sgoldste01
Silver Member
Hi, I'm in the market for a tractor to mow my 1.2 acre yard, which is mostly flat with some gentle slopes. I would also like to attach a bagger in the fall when picking up leaves (would side discharge otherwise), and maybe pull a cart with mulch from time to time.
My previous tractor was an Ariens Sierra 1540H, and it lasted 14 years before the hydro tranny quit (although it started having other issues starting at around 10 years, such as the deck rusting apart, and the steering gears failing).
I was ready to pull the trigger on a new JD X300, and take advantage of JD's current $500 discount promotion (brings the price down to $2500). But in reading reviews online, I'm reading that the transmission (K46) is the same as the LA Series, which concerns me. I would expect a heavier tractor with a torqier engine like the X300 to also provide a heavier duty tranny.
My local CraigsList has an ad for a 1999 GT275 with 44" Pirhanna mulching deck, snowblower, and snow blade for $2500. I don't really want the blower/blade, but the seller won't separate. It doesn't have an hour meter, but he thinks it probably has 500 hours on it. He says it's in great shape, and his pictures suggest that he's right.
I would probably sell the blower/blade myself, if I bought this package.
I'm having trouble justifying paying almost the same amount for an 11-year-old machine as I can spend on a new one. I'm also wondering if I can bag with the mulching deck; I'm guessing not.
Suggestions?
Thanks,
Steve
My previous tractor was an Ariens Sierra 1540H, and it lasted 14 years before the hydro tranny quit (although it started having other issues starting at around 10 years, such as the deck rusting apart, and the steering gears failing).
I was ready to pull the trigger on a new JD X300, and take advantage of JD's current $500 discount promotion (brings the price down to $2500). But in reading reviews online, I'm reading that the transmission (K46) is the same as the LA Series, which concerns me. I would expect a heavier tractor with a torqier engine like the X300 to also provide a heavier duty tranny.
My local CraigsList has an ad for a 1999 GT275 with 44" Pirhanna mulching deck, snowblower, and snow blade for $2500. I don't really want the blower/blade, but the seller won't separate. It doesn't have an hour meter, but he thinks it probably has 500 hours on it. He says it's in great shape, and his pictures suggest that he's right.
I would probably sell the blower/blade myself, if I bought this package.
I'm having trouble justifying paying almost the same amount for an 11-year-old machine as I can spend on a new one. I'm also wondering if I can bag with the mulching deck; I'm guessing not.
Suggestions?
Thanks,
Steve