Collector value of JOHN DEERE 120 PATIO LAWN TRACTOR. Older john deere mower
Where to Find the Model and Serial Number on a John Deere Riding Mower or Tractor
Don’t practice safety by accident. Make sure your vehicle has additional lights, strobe lights, beacon, and even reflective tape. Just try to mimic your local county trucks.
Sign up save!
Join our email list today and get 10 off your first order of 150 or more! Stay up-to-date on the hottest deals, the newest sales events, and the latest products.
Looking for the model and serial number identification tag on your John Deere? If so, keep reading. The following is a list of John Deere riding mower identification tag locations.
Please note: We are not an authorized OEM John Deere parts dealer, but we can offer you some aftermarket John Deere parts at a considerable cost savings from the original parts to help you save money.
Engine parts: We can provide OEM and aftermarket parts for Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki, Tecumseh and other engine manufacturers, however, some model numbers are “locked” out by John Deere.- meaning that you have to be a dealer to look up these engines. If you can provide a part number, we can do our best to provide the original engine part or an aftermarket alternative. For more information, please visit our small engine parts page.
Finding the Model and Serial Numbers on a John Deere Riding Mower
As you can see above, one of the best places to find the location of the model and serial number on your John Deere riding mower is to stand behind it. Lean down and look just to the right of the left tire. One of the most common locations is on the lower part of the frame. Please use the gray arrows above as a reference.
Looking for the model and serial number identification tag on your John Deere? If so, keep reading. The following is a list of John Deere riding mower identification tag locations.
Please note: We are not an authorized OEM John Deere parts dealer, but we can offer you some aftermarket John Deere parts at a considerable cost savings from the original parts to help you save money.
Engine parts: We can provide OEM and aftermarket parts for Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki, Tecumseh and other engine manufacturers, however, some model numbers are “locked” out by John Deere.- meaning that you have to be a dealer to look up these engines. If you can provide a part number, we can do our best to provide the original engine part or an aftermarket alternative. For more information, please visit our small engine parts page.
Finding the Model and Serial Numbers on a John Deere Riding Mower
John Deere Riding Mower Model and Serial Number Location 1
John Deere Riding Mower Model and Serial Number Location 2
As you can see above, one of the best places to find the location of the model and serial number on your John Deere riding mower is to stand behind it. Lean down and look just to the right of the left tire. One of the most common locations is on the lower part of the frame. Please use the gray arrows above as a reference.
collector value of JOHN DEERE 120 PATIO LAWN TRACTOR
how much is the collector value of a 120 JD Patio Lawn tractor? It has metal serial no. tag and correct patio metal seat back but the fabric is gone.
Jake4020
I agree with TempletonJDguy on this one. So many factors play into value of these machines. and also rare, collectible, and worth all have different connotations so it is quite possible to have a rare piece that is not so collectible or worth much. In this case, I am quite interested to hear what folks say once we understand more about the condition of the machine. I have a 1970 Spruce Blue Patio 120 that has been sitting for many years (actually was sitting when I got it, and has been sitting since. one of those projects that I have not gotten around to, but would probably run just fine with minimal work). The seat is cracked, and the hood is cracked. but the machine is complete with nice mower deck. Given the non-running state and the work required to fully restore to show quality, coupled with somewhat “collectability of the 2 year only 120s being a patio”. IF I were to ever sell it as is, I would probably list at 550 OBO and then work from there.
In The Weeds
A handfull of years ago, before I got my 317, I was browsing c-list up here in Michigan to kill time, and ran across one of the spruce blue patios. From the pics, I would guess it had been restored, had a 4-way power blade included along with the deck. If I remember correctly, they had it listed for 2200 or 2500. It was the first time I had seen one of the patio models. Thought it looked cool as hell, but way too nice and too much for what I needed at the time.
TomManson
You are what you are when no one is looking. ’89 318, ’77 300, ’67 110RF, ’73 110SF (parts tractor), misc snow blades and snowblowers that I have no use for.
JD4boltB
A handfull of years ago, before I got my 317, I was browsing c-list up here in Michigan to kill time, and ran across one of the spruce blue patios. From the pics, I would guess it had been restored, had a 4-way power blade included along with the deck. If I remember correctly, they had it listed for 2200 or 2500. It was the first time I had seen one of the patio models. Thought it looked cool as hell, but way too nice and too much for what I needed at the time.
