
John Deere tractors and mowers are known for their durability and performance. However, some users have reported issues with plastic transmissions in certain models, such as the E100 and D105. These plastic transmissions have been described as prone to failure, with some customers seeking alternatives or repairs. Deere acknowledged the issue and offered repair kits, while also issuing a recall for the D105 in 2017. While plastic transmissions may be lightweight and cost-effective, their durability has been questioned, leading to mixed opinions among John Deere users.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic transmission model | E100 |
| Plastic transmission model | D105 |
| Plastic transmission manufacturer | Deere |
| Plastic transmission manufacturer | Ariens |
| Plastic transmission repair kit manufacturer | Deere |
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What You'll Learn

John Deere E100 plastic transmission
The John Deere E100 is a lawn tractor in the John Deere 100 series. Some users have reported issues with the plastic transmission in this model. Specifically, the screw coming out of the spring cap on the secondary transmission variator, which can cause problems with the motion pedal and brakes.
One user reported that they had to replace the transmission with a donor JD, which was easy to do, but they criticised the company for using "junk" parts. Another user agreed, stating that John Deere should be "ashamed" of using plastic parts.
John Deere D105 tractors have also been reported to have issues with their plastic transmissions. Deere sells a repair kit for this issue, and there are three different kits available. However, one user reported that they were quoted $550 to have a new plastic transmission installed, which is a significant cost for a mower worth around $650.
It is worth noting that these forum posts are a few years old, and John Deere may have since addressed these issues in newer models or with improved parts. If you are experiencing problems with your John Deere tractor's transmission, it is recommended to consult a dealer or a professional mechanic for advice and potential solutions.
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John Deere D105 plastic transmission
The John Deere D105 lawn tractor has been recalled due to transmission issues. The model in question uses a plastic transmission, which has been known to fail. This is a unique transmission made by General Transmission for the D105 model. Deere is aware of the problem and offers repair kits, although some owners have opted to replace the plastic transmission with a metal one.
The D105 is a low-hour lawn tractor, and many owners have reported that their mower has become unusable due to transmission failure. This issue is not limited to older machines, with some reporting failures after only 95 hours of use. The plastic transmission is considered "non-serviceable", meaning that it is factory sealed and cannot be repaired. This has led to criticism of John Deere, with some arguing that the company should not have used such cheap parts.
Deere has issued a recall for the D105 model, which includes a stop sale on all D105 tractors. The recall affects tractors with serial numbers beginning with 1GXD105. Deere has also recalled service transmissions sold for use in the D105 lawn tractor.
Some owners have opted to replace the plastic transmission with a metal one, although this requires some modifications to the tractor. Others have suggested that it is possible to bolt any riding mower transmission to the engine. However, this would require securing the metal frame to the aluminium axle housing and ensuring the belt is lined up correctly to spin the pulley.
There are alternative transmissions available on the market, such as the Tuff Tork K66, the Hydro Gear, and a three-speed option. However, these may require additional modifications, such as new wheels or linkages for the disk brake.
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John Deere tractor specifications
Deere & Company is a US-based global manufacturer of farm machinery. The company entered the tractor manufacturing business in 1918 and became the largest tractor manufacturer in the world in 1963. Deere & Company manufactures compact tractors, chore tractors, and specialty tractors.
Compact tractors are available in the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, and 4 Series. The 2 Series includes the 2025R, 2032R, and 2038R models, while the 3 Series includes the 3025D, 3035D, 3043D, 3025E, 3032E, and 3038E models. The 4044M model is also a compact tractor. These tractors are suitable for various tasks, including mowing, cutting, seeding, spreading, spraying, and snow removal.
Chore tractors are designed for working livestock, snow removal, hay production, and landscaping. They offer a range of horsepower options, from 75-123.2 HP for low clearance, 100-155 HP for high clearance, and 75-100 HP for narrow tractors.
Specialty tractors are designed for specialty crop growers and offer the features, power, and performance of a utility tractor in a compact size. The 6 Series offers 110-250 HP, the 7R Series offers 210-350 HP, and the 8R/8RT/8RX Series offers 230-410 HP. The 9 Family includes the 9R, 9RT, and 9RX Series, making Deere & Company the only manufacturer to offer all three machine forms.
John Deere tractor prices vary by dealer and model, and the company offers various discounts and incentives, such as the John Deere Rewards program. However, specific tractor specifications, such as transmission type, are not readily available on the company's website.
Some sources indicate that certain John Deere tractor models, such as the E100 and D105, have plastic transmissions. These transmissions have been known to fail, and Deere has offered repair kits and issued recalls for affected models.
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John Deere customer support
John Deere offers customer support through its website, Shop.Deere.com, and via phone. The company provides a warranty policy that covers parts purchased from its website for a minimum of six months from the receipt date. This policy covers defects in material and workmanship. If customers are unsatisfied with their purchase, they can return items within 30 days of the purchase date for a refund. To request a return, customers can log in to their registered account, navigate to the Order History page, and click the "Start a Return" button. Alternatively, customers can contact the John Deere customer service team via a contact form or by calling 1-800-537-8233 to obtain a return authorization number.
Regarding the query "does John Deere have a plastic transmission?," online forums suggest that certain John Deere tractor models, such as the E100 and D105, have plastic transmissions. Some owners of these tractors have reported issues with the plastic transmissions failing or requiring repairs. John Deere appears to offer repair kits for these issues, and there are also suggestions of a recall on the D105 model in September 2017 due to transmission problems.
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Plastic transmission alternatives
- John Deere sells a repair kit for the D105's transmission issues, although some owners have reported difficulty finding information about this online. The cost of a new plastic transmission is reportedly around $550, which some may consider expensive relative to the value of the mower.
- One alternative transmission option mentioned by owners is the K46, which may require some modification to the tractor but is considered more reliable than the RT400 plastic transmission.
- Another option is to source a used transmission from another tractor, although this may require modifications to the tractor's drive control and drive belt.
- A third alternative is to swap the engine into a better John Deere model.
- A more unconventional solution is to source a non-functioning Craftsman mower with a functioning transmission and swap the transmissions between the two.
Outside of the realm of tractors, plastic fiber has been proposed as an alternative to glass fiber for data transmission over short distances. Plastic fiber offers a number of advantages over glass fiber, including lower cost, simpler finishing processes, and immunity to electrical interference. However, it also has lower bandwidth and distance capabilities.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, John Deere uses plastic transmissions in some of its lower-end tractors and mowers, such as the D105 and E100 models.
Plastic transmissions have received mixed reviews. Some users have reported issues and prefer metal alternatives, while others have found them to be functional. Deere has issued recalls and repair kits for some plastic transmission models.
Alternatives to plastic transmissions include the Tuff Tork K66, Hydro Gear, and 3-speed transmissions. The K58 or higher transaxle is also recommended for lawn and garden tractors.
Yes, it is possible to replace a plastic transmission with a metal one. However, modifications may be required to ensure compatibility with the tractor or mower.
Some users have reported issues with John Deere plastic transmissions, including premature failure and the need for frequent repairs or replacements. There have also been reports of specific problems with the motion pedal and brakes after performing maintenance involving the plastic transmission.











































