought at Lowe's. It needs one spot weld. They want me to pay a $109 fee for them to determine if it is a valid warrany claim. The part is just $43. Also, the shut off/kill cable is starting to fray. I never had that happen before.

When the mower runs though, it is fantastic! One tip, use a gas stabilizer to keep the carb clean.
Jun 14, 2011
Rating
starstar 		Off the wagon
by: Sniff and Tears

I had bought the cheapest Sears mower when we moved into our house, $145.. That mower lasted seven years of use by us and now my neighbor has it and I have to borrow it from him! Why you ask?

The front left wheel {looking from the rear of the mower foward}, basically fell off my John Deere JS45A mower! The weld that held the bracket to the deck had been too aggressive and weakened the deck, after just ONE YEAR of use I was using it for the just the third time this season and the weld broke away from the deck, taking the piece of deck it was welded to with it, leaving a hole in the deck and a wheel assembly hanging on by a tiny thread of the corner weld.

I thought that if my Sears mower lasted seven years a Deere would last me seventeen!! Thank God it is under warranty, but they tell me three weeks before I can have it back, until then, I have to borrow my old Sears mower which still starts first pull and cuts just fine!

It's really too bad because I really like this mower but after seeing and reading all these complaints, I'm starting today to save for a new mower when this one most likely breaks down next year after the warranty has expired!
Jun 11, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstar 		3yr old JS45
by: Michael Boyd

Used mine for 3 years now & still starts & runs great. Only problem was that I bent the left front wheel bar by catching it on fence posts too often. The power is great & almost never bogs down. The drive system still works perfectly. I have no regrets with this mower.
Jun 11, 2011
Rating
star 		Agree
by: Anonymous

I agree that JD has a history of good quality products. They have taken the low road (Lowe's road?) to sell cheap crap in large quantity thru big box stores. They will have to take their lumps and so will their reputation, as it has.

I don't even think they make this mower any more because it sucks so bad. Why is anybody even posting on it? Why did I post this????? AGGGHHH!!!
Jun 04, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		You get what you pay for from Lowe's or Home Depot
by: Anonymous

If you buy a john deere from lowes or home depot its your own falt. all mowers are not created equal! Buy it from a john deere rep. not lowes or walmart. They are made cheaper so they can sell cheaper.
Jun 03, 2011
Rating
star 		Worst mower ever :-(
by: Sick over this...

Not only did this mower only last 1/2 a single season (I hit a little stick in the yard, and it bent the shaft). It didn't matter because I was getting really tired of having to clean the air filter prior to starting it and at least once through the afternoon job of cutting the grass - else the mower would conk out. Had to replace the spark plug within a few weeks, and good luck trying to get it too start!

Have to admit that I for once believe I was one of those people PT Barnum talked about, i.e., "There's a sucker born every minute" Yep, LOWES and John Deere really suckered me out of my $600+ dollars. Lesson learned, they both have lost my business.

After the shaft bent, I tried to give it to the kid down the street, thought he could use it for parts or something (he mows yards and does general yard work - apparently knew about what a POS this thing was, said thanks but no thanks, not even the parts were worth anything to him).

So, while it sat in the shed, I swear this thing brought evil into my life, yep, it's the devils machine (made in China I bet). Cause right about then my life started to go down hill. First the wife of 22 years gets sick, the kids and I sure do miss her, we lost her shortly there after. Then I lost my engineering job, been looking ever since (guess that got sent to China also). Lost the house, so I don't have to worry about cutting that yard any more. Yep, all those troubles happened right about the time this damn POS came into my life, evil I tell you, pure evil, stay away from this mower - YOU WILL REGRET IT!!!
Jun 03, 2011
Rating
star 		Throw away mower
by: Greg

Very poor quality for John Deere. Except for the deck everything is thin plastic. The bag system is not well mounted, does not seal and just flops around. Most of the screws holding the controls have fallen out. Both the kill and drive cables have broken and I am just starting on my second season mowing. I purchased this based on my large tractor and other John Deere equipment I own. Expensive for a residential mower with the quality of a throw away. Do not buy
May 30, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		the best ever
by: amanda green

i am a woman purchase this life saver six years ago this lawn mower is the perfect one for any women of any age easy to start i love it because i can get my walking done fast or slow and my lawn done at the same time very very pleased
May 30, 2011
Rating
star 		Never again!
by: J R

I will never again buy a mower from Lowes again. The first JS45 that I got from them, I never mowed a single yard. It would not run long enough to mow a strip let alone a yard. The second one did better for a while. at the end of the first season it began to blow white smoke and knock like crazy. Had it rebuilt and it still uses oil and hard to start. Finally fixed the problem, parked it and went a bought another mower, not a John deere.
May 07, 2011
Rating
star 		Junk
by: SB

My mower will be 2 years old this August. Starts great runs great BUT the bag has a hole in it already, i have wire on the front wheel setting to keep from dropping to the lowest setting and the cable for the self propell broke already. If you think the mower is crap go to their web site and try ordering a part.
Apr 26, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Real Deere?
by: Ron Paul 2012

Third year- always starts, cuts great.

Bag liner tore on the third year. Typical for all mowers?

Fresh start fuel cap insert feel out first year and now the fuel evaporates till empty.

Plenty of power!

Needs sparkplug on the third year due to running a bit rough.

My negative is I paid for a John Deere but it's actually made by Snapper...???


Still glad I bought it. Love the power.
Apr 15, 2011
Rating
starstarstar 		Good Mulching Mower
by: G-MAN

This is my third season on the JS45.I have 2 blades that I rotate every 4-5 mowings so I get a sharp cut.I would rate this mower higher , but a couple of cons takes it down.I only mulch with the mower. Installing the bag is very difficult.John Deere should have engineered this model so the mulching cover could be completely removed , and then install bag with attachment. Also , the mulching cover lets grass blow up under air filter, and I have to keep cleaning air filter and housing. If I buy another mower it will be a Toro Super Recycler.
Apr 13, 2011
Rating
star 		WOW! How bad can bad be for a lawn mower?
by: Anonymous- NJ

I’ve had it only two easy years and it now sits in my garage with a bent shaft, two broken front wheels, a ripped bag and a cracked body with a hole in it.
I’m very easy on equipment and also happen to be a certified mechanic which really came in handy here. It had issues from day one but I wanted to keep believing the product was good quality. I was never more wrong.
I only hope people will send this link to the company.
Great web site by the way, I wished I had found it sooner.
Mar 31, 2011
Rating
star 		Can not start it
by: Rose

I bought my walk behind from Lowes. For the life of me I can not start it. I'v taken it to the John Deere Store. Just to be charged a lot of momey. And no help.
I'am so sorry I bought this, it was i lot of money for something I can"t use.
Mar 13, 2011
Rating
star 		Bad Filter Problem or ?
by: Michael Fontenot

Bought my JS 45 From Lowes. Cut grass twice, then checked oil,blade, filter. the filter was crushed so bad their was small cracks around the bottom that small bits of trash had to have gotten into the engine.I called Lowes and they told me to replace the filter. I did this for the next four times I cut the grass. The filter was crushed every time.I brought it to Hollier John Deere in Opelousas La.I left it for 14-25 days, not sure. When they called me back they told me that John Deere would not pay for it.I picked it up and brought it to the John Deere Place in Lafayette La. They were at least more helpful there. They told me I could leave it there but there were 3-4 JS 45 ahead of mine and John Deere (main company)was trying to decide if they were going to pay the warranty on them. Decided not to leave it and just bring it back to Lowes.What they did was bring it to Hollier John Deere Place in Opelousas La.(same place I first brought it to who told me the first time that John Deere would not warrenty it because of little bits of dust,clippings had gotten into the engine.I was not the person who either had bad filters or bad adjustment to the air filter in the first place. But guess what happened,they kept it a month and when they called me to come pick it up,they told me they could not find a problem. The first time I started it up in less than 5 pulls, the air filter did not crush this time,but it smoked like a train, and could not start It the next week. Also when I bought it from lowes I paid $550 dollars for it. Two months later lowes had dropped the price by $200 dollars and decided to stop carrying John Deere Push Mowers. So I got less than 10 cuts for a $550 dollar John Deere mower bought from Lowes in Opelousas La. This is from Michael Fontenot Mamou La. P.S. The Deck Unit and also the motor still look new
Mar 11, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Bags what for?
by: jigsawmike

I'll take it for parts, if you include shipping. He He. Yes the bag is terrible. You need to be a professional yardman to figure it out. Just throw it away. Who needs to bag anyway. Better to get the nitrogen rich clippings back in the lawn, and leave those unsightly piles of dead grass, that discolor the lawn.
Mar 11, 2011
Rating
star 		Crapolla
by: Oh Deere!!!