You can easily spend 1,000-2,000 restoring one of these machines and go past the value depending on what it costs to acquire. For me it’s just a labor of love and I’m not out to make a buck on them. I like seeing the old iron restored and running, maybe even get used for some projects here and there depending what the task at hand is.
JD4boltB
I agree with TempletonJDguy on this one. So many factors play into value of these machines. and also rare, collectible, and worth all have different connotations so it is quite possible to have a rare piece that is not so collectible or worth much. In this case, I am quite interested to hear what folks say once we understand more about the condition of the machine. I have a 1970 Spruce Blue Patio 120 that has been sitting for many years (actually was sitting when I got it, and has been sitting since. one of those projects that I have not gotten around to, but would probably run just fine with minimal work). The seat is cracked, and the hood is cracked. but the machine is complete with nice mower deck. Given the non-running state and the work required to fully restore to show quality, coupled with somewhat “collectability of the 2 year only 120s being a patio”. IF I were to ever sell it as is, I would probably list at 550 OBO and then work from there.
I would be interested in that 70 120. It would look very nice restored sitting next to my patio blue 70 140!
Fuddyduddy1952
I would be interested in that 70 120. It would look very nice restored sitting next to my patio blue 70 140! View attachment 283687
That should be pictured on a calendar. Wow!
TomManson
Damn, problem is it is way too nice/clean use, bummer! But, nice job on the restore, she’s an absolute beauty!
You are what you are when no one is looking. ’89 318, ’77 300, ’67 110RF, ’73 110SF (parts tractor), misc snow blades and snowblowers that I have no use for.
JD4boltB
That should be pictured on a calendar. Wow!
This one might get a 54c center blade with hydraulic angle cylinder plus front and rear wheel weights and a front slab weight. Still thinking about it though.
TomManson
But, but, but why put those goodies on her if she will never be used?? Kinda like putting wheelie bars on a show car.
You are what you are when no one is looking. ’89 318, ’77 300, ’67 110RF, ’73 110SF (parts tractor), misc snow blades and snowblowers that I have no use for.
JD4boltB
But, but, but why put those goodies on her if she will never be used?? Kinda like putting wheelie bars on a show car.
Who said she wouldn’t get used? Leveling some stone with stone dust don’t take much, it wouldn’t hurt her a bit!
JD4boltB
But, but, but why put those goodies on her if she will never be used?? Kinda like putting wheelie bars on a show car.
I just set this 72 140 up and have used her a little. I need to get some driveway gravel and level it out. Having two machines is better than one!!
JD4boltB
I just set this 72 140 up and have used her a little. I need to get some driveway gravel and level it out. Having two machines is better than one!! View attachment 283692
Fuddyduddy1952
Who said she wouldn’t get used? Leveling some stone with stone dust don’t take much, it wouldn’t hurt her a bit!
That blue one is too pretty to use though. There can’t be many left in the world in that condition. I bet a Deere museum would love it!
army
I agree with TempletonJDguy on this one. So many factors play into value of these machines. and also rare, collectible, and worth all have different connotations so it is quite possible to have a rare piece that is not so collectible or worth much.
To me the reason Jake and others would do that is because it’s an amazing example of an unusual garden tractor that used to be available new from Deere with a special attachment that might have been used on it. I’m certainly no Patio expert (an understatement) but the restoration appears to be very well done and faithfully executed. Eye candy for us JD GT enthusiasts. It’s not like something you’d see where somebody goes overboard customizing a vehicle or tractor that will never be used at all. It’s all show and ends up with no historical value, no practical value and a lousy re-sale value because they have to find a buyer with the same tastes they have themselves. Nothing wrong with doing that. Done it myself a few times. But it’s not the same as a correct restoration like that blue Patio has had. One of the founding members of WFM (Skipper, St Thomas, ON) almost had the market cornered on Patios for a while. Don’t quote me on it but I seem to remember he had like 20 of them. Skip would probably yearn for the one Jake has. Like you said, it’s a beauty.
But, but, but why put those goodies on her if she will never be used?? Kinda like putting wheelie bars on a show car.
John Deere Restoration
Our first restoration project, the John Deere, was the catalyst for my love affair with not just buying secondhand, but buying items in need of a little TLC. Although Jay has been practicing self-taught carpentry for years, I was new to home ownership and the bevy of projects that came along with it.
