John Deere X530 4.70 star(s) (3)

Too Much Green for the Green
Model Year: 2011

The Good: 1) This tractor does a wonderful job of mowing and dragging tow behind implements such as trailer, de-thatcher, sweeper, etc. 2) It is more fun than work to operate. 3) It is reliable. 4) Maintenance is accessible. The Bad: 1) Seat will not stay up. 2) Spring loaded choke can smoke you off if not managed properly. 3) Occasionally backfires when started. 4) Brake pedal above the forward reverse? What were they thinking? 5) Cost. The Ugly: 1) The plastic hood is already beginning to fade and I expect it will eventually crack. The tractor is stored under carport when not in use (the manual cautions about leaving the tractor in the sun, huh?) 2) The seat cracked and ripped after only 200 hours. 3) That occasional embarrassing cloud of blue smoke from cranking while choke is applied. When we bought it we thought buying the green tractor would buy best quality available. I no longer feel that way. Nor would I pay that much money for a lawn mower again. If you do the math, you could buy 3 or 4 riders from a big box store and assuming you get 7 to 10 years apiece out of them you'd be money ahead.

Pros: 1) Has started and performed task without fail. 2) Does an excellent job of mowing. 3) Power steering. 4) Hydraulic lift.
Cons: 1) Seat will not stay up and cracked and tore at 200 hours. 2) Capable of smothering entire neighborhood with blue smoke if choke not set properly.

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Good Machine
Model Year: 0

Does what is suppose to do in good form.

Pros: Works for my needs.
Cons: Price is a little high.

My John Deere X530 Review
Model Year: 2011

I traded my LA125 in for a X300 kept it about a week, and brought it back for a upgrade the X530. This tractor is a pleasure to operate the 300 was okay, but I wanted more mower and hydraulics. I can actually get a good cut going full speed (7.2 MPH), but I like to cut slow and enjoy the ride. Cruise control makes it real easy. I bought the sun shade accessory along with the oscillating fan which made it easy to cut grass on a 100 degree day. I am the envy of all the neighbors and my yard cannot get away with me with the 54" deck its easy to catch up my only complaint is my grass doesn't fast enough to warrant me to cut every week I only have one more cut left till next spring. I have about 52 hours on it. I really wanted the X729 with the tail lights and full dash but could not see putting $9,000 in a mower the 530 set me back $6,200 but its 1/2 way paid for. BTW did I mention I really like the mower I plan on paying it off next year and possibly trading for a X729.

Pros: Fuel gauge, hydraulics, curise control, traction assist, huge rear tires.
Cons: I have to make payments through the winter months while not in use.