The John Deere LT155 is a popular mid-sized lawn tractor manufactured from 1998 to 2001, known for its reliable 15 HP engine and hydrostatic transmission.

It’s designed primarily for residential lawn care with a focus on durability, ease of use, and moderate power for mid-sized properties.

John Deere LT155 Engine

  • Model: Kohler CV15S gasoline engine

  • Type: 1-cylinder, air-cooled, vertical-shaft

  • Displacement: 426 cc (26 cubic inches)

  • Power: 15 hp (11.2 kW)

  • Starter: Electric with 12-volt system

  • Oil Capacity: 1.9 quarts (1.8 L)

  • Bore/Stroke: 3.55 x 2.64 inches (90 x 67 mm)

This Kohler CV15S engine is well-regarded for its reliability and smoothing operation suited for residential mowing tasks.

John Deere LT155 Key Features

  • Transmission: Tuff-Torq K51 hydrostatic with infinite forward and reverse speeds, controlled by two right-side foot pedals and a brake pedal.

  • Mower Deck: Available in 38” and 42” side or mid-mount mower decks, including the popular John Deere Freedom 42 mulching deck.

  • Drive System: 2WD with hydrostatic transmission for smooth speed transitions.

  • Electrical: 12-volt battery and electric start.

  • User-friendly controls: Simple foot pedals for forward, reverse, and braking.

  • Compact Size: Suitable for medium-sized lawns and garden use.

  • Attachments Available: Bagging, mulching kits, and front blades.

John Deere LT155 Price

The price of a used John Deere LT155 typically ranges from approximately $400 to $1,200 depending on age, condition, and included attachments like bagging systems.

For example, clean used models from 1998 to 2001 are often found between $500 and $800, based on condition and hours of use.

Replacement parts and engine repowers add to maintenance costs but overall, it’s a solid value for a tried and tested residential mower tractor.

John Deere LT155 Manual

The official John Deere LT155 manuals include:

  • Operator’s Manual: Covers operation, maintenance, and safety.

  • Technical Service Manual (TM1695): Detailed repair information, diagnostics, wiring diagrams, and parts.

These manuals remain available online in PDF format and include comprehensive guides to troubleshooting, servicing, and parts replacement.

John Deere LT155 Parts

Commonly replaced parts for the LT155 include:

  • Mower blades and kits

  • Drive belts (traction and deck belts)

  • Fuel and oil filters

  • Ignition switches

  • Batteries (12V, 35Ah sealed lead acid, rechargeable)

  • Headlight bulbs

  • Belts (timing, drive, transmission)

  • Grease and lubricants

Keeping spare belts and filters on hand is recommended for seasonal maintenance.

OEM or high-quality aftermarket parts are available online and through John Deere dealers.

Deck

  • The LT155 frequently came with the 42″ Freedom mulching deck, which has a unique timed blade system for efficient grass cutting.

  • Some users find deck repairs, especially timing belt replacement, to be challenging but manageable with patience.

  • Alternative decks and mulching kits are available for additional versatility.

Transmission

  • Hydrostatic transmission model K51, belt-driven.

  • Provides infinite speed variation forward and reverse, operated by foot pedals.

  • Generally reliable but can be a weak point in aging machines, with some users reporting transmission issues after long use.

  • Sealed transmission unit, no recommended owner oil changes, servicing typically requires professional repair.

Battery

  • Uses a 12-volt, 35 Ah sealed lead-acid battery designed for lawn tractors.

  • Replacement batteries (compatible with or exceeding OEM specs) are available at around $70, maintenance-free and rechargeable.

Common Problems

  • Mower deck timing belt failure: A frequent issue that leads to blade timing problems; replacement requires effort but is essential for proper mulching operation.

  • Battery and starter solenoid replacement: Normal wear parts replaced over time.

  • Transmission wear: Some older units develop drive issues after extended use.

  • Fragile hood: The plastic hood can become brittle and cracked with age.

  • Carburetor issues: Occasionally require cleaning or adjustment.youtube

Conclusion

Owners generally praise the John Deere LT155 for its solid reliability, ease of repair, and good cutting performance with the Freedom mower deck.

The hydrostatic transmission and Kohler engine are considered dependable, although aging tractors often need routine maintenance and some parts replacement.

Some reviewers note the mower deck timing belt as the most challenging maintenance aspect, but once addressed, the machine performs well for residential mowing on varied terrain.

The compact size and ease of use make it a good buy for small to medium yards. Resale value is reasonable, and parts availability remains good due to its popularity.

This overview should help current owners, prospective buyers, or repair enthusiasts understand the John Deere LT155’s core details, maintenance needs, and value proposition.

If you need manuals or parts, numerous online resources and dealer support channels are available for this enduringly popular lawn tractor model.