Nothing runs like a Deere
The whole idea started with Jay’s approaching birthday. When Jay dreams of something he needs, he isn’t a book or t-shirt kind of guy. He usually thinking about a barbecue, a shed, or something else far removed from financial reality. This makes him extremely hard to surprise.
For Jay’s previous birthday, I had gone a bit crazy and located a set of King Cobra golf clubs on Kijiji for the low price of 200. This purchase set the bar fairly high and left me scratching my head for ideas as Jay’s birthday loomed on the horizon.
At the same time, we had embarked on a John Deere rescue project for my father’s 1989 John Deere ride-on mower. The tractor had succumbed to a battery acid leak which ruined its cutting deck. Determined to save the tractor, I spent my nights searching high and low for parts on Kijiji.
I must admit, that for me, John Deere lawn tractors spark fond memories of childhood nostalgia. During my childhood, we lived two blocks away from my paternal grandmother and shared with her a 1989 John Deere tractor and trailer. The tractor lived in her barn and we drove it on the road between our houses. In those days, when safety wasn’t a major issue, I loved riding in the trailer while dad drove the tractor home. Every week we would go flying down the big hill, on route to my grandmother’s.
The 1992 John Deere Hydro
In my search for cutting decks without lawn tractors, I came across something better… a rusty, cheap, 1992 John Deere. The Deere was a 175 with fancy hydro static transmission and real working headlights. Of course, I also located a cutting deck, which served to get my father’s tractor back into commission.
When I saw the John Deere, nostalgia overtook me and I knew this was a fantastic opportunity to purchase a John Deere, disguised as a birthday present. Since my father’s 1989 still ran like the day it was purchased, I knew a 1992 model would be a sound investment. And to be honest, both Jay and I were tired of spending 2 1/2 hours a week pushing our little mower around the lawn.
A few blocks away, we were able to test drive the tractor. Here, we were happy to discover it was mechanically perfect, and physically a complete and total disaster. However, the look of the tractor didn’t deter us in the least. The Deere was the stuff projects were made of. We paid somewhere around 350 for the tractor and drove it safely to our house.
The Tractor Transformation – Prep
Jay took the tractor apart and I set to work sanding. I did most of the sanding because… I told Jay the tractor was his birthday gift.
The best course of action for a rusty metal project, is to sand until your hands are numb, and then sand some more. I spent virtually every waking moment sanding the rusted parts of the tractor to the bare metal. For sanding, I used a 40-60 grit sandpaper, folding the paper in quarters and working entirely by hand. On larger areas, I used a sanding block to give my fingers a rest. Since many of the surfaces were curved and hard to reach, we retired our power sanders for this project.
For areas with loose bits of paint, I used a wire brush and regular paint scrapers. To set up a work station, we used our folding work stand. It is a Tool-Smith work bench and allows you to station your project at a comfortable height.
The Tractor Transformation – Paint
For painting. we relied on products from both Canadian Tire and our local John Deere store. We were surprised to learn about the wonderful paint products offered by John Deere. The local dealership and the online website offer factory paints (spray and brush-on) in green, yellow, and Hitachi orange. For our project, we used both the green and the yellow factory paints. Alternatively, Rust Check paint is also available in John Deere Green and Yellow at any local hardware store.
Before we apply paint to older metal, especially metal with rust, we always apply one to two coats of Rust Check Rust Killer. This product, or the very similiar Rust Check Rust Converter are critical to stop further rusting. Although both products can be applied directly to rust, the results last much longer if you put the effort into proper sanding.
John Deere also have access to print decals for their products, both old and new. At the dealership, we were able to order all of the warning stickers for the cutting deck and the body of the tractor. The replacement of these decals ensured that operator instructions were clearly visible.
For the tractor hood, the decals sporting the 175 were in fairly good shape. Since these decals were a bit pricey to replace, we taped the originals off and painted around them.
John Deere tractors have silver icons on the dash indicating how to start and operate the tractor. In our case, all of our silver paint was worn away. This made it impossible to visually tell if the tractor was in turtle gear or rabbit. To fix this problem, we used a Dupli-Color Scratch Fix All-In-1, Ultra Silver paint pen. We simply traced the raised sections very slowly by hand to bring back the silver lettering and let this dry overnight. The paint pen can be sourced from your local hardware store.
Summary of our Transformation Process
To morph our tractor from rust bucket to show room glory, we ran through the following series of steps.
