I bought my first zero turn JD Z530m from Lowe's a couple of months ago. I received my veterans discount of 10% and free delivery to my farm, 70 miles away!
I just bought a S100 from Lowes $2,399 i told the guy wonder why JD didn't put a storage lid on, he when over and took one off the S130 put it on the one i bought, few people would even do that so that was good. He was really helpful telling everything about the S100, he owned one before upgrading to a bigger model, plus will the military discount I did get $244 off, that basically paid the tax. The Lowes i bought it from, there's a John Deere dealer just 3 miles away so that is good i have a JD close to me. I will change the oil, filter after 3 hours to get rid of the metal shavings in the new engine, thats something people overlook.
Whatever you do, don’t buy from Lowe’s! I bought a Husqvarna zero turn mower two years ago and I had problems 32 days in less than five hours of use. Lowes told me it was my problem and I have a nice day. I had to go all the way up to corporate before I finally got my money back. they had sold me a remanufactured mower that had prior issues and was returned by someone else. The store passed it off to me as brand new. I was wondering why there was a discount on the mower, but I thought it was just because it was the end of the year. Nothing like catching them in a lie. I will never buy from a store again! Make sure you find a good dealership with excellent customer service. This is more important than choosing a brand.
Wish I had seen this earlier. Bought an S100 from Lowe’s May 2024. Registered it and saw it was a 2023. Fuel line and carburetor clogged after just 6 hours of use, 2 1/2 months later (I only use ethanol free gas with 1 ounce of Stabil per five gallons). Lowe’s said it’s not their problem, I should have bought the extended warranty. Local Deere dealer says Lowe’s puts gas in them to move them, then they sit for months to years on the lot. On top of that they’re telling me the warranty doesn’t cover fuel issues, so it’s almost $500 to repair. I will warn everybody I can reach to never buy a lawnmower from Lowe’s. Don’t make the same mistake I did.
Same mower, but beware: Bought an S100 from Lowe’s May 2024. Registered it and saw it was a 2023. Fuel line and carburetor clogged after just 6 hours of use, 2 1/2 months later (I only use ethanol free gas with 1 ounce of Stabil per five gallons). Lowe’s said it’s not their problem, I should have bought the extended warranty. Local Deere dealer says Lowe’s puts gas in them to move them, then they sit for months to years on the lot. On top of that they’re telling me the warranty doesn’t cover fuel issues, so it’s almost $500 to repair. I will warn everybody I can reach to never buy a lawnmower from Lowe’s. Don’t make the same mistake I did.
I have seen several videos where side by side comparisons of the same year and model show there is a difference in a dealer unit and a box store one. One comes to mind where an Ariens Zero turn had better grips on the drive levers and a much better seat on the dealer model. My local dealers also will charge a trip fee to pick up and return your unit needing warranty repair. If it's one bought at their store, it's no charge. The only reason to buy from Lowes or Home Depot is the store credit card or financing. The assembly people there are terrible.
My 15 yo LA115 is still going strong - just did the head gasket last week to deal with an oil blowby leak at 307 hours and it started right back up without issue. That gasket was insufficient compared to the replacement and it's really the only big problem I've ever had. This model was $1700 back in 2009, and included the JD poly dump cart for free. It has great cutting quality especially if you have done your own lawn renovation. My only complaints are that the paint on the deck on this machine began flaking in large sections after just 1 season- while cleaning it with hose water. And when I changed the tuff-torq oil a few years ago, I noticed that the green paint on the on the body is extremely delicate and also could easily flake off at the edge (probably cause the paint spray wasn't wrapped). I'm in the mode to get a replacement now...not sure whether to go with the S170 or the Cub Cadet LT1 50- youare just paying for the JD name and I'm not sure $600 is worth it if finish issues are still allowed by their inspectors before shipping. Best advice I can offer is to buy the one you really want even if it's a little bit of a stretch- I still really like mine but should have gone with an LA130, LA135 or LA140 at the time- I probably wouldn't be looking at new mowers right now and would still be satisfied with the same higher features offered even back then otherwise- these mowers have had pretty much zero change in terms of engine, mowing and quality.
I saw a base level left over Cub Cadet a few weeks ago- couldn't believe how crappy the hoods have been made. My LA115 is still better than all these new mowers.
Went to the dealer to look for a S160 for my daughter a couple of years ago. Dealer said they don't sell those. Ordered a S160 from Home Depot (white glove service). Lo and Behold the dealer who didn't have them delivered the tractor... and had no clue what the white glove service was.
@@WesternEquipment It went well. I had my daughter go through the deck leveling process and adjust the scalp wheels for the height she planned on mowing. She also checked the tires before doing this for correct pressure. The mower has been working perfectly for her.
But the X series tractors are not available at HD or Lowes and are not made in Tennessee they are made in Wisconsin. So in away there not the same as the dealers. However you can get the same bottom of the line box store tractors at the dealer.
You're correct, but if the mowers are good enough to sell at the dealership and still made in a John Deere factory, then that would make them the same as the ones at the dealership.
I purchased my 1st riding mower at a JD dealer in Lubbock what used to be Hurst, I rushed over there after work, the salesman wasnt very happy because it was almost closing time, and then he profiled me by asking, "are you sure this check is going to clear?" Never again, I plan on purchasing a new zero turn in a few weeks. Im getting it at home depot.
I have one warning about buying from them, is that when I purchased my tractor from Home Depot I had problems with it starting. When the battery finally died I found out that the battery that the "Dealer" that set up the tractor had put in the wrong size (too small). When I put in the new battery (the one that the manual recommended) the starting issues stopped. It easy enough to check when you get your new Tractor to check the manual yourself to see if it is the correct size, even the the dealer.
@Western Equipment I believe it. My county, and those around it, have large rural areas as well as 'burbs. The Deere line is popular enough to be well-represented at the big-box stores despite there being a JD dealer here as well. The Troy-Bilts are more represented, though. There are a few Cubs, too.
I do not know if it is still true but for many years our local JD dealer did the mower set-up and initial inspections for several Home Depot stores. They took delivery of the mowers from the factory, did whatever assembly that was required, checked the unit out and set deck heights. They placed a special decal on the mower saying that for any service or warranty work to contact them directly. They also did the home delivery of the mowers. In essence you were getting a JD mower, set up and delivered by a Deere dealer with the convenience of shopping at Home Depot.
