03' GX345 vs. 09' X540

[2manytoyz]

The GX345 is $3750 with a powerflow bagger and 486 hrs. Good cond. The X540 has 250 hrs. $4950, also very good cond. Both have 54" decks. Are they about equal in durability? Is one considered a heavier built tractor? ANy info is appreciated.

 

[beenthere]

Have you listed the features side by each? What are the differences, other than the price?

Do the both have power lift for the mower deck? Seems some of the X540 models do not.

 

[2manytoyz]

Both are power steering and power lift.

 

[Littlegreenman]

Have both tractors had recent transmission fluid and filter changes? Recent drive and mower belts on either? Does the 540 have differential lock versus the 2003 gx345 which does not? Any dry rot on the tires of the 2003? Are both water cooled? When were the radiators flushed and new fluid installed?

Both are fine machines' the older one with more hours will likely need some maintenance if it has not had the 500 hour service. Good luck.

 

[psdx]

Those tractors are pretty comparable. They are both vertical shaft, liquid cooled engines. They are both in the middle range of garden tractors - one frame larger than them, and one smaller than them.

 

[rexwagon]

Last year I was faced with same decision. I opted for the X540. Btw, I paid $4500 for an 09 with only 90 hours on it so you might want to bid them closer to $4k for starters. I chose the newer tractor because it was exactly that newer. The x500s come with the diff lock and the k66 transaxle which is very reliable. 6 years is a big difference in just wear and tear.

I love mine. I put 40 hours on it this summer and it never missed a beat. Got the plow ready to go... Bring on the snow !!!

 

[jltrent]

I bought a 2001 325 JD with 304 hours on it from a Ebay seller and gave $2200 for it. The seller lived about a 1.5 hour drive from me. I now have 340 hours on it and so far it has worked great. It looks almost like new and was well taken care of, no issues so far. I change the trans oil and filter, engine oil and filter. It has sat inside all its life and the tires doesn't show signs of dry rotting yet.

 

[2manytoyz]

Does the GX345 have the K66? Is either the GX345 or X540 up to pulling a 1500lb. roller several times in the spring without trans failures down the road? Trying to find a nice 425 or 475 with under 600 hrs. for under $4000. which is within my budget. Thats not easy to do so therefore the 345's and maybe an X540 is more likley. Power lift and steering is a must. Need some good advice

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

X540 is a wonderful machine as is the GX. I have the 325, which is a bit older. Both are comparable. basically comes down to condition and which you prefer. Try them both out. Attachments for the GX are going to be cheaper as they are older and you can find them 2nd hand pretty easily.

 

[Scooby074]

I had a x540. It was a GREAT machine. Excellent on hills. And gave a high quality, FAST cut.

I only traded in in because i needed a BX for other projects. The BX isnt half the mower the 540 was.

The x540 has a ground engaging transmission which means it has no transmission issues from pulling weight. I havent pulled 1500lbs with mine however. Ive pulled trailers loaded with firewood and gravel, probably 650-850lbs or so. 1500 is really a substantial amount for a garden tractor, but if the tractor could move it you shouldnt have any issues.