This mower is crap. Wasted 500 dollars. The rear bag is a pain to use, taking it off or on. The bag throat is too freaking small. It cloggs every time. If the grass is a little wet it clogs even worse. It's no wonder they don't make it anymore.

It's free to anyone that wants it.
Feb 25, 2011
Rating
star 		JS45/46 Not a great mower
by: Beth, New Braunfels, TX

Let me preface by saying I live in the south where we mow 9 months out of the year.

Starting this mower is very, very easy. And regular mowing is okay. But, bagging is the absolute pits.

I've had this mower for 3 years, and today when getting it out to mow - yes, in February, I decided I must write.

This is the most user unfriendly bagging system ever made. The chute is very awkward to install, the bolt holding the chute and the screw/knob do not line up. Once you get the chute on, and then put the bag on the mower, the chute pulls away from the bolt lining it up with the screw/knob.

There is a "door" that closes the chute when not bagging. When bagging, you must hold the "door" open with your leg in order to remove the bag from the mower. Then, you must hold both the handle at the bottom of the bag and the handle at the top of the bag to empty. Our city requires green waste pick up in large paper bags. The overly large cover on the mower's bagging system is too awkward - while holding both handles - to get the bag emptied in to the paper bag.

The mower is wonderfully self propelled. But, don't try to back up ... it is very difficult to pull backwards.

I would definitely not recommend purchasing this mower.

Feb 21, 2011
Rating
star 		LoL!
by: Anonymous

Yes, yes, yes they are truly wonderful mowers. Wonder why they don't make them anymore?
Feb 21, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		runs great , respect it.
by: Anonymous

Bought mine in 1999, I cut my grass every week end, & every other week end Dec thru Jan. It runs great, starts up on the first pull. Make sure you have oil, sharpen the blades from time to time & don't run over big sticks & stuff in your yard.
Nov 02, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Good mower
by: Anonymous

I think this is a nice mower, but the shaft has bent 5 times. But i fixed it myself.Right now, the mower is being stored away for winter, and is in good condition.
Oct 28, 2010
Rating
star 		Really?
by: Anonymous

For those of you who are experiencing bent shafts on your js45, I have found the following to be effective:


1) Take a micrometer and measure the size of each blade of grass before charging at like a caveman with your js45. You'll need to manually sever anything over 1/16th of an inch and remove it from the lawn before proceeding. These are delicately engineered machines and are not made for just wildly mowing your lawn with abandon (grow up people)

2)After clearning your lawn of exceedingly thick, tough grass with your nail clippers, slowly and cautiously proceed to mow, taking extreme care to STOP and remove any twigs or acorns that may have fallen onto your lawn for they will DOOM your js45 to the scrap heap with a bent shaft!

3) So, you didn't follow step 2 and you hit a twig and your crankshaft is bent? Place your js45 by the curb next to your trash cans and other refuse for pickup

4) Go buy yourself a decent mower and take the lesson you have learned to heart. Hell, it's only $500 bucks dude, get over it. That's cigar money...right? Right.

Oct 28, 2010
Rating
star 		Well
by: Anonymous

So what should you shove thru your thick overgrown lawn? Not a JS45, that's for sure. Try a Murray, they are much better and the shaft won't bend if you hit a twig.
Oct 28, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		JS 45 mower reviews
by: Owner with common sense

For all of you that are experiencing bent shafts of your JS45 I have found the following will solve the problem.

1) If there are limbs, rocks or other debris in your yard- PICK THEM UP BEFORE MOWING!

2)If you have a sign on the side of your truck and mow other peoples lawns- The JS45 IS NOT A COMMERCIAL MOWER.

3)If your grass is so thick that you can not see what is in it- DON'T SHOVE THE MOWER THROUGH IT.

And please save the responses of " The shaft bends just mowing the lawn"- I am not buying it
Oct 27, 2010
Rating
starstarstar 		Crankshaft Issues
by: Stevo

I had mine less than a week when it bent it's crankshaft running over sticks I thought would be no issue. Based on the number of crankshart issues I see online related to this model line, I wonder if there is not a design flaw.
Oct 08, 2010
Rating
star 		Piece of garbage
by: Anonymous

I cannot believe I would have spent 500 bucks on a mower and it still has not put me through a summer in 3 yrs w/o breaking down. Now the last straw is the right front swivel caster broke off from the steel deck leaving a baseball size hole in the front of the mower. Never again JD will you get my money
Oct 08, 2010
Rating
star 		Falling apart Port Perry on.
by: Anonymous

The js45 cost us around 600.00 dollars we bought 2 1/2 years ago and I'VE LOST PARTS DUCT TAPED HANDLE
BUT STILL CUTTING.

KISS MY GRASS
Oct 08, 2010
Rating
star 		P.O.S.
by: Anonymous

The absolute worst tool I have ever purchased!!!DO NOT BUY THIS LAWN MOWER!!! Not even for $1.. Everything that could go wrong has gone wrong, including a blown engine.. I have a well groomed 3/4 acre yard: no stumps, rocks or uneven terrain and still this lawn mower breaks down... I would recommend this lawn mower to a person who wants a $500 John Deere paper weight that breaks down constantly!!
Sep 21, 2010
Rating
star 		John Deere are you listening?
by: Anonymous

I am past the fact that I got taken advantage of by $500+ by John Deere. Well, pretty much. Okay, it still makes me mad pretty bad. I'm just wondering if they see these reviews. Seems like some responsible party in that corporation would issue an apology for selling an obviously JUNK lawnmower. Maybe give a full credit toward a new and improved model or something. Seems wrong that they would put consumers through this type of fiasco and just go "Woops!".

I've changed my mind from what I said in an earlier post. I stated that I would still consider John Deere for a tractor or something of that sort. After leaving my SECOND disabled mower at the dealership for over 3 months now and not having received a single phone call, I wouldn't buy a napkin from them.

Your reputation is ruined as far as I'm concerned and you are now amongst the Harbor Freight class.

Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice shame on me. Now I know.
Sep 20, 2010
Rating
star 		js 45
by: miami80

Do not purchase this product, might as well have bought a bad lawn mower from a yard sale.
Sep 05, 2010
Rating
star 		Bent shaft POS!
by: David A.

I had a John Deere walk behind mower that I purchased back in 1994 until just this past year (2009). I swear on a stack of Bibles I don't ever think I changed the oil or cleaned the air filter or maintenance at all. It worked perfectly, starting up and cutting well. I have always had a few acres of property and mow during the season about every week or every other week. The self propelled mechanism broke a few years ago and I was too damn lazy to get it fixed. So I was pushing it for a couple of seasons.

Finally this year I decided to get a new mower and I chose the JS45, what a F'in mistake!!! I've had to clean the spark plug, re-gap, clean or change the air filter EVERY SINGLE TIME I'VE MOWED just to be able to keep it running well! This, just yesterday I hit a old cedar stump I've hit 100's of times before with my old mower. The JS45 seized and upon restarting it it was obvious the shaft was bent. I stopped it, turned it over and sure enough, bent all to hell.

Where has the quality gone! What do they make these things in China now a days!

