John Deere X540 4.50 star(s) (8)

John Deere X540
Model Year: 2009

Very satisfied, removing the deck is straight forward, much easier than my previous mower a Cub Cadet, the belt removal etc. was not friendly at all.

Pros: Liquid cooled-economical.
Cons: None.

John Deere X540 Design Oversight
Model Year: 2013

Good Morning and Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays to all. I am a very proud owner of a 2013 John Deere X540 with a 48" deck, 47" blower and soon, the hydraulic tiller. I've replaced the rear reflectors (tail lights) with new LED tail lights which I purchased from a great guy in New York by the name of Jeff Walters for about $125.00. The rear tail light issue is done and they look AWESOME. I am now looking to find anyone that can help me correct the other John Deere mistake. You see, although they contemplated night operation (they built our tractors with headlights), they didn't think it was important enough for us to be able to see how much fuel we have left. Yes, they actually forgot to light the dash! Thus, we cannot see our fuel level at night. So, if anyone can steer me in the right direction to solve this problem, I would really appreciate it. Maybe even John Deere themselves? Wishful thinking I guess. My e-mail is: gyhooya@ptd.net. Thank You, John

Pros: Subject to the above, everything!
Cons: Other than above, nothing!

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So Far So Good
Model Year: 2013

Haven't used it much so far. Just collecting leaves. Only problem I'm having is the two pins that attach to the deck and used for lifting keep coming off, preventing me from being able to lift the deck at all. It may be my fault though. I have been lowering the deck so the wheels touch the ground which I have been told you shouldn't do. I'm done with leaves now so I will have to wait until Spring to try again. The next thing will be to see how it does with the snow blower.

Pros: Good overall tractor.
Cons: Not very easy installing the attachments.

John Deere X540
Model Year: 2008

I was looking for a JD X3 series as I only have 1/2 an acre and have used a Crafstman for 10 years w/ no major issues. While I was looking at new, I started watching all major tractor sites and Craigslist. X540's are not that common in TX as we do not have snow to plow, etc. I located a guy who had swapped it for some debt that was owed and purchased my 2008 X540 w/ bumper guard and Powerflo bagger for $4300 and it only had 39 hours on it! While it is overkill, I could not pass up the deal. I have moved 3 acres with it w/ no problems what so ever. The Tractor is very strong, quiet and drives like a dream w/ power steering. I have added the mulching kit and not quite as happy w/it as it leaves some of the grass still standing.

Pros: Qulity built, super strong engine.
Cons: Price of a new one.

Clutch Trouble
Model Year: 2009

Mower has had 3 clutches since new.

Pros: Good power.
Cons: Bad clutch.

Mixed Feelings...
Model Year: 2007

I "inherited" this garden tractor from my dad when he went into a nursing home. It has hydrostatic transmission I didn't want him to buy it, but he went ahead and got it anyway. The cost was something ridiculous, roughly $7200. For a little more he could have gotten a real tractor. For the $7000+ you don't even get a metal hood. It's plastic and the manual says, "Don't leave it in the sun." The tires aren't very good; they kept going flat so I replaced them with better, larger ones and sealed them. Again, I think a $7200 garden tractor should come with good tires. All the usual problems with 12-volt batteries getting weak or going dead if you let the machine sit unused for five weeks apply. The engine I find noisy despite it being air-cooled. Wear ear protection. The seat is not very comfortable for people with back problems. Okay, but not great. The back is too low and they could have made it an inch or two higher without adding much cost, I'd think. On the other hand, it has pretty good power for a garden tractor and can even mow tall grass if you go over it twice. Steering is great and the machine is highly maneuverable, not much less so than a zero-turn mower. The hydraulic lift for the mowing deck is convenient but not really necessary. A manual lift operated by a handle is just as good. The deck looks confusing to remove and then replace. I haven't tried it yet and don't plan to! It might last a long time if properly maintained.

Pros: Good engine, decent mowing power.
Cons: Cost, noisy, quality of features.

X540 Lawn Mower
Model Year: 2011

Just getting used to it. I love the power steering. Didn't know if I would like the water cooled instead of air cooled, but the money difference I went with it . So far very satisfied.

Pros: Power steering, hydraulic deck, tilt steering.
Cons: Rear backing hard to get used to.

Waiting for it to be delivered
Model Year: 2010

Waiting for it to be delivered. I also purchased snowblower and bagger.

Pros: Hydraulics.
Cons: It's big.