Orange or Green

[usmcshepherd]

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts, suggestions and apprecaition.

Well today, I test drove a x520 and wow what a machine. I've never had anythig like this so it was quite impressive to me (I'm still using a small craftsman). I totally agree with whatever says about dealer support, which is what is driving me closer to the JD line, as the Kubota dealers in IL weren't very helpful when I called them up to just inquire about service support etc, where the JD guy told me they'd drive out to the farm and pickup the tractor and return it whenever necessary without charge (of course they are only about 10 miles from the farm itself...which oh by the way is located outside Princeton, IL).

I liked the x520/540 liquid cooled engine, but then read elsewhere that that can sometimes be more work and a potential issue in cold weather.

The salesman quoted me a price of $6200 on the x520 and $7k even on the x540 which for the $800 I think it would be worth having the power steering and autolift deck.

My delimea returns to whether I need a tractor the size of a x500 series or if I should just go with a x360 (22hp over the 17hp in the smaller 300 series plus it has the power steering and lift, just doesn't have aliquid cooled engine or differential, and its $2k cheaper then the x540).

The one thing I didn't really like about the JD's was that the brake was on the same side as the fwd/rvs pedals...is that normal? Are they all that way?

Anyway thanks again and once I get this issue over I'll tell you about a restored Farmall M I am planning on buying my dad for his birthday next year. Its the same model he had growing up on the farm!!!

[mjncad]

I have Deere equipment primarily because there are plenty of dealers and parts are easy to come by. I'm also pleased with my 4200.

Try them both out and see which you like best.

I have a CUT and an L130 (Despot/Doh's) series of lawn tractor I bought at the dealership. The L130 is maneuverable for my current use; but I can't recommend the 100 series as they are too flimsy.

Unlike a car or pickup, you can't just run down to NAPA, et al for parts; therefore you need to factor in the dealer too. I would have looked at Kubota's more closely had the closest dealer not been a jerk. The next closest dealers are either too far from me, or too much of a PITA to get to.

Bottom line is get what you like best.

[Gittyup]

For about half that $7K you can get a nice used 455. It's so much better built than those 500 series. It's diesel and heavy, and can take cat0 3ph implements as well as a small loader. Some even have a rear PTO, or one can be added. Hydraulics and PS are standard. All shaft driven everything. Many have said the 400 series were/are the best GTs ever made.

Liquid cooling isn't an issue on any of these. I love the quietness of them. And, of course, it adds to engine logevity. Flush and refill is simple and quick, and isn't all that often either. I use mine in the winter for snow plowing. Never an issue with the liquid cooling. In 16 years, literally just change the fluids, keep it greased, and it just works and works and works. Always starts on first try, hot or cold. This is, of course, on a 400 series. The new 500 series just doesn't impress me. My uncle bought a 500 after he used my 425. After the purchase, he was disappointed. Said it wasn't near the tractor that mine was. He still has it, but prefers to use his old 70's cub cadet. What does that say? I do like the 700 series. But, man are they pricey.

I'd also consider a good used bota 1500 or there abouts.

As far as the brakes. You hardly even use them on an HST. Mainly for parking and holding on steep hills. The JD setup on their GTs is the best configuration. Easy, short motions and nonfatigueing.

Also, don't discount the AWS option on the deeres. It reall can cut mowing time considerably, among many other advantages that it offers.

Of course, if you have flat, smooth land and want to cut the absolute fastest, a zero turn is the way to go, as long as all you want it to do is cut grass.

[LBrown59]

Originally Posted by usmcshepherd

I am in no way sold on a color, I was just using color to reference between Kubota and John Deere. For the price of a x534 I could have a diesel GR 2110 that does have the shaft drive. However,.* the JDs have a lot more accessories available for them.

*Not if you go with a BX1500 or BX1830 1850 or 1860.
A far better choice than either the X534 or Gr2110.

[JDGREEN4ME]

Originally Posted by Gittyup

All I can say is that my shaft drive JD425 is on its 16th cutting season and I've never had to change a belt. Fuel consumption ain't bad either. What I would recommend to the OP is to look for a used JD455 for lawn mowing, if diesel is your preference. Or a JD445 or 425 otherwise. These are "better" machines than the new x500 series. Will last you a lifetime. There almost certainly are similar products in the kubota line (like bX1500) too.

No doubt the old 400 Series Deeres are some of the best ever built...but that was then and this is now and I wanted something new. For my use the 500 Series is plenty good enough. Did not want diesel and I sure wasn't going to pay at least 4K more to "get the shaft" with a 700 Series.

[usmcshepherd]

I think the reference to the older 400 series probably fits the now 700 series more accurately. While I would love to have a x720 (there was one at the dealer today that we looked at) its just simply to big for what I need. The dealer is going to get in a 540 and 360 for me to test drive and check out and then I'll make my decision.