This is still the case. A John Deere dealer does all of the initial set up on most of these mowers and delivery depends on if the store you buy from has the mower in stock and if they don’t then sometimes the dealer has to order it and then deliver it to the customer.
I suppose it can depend on location of box store in regards to dealer partner, but in the majority of cases, the mowers filter through the box stores distribution centers and arrive to the stores on their regular trucks - the store contacts the dealer for a set up appt and the dealer rep goes to the store to assemble the mower. The stores also do the delivery - it’s their inventory they’re selling, not the dealers so the dealers can’t house the mowers and deliver. It’s the same inventory being delivered that a customer pulling up with a trailer to take it with them has to choose from.
@@Pontiac2001GT Perhaps it is different in your area, around here to get on the floor at HD the mower has to go through a dealer setup which happens at the dealership. I asked my dealer if they still did the HD and Lowes work and got a dirty look. (Small town, I see see my dealer - and the sheriff, my doc and my banker - several times a week at the old farts table in the local breakfast diner) His contract with JD requires him to take delivery of everything going to HD/Lowes, do the initial setups, and deliver to either the store or the purchaser if pre-ordered. If a mower is sold off the floor either the store delivers it or the buyer carts it home. His unhappiness with the program stems from the fact that it is barely a break-even deal for him and he has to have one guy on box store mower detail all spring and summer. We did not get into the numbers but he made it clear he makes substantially more if he sells a 100 series mower from his inventory than he does doing an equal amount of work for the same mower going to HD/Lowes. Add in the fact that the majority of the box store buyers do not have a clue as to what preventative maintenance is and call for warranty work after a mower sat outside all winter with old gas, old oil and worn out broken blades. None of this is warranty work but he still spends uncompensated time with each machine. Wow, fell into that rabbit hole - - -
@@denali9449 I’d be quite surprised if the inventory goes to the dealership first… the sheer volume of sales box stores make on these requires full tractor trailer loads of these mowers to arrive at the store - there is no way a dealer has a trailer large enough to bring more than 4 or 5 at a time to a box store and surely there isn’t just one box store in the area either. That would be a massive waste of money eating into box store cost meaning way less margin, vs the mower going to the Distribution Center, direct to store and the dealer sending over just a guy with a couple basic tools. If that is how it’s done, it’s a crazy, crazy rare thing
@@Pontiac2001GT Guess I will just have to call my dealer a liar at breakfast tomorrow. This dealership delivers new 9R tractors and X series combines as well as moving them from one farm to another for those of us who do not have a low-boy trailer. He has several enclosed semi trailers and a couple of Peterbuilt tractors. I am guessing but his sales lot is close to 5 acres and he has at least 20,000 sf under roof for sales and service work. They have 9 or 10 dealerships with a couple of "strip mall" mower stores and the rest full service farm dealers sized and equipped accordingly. As for HD/Lowes stores, there are three HD's and two Lowes within 50 miles of here, not like some megalopolis with one every two miles. I doubt if any of them ever have more than 8 or 10 JD mowers in stock at any one time. We still rely on the Mom & Pop hardware store owned by a gal my wife went to high school with over 50 years ago and our small town lumber yard. We do have a Menard's store in town but they don't have free coffee and fresh donuts at the register.
I always heard not to by a John Deere at the box stores cause a John Deere dealer will not service it? But, I bought a Z345R at my dealer, spent all that money, and still got screwed! Go figure???
@@WesternEquipment Last April of 22 I went to my local John Deere dealer (4Rivers John Deere in Rocky Ford CO.) and ordered a new Z345R with a bagger. I was told it would be there in the end of May. Then May went to June, then July, then August, and finally I took delivery in the beginning of September 22. It was late in the mowing season, so I never used my machine, it was garage kept with 0.2 hours. I saw that JD redesigned the Z turns for 23 and went to my dealer to see if I could return my never used Z turn for a 23 Z320R. I was told I would have to give my machine back for a loss and have about a 1300 dollar difference. I did talk to Western Equipment in Syracuse KS., and was told they would have gladly traded for no difference if I had bought the machine from them. It took till March of 23 to finally get a manager to talk to me, but the deal would not change. I must pay a 1300 dollar difference to acquire a 23. Guess I'll just keep my new old design and try it out????? I'm at a loss of words on this (well I have a few choice words) and I still haven't used my Z turn yet.
@@Efemedio1 Wow, while never having been in that situation I can sympathize with the time issues. We ordered two JD Gators for the farm in October 2021. One arrived in August and the other in September. My dealer was offered a couple of grand over my price by walk-in customers but he held fast to our deal.
I bought my S 110 from Lowe’s. Lowe’s does not release them for sale until they are prepped by a rep from the local JD dealer. It was greased, leveled even the tire pressure was accurate. I then of course got plenty of mail from the dealer wanting to sell me an extended warranty. I’m satisfied especially since as a veteran I got a 10% discount from Lowe’s.
I recently bought a s130 for similar reasons, 10% off on a $2800 mower is nice! The Lowe’s delivery person made sure it fired before he left and helped me too. I had read the horror tales of Lowe’s delivery, so here’s my experience. It fired right up, check, deck was leveled, check, it was greased, check slightly over greased, only complaint was the tires was double the maximum pressure, but it’s not hard to deflate the tires to needed pressure.
@@usa-rb5fi you were fortunate with delivery. The reason is consumer expectation. People buy all kinds of shit at box stores for delivery, and expect the delivery guy to be the expert on all of it. It’s a bad expectation. Appliance customers expect the delivery guy to be an appliance expert, tractor customers expect him to be a tractor expert, etc…. In reality… he’s the delivery guy, that’s it lol
Yes, difference between Big box and dealer is, that big box only has s100 series not 200 or X series. And sorry the s series is inferior to the X series.
6:30 - 2 yr warranty from JD + 3 yr extended warranty from HD does not equal 5 yrs of coverage. A 3 yr extended warranty only gets you 3 yrs of total coverage.
I beg to differ on Lowes John Deere lawn tractors being the same a authorized John Deere dealer. Lowe’s licenses their “John Deere” tractors but the actual “guts” are by MTD like a Troybilt, Craftsman etc. This explains why a Deere dealer charges up to twice the amount that Lowe’s does for the same model. I actually was told about this from a former Lowes store manger who would know.