I will NEVER BUY another John Deere product in my lifetime again. And, from the way I've been cussing around the house about this damn JS45 John Deere breaking like it did, I'm sure my kids will stay away from the John Deere brand for the rest of their lives!
Sep 04, 2010
Rating
star 		BENT SHAFT
by: BROOKS

I purchaed a John Deer Walk behind in Oct 2009. I took it in for service twicw because of vibration and the right front wheel shart contines to break. Well the first 2 times the local John Deere dealership where I purchaed it form repaired it with no problem. The third time I took it in they said the problem is a "bent shaft" and it it NOT covered under warranty.I am told it will cost me $300 to repair the bent shaft. This is toally unbeleiveable as I have not had the mower a year and now having such problems. Guess I will be in small claims court with JD over this issue.
Aug 10, 2010
Rating
star 		PIECE OF JUNK
by: Anonymous

The 3rd season of mowing I wasn't able to pull the cord. I took it to the John Deere dealer and they said the motor seized up. I changged the oil the beggining of the season and it had the right amount of oil. I picked up my mower in a box in pieces. Atleast I had the frame to push the box out to my truck..ha ha. The cheapest mower on the market is better than this overpriced piece of CRAP. If anyone needs parts, I have everything but a good engine!!!!!
Aug 09, 2010
Rating
star 		still waiting
by: Anonymous

Coming up on two months now since I dropped off my second js45 off at the dealership because of a bent crankshaft. Still no word from them. New TroyBilt with Honda engine is running great; should have bought it sooner.

Nothing breaks like a Deere!!
Jul 22, 2010
Rating
starstar 		POS
by: Brad

Bought this 15 months ago. oh and Lowes has the new JS46 in stock.. replacing the JS45.
This mower starts easily... It cuts ok... my last mower was more even... i clean it and maintain it. My biggest complaint is with the front Caster wheels. WTF? every time i use it I have to bend them straight.. and NO i am not hitting anything. just mowing a sloped lawn. I too have peices vibrate off. and too have had issues with the cable stretching... its a POS. interestingly enough the new model does not have the swivel caster wheels... i just cant bring myself to buy another 500 machine so I live with it...
Jul 20, 2010
Rating
starstar 		JS46 Walk Behind
by: Roy Holleman

Purchased this mower based on the John Deere name from a local JD Dealer. In short, not a bad mower but you pay for the name and I find that the quality is just not there for a $500 mower. The electric start is not really worth much, cut is ok, quality is ok at best.

Pros - Easy to pull start, easy to adjust height, strong motor, good on fuel and quick enough for most.

Cons - Quality, rear wheel often sticks when you pull back after releasing drive system, drive system takes some getting used to, battery not recharged by mower (must recharge with wall charger, price for what you get.
Jul 15, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Operator presense cable fix sugestion
by: Jigsawmike

The gentleman who gave the fix for this should be given 1,000,000 dollars by John Deere.
I have been so dissapointed with my mower since day one. I have had it in the dealers service dept. twice with no improvements. I thought come on how could turning the cable counter clockwise 5 or six times do anything. We'll let me tell you, IT WORKS!!!!!!!!!. The thing runs just like you would expect it to. No more numb hand from the death grip, backfires, stalls, nada. So now if we can keep the wheels on, and the nuts and bolts from falling off, maybe will give old chitty chitty bang bang, a day at the spa, where she can get her oil and spark plugs changed. Who knows mayby even a nice bath. Thanks again for the tip.
Jul 11, 2010
Rating
star 		Waiting....waiting...waiting...
by: Anonymous

Coming up on a month now since I dropped my SECOND JS45 off at the dealership. This one also K.I.A. because of a bent crankshaft. I did go ahead and buy a Troy-Bilt with a Honda engine because I know that even if they replace this entire mower AGAIN, it will fail AGAIN and I'm sick of dealing with it and too embarassed to borrow my neighbor's mower again like I did last year.

I have not called the dealer, nor will I. If they happen to call me up and tell me that they are going to give me another new JS45, so be it. I will post the brand new mower for sale at $300 for any suckers that think this is a good mower. If they don't, that's fine too, lesson learned :(
Jul 08, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Read this if you are going to purchase.
by: Sammy

Three years in, and I can not count the problems. It started small, and grew bigger and bigger. Next (which may be soon) purchase I will try a Cub Cadet. I just don't know where to go from here, but I know I am tired of a mower that I spend equal time fixing as I do mowing.

Serious people, if you are looking here for guidance on a purchase, save yourself. For the rest of us ... Invest in duct tape & wire ties.
Jul 08, 2010
Rating
starstar 		Cheap - Not Deer's Quality I expected.
by: Topher

I purchased this mower at Lowe’s to replace a deceased 2 cycle 20 year old Lawnboy. At first, the mower worked great, mulched well and bagged quite a bit better than my old Lawnboy. Then the problems started. The mulching plate bowed out after being left in the sun on a hot day and now has a 14” gap that blows grass all over the mower deck when I mulch. Add to that problem, the front panel broke at the screw holding it to the handlebars. Nice and wobbly now. Cheap plastic. Used to start with one pull. Now I have to yank on the starter line 10-12 times before it sputters to life.
The side plate/mulcher cover plate was not covered under warranty. Nice. Now I have to make a gasket out of ¼” tubing to cover the gap between the mulching cover and the deck.
Not the quality I would expect from John Deere. A pricey learning experience.
Jul 05, 2010
Rating
starstar 		BAD HANDLE
by: Anonymous

HERE'S THE PROBLEMS -
1.I HAD TO FIX IT RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX -THE CABLE THAT KILLS THE ENGINE WAS NOT SET UP PROPERLY -I CRANKED THIS MOWER FOR AN HOUR BEFORE GETTING IT RIGHT.
2. AFTER HAVING THIS MOWER FOR 2 YEARS -I STILL HATE IT-THE WAY THE HANDLE IS SET UP TO ENGAGE THE SELF PROPEL IS HINKY (HINKY MEANS SCREWED UP), YOU ACTUALLY PUSH FORWARD TO ENGAGE THE DRIVE -BUT THERE IS NO SOLID BAR TO HANG ON TO -SO YOU CONSTANLY FEEL LIKE THE MOWER IS GETTING AWAY FROM YOU. - THIS ALSO MAKES YOU SLOW DOWN STOP TO MAKE A TURN BECAUSE THE HANDLE IS NOT SOLID. DON'T BUY THIS MOWER WITH OUT UNDERSTANDING HOW THE HANDLE WORKS.
Jun 26, 2010
Rating
star 		HATE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by: PJ Bryan

I totally agree with the one that says it's a P.O.S. I've had Deere walk behinds since 93, and have raved on the quality and ease of mowing. I've convinced many people to get a Deere. Well, today with the JS45 I eat my words. No more bragging how I love mowing and how easy it is with a Deere. The 14SB was top of the line, the JX75 was awesome, but the new line of JS mowers sucks. Cheap made, vibration is bad so you have to tighten the handle bolts constantly, the bagger contraption is a pain in the butt and I've stopped bagging other than first of the season when I mulch. My previous Deere's pulled me,the JS45 is like using a push mower with all the strength you have to put into pushing the handle forward to get it to go. I'm thinking Deere has a new generation of young engineers that thought this looked "pretty" on the computer...well to hell with pretty.......I want a real Deere again. I bought my daughter a Craftsman self-propelled...it's wonderful. She can even let go of the handle and it DOESN'T DIE!!!!!!!!
Jun 23, 2010
Rating
star 		Here we go again...for the last time.
by: Anonymous

I just got the final diagnosis from the JD dealer on my second js45 in as many years. yep, a bent crankshaft...again. This mower was a replacement for the one I bought last year and I had mowed my yard a total of four times with it.

While awaiting the engine rep's decision on whether they will fix it, I decided to do the smart thing and buy a mower with a Honda engine. It is great so far and I feel confident that I will get more than four mowings out of it.

I didn't see any js45s at Lowes when I went mower shopping. Have they wised up and discontinued them?
Jun 18, 2010
Rating
star 		Junk
by: S. Farmer

The wheels fall off from motor and mowing vibration constantly tightening handle bolts.
The locking mechanism on the front wheel is a joke
making steering impossible. I'm 58 years old and have had a lot of mowers this is the worst. I had a John Deere walk behind in the early 1990's that
I used for over a decade. After the JS45 I won't
buy another John Deere product
Jun 16, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		John Deere JS 45 Don't Buy
by: Anonymous

Save yourself the trouble. I spent top dollar for this mower and it is of very poor quality. The deck is paper thin metal and the front wheels bend very easily. One of mine recently broke off and I had a great deal of difficulty getting John Deere and Hutchison Farm Equipment in Stouffville Ontario to help me get it fixed. I was left with a very bad experience and bought a Honda while it was in for repair for 1 month. Never again. It is the same reason I don't buy GM cars. They don't realize, eventually, word gets around that you make crap!
Jun 16, 2010
Rating
starstar 		over rated for sure
by: ww

the lawn mower cuts fine,but the problem with this
model is the front wheels bend and causes the front to cut out of line. i replaced both wheels
and can no longer get the front wheels to line up
right.
Jun 01, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstar 		powerful but problematic
by: Arthur G.