- Take all of the parts you are painting off the tractor. An exception to this is the frame and tires. Clearly label the parts and take before photos so you can get the tractor back together after painting,
- Take before photos of the decal placement,
- If the decals are in poor condition, scrape them off using a paint scraper,
- If the decals are in good condition, simply tape them off with news print,
- For rusted areas, sand to the metal where possible on all metal parts of the frame, cutting deck, hood, grill, flanges, etc. If the paint is in good condition, simply scuff sand,
- Clean all of the dust off the tractor with towels and tack-cloths to ensure you have a smooth surface for painting.
- Use painters tape and newspaper to tape off rubber tires, and mechanical parts,
- In a well ventilated area, spray on 2-3 coats of rust primer as per the directions on the can. We prefer Rust Killer. Let dry over night,
- Spray on 2-3 coats of the appropriate John Deere paint (green or yellow) as per the directions on the can. You may want to practice on cardboard to get the hang of an even spray. Allow to dry overnight,
- Remove any tape and paper,
- Re-apply decals as per photos,
- Put the tractor back together,
- Paint dash decals with a silver paint pen. Simply trace over them lightly like you are using a pencil. Let dry,
- Cut the grass!
The End Result
The finished product was pretty impressive and it felt so good riding around the lawn on my very own (Jay’s) tractor. In fact, the tractor looked so shiny and new, that we fooled our neighbors. They were congratulating us on our new purchase. Not bad for a 1992 remodel.
As of writing this article, the John Deere has been cutting our lawn for 9 years running. With the exception of a few added scratches and scrapes, it looks very much like these original photos. As I write this, the tractor is currently vacationing for the winter in Grammy’s barn, just like old times.
Heed our advice, take your time with a project like this and the result will last for years to come. Proof that you don’t need a pricey new lawn tractor, just some hammers and hand-me-downs!
The Most Reliable John Deere Riding Lawn Mowers According to Consumer Reports
If you’re in the market for a reliable riding lawn mower, chances are you’ve got a John Deere mower somewhere on your list. The good news is that Consumer Reports has the inside scoop on the most reliable John Deere riding lawn mowers. Let’s find out what they are.
The John Deere X350-42 is a reliable riding lawn mower
The John Deere X350-42 riding lawn mower wasn’t the only mower to earn an Excellent predicted reliability rating. Consumer Reports also gave the John Deere S240-48 an Excellent predicted reliability rating. It earned an Excellent predicted owner satisfaction rating too.
“Talk about an ace performer. This 48-inch John Deere lawn tractor—though expensive—has Excellent side-discharging, mulching, and bagging performance ratings,” Consumer Reports explained.
The organization added that this John Deere riding mower and tractor benefits from a slew of features, including a “comfortable high-back seat that gives you a clear view of the fuel level and a washout port that lets you easily clear clippings beneath the mower deck.”
Much like the John Deere X350-42, this reliable riding lawn mower is pricey. In fact, you can expect to spend approximately 2,899 on this reliable John Deere riding lawn mower.
The John Deere S170 is a 2,500 reliable riding lawn mower
For a slightly less expensive riding lawn mower, consider the John Deere S170. This mower rings in at approximately 2,499 and, much like other John Deere riding lawn mowers, has earned some pretty high marks from Consumer Reports.
Not only did the John Deere S170 earn an Excellent predicted reliability rating, but Consumer Reports also gave it an Excellent predicted owner satisfaction rating. The John Deere S170 also earned Excellent ratings in side discharging, mulching, and evenness. It did, however, earn slightly lower ratings in bagging and handling.
The John Deere S120 isn’t just reliable; it’s also a Best Buy
Say you really want to save a few bucks when shopping for a John Deere riding lawn mower but don’t want to compromise when it comes to reliability. If that’s the case, the John Deere S120 might just fit the bill. Unlike other riding lawn mowers, the S120 will only have you spending 2,100. Because of its low price, Consumer Reports tapped it as a Best Buy.
While its affordable price tag is certainly good news, the bad news is that the John Deere S120 didn’t earn quite as high ratings as other John Deere riding lawn mowers. Sure, Consumer Reports gave it an Excellent predicted reliability rating.
But when it came to tasks like bagging, handling, and evenness? The John Deere S120 struggled to earn an Excellent rating. In fact, the John Deere S120 only earned Excellent ratings in tasks like side discharging and mulching.