This is funny. I have worked for a John Deere dealership for over ten years and I have been to multiple trainings and have seen and been around these mowers the whole time and I can guarantee you that they are the exact same mowers. You can believe the Lowe's store manager if you would like to but I can assure you that person is wrong.
I was at Lowes, looking at 130’s, one had a yellow deck and the rest were green, what is the difference? They selling an older model at new model prices?
Best thing is never buy a mower that's outside the store sitting in the weather. Have the store associate take you around back where they are still in the crate and pick one out. The local John Deere dealer (At least in NC) comes out and assembles and sets them up.
I saw where Home Depot is going to sell battery powers push Moore s bad idea. I will by me a couple of gas powers push Moore because I don’t won’t a battery powered anything I tried one and they aren’t worth bringing home
Good video but not 100% accurate. The Z320R sold at John Deere dealers includes a hitch plate. The one sold at Home Depot (which I bought) does NOT. If you need a hitch plate, you’ll need to buy it separately at HD or buy the mower directly from the dealership.
Yes, this is a very common misconception. This is why I made sure in the video to mention that they are the same mowers you will find at a dealership. They are all made in the same factory.
I feel a little bad that I picked up a Z320R at my local HD today instead of the JD Dealer, but I got a LOT of money off the sticker price... I'm just scared about when they deliver it... not even sure if it's going to run, no one at the HD even knew where to find the keys, and it's missing the storage compartment door. Can I take it up to a JD dealer to get it checked out under the JD warranty?
If you have any issues when it is delivered I would probably call your dealer but if it runs and everything seems to work you should be ok. These mowers are normally set up by the local dealer and then taken to HD or Lowe's to be sold.
well.. After about 6 canceled deliveries. I rented a trailer and got it. Got it home didn’t start. I setup the local dealer to come get it when I decided to do another check myself, one of the fuses was blown. Replaced and it fired up after I charged the battery. Now a year on, have been fine except I did the first two oil changes and despite the engine saying it needs 2 quarts of oil I’ve never gotten more than 1 quart to come out of it. And the dip stick says it’s got full oil. Honestly I should have just got it from the dealer. The money I saved wasn’t worth the headache and hassles that HD put me though. Never making a major purchase from there again.
Well- don't buy it from Lowe's unless you are somehow able to see what the unit looks like, and record the serial number before purchase. I tried to get a unit to inspect from their stock of 5 units before purchase and they wouldn't do it, and then I tried to go ahead and do an online order- they tried to have me accept a $3500 machine with scuffs on the hood. I sent it back. Waste of time.
With you As a salesman for John Deere I can't believe you made this video. You should be raging the big box stores and John Deere for allowing them to carry. It really hurts local John Deere dealers
John deere dealers probably couldnt handle the volume of sales that they get by selling through lowes and home depot without a significant investment and price increase on the product. Their homeowner line of mowers is( I would imagine) a significant share of their sales. The more volume you deal in the more competitive you can be in the market. Theres always gonna be a place for big box store mowers,and john Deere's offerings are among the best. It is probably a pain in the butt for the dealers servicing these mowers,but how much more so if they had to have larger facilities, staff,and increase their investment and inventory to meet more peoples sales needs. It's a very good symbiotic relationship they have,works out for all involved.
Our goal is to educate the consumers as much as possible to make the best John Deere purchase, whether they decide to buy from big box or Deere dealership.
When repairs are needed, the big box stores are not able to repair them and they point you to a dealer near them. The customer then have no choice but to go to a dealer for repairs. Either way they get customers coming to them at some point. Look at the big box store as an initiation to a dealer.
I’m going to guess that local dealers make their money on the big ticket machines and not S100 mowers. Home owners flock to big box every weekend and JD hopes to hook the husband whose wife made him go and shop for ferns to stop and belly up to the green and yellow.. JD knows how to market this customer.
Spoke with driver who picks up and returns John Deere mowers for repairs, while I was picking up my x534. He said majority of broken mowers are homedepot big box mowers, not as well built as dealer equipment. My mower is a 2006 x534 and is still working fine today. The big box mowers don't appear to be as well built as dealer mowers. I quietly laugh as I walk by them going into homedepot 😆 Will never buy big box mowers.
They definitely are the cheaper made mowers so it tracks as to why they would have more issues. But I don't blame you for only wanting to buy the dealer only mowers.
That’s obviously a fine opinion to have but let’s think for a minute about part of this statement “they’re not as well built” - well, I mean obviously, a X500 series starts at nearly $8,000 and a 100 Series around $2300 - I would sure hope for $6,000 more you’re getting a far better built tractor. Having said that - not everyone needs a X500 when they have a 1 acre flat plot
@@Pontiac2001GT even the lower series of lawnmowers aren't as well built. The 100 and 200 series are better built than the big box store mowers. How many of the big box store mowers would someone have to buy over a 17 year span to last as long as the dealer mowers. I paid 6k for the x534 2006 only thing I've had to replace is deck belt and pto switch. Another reason for the higher price is the extra featurs on the higher series mowers. Such as 4 wheel steering hydrostatic drive hydraulic control deck. Instead of buying 3 $2,500 mowers I bought one $6,000 mower still going strong. When I bought the x544 I was cut 1/2 acre , but also moving 3,000+ lb trailers and not on flat level ground. You get what you pay for...
@@richardb9779 A 100 Series JD is the same tractor, whether it’s at a dealer or Lowes or HD… the dealers even set them up for the box stores prior to sale. If you don’t think a box store mower can last 17 years given proper maintenance and the right sized yard for what they are designed for you obviously aren’t very observant. There are TONS of box store mowers still functioning just fine even from the early 2000’s, 90’s and even 80’s out there. Hell I have one, a 13 year old Cub Cadet, still working fantastic and I can assure you it’s got 10+ years left in it. Again, saying “The X500 is better built than the 100 Series” makes zero sense… OF COURSE IT IS IT COSTS $6,000 MORE. You aren’t comparing apples to apples. That’s like saying “for towing a big boat a Ford F250 is much better built than a Ford Ranger!”
@@Pontiac2001GT I'm am very observant, obviously you get your feelings hurt by facts, there maybe some big box store mowers still running but a good portion can be seen abandoned on the side of the road scrap. I stated a fact quoted from a person who directly observed more broken big box store mowers than dealer mowers. Brought in for service from cutting small flat lawns.. The big box mowers are brought in for repairs while only cutting flat small lawns.Including the 100 and 200 series. Obviously someone buying from dealer is looking for more features other than cutting more grass. Also comes down to cutting time. What I stated was a direct quote not an opinion.