I've had this mower for two years and the cable mount on the transmission recently broke off where the cable attaches. This is the part that engages the transmission when you push forward on the handle. A cable from the handle is connected to this plastic part that moves the whole assembly back. Anyway, I was able to move the cable over and use a bolt to secure it to the "other hole" that was on the unbroken part of the cable mount assembly, so I got it working again. Another issue I had was One of the retaining clips popped off the front wheel caster and the whole wheel assembly fell out while I was mowing. I used a large zip tie to secure the wheel in the locked position so I can still use the mower. I'll have to find a proper clip to fix this later. This mower looks great, has a lot of power, and turns fantastic, but you gotta stay on top of it to keep it from falling apart. The motor is one of the best I've used, but the frame and all the other parts are junk.
May 31, 2010
Rating
star 		Dear lord...
by: Anonymous

I got a replacement mower from last year since my shaft was bent and the piston exploded (among other things). Mowed once with it last year, changed the oil after winter, then mowed twice so far this year and there is a slight friction when you turn the blade by hand. Noticed a sort of knocking noise when it started up yesterday. I figure this one is about to die too. RIP. I'm gonna get a lawnboy or a murray or toro or some damned thing that will run for a year or two before it has major malfunctions. Don't buy this mower. It is a P.O.S.
May 30, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Not perfect but better than most
by: Anonymous

NOTE TO THOSE WITH MOTOR RUNNING POORLY: Check the gas tank for a split along the seam that can cause poor flow to the carb.



I bought my JS45 in the fall of 2002 and it was marked down to $300. I used it on hills and rough terrain 2/3 acre lawn the first year and then a small 5000sq foot lawn for four years. I've used it to mulch deep leaves on my wooded 3/4 acre lot for the last two years.

Today I hit a stump and may have bent the blade or the shaft so I googled looking for a new blade and found this page.

So here is my review after eight years;.....

Power: excellent

The Briggs and Stratton that came with my mower is called the Intek. This engine is not commercial grade but is considered heavy duty. I ran the engine break in as stated in the manual (2 hours I think) and then switched to synthetic 5w40 I use in my motorcycle. The engine has been flawless and still starts with one pull even after sitting six months. I store this mower inside a dry clean shed at all times and change the synthetic oil at least twice a year

Handling: excellent

The maneuverability of this lawn mower is outstanding. It will side hill or go around trees and shrubs without problem. The three speed transmission is flawless and allows you to pick a speed that cuts best.

Bagging/mulching attachments: Fair
The bagging system is awkward and fills quickly. Changing to mulching or side throw is flaky too. I just leave it at mulch for most of the year and then bag it up in the fall and spring to prevent moss. I always hate the bagging part no matter which mower but this one is worse than the Craftsman I had before.

Quality: Fair
The caster wheels bend easily but still operate ok so it's an issue but not a show stopper. The covers came off the wheels. The gas tank split (known factory defect) so some of you guys with problems may want to check your tank as it will cause odd running issues. The deck metal is thicker than a Craftsman and the main working parts still work with normal maintenance. The deck paint still shines and there is no rusted parts so I'm overall pretty happy.

Mowing even: Good
It leaves a nice looking lawn. The high vacuum blade mulches well and keeping the blade sharp (twice a year on my grinder) will leave a nice cut.

Overall: Good

This mower is better than the two previous Craftsman mowers I've owned. I'd have preferred a motor with heavier duty bearings (also has positive oil pressure system and spin on oil filter) but the Intek is pretty good for the price.

May 22, 2010
Rating
star 		biggest pile of crap
by: Anonymous

Bought this lawnmower on 4/17/2009 here today it is 5/22/2010 and guess what I have went through 3 js45 lawnmowers, the first one the crankshaft bent when mowing my lawn, second one the flywheel seized up,and the third one is taking a crap. So I call them today to tell them and they say is it an emergency and I said no so they said we will call you back next week then. Borrom line im going to try to get my money back and either get a honda or toro.
May 20, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Both good and bad
by: Wes

Love the power and the cut quality.

The bagging system works good but as some noted it requires a two step process to remove. Also once packed full the chute does clog up. Solution is to leave
the bag attached and dump the clippings out the rear, on the empty lot or ditch... Also don't let it get all the all the way packed. No bag system is perfect and this is above average.

My main negative is the front caster wheel frame has gotten out of alignment. Which creates havoc on turns. I've man handled them back into a better shape. Expect better from a Deere.

For my bermuda sod grass the mower is nice. For
rougher terrian I'd
suggest
front wheel drive.
May 18, 2010
Rating
starstar 		A rich man's toy, but inferior for commercial work.
by: Anonymous

This mower worked amazingly well at first, so much power, unstopable, I would fly through stuff, until one day I noticed the front wheels started to bend out, the angle of the arms got progressively worse and worse. Then one day I ran over a rock hidden in some grass, and she was done, it bent the mainshaft and after that it woulden't run for more than 10 min at a time. If I had an intermediate sized property that I needed to cut, this thing would be fantastic but for commercial work it's junk.
May 18, 2010
Rating
star 		WOW WHAT A RIP OFF
by: james collins

I thought that a john deere would be a great investment. I purchased the JS45,the mower did a great job for the first year, accept for a knock that was explaned as the drive belt for the rear tires.Third cut of the second season the mower failed to start. I had the carburator replaced which solved the problem for awhile now the unit still runs poorly and is a pain to restart when you shut it off too empty the bag. I have too say that for a mower that lowe's sales for over $500.00 dollars this is the biggest pice of crap. I have noticed that Lowes did remove this model from its line. I guess I'm not the only person that feels this way. In closing If you are looking at a John Deere to buy DON'T Rum the other way. John Deere has gotten the last dime from me. I'ld buy a goat before I'ld buy another John Deere
May 17, 2010
Rating
starstar 		Disappointing, horribly disappointing
by: Anonymous

I am very disappointed with this machine. I replaced it for the craftsman now five years old--still use the craftsman as a backup. the wheels in front of the JS45 turn easily to left and right making the mow easier. This is the second summer with this machine. I loved it on the hill terrain because of its front wheels. although it took some time get use to it.

It started great,on the first pull, but during the second mow the this summer it hit a small stone, still worked great; when I mowed the lawn again it died. No problem I said to myself just one pull and it will start. Wrong. The machine starts after ten or fifteen pulls and dies again. this is where I am now.

Frustrated, I urned to my Craftsman I had not used in two years. Old oil, old gas with stabilizer in tank. I primed the Craftsman three times and to my amazement it roared to life beautifully. Problem with that is I can't find the nine inch back tires for the Craftsman.

Having said, I put a new spark plug, new gas with stabilizer into the JS 45 but it still won't start. I just finished trying to started today four times but it coughs and dies. Bottome line is, from my experience with the Craftsman and the John Deere JS45 is that the Craftsman, though old, proves to be the better machine. I will not ever buy another John Deere mower.

