New to me John Deere D105

[FergusonTO35]

So, I got a good deal (well under a grand) on this nice low miles 2017 John Deere D105. She has a 17.5 B&S single cylinder OHV (my favorite riding mower engine), 42" cut, manual blade engagement (which I prefer) and push pedal transaxle with forward/neutral/reverse lever. Mowed with it today and I'm impressed. It's not going to replace my 1990 Murray that's still in service, but will definitely get some use with about 3 acres total I keep mowed.

So, what can you tell me about it? JD says it has an "automatic" transaxle, not hydrostatic. Is it a true automatic with a torque converter? Do these machines have any known trouble areas? The older and bigger members of the family eye it suspiciously from the shed!

 

[066 redeye]

Cam decomp failure.
If it has an early head gasket type, 95% chance it will blow.

 

[EFSM]

JD says it has an "automatic" transaxle, not hydrostatic.

It is a General Transmission unit with a fully plastic housing. We see problems with the axle grease seals pushing out, and issues with the variable pulley mechanism on top of the transmission. Those issues range from pulleys flying apart to the speed adjusters not sliding right due to dirt buildup. To say the least, not a good transmission overall. However, that unit looks well cared for. Keep the transmission clean and don’t pull loads up cliffs. It might treat you pretty well.