Sorry I don’t think they are the same . There is big differences in the box stores Deeres and the Real deeres . Most Deere dealers don’t even have parts for the MTD copy cat Deeres.
@@WesternEquipment yeah two friends of mine bought the copy cats in different states and two different dealerships said no parts for them . I asked my local guys and they flipped out showing and talking about the differences. So three dealerships all disagree with you , so peddle your copycats.
This is actually not the case. They are built to John Deere’s standards and then John Deere has a contract with Lowe’s and the Home Depot where those two companies can decide which mowers they want to sell.
Japanese motorcycles are the best But Yamaha Kawasaki Suzuki, and probably Honda all make bikes in Japan and they have their cheaper bikes made in India. I would never buy one of the bikes made in India..
I'd prefer a dealership sold mower over a pos big box tugboat anchor such as a t240 t2400 craftsman cub cadet xt1 Murray or Troy bilt pony or bronco if you bought your mower from lowes or home depot and you take it to a dealer for warranty or repair they will not get to it until all their customers mowers are done basically dealing with their customers fist and lowes or home depot customers second it may take weeks Months possibly years it till the repair on your mower is complete doesn't matter what brand. Thank goodness Kubota is not sold at big box stores that would destroy their reputation im glad Hustler stop selling their mowers at lowes. I'd take A Kubota Exmark or Husqvarna if I was to buy a new mower not Bashing Deere but my la150 isn't to bad my x300 lasted atleast 700 hours until the battery fell of the mount because it was not secured had stop using it ive always like the x300 and x500 and john deeres sabre tractors and the x700 ancestor the 425 445 and 455
@@WesternEquipment Because an X3 series is the lowest tiered machine Deere sells with a serviceable transmission. The sealed transmissions in a lower tiered machine are grease filled, non serviceable transmissions. When “something is wrong” with one of those units you’re buying a new transmission. Being that you can only spend a dollar once; my vote to buy the better long term valued machine, X3 series or above. Best to you brother!
I think you have great videos . I am tired of hearing. Don’t wash your mower off because you don’t want moisture getting in pully bearings. . There are many different videos on this subject from other sources. Let me tell you when I see local John Deere dealers . Home Depot or lowes leave them out in the rain for months on end. I’m gonna wash mine off 3 or 4 times during the cutting season. John Deere will have there’s out for at least 7 or 8 months. Until winter hits and that’s just on riding mowers. So the notion of getting your mower wet is out the door . Every John Deere dealer I see plus lowes and Home Depot in Texas are out in the rain . Storm after storm hits these mowers before there sold . My mower gets extremely dusty and dirty. . It has to washed once in a while . I’m not worried about moisture getting in the bearings. I still got a 6 year warranty left and if they ever ask if I wash my mower . I’m going to say well you leave yours outside for months to full year before there sold. So you tell me what’s the difference is. Thanks
I get it, it gets old hearing it. And I also see your point with the mowers at most places you buy them being out in the weather. I still think it is a good idea to push the idea of using air and not water for the long term.
@@WesternEquipment unfortunately a leaf blower or air compressor doesn’t get the dust off. Every time I mow in east Texas it’s a dust bath . I have the z530r and the x360. I have had the z530R for a year now . I had to get the yellow roof cover for the Texas heat.
I bought my first zero turn JD Z530m from Lowe's a couple of months ago. I received my veterans discount of 10% and free delivery to my farm, 70 miles away!
Still running?
The box stores all the low end John Deere the dealership sells the high-end John Deere there's a totally different and price and quality
I just bought a S100 from Lowes $2,399 i told the guy wonder why JD didn't put a storage lid on, he when over and took one off the S130 put it on the one i bought, few people would even do that so that was good. He was really helpful telling everything about the S100, he owned one before upgrading to a bigger model, plus will the military discount I did get $244 off, that basically paid the tax.
The Lowes i bought it from, there's a John Deere dealer just 3 miles away so that is good i have a JD close to me.
I will change the oil, filter after 3 hours to get rid of the metal shavings in the new engine, thats something people overlook.
Damn, I didn't know that about the shavings - thanks!
Just picked up an s240 a couple of weeks ago due in part to your videos. Working on fertilizing and overseeding my new yard already.
Nice! I'm glad I could help you make that decision. How are you liking it?
Bought my s240 from a dealer after watching your review on the s240, I love it, kawasaki engine runs awesome
Well I am glad I could help. Thanks for watching!
Whatever you do, don’t buy from Lowe’s! I bought a Husqvarna zero turn mower two years ago and I had problems 32 days in less than five hours of use. Lowes told me it was my problem and I have a nice day. I had to go all the way up to corporate before I finally got my money back. they had sold me a remanufactured mower that had prior issues and was returned by someone else. The store passed it off to me as brand new. I was wondering why there was a discount on the mower, but I thought it was just because it was the end of the year. Nothing like catching them in a lie. I will never buy from a store again! Make sure you find a good dealership with excellent customer service. This is more important than choosing a brand.
Wish I had seen this earlier. Bought an S100 from Lowe’s May 2024. Registered it and saw it was a 2023. Fuel line and carburetor clogged after just 6 hours of use, 2 1/2 months later (I only use ethanol free gas with 1 ounce of Stabil per five gallons). Lowe’s said it’s not their problem, I should have bought the extended warranty. Local Deere dealer says Lowe’s puts gas in them to move them, then they sit for months to years on the lot. On top of that they’re telling me the warranty doesn’t cover fuel issues, so it’s almost $500 to repair. I will warn everybody I can reach to never buy a lawnmower from Lowe’s. Don’t make the same mistake I did.
@@nicholasschmidt2680 Does the mower you buy at Lowe’s come with a warranty honored by John Deere dealerships?
@@Bigguy_33 just the factory warranty, but they said that doesn’t cover “fuel issues”
My s100 John deere is getting delivered Thursday from.lowes excited to use it.
Thanks for the review. I just purchased mine. I thought the warranty is 30days no questions asked. The john deer promise
That is just the return policy usually as long as it is unused but the warranty from John Deere depends on which mower you purchase.