If I could find the nine inch wheels for the back of the Crafstman, Model: 917-378891, I'd keep it. It also has an ignition key starter. But I will miss the turning wheels in the front of the John Deere mower JS45. I's sad and a disap-pointment. I agree with the people in the reviews. If you're going to crank out five or six hundred dollars look somewhere else where you won't be disappointed.
May 15, 2010
Rating
star 		BENT SHAFT
by: BENT SHAFT. SHAFTED BY JOHN DEERE

I've always used a landscaper. My son turned 14. I felt it was reasonable to teach the boy some hard work. Went to lowes. Picked out the best mower in stock. It was the John deer JS MOWER. Big mistake. Was hard to start from the beginning. Teaching my 14 year old the ropes. He was a great learner. We all have to start somewhere, to learn. I myself had hit several object growing up learning to mow. No big deal. A chipped blade, typical. My son hit a curb. From there it vibrated and won't restart. Went to lowes no help. The dealer said can't help. First use and now I'm out 500 bucks. No problem. It was my fault. The point is how many times have we all hit something and replace the blade. Thats reasonbale. To have to buy a new mower because they can't design a reasonbale saftely feature. THE DEALER SAID ANYTING THE JS HITS YOU WILL BENT THE SHAFT AND RUIN THE MOTOR. THE END.... DON'T BUY THIS PIECE OF !@#4. YOURS TRULEY. next on my list a wonderful TORO OR HONDA.
May 15, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstar 		JD JS45 Review
by: Home owner

Had my JS45 for two years now and have had no major problems. The kill engine bar causes the motor to cut out and sputter once in a while but it is because I am not gripping it tight enough not because it is loose or malfunctioning.
I have done nothing to it for maintenance yet and it still starts on the first pull. I plan to change the oil and spark plug and air filter etc. this year to keep it running well.
The caster wheels are the best feature of this mower expecially if your lawn has a lot of curves in it.
As mentioned in other reviews, I think this is a good non-commercial mower for home owner use... might not stand up to several continous hours of everyday use or constantly hitting rocks or stumps. I give it four stars and would recommend it to any home user.
May 05, 2010
Rating
starstarstar 		It just doesn't run like a Deere
by: John

JS 45 - not my favorite. It's not a terrible machine but when you're paying a premium for the name, it had better live up... and it dosen't. I expect what they advertise and didn't get it. No problems with the machine starting. Cuts like a dream and is easy to handle. However, the wheels did shear off under normal use and had to be replaced at my expense. The operator presence cable broke not once.... but twice.
May 03, 2010
Rating
star 		Ye Gods
by: John Doe Deere

I've had this mower for about 2 years now and have had so much trouble with it that I googled to see if other had the same problems and it appears that this is indeed the case. Broken adjustment knobs, bent shaft, loose operator presence cable... the list goes on. When you buy the cheap WalMart mowers that you know will last 3-4 years, at least you know what you're getting.
May 03, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		pitiful
by: Anonymous

had trouble with this mower from day 1. runs awhile, stops and it's very hard to restart. on other occasions it will run til i get the grass cut. split personality
May 02, 2010
Rating
starstar 		Money, money, monnneeeyyy.... money!
by: Anonymous

$50 to replace the front wheel braket that shouldn't be bent after 1 year. I thought razor blades were are racket. I had to replace the clutch cable as well but it was only $15. Nothing cuts through your wallet like a Deere.
May 01, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		DO NOT BUY!!
by: Anonymous

I have not had it a year and the self propelled does not work and the cable that keeps the mower on has strected and does not want to stay running..
May 01, 2010
Rating
star 		green junk
by: mike

Bent shaft,dealer refused to cover. Holes worn through the catcher. BOTH caster wheel mounting shafts broke out of the deck, needed welded back on. Just today a front wheel fell completely off. This is the poorest quality mower I have ever seen. I will never buy any product again with the John Deere name!
Apr 28, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Very Good Product
by: ATOMIX

I am a contractor, I go through 1 mower a year, thus far Craftsman ( Mowers) are the worst and this one has been the best. In two years the JS45 just broke a forward motion cable, which Lowes fails to carry ( Many extra parts are special order, I wish that would change)...

In regard to power, it works great, the front swivel wheels, had a small issue ( one of them) where it was welded too close to the deck, so it failed to 360 degree swivel, I bent it out a hair and all is well..

Pricy but solid.. If you take care of it, clean it and properly maintain it, as with anything, it may last longer..
Apr 26, 2010
Rating
star 		Scrap
by: Anonymous

Duct tape and plastic scraps gets a 4 star rating?
Apr 25, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstar 		JS 45 IS AN ALRIGHT LAWNMOWER
by: Anonymous

I bough a JS 45 in 2007 and the first year, ran great. Engine has tons of hp and burns less fuel than my old 4 hp techumseh. Starts always on the first pull, when cold, 3 primes and its good to go. I take VERY good care of my equiptment.

I cut alot of grass, so the blade is usually sharpend and balanced 2-3 times a year. I usually double cut my lawns and it makes it look like a golf green. My neighboors are jealous of my lawnmower. It is by far the cadillac of all lawnmowers.

As people were mentioning, the plastics are horrible on this machine. The metal is also weak, as I actually had the right caster wheel shear right off with regular use.

I called lowes, and they refered me to a dealer. I took it to them and within a week, I got a call and it was ready to be picked up. As for customer service....5 stars hands down. I live in ontario, Canada, and all the dealers are usually nice and do the waranty work without a question. They actually replaced all my cables as they were kinked when I bought them but it wasnt a big deal.

As for the deadman's bar, I've had to adjust it a couple of times as the cable stretches over time. Its aluminum, so when it heats up it stretches, causing the engine to cut in and out. No complaints on the engine. I actually forgot to change the plug 2 seasons ago, so its basicly running on the original plug. I take it out and clean it/re-gap it occasionally but keep forgetting to pick up a new plug.

As mentioned before, the "T" handle nuts broke off, but john deere replaced them free-of-charge with octoonal ones. They are great.

One thing im not a fan about are the plastic attachments. To bag, you have to dick around with the plastic holding clamps and that pulley to re-direct the pull cord is useless. I actually just put a piece of 2'' electrical tape where the pull cord crosses the bag. THEN for side discharge, you have to find another plastic piece of junk hiding in your shed somewhere and cross your fingers the holes line up. I actually enlarged the whole on all 3 covers to make it easier swapping out the attachments.

All in all, it is a good lawnmower IF you take good care of it. 4 Stars. There is definatly some things for john deere to improve, but as it is right now, i'll use it until it dies, which may be a long time. For all the people with bent cranks. YOU OBVIOUSLY HIT SOMETHING. DONT BULLSHIT CAUSE THE DEALER FOUND OUT WHAT REALLY HAPPEND.
Apr 17, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Better than my Honda
by: Dazzyvee

I can tell you this is a very nice mower. I use it around the house where my zero turn can't get to. It cuts great, starts on the first pull, and is way better than the Honda 3 in 1 I payed more money for.
Apr 15, 2010
Rating
star 		Bent Crank
by: Anonymous

Used it for 10 minutes, hit a stump, bent the crank. Dealer would not cover under waranty. $220 to fix.
Apr 13, 2010
Rating
starstar 		wrong product choice!
by: Dan

I want my old Honda back!

I bought this JD JS45 paying top dollar thinking I was buying brand quality.....not so!

The caster wheel support bent while cutting on a small slope. It is now an impediment to function and it has so many other small problems as to be totally frustrating! The bagger will not seal properly so it litters clippings everywhere....what a waste of my hard earned money!

the pull cord broke on the third use, several bolts have vibrated out, the belts are easily knocked out of the pulleys....I really hate this product. Wish I could just get my money back...dumb arse me!
Apr 10, 2010
Rating
star 		My $.02
by: Anonymous

Yes, it is powerful enough to cut thick grass but you will have maintenance issues. Stuff just goes wrong with this mower.
Apr 10, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Questions for JS45 owners
by: Anonymous

I have to replace my lawn mower this year, and I found the JS45 on clearance at Lowes for a decent price. I have fairly small yard, with no rocks or tree roots. The main problem I have had with previous mowers is one side of my yard grown unbelievable thick grass. Will the JS45 be a good mower for me? I don't want to have a lot of maintance on a mower, since I am pretty much mechanical challanged.
Apr 09, 2010
Rating
starstar 		Not a great mower
by: Anonymous

I bought one of these mowers, and am very disappointed. The problems are as follows:
1. The belt that drives the mower is easily jammed by debris, when this happens you must immediately stop the mower and take it apart to clear the jam or the drive belt will burn up. I have replaced several belts in the three years I have owned this mower.
2. The caster wheels are flimsy, and bend easily over time if you mow on a slope, giving one side a lot of positive camber, and the other side a lot of negative camber, great on a NASCAR, not so good on a mower. The end result is that the wheels spin around and jam sideways relative to your direction of travel, really frustrating when you are pushing the mower because the drive mechanism is on the fritz.
3. It is heavy.
But it starts easily! Mine has been kept indoors and maintained, so nothing has broken except for the above mentioned items.
Apr 07, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Quick fix for the operator presence sputtering.
by: Anonymous

