John Deere 425 and 400

[Tractor Beam]

We're looking at buying a 2001 425 or a 1980 400. The 425 is $5,000 and the 400 is $2,000. Just wondering what the possibilities of finding parts for the 400 are? I like the 400 best, on account of the Kohler motor, which seems to be a bit more industrial than the 425s Kawasaki. Just curious if both have cast iron bores and how hard it would be to locate another mower deck for the 400, on account of it being 32 years old. Any input would be appreciated!

 

[XSKIER]

I would recommend the 425 purely for ease of use, and smoothness. What are your intended uses for the lawn tractor?

 

[XP14629]

425 all the way. I have a 318 which is the same age as the 400 and if I needed to replace it, it would be a 425 or 445. They are so much nicer to drive and use.

 

[Tractor Beam]

I would recommend the 425 purely for ease of use, and smoothness. What are your intended uses for the lawn tractor?

Just mowing. Do either of you guys know if the Kawasaki motor is cast iron bored or aluminum like those darn onan engines? The 425 as I understand, is liquid cooled.

 

[XSKIER]

The kaw is cast iron bore and liquid cooled. The 425 will do everything better than the 400, especially mowing.

www.tractordata.com

Use this link for detailed specifications on the different makes and models.

 

[Tractor Beam]

I've already been living there! :laughing: I'll let you know what we end up with. Also considering a Kubota diesel brand new.....Thanks a bunch!

 

[Tractor Beam]

Looking real hard at the BX2200. Seems pretty clear to me and the wife, that you get more orange for your green than you do with John Deere.

 

[Mercmaniac]

I have a 445 and my dad has a 425. We both love ours!!:thumbsup:

 

[Sterff]

I have 2 425's. one with 1050 hrs and the other with 1250 or so. They are both very reliable and used for mowing mostly. One has a 60" deck and the other a 54". The 425 with 1050 hrs has had a MC519 bagger on it since day one and still runs smooth.

 

[grnspot110]

Just be aware that the 400 is "attachment specific", meaning on 400 attachments fit the 400! ~~ grnspot