Same mower, but beware: Bought an S100 from Lowe’s May 2024. Registered it and saw it was a 2023. Fuel line and carburetor clogged after just 6 hours of use, 2 1/2 months later (I only use ethanol free gas with 1 ounce of Stabil per five gallons). Lowe’s said it’s not their problem, I should have bought the extended warranty. Local Deere dealer says Lowe’s puts gas in them to move them, then they sit for months to years on the lot. On top of that they’re telling me the warranty doesn’t cover fuel issues, so it’s almost $500 to repair. I will warn everybody I can reach to never buy a lawnmower from Lowe’s. Don’t make the same mistake I did.
I have seen several videos where side by side comparisons of the same year and model show there is a difference in a dealer unit and a box store one. One comes to mind where an Ariens Zero turn had better grips on the drive levers and a much better seat on the dealer model. My local dealers also will charge a trip fee to pick up and return your unit needing warranty repair. If it's one bought at their store, it's no charge. The only reason to buy from Lowes or Home Depot is the store credit card or financing. The assembly people there are terrible.
When it comes to lawn tractors I do not go below the X series to me the S series stands for Sooner mowers meaning Sooner walk on by
Haha! I hadn't heard this one before. Witty, I like it.
My 15 yo LA115 is still going strong - just did the head gasket last week to deal with an oil blowby leak at 307 hours and it started right back up without issue. That gasket was insufficient compared to the replacement and it's really the only big problem I've ever had. This model was $1700 back in 2009, and included the JD poly dump cart for free. It has great cutting quality especially if you have done your own lawn renovation.
My only complaints are that the paint on the deck on this machine began flaking in large sections after just 1 season- while cleaning it with hose water. And when I changed the tuff-torq oil a few years ago, I noticed that the green paint on the on the body is extremely delicate and also could easily flake off at the edge (probably cause the paint spray wasn't wrapped).
I'm in the mode to get a replacement now...not sure whether to go with the S170 or the Cub Cadet LT1 50- youare just paying for the JD name and I'm not sure $600 is worth it if finish issues are still allowed by their inspectors before shipping.
Best advice I can offer is to buy the one you really want even if it's a little bit of a stretch- I still really like mine but should have gone with an LA130, LA135 or LA140 at the time- I probably wouldn't be looking at new mowers right now and would still be satisfied with the same higher features offered even back then otherwise- these mowers have had pretty much zero change in terms of engine, mowing and quality.
Cub cadet quality has gone downhill.
I saw a base level left over Cub Cadet a few weeks ago- couldn't believe how crappy the hoods have been made.
My LA115 is still better than all these new mowers.
Wonder why JD can't make a seat that lasts for 6 months.
I'm a pretty big guy and mine has lasted for years...
Will work with the dealer always. Much better service and knowledge of what we are doing.
Not a bad choice!
Why would a person want to purchase a new mower that has been sitting outside in the rain for days / weeks?
I completely understand, but this is why I always say to make sure and go check out the mower at the actual store to make sure everything is good.
Why don’t you ask the same of dealers… unless you think the 30+ mowers they have sitting outside are “just displays” lol.
They sit outside at every Deere dealer I've seen.
Went to the dealer to look for a S160 for my daughter a couple of years ago. Dealer said they don't sell those. Ordered a S160 from Home Depot (white glove service). Lo and Behold the dealer who didn't have them delivered the tractor... and had no clue what the white glove service was.
Dang, I hate to hear that. Hopefully everything went well though?
@@WesternEquipment It went well. I had my daughter go through the deck leveling process and adjust the scalp wheels for the height she planned on mowing. She also checked the tires before doing this for correct pressure. The mower has been working perfectly for her.
But the X series tractors are not available at HD or Lowes and are not made in Tennessee they are made in Wisconsin. So in away there not the same as the dealers. However you can get the same bottom of the line box store tractors at the dealer.
You're correct, but if the mowers are good enough to sell at the dealership and still made in a John Deere factory, then that would make them the same as the ones at the dealership.
I purchased my 1st riding mower at a JD dealer in Lubbock what used to be Hurst, I rushed over there after work, the salesman wasnt very happy because it was almost closing time, and then he profiled me by asking, "are you sure this check is going to clear?" Never again, I plan on purchasing a new zero turn in a few weeks. Im getting it at home depot.
I have one warning about buying from them, is that when I purchased my tractor from Home Depot I had problems with it starting. When the battery finally died I found out that the battery that the "Dealer" that set up the tractor had put in the wrong size (too small). When I put in the new battery (the one that the manual recommended) the starting issues stopped.
It easy enough to check when you get your new Tractor to check the manual yourself to see if it is the correct size, even the the dealer.
Interesting. Thanks for the heads up. So did Home Depot pay for the new battery?
@@WesternEquipment Problem was didn't figure it out till almost a year after.
My local HD and Lowe’s carry maybe 3 mowers- not the fleet of 20 where you are lol. They also keep the cub cadets inside.
So I have found out that each Lowe’s and The Home Depot location chooses which ones to stock based on their customer demographic.
@Western Equipment
I believe it. My county, and those around it, have large rural areas as well as 'burbs. The Deere line is popular enough to be well-represented at the big-box stores despite there being a JD dealer here as well.
The Troy-Bilts are more represented, though. There are a few Cubs, too.
I do not know if it is still true but for many years our local JD dealer did the mower set-up and initial inspections for several Home Depot stores. They took delivery of the mowers from the factory, did whatever assembly that was required, checked the unit out and set deck heights. They placed a special decal on the mower saying that for any service or warranty work to contact them directly. They also did the home delivery of the mowers. In essence you were getting a JD mower, set up and delivered by a Deere dealer with the convenience of shopping at Home Depot.
This is still the case. A John Deere dealer does all of the initial set up on most of these mowers and delivery depends on if the store you buy from has the mower in stock and if they don’t then sometimes the dealer has to order it and then deliver it to the customer.
I suppose it can depend on location of box store in regards to dealer partner, but in the majority of cases, the mowers filter through the box stores distribution centers and arrive to the stores on their regular trucks - the store contacts the dealer for a set up appt and the dealer rep goes to the store to assemble the mower. The stores also do the delivery - it’s their inventory they’re selling, not the dealers so the dealers can’t house the mowers and deliver. It’s the same inventory being delivered that a customer pulling up with a trailer to take it with them has to choose from.