This is a simple problem that many are having. Everyone is thinking that the machine just won't run or stay running. The easy fix is in the cable of the operator presense pull down to the handlebar which you push up to go foward. OK...all you have to do is push the handle up and foward as if you are going to cut. once you push the handle as if to self propel, then you will see a 3/8 lock nut on the outside of the operator presense cable under the left side if you were standing behind the mower , as if to start and go. the 3/8 size nut must be taken off and then you must take the bolt out. slowly twist the cable counterclock wise about 5 or 6 times to put more tension on the inner cable and reinstall the bolt and nut. this will allow the cable to pull the kill switch further from the base near the engine and the mower will not sputter or shut off while mowing......have a great day and enjoy your Deere. remember push the bar up (as to cut)and you will see the nut on the under outside. take off the nut and bolt and twist the cable to put tighten and have more tension. mine is great now.
Apr 07, 2010
Rating
starstar 		Operator presence cable
by: Anonymous

Any tips on how to adjust the operator presence cable? This thing just keeps almost dying then purring back to life as I go across the yard. Very annoying.
Apr 06, 2010
Rating
starstarstar 		IF you are complaining read this !!!
by: Johnny Deerest

I want to first say that the JS45 is a great mower and well worth the cost. It runs great, cuts and bags great too. It has all the options you need to enjoy mowing grass. If you are making complaints on this model, then you clearly have not used the mower correctly or have abused it with no care of maintenance. The John Deere JS45 is clearly a terrific mower to those of us that have them and know how to care and use them. Very recommended .
Mar 12, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Won't start
by: Mech

No start conditions most often can be traced to contaminated fuel; especially water from exposure outside to rain, snow, condensation or washing with hose.

On the JS45 it is necessary to remove the carb and filter to disassemble the carb and dry and clean the jets.

You will probably need a new filter to carb gasket as they often tear ( Part#691894 B&S ) at about $4.00.

You can drain the tank while still mounted if you have air to blow it dry ( Do NOT use a shop vacuum ) or can wick all foreign material.
Mar 04, 2010
Rating
star 		Poor workmanship, even worse customer service
by: busted block

I purchased this mower in the summer of '08 to mow 1/3 acre of lawn. After 1 year of service the operator presence control became unstable and unreliable. In October, the piston rod snapped and blew out the side of the motor! Since I had purchased the mower at Lowes I relied on them to handle the service. They sent it to a local John Deere dealer for service. The service center informed me that they would not fix the engine under warranty!! The technician stated that there was no oil in the engine, which caused the motor to seize. Of course there is no oil in the engine - it all dumped out of the gapping hole the piston blew open! I let them know that I maintain my equipment meticulously, including appropriate oil fills, filter changes, spark plug replacement and carb cleaning. I also clean all loose debris from the deck after each mow and sharpen the blade each season. The service technician told me I could call John Deere directly if I wanted. So, I called John Deere. I couldn't have received more apathetic customer service if I tried. It was like a 'how not to provide good service' example. The JD rep said they will stand by what their dealer decides. Period, end of story. I bought the John Deere mower based on the reputation of being a solid American company. Not anymore. They are sourcing inferior products and assembly - In our own country no less. They don't care about their consumer grade customer.

I have since settled the matter with Lowes directly. Three cheers to Lowes for standing behind their customer and supporting me.

I have since bought an excellent American mower, made in the USA - thank you HONDA.
Feb 10, 2010
Rating
star 		LOL
by: Anonymous

Kunkle heads? You mean knuckle heads? Yeah, I'm sure it has *nothing* to do with the poor design of the mower :)
Feb 10, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Clueless Operators?
by: Anonymous

I've had one of these mowers for over a year and it works great. But I've also seen how some individuals treat there equipment and it doesn't surprise me that some of the post's on here are from kunkle heads that managed to tear the crap out of thier lawn mowers. Hint: IT'S NOT A TANK OR EVEN A COMMERCIAL MOWER!
Feb 06, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		good mower
by: Alan

I have the john deere it is the best lawn mower I every had, and never had any problems with it. runs great!
Jan 26, 2010
Rating
star 		Well
by: Anonymous

I'm gonna say yes, there are mowers that are less likely to bend a shaft if you hit debris. I'm 43 and I've been mowing grass since I was a kid and have never bent a shaft before. I grew up in a rural area with no sod and landscaping like I have now. Tree roots and rocks were abundant and I hit plenty of them.

WHICH mower would be less likely to bend a shaft? Just pick ANYTHING besides a John Deere and you'll be fine.
Jan 25, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I Am Curious
by: Todd

After reading these reviews I am curious to know... are there mowers out there that will hit large debris or smaller stumps and not bend the shaft? I recently moved from a house with an abundance of small stumps hidden in the lawn. I learned my lesson the hard way with two different brand of mowers. If there is a mower out there that won't bend under those conditions, please tell me.
Jan 08, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Surprise to me?
by: Anonymous

Guess I got a good one. I've had it for a year and it works perfectly fine. No problems what so ever. All these issues that are being noted simply haven't occured?
Nov 20, 2009
Rating
star 		*sigh*
by: AllenM

My new js45 that replaced the previous one with the busted piston is having problems too. The operator presence cable is seems a tad bit out of adjustment and while I am mowing, the engine cuts out, then sputters back to life, cuts out, sputters back to life, and so on. The manual doesn't have any instruction on how to adjust it that I have found but I'm sure I'll figure it out. Can't wait for this thing to die.
Nov 20, 2009
Rating
star 		Disappointed
by: ron

Disappointed big time. Hard to start. When the air filter gets dirty, it won't run. I have to stop and clean the filter at least once while mowing. works fine when it is running but very aggravating at times
Nov 15, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Mark
by: Anonymous

Mark are you a retard? I didn't hit a rock. This mower is a piece of garbage. Ooooohh...lemme guess...you are an employee?
Nov 12, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Great design and quality
by: Mark

I'm tired of hearing all of the knuckle-heads who hit rocks with their mower and then complain about bent shafts. Get a clue.....This is a great mower for the homeowner.

My lawn is over 10k sq ft and this mower does the trick. I always used snapper products because they vacuum so well and this mower was a natural for me. Bottom line....don't be influenced by all of those complainer's who don't know anything about maintenance of machinery.

Great design and quality. Go for it.
Sep 26, 2009
Rating
starstar 		Drive Shaft is a problem
by:

I just returned my second JS45 back to Lowes today. Both retruns were hassle free. First problem concerned the cable coating and the second problem was the drive shaft.

I will not purchase another a Deere model agian.


Sep 13, 2009
Rating
starstarstar 		Not the quality I expect in a Deere
by: PJ

I've owned 3 14SB's, 2 JX75's and now a JS45. I miss the 5 gear option. Doesn't pull anywhere close to the SB's and JX's. Hard for me to start, tiny gas tank (I could mow my whole yard with gas left, now I have to fill it 2-3 tmes). Don't care at all for the caster wheels. I miss that it doesn't stay running when I need to dump the bag, which is too hard to get on and off from bag to mulch. Anxiously waiting for JD to get back to the quality and features of the 14SB & JX75.
Sep 06, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Thanks for the reviews
by: Anonymous

After reading these reviews I will get the Honda mower that is sold at the JD dealership.
Aug 15, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Good mower, not a commercial mower
by: Roger R

Purchased a JD JS45 from Lowes. Bought it on end of summer clearance for $110 less than the $529 price.

Having used it five times I am now used to the variable speed adjustment, the casters, and bagging process. It is different from my previous Cub Cadet self propelled mower and Lawn Boy mower.

When you read the paperwork with the mower you will see it is assembled in Tennessee. The factory is a Snapper factory, and looking at the features of the mower you will see the design similarities to various Snapper mowers. Yes, John Deere does not make all the equipment that it sells. This is one example.

For a homeowner mower, it works well for me. Bags well when cutting Fescue/Bluegrass mixture. I set the mower at 4" height, and have not had any issues with the mower in bagging moderately wet and dry grass. When the grass is wet, need to take smaller passes due to the weight of the grass and the bagging system.

This is not a commercial mower. It is a good homeowner mower that has features that work well for me. My Lawn Boy was a commercial mower that I paid over $600 for in 1994 and lasted for 13 years. My Cub Cadet was a $300 mower in 2008 that was having self propelled problems, & had a poor design for the bagging system that caused the bag to wear exceptionally quickly.