I did take the time once I was done at the JD dealer to swing by the Kubota dealer and look at his mowers and to be honest, the Kubota's just didn't look as impressive as the JD's. The JD's just seemed more solid then the Kubota's...so that being said I think we will end up going green on this go around.

[LBrown59]

Originally Posted by usmcshepherd

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts, suggestions and apprecaition.
Well today, I test drove a x520 and wow what a machine. I've never had anythig like this so it was quite impressive to me (I'm still using a small craftsman). I totally agree with whatever says about dealer support, which is what is driving me closer to the JD line, as the Kubota dealers in IL weren't very helpful when I called them up to just inquire about service support etc, where the JD guy told me they'd drive out to the farm and pickup the tractor and return it whenever necessary without charge (of course they are only about 10 miles from the farm itself...which oh by the way is located outside Princeton, IL).
The salesman quoted me a price of $6200 on the x520 and $7k even on the x540 which for the $800 I think it would be worth having the power steering and autolift deck.
My delimea returns to whether I need a tractor the size of a x500 series or if I should just go with a x360 (22hp over the 17hp in the smaller 300 series plus it has the power steering and lift, just doesn't have aliquid cooled engine or differential, and its $2k cheaper then the x540).
Anyway thanks again and once I get this issue over I'll tell you about a restored Farmall M I am planning on buying my dad for his birthday next year. Its the same model he had growing up on the farm!!!

I have 7750 in a new BX1500 and 5050 in a used bx1500 .
Both are diesels with PS and full HYDs.
They also have ROPS 3 point hitches and rear power take offs and are hst..
**********************

Originally Posted by Gittyup

All I can say is that my shaft drive JD425 is on its 16th cutting season and I've never had to change a belt. Fuel consumption ain't bad either. What I would recommend to the OP is to look for a used JD455 for lawn mowing, if diesel is your preference. Or a JD445 or 425 otherwise. These are "better" machines than the new x500 series. Will last you a lifetime. There almost certainly are similar products in the kubota line (*like bX1500) too.

* I've found from my investigations that the BX1500 and 1800 series along with JD2210 and the 2305 are tough to beat with an x400 x500 or x700 series in quality features and value for about the same money in most cases.
*****************

*****

Originally Posted by usmcshepherd

I am in no way sold on a color, I was just using color to reference between Kubota and John Deere. For the price of a x534 I could have a diesel GR 2110 that does have the shaft drive. However, the JDs have a lot more accessories available to them.

************

Originally Posted by Gittyup

For about half that $7K you can get a nice used 455. It's so much better built than those 500 series. It's diesel and heavy, and
1* can take cat0 3ph implements as well as a small loader. Some even have a rear PTO, or one can be added. Hydraulics and PS are standard. All shaft driven everything. Many have said the 400 series were/are the best GTs ever made.
2*I'd also consider a good used bota 1500 or there abouts.
Liquid cooling isn't an issue on any of these. and it just works and works and works. Always starts on first try, hot or cold. This is, of course, on a 400 series. The new 500 series just doesn't impress me. My uncle bought a 500 after he used my 425. After the purchase, he was disappointed. Said it wasn't near the tractor that mine was. He still has it, but prefers to use his old 70's cub cadet. What does that say? I do like the 700 series. But, man are they pricey.

1*That's not a given because the 400s did not come standard wit a 3 point hitch and or a rear pto.
2*These can't be beat.There's just no comparrison between them and garden tractors.

[LBrown59]

Originally Posted by usmcshepherd

I think the reference to the older 400 series probably fits the now 700 series more accurately. While I would love to have a x720 (there was one at the dealer today that we looked at) its just simply to big for what I need. The dealer is going to get in a 540 and 360 for me to test drive and check out and then I'll make my decision.

I did take the time once I was done at the JD dealer to swing by the Kubota dealer and look at his mowers and to be honest, the Kubota's just didn't look as impressive as the JD's. The JD's just seemed more solid then the Kubota's...so that being said I think we will end up going green on this go around.

Did you know The JD 300 500 and 700 series are all garden tractors.?
The Kubot BXs are in in the higher class off sub compacts.

[usmcshepherd]

Actually yes I did realize the x300, 500 and 700 are all considered graden tractors but for what I need now and what I'll need around the farm when I move there will ultimately require a mower that can get around a little more effectively then a compact tractor. I'm only mowing an acre now, hence the reason I was looking at the x540 (I know its more then I need now, but will be nice when I'm mowing the 4 acres at the farm in a couple years). What I am going to do once I move to the farm is look at a larger 35 hp tractor with a small cab on it for mowing, snow removal etc.

[wolc123]

It sounds like you are on the right track there Marine, and thankyou for your service.