@@Pontiac2001GT Perhaps it is different in your area, around here to get on the floor at HD the mower has to go through a dealer setup which happens at the dealership. I asked my dealer if they still did the HD and Lowes work and got a dirty look. (Small town, I see see my dealer - and the sheriff, my doc and my banker - several times a week at the old farts table in the local breakfast diner) His contract with JD requires him to take delivery of everything going to HD/Lowes, do the initial setups, and deliver to either the store or the purchaser if pre-ordered. If a mower is sold off the floor either the store delivers it or the buyer carts it home. His unhappiness with the program stems from the fact that it is barely a break-even deal for him and he has to have one guy on box store mower detail all spring and summer. We did not get into the numbers but he made it clear he makes substantially more if he sells a 100 series mower from his inventory than he does doing an equal amount of work for the same mower going to HD/Lowes. Add in the fact that the majority of the box store buyers do not have a clue as to what preventative maintenance is and call for warranty work after a mower sat outside all winter with old gas, old oil and worn out broken blades. None of this is warranty work but he still spends uncompensated time with each machine. Wow, fell into that rabbit hole - - -
@@denali9449 I’d be quite surprised if the inventory goes to the dealership first… the sheer volume of sales box stores make on these requires full tractor trailer loads of these mowers to arrive at the store - there is no way a dealer has a trailer large enough to bring more than 4 or 5 at a time to a box store and surely there isn’t just one box store in the area either. That would be a massive waste of money eating into box store cost meaning way less margin, vs the mower going to the Distribution Center, direct to store and the dealer sending over just a guy with a couple basic tools. If that is how it’s done, it’s a crazy, crazy rare thing
@@Pontiac2001GT Guess I will just have to call my dealer a liar at breakfast tomorrow. This dealership delivers new 9R tractors and X series combines as well as moving them from one farm to another for those of us who do not have a low-boy trailer. He has several enclosed semi trailers and a couple of Peterbuilt tractors. I am guessing but his sales lot is close to 5 acres and he has at least 20,000 sf under roof for sales and service work. They have 9 or 10 dealerships with a couple of "strip mall" mower stores and the rest full service farm dealers sized and equipped accordingly. As for HD/Lowes stores, there are three HD's and two Lowes within 50 miles of here, not like some megalopolis with one every two miles. I doubt if any of them ever have more than 8 or 10 JD mowers in stock at any one time. We still rely on the Mom & Pop hardware store owned by a gal my wife went to high school with over 50 years ago and our small town lumber yard. We do have a Menard's store in town but they don't have free coffee and fresh donuts at the register.
Buy from the dealerships you get the same price and you get people that will set your tractor up for you and they know what they're doing
This is the way I would go too, but it is nice that there is another avenue to use when needed.
Deere’s sold at box stores get set up by the dealer local to the store you know.
I would support the local dealer personally
I don’t blame you. This is what I would do too. But it is nice to have another option.
I always heard not to by a John Deere at the box stores cause a John Deere dealer will not service it? But, I bought a Z345R at my dealer, spent all that money, and still got screwed! Go figure???
The dealer will always service anything John Deere, but how did you get done badly?
@@WesternEquipment Last April of 22 I went to my local John Deere dealer (4Rivers John Deere in Rocky Ford CO.) and ordered a new Z345R with a bagger. I was told it would be there in the end of May. Then May went to June, then July, then August, and finally I took delivery in the beginning of September 22. It was late in the mowing season, so I never used my machine, it was garage kept with 0.2 hours. I saw that JD redesigned the Z turns for 23 and went to my dealer to see if I could return my never used Z turn for a 23 Z320R. I was told I would have to give my machine back for a loss and have about a 1300 dollar difference. I did talk to Western Equipment in Syracuse KS., and was told they would have gladly traded for no difference if I had bought the machine from them. It took till March of 23 to finally get a manager to talk to me, but the deal would not change. I must pay a 1300 dollar difference to acquire a 23. Guess I'll just keep my new old design and try it out????? I'm at a loss of words on this (well I have a few choice words) and I still haven't used my Z turn yet.
@@Efemedio1 Wow, while never having been in that situation I can sympathize with the time issues. We ordered two JD Gators for the farm in October 2021. One arrived in August and the other in September. My dealer was offered a couple of grand over my price by walk-in customers but he held fast to our deal.
The dealership don't sell Briggs engines only at the box stores dealership use a Kawasaki and Kohler engines which are better
Wow thank you for posting this video !
I'll just get one used. No tax.
The snowbirds in Fl. practically give them away...
I bought my S 110 from Lowe’s. Lowe’s does not release them for sale until they are prepped by a rep from the local JD dealer. It was greased, leveled even the tire pressure was accurate. I then of course got plenty of mail from the dealer wanting to sell me an extended warranty. I’m satisfied especially since as a veteran I got a 10% discount from Lowe’s.
This is awesome to hear! Thanks for the comment!
I recently bought a s130 for similar reasons, 10% off on a $2800 mower is nice! The Lowe’s delivery person made sure it fired before he left and helped me too. I had read the horror tales of Lowe’s delivery, so here’s my experience. It fired right up, check, deck was leveled, check, it was greased, check slightly over greased, only complaint was the tires was double the maximum pressure, but it’s not hard to deflate the tires to needed pressure.
@@usa-rb5fi you were fortunate with delivery. The reason is consumer expectation. People buy all kinds of shit at box stores for delivery, and expect the delivery guy to be the expert on all of it. It’s a bad expectation. Appliance customers expect the delivery guy to be an appliance expert, tractor customers expect him to be a tractor expert, etc…. In reality… he’s the delivery guy, that’s it lol
Yes, difference between Big box and dealer is, that big box only has s100 series not 200 or X series. And sorry the s series is inferior to the X series.
Yes you are correct. That's why I put the exact models each store carries so that there was no confusion.
6:30 - 2 yr warranty from JD + 3 yr extended warranty from HD does not equal 5 yrs of coverage. A 3 yr extended warranty only gets you 3 yrs of total coverage.
Correct! I should have been more clear on this. The protection plans and the warranty are two completely different things.
Looking at an S240 or an X350. Is the X350 worth the extra money. Only mowing 3/4 acre. Thank you
The s240 would be a fine choice for your situation. The x350 has the same drivetrain,but heavier built mounts and frame.
great video! Always enjoy them. could you maybe make a video about the question :when do I have to change my mowerblades". would be great.thanks!:)
I will add it to the list!
@@WesternEquipment thanks, cant wait!:)
Just bought x354 from my local dealer with the mulching kit and a cover. Should take delivery in 10 days or so. I got 9 months same as cash no down.