For those who rate the mower due to engine problems, remember this is a Briggs engine on a mower build by Snapper for John Deere. So you may not want this mower if you are cutting rough ground or trying to use it for commercial purposes. This is not a commercial mower--if you are looking for that, be willing to spend the $1,200 for an Exmark 26", or $900 for a commercial Snapper or Toro.
Aug 05, 2009
Rating
starstar 		Resolution?
by: Allen M.

Finally, after about a month and a half of begging and borrowing from neighbors, (I had stopped counting) I have been given a new lawn mower. I give all the credit to the guys at the John Deere dealership for pushing it through and none to the John Deere warranty folks. The only communication I had with them was that my bent crankshaft and busted piston weren't covered by the warranty, tough luck.

I'm not sure what strings the dealer guys pulled but I picked up the new mower today. I just hope it lasts longer than the first one. It looks a little different, mainly, the caster wheels each have their own locking mechanism that seem to hold the wheels pretty firmly in place, no more wobbling. This note is just from pushing it a few feet to try it out because I just mowed my yard again yesterday with my neighbor's trusty Snapper :)

My opinion of the lawnmower hasn't changed but I upped the rating by 1 star to give credit to the dealer for the extra effort put forth to get the mower replaced. It did take a long time but I understand since they are working with John Deere to make it happen.
Aug 05, 2009
Rating
star 		Horrible Mower
by: Anonymous

While the engine of this John Deere is wonderful and very powerful, easy to start, I have the same complaints as others about the engineering of this one. The castor wheels are bent, only one locks the other I had to raise to keep it out of the way so it just spins around. I only bag the part of my lawn where the landscaping beds are, after that I take the bag off and I'm always cussing trying to get the bag on and off. The chute that goes on where the bag connects does not seem to fit quite right, so it doesn't hug the metal properly and grass blows out all over the place (and on me!). Finally, I can see the starter cable is beginning to fray.

Never ever will I buy a John Deere again. You truly do not get what you pay for.
Aug 03, 2009
Rating
star 		Horrible!!!!!!!!
by: Anonymous

I paid almost 550 bucks for this mower thinking stupidly that the more expensive the mower the better quality it would be. IDIOT I AM !! Don't get me wrong, I cut a good amount of grass per week, but this mower is HORRIBLE ! Not to mention; anything, & I mean anything, that you need to get done to it takes at least a month ! I also have had the mower in the shop way longer than I have been able to actually use it. Bagging mechanism sucks! It is such a process to put a bag on it- unscrew the side, screw on the chute, hang the bag, open the mouth of the chute, & connect the bag! Not to mention it is not easy to empty it by any means. When the bag is not on the machine, the plastic cover that is supposed to close the side discharge hole does not securely close at all. It spits grass out! The plastic dash on the handle has been broke since day 1 ! The back wheel adjuster broke after about 1/2 the summer. The RPMs were set wrong right out of the factory- I had to bring it in for them to reset it. The belt was loose so the self-propel mechanism would shut off the mower whenever I engaged it! The plastic handles break very easily! Now I have finally had it ! It runs very rough, leaves grass everywhere- I actually have to blow the entire lawn when I am done using the mower because it leaves grass everywhere!!!! Whenever I turn with the mower is when it spits the most grass out!! HORRIBLE !! I do have to say though the only thing I do really like about the mower is the castor wheels. They make turns & turning around a breeze! Never had a problem with them. OTHER THAN THAT THIS MOWER IS HORRIBLE!!!! JOHN DEERE THEMSELVES ARE HORRIBLE !!! THE MOWER DEALERS EVEN TELL ME THEY HATE DEALING WITH JOHN DEERE. EVERYHTING IS ON BACK ORDER BECAUSE ALL THEIR MOWERS ARE ALWAYS BROKEN!! THANK GOD I GOT A WARRANTY WITH THE HOME IMPROVEMENT STORE THAT I BOUGHT IT FROM- THEY AT LEAST HELP ME COVER THE COSTS !!!!!!!!!! WARNING!!!! DO NOT BUY THIS MOWER!!!!
Jul 28, 2009
Rating
star 		Bad choice
by: Allen M,

Tried posting previously but doesn't look like it worked. Hope this isn't a double post!

First summer was ok, started easily, good power, and good fuel efficiency (mowed twice on one tank!). Only complaints are about cosmetic stuff; cheap plastic parts like the t-nuts on the handles break easily.

This summer (second mowing season) operator presence cable broke, crank shaft is bent, cylinder exploded. It started about 5 weeks ago with the cable; I took it in to have it repaired, part was back-ordered. After that was fixed, they discovered the bent crankshaft. You guessed it, part was back-ordered. Once that was fixed, they discovered the broken cylinder which I am waiting to be repaired now. I have been borrowing my neighbor's Snapper for almost a month and a half because my John Deere has been in the repair shop.

I'm no engineer but I believe there is a design flaw with this mower. I have mowed this lawn for many years now with an inexpensive Murray mower and never had a problem. My lawn is pretty smooth going on a gentle slope...no stalagmites, tree stumps or anything like that.

Murray makes a better mower than John Deere. As soon as this clunker runs out of warranty and goes out by the curb, the only decision will be whether to go back to the Murray or try the Snapper.

If I were going to buy a farm tractor, I might buy a John Deere. For a walk-behind lawn mower, I would recommend steering clear of them.

Jul 28, 2009
Rating
star 		No more Deere for me
by: Allen M.

For many years, I have purchased inexpensive Murray mowers from WalMart and kept them alive for 4-5 years until the maintenance became too much of a headache, sold them, then bought another. We decided to cough up a few extra bucks for a "good" mower like a John Deere. Baaaaad move!

The first summer went pretty well; the mower has great power, started and ran smoothly, and I liked the zero turn capability and I could mow the yard twice on one tank of gas. The height adjustments could be easier, they are like the Murray mowers (I would expect better or at least different engineering from JD?). Also, the little plastic t-knobs on the handles break easily and the plastic across the top of the handle is pretty flimsy, I bumped into a tree limb with it and the screw holding it on pulled right thru. Not a horribly bad first summer, mostly cosmetic complaints there.

This summer though, the sheathing on the cable that is connected to the operator presence lever broke so I took it to a dealer for repair. The part was backordered so I had to wait and borrow my neighbor's mower. After the cable came in, it turns out that there was a bent crankshaft which sounds like a pretty common problem (DESIGN FLAW?). I don't have anything in my yard that I think is capable of bending a crankshaft (never happened to my Murray mowers in all these years!). The crankshaft was backordered so I had to wait and borrow my neighbor's mower. Once the crankshaft came in and was installed, it turns out the cylinder had broken as well.

This has been going on for about 5 weeks. I have called the dealer weekly to get a status report, hoping that I wouldn't have to go borrow a mower again. Never once did they call me to tell me parts were backordered or that they had found other problems with the mower. Having said that, the service guy that I'm working with HAS gone out of his way to work with the engine reps to have the repairs done at no cost to me.

In my experience, Murray makes a superior mower to John Deere. I got way more mileage out of one of those than I did with this JS45. Based on the first two summers with it, I don't expect that it will be much longer before it either goes in the classifieds (for cheap!) or out by the curb (for pickup!). I like my neighbor's Snapper. I'll probably buy one of those once this clunker JS45 runs out of warranty.

Jul 27, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Bent Shaft Replacement By John Deere
by: Ron P

Att: Ryan Baier
Your review was "5" stars and right on the money, however: my support from a Jonh Deere dealer ranks a "1" star rating.

I recently bent the shaft on my one week old JS45 John Deere mower. In your review you stated:
"I have returned two with no question though with immediate replacement".
How did you do that, since my John Deere dealer said the repair of my mower was not covered under the warrantly? Also what other recourse do I have?

