I'm looking to replace a 175 hyrdo that I've been operating for the last 27+ years (parents bought it when I was a kid). After riding my father-in-laws 425 and my dads x304, I'm leaning towards getting a better quality used tractor instead of a new one. My hope is to get another 25 years out of the next tractor. I only have about an acre of mostly flat land (one steep section), but plan to snow plow 120' of flat driveway. I live in upstate New York so snow fall is expected, but I typically take care of it twice a day. I also move firewood around with a small cart. Given the application, I'm shying away from the base 300's.
My local dealer has a 2007 X540 with 212 hours on it for less than $4K (my limit). I test rode it around the facility and it sounds and runs great. It comes with a 54" deck, which is too large for me so the dealer will swap it for a 48" deck that has 130 hours on it at no charge. The unit is in good shape. No major damage, just minor brush scratches on the hood. The weight supports and hitch have paint missing so it was used to tow equipment and possible front end-duty of some type. The dealer hadn't cleaned the unit yet when I looked at it, but it looked great. Some small leaves inside, deck was slightly dirty had a normal level of grease around the spindle bearings.
Since it's out of warrenty, the dealer is offering a 50/50 arrangement until this summer (we split the cost of any issues). They will change out all of the fluids, perform all the required preventitive maintenance, and also inspect the PTO arrangment to make sure no bolts are about to back out.
I plan to add a JD original snow blade. The blower is beyond my budget and overkill for my driveway. I have a 20" blower I can use to keep the driveway edges clear. My job is demanding (10 - 12 hr days) and I need to be at work before 6:30AM so I'm hoping to quickly plow the driveway in the morning before work. Using the 20" blower took over 50 minutes and I was always wet when done. I'm dreaming of sitting on the 540 while drinking coffee, staying nice and dry....I also love the power steering...
So, how does the price sound?
How well does the 540 plow?
Can I expect a long life out of it if I keep up with the fluids & maintenance?
Should I run synthetic oil?
How about a X320, which has 100 less hours and a 1 year warrenty for $3500? How about a x500 for $500 more that only has 50 Hours and has warrenty?
Any other recommended blades besides the JD model? I'm not sure how much of a discount I will get.
Do I need tire chains / straps since I have the more aggresive tires?
Is there a shop manual for the 540? I'm a mechanical engineer and like working on equipment so I don't mind attemping repairs...
Thanks for the comments / suggestions.
My local dealer has a 2007 X540 with 212 hours on it for less than $4K (my limit). I test rode it around the facility and it sounds and runs great. It comes with a 54" deck, which is too large for me so the dealer will swap it for a 48" deck that has 130 hours on it at no charge. The unit is in good shape. No major damage, just minor brush scratches on the hood. The weight supports and hitch have paint missing so it was used to tow equipment and possible front end-duty of some type. The dealer hadn't cleaned the unit yet when I looked at it, but it looked great. Some small leaves inside, deck was slightly dirty had a normal level of grease around the spindle bearings.
Since it's out of warrenty, the dealer is offering a 50/50 arrangement until this summer (we split the cost of any issues). They will change out all of the fluids, perform all the required preventitive maintenance, and also inspect the PTO arrangment to make sure no bolts are about to back out.
I plan to add a JD original snow blade. The blower is beyond my budget and overkill for my driveway. I have a 20" blower I can use to keep the driveway edges clear. My job is demanding (10 - 12 hr days) and I need to be at work before 6:30AM so I'm hoping to quickly plow the driveway in the morning before work. Using the 20" blower took over 50 minutes and I was always wet when done. I'm dreaming of sitting on the 540 while drinking coffee, staying nice and dry....I also love the power steering...
So, how does the price sound?
How well does the 540 plow?
Can I expect a long life out of it if I keep up with the fluids & maintenance?
Should I run synthetic oil?
How about a X320, which has 100 less hours and a 1 year warrenty for $3500? How about a x500 for $500 more that only has 50 Hours and has warrenty?
Any other recommended blades besides the JD model? I'm not sure how much of a discount I will get.
Do I need tire chains / straps since I have the more aggresive tires?
Is there a shop manual for the 540? I'm a mechanical engineer and like working on equipment so I don't mind attemping repairs...
Thanks for the comments / suggestions.