Awesome! I hope you enjoy it!!
Your not gonna find a x354 at a big box store. Different mowers different models different warranty different customer service
I beg to differ on Lowes John Deere lawn tractors being the same a authorized John Deere dealer. Lowe’s licenses their “John Deere” tractors but the actual “guts” are by MTD like a Troybilt, Craftsman etc. This explains why a Deere dealer charges up to twice the amount that Lowe’s does for the same model. I actually was told about this from a former Lowes store manger who would know.
This is funny. I have worked for a John Deere dealership for over ten years and I have been to multiple trainings and have seen and been around these mowers the whole time and I can guarantee you that they are the exact same mowers. You can believe the Lowe's store manager if you would like to but I can assure you that person is wrong.
Based on how stupid that Manager is who told you all that complete BS… I’m not surprised he’s a “former” Store Manager lol
I was at Lowes, looking at 130’s, one had a yellow deck and the rest were green, what is the difference? They selling an older model at new model prices?
Yellow deck is last year's model.
Does JD have military discount like Lowes/HD? or price match?
Awesome video can you please make a video of all of the John Deere Gator Models?
I will put that on the list! Thanks for the comment!
@@WesternEquipment Your Welcome!
@@WesternEquipment Thank You!
Best thing is never buy a mower that's outside the store sitting in the weather. Have the store associate take you around back where they are still in the crate and pick one out. The local John Deere dealer (At least in NC) comes out and assembles and sets them up.
I saw where Home Depot is going to sell battery powers push Moore s bad idea. I will by me a couple of gas powers push Moore because I don’t won’t a battery powered anything I tried one and they aren’t worth bringing home
Good video but not 100% accurate. The Z320R sold at John Deere dealers includes a hitch plate. The one sold at Home Depot (which I bought) does NOT. If you need a hitch plate, you’ll need to buy it separately at HD or buy the mower directly from the dealership.
Have you heard people say that the John Deere mowers being sold at Lowes or Home Depot are not really John Deere mowers?
Yes, this is a very common misconception. This is why I made sure in the video to mention that they are the same mowers you will find at a dealership. They are all made in the same factory.
Do I have to have it serviced at a John Deere dealer to keep my warranty? Or am I able to do it myself?
You can definitely service it yourself, it will not void your warranty.
I am in the market but I am not dropping 2k on a entry level rider.
Cheapest thing out there new is 2k for the entry level ride on. I highly recommend going used at that point.
I feel a little bad that I picked up a Z320R at my local HD today instead of the JD Dealer, but I got a LOT of money off the sticker price... I'm just scared about when they deliver it... not even sure if it's going to run, no one at the HD even knew where to find the keys, and it's missing the storage compartment door. Can I take it up to a JD dealer to get it checked out under the JD warranty?
If you have any issues when it is delivered I would probably call your dealer but if it runs and everything seems to work you should be ok. These mowers are normally set up by the local dealer and then taken to HD or Lowe's to be sold.
How did it turn out? I am thinking of doing the same (z330R tho)
well.. After about 6 canceled deliveries. I rented a trailer and got it. Got it home didn’t start. I setup the local dealer to come get it when I decided to do another check myself, one of the fuses was blown. Replaced and it fired up after I charged the battery. Now a year on, have been fine except I did the first two oil changes and despite the engine saying it needs 2 quarts of oil I’ve never gotten more than 1 quart to come out of it. And the dip stick says it’s got full oil. Honestly I should have just got it from the dealer. The money I saved wasn’t worth the headache and hassles that HD put me though. Never making a major purchase from there again.
@XD9rottie that's kind of terrifying. Hmm- 🤞fuck.
Good night Wheel Horse 😴😴😴
I would rather just go to my local John Deere dealer me personally my local dealer is a lot nicer
I completely understand, but it is nice to have this option too.
@@WesternEquipment also I don’t think they sell my Z915E at the big box stores 😂😂
Well- don't buy it from Lowe's unless you are somehow able to see what the unit looks like, and record the serial number before purchase. I tried to get a unit to inspect from their stock of 5 units before purchase and they wouldn't do it, and then I tried to go ahead and do an online order- they tried to have me accept a $3500 machine with scuffs on the hood. I sent it back. Waste of time.
With you As a salesman for John Deere I can't believe you made this video. You should be raging the big box stores and John Deere for allowing them to carry. It really hurts local John Deere dealers
John deere dealers probably couldnt handle the volume of sales that they get by selling through lowes and home depot without a significant investment and price increase on the product. Their homeowner line of mowers is( I would imagine) a significant share of their sales. The more volume you deal in the more competitive you can be in the market. Theres always gonna be a place for big box store mowers,and john Deere's offerings are among the best. It is probably a pain in the butt for the dealers servicing these mowers,but how much more so if they had to have larger facilities, staff,and increase their investment and inventory to meet more peoples sales needs. It's a very good symbiotic relationship they have,works out for all involved.
Our goal is to educate the consumers as much as possible to make the best John Deere purchase, whether they decide to buy from big box or Deere dealership.
@Western Equipment I appreciate the fact that you made this video. Education is so important.
When repairs are needed, the big box stores are not able to repair them and they point you to a dealer near them. The customer then have no choice but to go to a dealer for repairs. Either way they get customers coming to them at some point. Look at the big box store as an initiation to a dealer.
I’m going to guess that local dealers make their money on the big ticket machines and not S100 mowers. Home owners flock to big box every weekend and JD hopes to hook the husband whose wife made him go and shop for ferns to stop and belly up to the green and yellow.. JD knows how to market this customer.
Spoke with driver who picks up and returns John Deere mowers for repairs, while I was picking up my x534. He said majority of broken mowers are homedepot big box mowers, not as well built as dealer equipment. My mower is a 2006 x534 and is still working fine today. The big box mowers don't appear to be as well built as dealer mowers. I quietly laugh as I walk by them going into homedepot 😆
Will never buy big box mowers.
They definitely are the cheaper made mowers so it tracks as to why they would have more issues. But I don't blame you for only wanting to buy the dealer only mowers.