Thank you. Ron (7-27-09)
Jul 17, 2009
Rating
star 		John Deere no longer makes good mowers...
by: Anonymous

The reason why I THOUGHT this was a good mower was because my dad has a John Deere JX75 that is an incredible peice of machinery and he has had no problems with it at all in the six years he has owned it. I could not afford he JX75 and John Deere no longer made it, so I went with this, the worst mover I have ever used. I had this mower for three months before the drive system began to fail, which cost over a hundred dollars. For the next Year or so I took it to the shop about every month or so to get them to fix the drive system becaue it would keep failin until the engine died all of a sudden while I was mowing my lawn. ALthough the waranty was still good, I just threw the thing away and went out and got a Snapper P21675B. The mower also would leave behind half of the clippings whiel I was bagging. Now that Snapper is fantastic, no problems at all and mows perfectly. Plus the drive is pretty much bullet proof. Do not get this mower, get a Snapper, Toro, Honda or Ariens. John Deere is no longer a quality name we can trust.
Jul 05, 2009
Rating
star 		JS45
by: Anonymous

I agree with those who've had problems with this mower. It would be good if you had a very small rectangular flat lawn with absolutely nothing. We've had the bent crank shaft, replaced filters, etc. We've also had a problem getting it to start if it runs out of gas. It is less than a year old.

Even though our Honda is nearly 20 yrs old, we took it in and had a lot of work done on it because we could see that it was going to last longer than the John Deere JS45. We use it when the JS45 isn't working. So far, that is at least every other week.

Far too expensive for what you get.
Jul 03, 2009
Rating
starstar 		Bent Shaft
by: Mike S

I bought the mower in the hopes that it would be at least as good as my old Toro, which lasted 14 years with NO problems. Overall, I liked it just fine for the first year, though the front wheels tended to swivel wildly at times and the height was difficult to adjust. The bad part came when I accidentally ran over a hidden one-inch stump left over from a bush cutting. The mower stopped dead, and when I cranked it up again it had a horrible vibration. The crankshaft was bent! The local John Deere dealer said the warranty did not cover bent crankshafts and that was that. So in essence I paid a lot of money for a 1-year mower. I'll not buy John Deere again.
Jun 27, 2009
Rating
starstarstar 		Some Good, Some Bad
by: DJ

This is my 2nd season using this mower. I love the power of the motor, it never bogs down even in very tall grass. I also love the drive mechanism, it work well on rough terrain and is much more smooth and comfortable than a front-drive model.

What I don't like are the castor wheels, they're great if you're trying to mow around objects but awful if you're mowing in long straight rows. One of the wheels can be locked straight but the other wanders freely, everytime I turn 180 degrees and start back the other direction, the loose wheel ends up sideways and digs into the grass.

This mower also doesn't mulch as well as the Toro I had previously. However, that one had the atomic blade so I'm going to try a Gator Blade on the JS45 and see if that improves the mulching performance.

When this one dies I will probably try the Husquavarna 10.5HP Rear Drive model.
Jun 19, 2009
Rating
star 		Terrible
by: CSULB

My experience with the John Deere JS45 has been horrible to say the least. It's not cheap, yet the built of the mower is not well designed at all. 1) Adjusting the height of the mower is difficult, you literally have to lift up the mower on that side to do it. The front and back adjustment are not the same. Have to go clockwise on one while counter clockwise on the other. The levers are very flimsy too. They feel like they can break.2)Do not mow very well, especially with tall grass. It lacks a small piece of metal/composite in the front to push the tall grass down so the blade can cut them more efficiently. 3) The front wheels are useless. For me, they made it harder to maneuver. As one of the people pointed out, I feel like trying to maneuver an out of control market cart. I think the front wheels are just for looks. 4) The collection bag design reminds me of the old Snapper mowers. Not very easy to empty. Someone should complain to John Deere that it is stupid to disconnect the engine when emptying in collection bag. The plastics covering the side of the mower is for cosmetic purpose only, totally non-functional.5)The vacuum/suction of the mower is inconsistent, sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. Overall, a very frustrating mower to use. I spent more time servicing the mower than actually doing mowing. Highly NOT recommended. This was a purchase by my stepdad. I much prefer the Honda mowers any day. There's a reason why professional gardeners have Honda's on the back of their pickup trucks. :) They can't waste their time servicing the mowers.
Jun 01, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		review for js45
by: Anonymous

i have used this mower for 2 summers and have replaced it already. the mower is very powerful and will cut through the thickest grass without bogging down. I will say that it needs constant maintance. I have never had to replace as many spark plugs, air filters, and front wheels as I have had to do with this mower. the mower is powerful and will drag you around the yard if you let it and cuts grass very quickly. A tank of gas last about an hour and 15 minutes of contant use. I loved the mower for the first 6 months but after that the wear and tear got annoying and ended up just buying a new one. But with all that being said, I used this mower for 6-8 yards weekly, so it was used for borderline commercial use, i believe that if it was used once weekly on an average size yard it would be a great purchase
May 24, 2009
Rating
starstarstar 		Small Fuel tank
by: Ron C

The fuel tank has to be refueled every 20 minutes. The engine has sufficent power for my needs but it uses almost as much fuel as my 18 HP tractor when mowing the lawn.
May 15, 2009
Rating
star 		Horrible.
by: Anonymous

Sorry, I must disagree with this positive review. I've used this mower twice. The first time I hit a rock and sheared the flywheel pin - never had anything like that happen in 20 years of mowing lawns. OK, whatever, maybe that was my fault.

My main problem with this AWFUL mower is the horrible grocery cart wheels in front. They make maneuvering almost impossible. Need to go back and forth? Well the wheels will spin around and almost invariably hang up perpendicular to your path of travel, gouging neat divots in your lawn. I hate this mower, I can't believe it got through a QA stage of development.

This mower might be appropriate if the dimensions of your lawn are 27 inches by 1 mile (i.e. a straight line) but if any maneuvering is called for, you'll be cursing those horrendous, awful, simply ridiculous grocery cart wheels.

Run screaming from this lawnmower. I know I will - I'm selling it on Ebay and getting myself a nice honda.

May 07, 2009
Rating
star 		caster wheels bend
by: Jason

After 2 hours and 40 minutes of mowing my field, the caster support bars had bent. Also, the right caster wheel was unable to turn 360 degrees when set at the maximum cutting height because the adjustment lever contacted the support bar, preventing turning.
I was initially impressed by the powerful engine, wonderful -- truly amazing -- automatically adjusting drive, and the great cutting. But I must say that I was utterly disgusted by the poorly -- really, totally inadequately -- engineered caster wheel supports. Really inexcusable in my opinion.
It's going back.
John Deere: Re-engineer the caster wheel supports and adjustment mechanism. Way too flimsy.
Apr 28, 2009
Rating
starstarstar 		Caster wheels fall OFF
by: Bill

The caster wheels fall off almost every time I use the JS45. The plastic on the push handle broke off too.

I like the turn radius of the mower better than any mower I've owned before.
JUST FIX the problems.
Apr 07, 2009
Rating
star 		High Maintenance
by: Kevin

I've had this model for 5 years. In that time, I've replaced 4 rear wheels because the core of the wheel is plastic and prone to breakage. The front wheel assembly are prone to bending if you hit uneven ground while on the free-wheeling mode. Engine wise, I've not had a problem with this mower. This type of mower is suited for level ground only.
Mar 10, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Energy efficient
by: Jessica

My husband and I purchased a John Deere JS45 Walk-Behind Mower from Lowes Home Improvement in May 2008. We picked the John Deere mower because it is a top of the line model, from a respectable brand. We looked into riding movers, but since we only have a quarter acre of land, it can be mowed pretty quickly with a walk-behind model.

The John Deere JS45 Walk-Behind Mower was easy to assemble – it took my husband less than an hour to assemble and start up the mower for the first time. It is pretty energy efficient – I believe we only used one tank of gas (5 gal) to mow our lawn for the entire summer.

The mower handles well – it can even get into smaller areas, which limits the amount of time spent with a weed wacker. Typically when mowing the lawn, my husband will use the mulch setting, with no issues. On the occasions where the bag was used, it was easy to attach, remove, and handle.

My husband used the mower on a weekly/biweekly basis from May to December with no problems. In December, he used the mower to pick up the remaining leaves before our yearly leaf pickup. The John Deere JS45 Walk-Behind Mower did a great job picking up all of the stray leaves and mulching them.

Our lawn slopes slightly in areas, and the John Deere JS45 Walk-Behind Mower drives well on the slopes. It is self-propelled, so it is less work for my husband to mow the slopes in the yard. He does not use force, just guides the mower through the yard. The couples on both sides of our house have lawn services come in, but I believe that our yard looks just as nice.

I think the John Deere JS45 Walk-Behind Mower was a great purchase, and know that it will work for many years to come.

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