That’s obviously a fine opinion to have but let’s think for a minute about part of this statement “they’re not as well built” - well, I mean obviously, a X500 series starts at nearly $8,000 and a 100 Series around $2300 - I would sure hope for $6,000 more you’re getting a far better built tractor. Having said that - not everyone needs a X500 when they have a 1 acre flat plot
@@Pontiac2001GT even the lower series of lawnmowers aren't as well built. The 100 and 200 series are better built than the big box store mowers. How many of the big box store mowers would someone have to buy over a 17 year span to last as long as the dealer mowers. I paid 6k for the x534 2006 only thing I've had to replace is deck belt and pto switch. Another reason for the higher price is the extra featurs on the higher series mowers. Such as 4 wheel steering hydrostatic drive hydraulic control deck. Instead of buying 3 $2,500 mowers I bought one $6,000 mower still going strong. When I bought the x544 I was cut 1/2 acre , but also moving 3,000+ lb trailers and not on flat level ground.
You get what you pay for...
@@richardb9779 A 100 Series JD is the same tractor, whether it’s at a dealer or Lowes or HD… the dealers even set them up for the box stores prior to sale. If you don’t think a box store mower can last 17 years given proper maintenance and the right sized yard for what they are designed for you obviously aren’t very observant. There are TONS of box store mowers still functioning just fine even from the early 2000’s, 90’s and even 80’s out there. Hell I have one, a 13 year old Cub Cadet, still working fantastic and I can assure you it’s got 10+ years left in it. Again, saying “The X500 is better built than the 100 Series” makes zero sense… OF COURSE IT IS IT COSTS $6,000 MORE. You aren’t comparing apples to apples. That’s like saying “for towing a big boat a Ford F250 is much better built than a Ford Ranger!”
@@Pontiac2001GT I'm am very observant, obviously you get your feelings hurt by facts, there maybe some big box store mowers still running but a good portion can be seen abandoned on the side of the road scrap. I stated a fact quoted from a person who directly observed more broken big box store mowers than dealer mowers. Brought in for service from cutting small flat lawns.. The big box mowers are brought in for repairs while only cutting flat small lawns.Including the 100 and 200 series. Obviously someone buying from dealer is looking for more features other than cutting more grass. Also comes down to cutting time. What I stated was a direct quote not an opinion.
Sorry I don’t think they are the same . There is big differences in the box stores Deeres and the Real deeres . Most Deere dealers don’t even have parts for the MTD copy cat Deeres.
Well you can believe what you want but I worked at a dealership and in parts for 3 years and we always had parts for the "copy cat" mowers...
@@WesternEquipment yeah two friends of mine bought the copy cats in different states and two different dealerships said no parts for them . I asked my local guys and they flipped out showing and talking about the differences. So three dealerships all disagree with you , so peddle your copycats.
There built at the factory, but there built to the standard of Lowe's and home depot , not to the one's you get at a dealer
This is actually not the case. They are built to John Deere’s standards and then John Deere has a contract with Lowe’s and the Home Depot where those two companies can decide which mowers they want to sell.
@@WesternEquipment They are made in Greenville Tn.
Good night John Deere 😴😴😴
Japanese motorcycles are the best But Yamaha Kawasaki Suzuki, and probably Honda all make bikes in Japan and they have their cheaper bikes made in India. I would never buy one of the bikes made in India..
I'd prefer a dealership sold mower over a pos big box tugboat anchor such as a t240 t2400 craftsman cub cadet xt1 Murray or Troy bilt pony or bronco if you bought your mower from lowes or home depot and you take it to a dealer for warranty or repair they will not get to it until all their customers mowers are done basically dealing with their customers fist and lowes or home depot customers second it may take weeks Months possibly years it till the repair on your mower is complete doesn't matter what brand. Thank goodness Kubota is not sold at big box stores that would destroy their reputation im glad Hustler stop selling their mowers at lowes. I'd take A Kubota Exmark or Husqvarna if I was to buy a new mower not Bashing Deere but my la150 isn't to bad my x300 lasted atleast 700 hours until the battery fell of the mount because it was not secured had stop using it ive always like the x300 and x500 and john deeres sabre tractors and the x700 ancestor the 425 445 and 455
Everybody has their preference and that’s ok. Glad you have had luck with your John Deere’s.
@@WesternEquipment thanks
When shopping for a JD product always remember the first rule: don’t buy it from HD.
Why do you say that?
@@WesternEquipment Because an X3 series is the lowest tiered machine Deere sells with a serviceable transmission. The sealed transmissions in a lower tiered machine are grease filled, non serviceable transmissions. When “something is wrong” with one of those units you’re buying a new transmission. Being that you can only spend a dollar once; my vote to buy the better long term valued machine, X3 series or above. Best to you brother!
@RhodesianFAL Most of those cheap entry level mowers die from a lack of maintenance, long before the non-servicable transaxle can wear out.
@@Dale37 My dealer and you have different accounts on the entry level transmissions.
@@Rhodesian_FAL Lots of X300 models have a K46 - same thing as the 100 Series man.
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I think you have great videos . I am tired of hearing. Don’t wash your mower off because you don’t want moisture getting in pully bearings. . There are many different videos on this subject from other sources. Let me tell you when I see local John Deere dealers . Home Depot or lowes leave them out in the rain for months on end. I’m gonna wash mine off 3 or 4 times during the cutting season. John Deere will have there’s out for at least 7 or 8 months. Until winter hits and that’s just on riding mowers. So the notion of getting your mower wet is out the door . Every John Deere dealer I see plus lowes and Home Depot in Texas are out in the rain . Storm after storm hits these mowers before there sold . My mower gets extremely dusty and dirty. . It has to washed once in a while . I’m not worried about moisture getting in the bearings. I still got a 6 year warranty left and if they ever ask if I wash my mower . I’m going to say well you leave yours outside for months to full year before there sold. So you tell me what’s the difference is. Thanks
I get it, it gets old hearing it. And I also see your point with the mowers at most places you buy them being out in the weather. I still think it is a good idea to push the idea of using air and not water for the long term.
@@WesternEquipment unfortunately a leaf blower or air compressor doesn’t get the dust off. Every time I mow in east Texas it’s a dust bath . I have the z530r and the x360. I have had the z530R for a year now . I had to get the yellow roof cover for the Texas heat.
@@WesternEquipment I think it would be more important to keep water out of electrical. Components. Fuse box etc
Plastic trans just saying
You are wrong. No plastic transaxles anymore.
Why did you people quit making homeowner lawn mowers. All you have is commercial mowers
First never ever buy a John Deere mower! Cheap components that will eventually break!
Don’t buy that junk
I have bought both mower from each store not worth it last around 2 years better off buying a better one somewhere else
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