Lawn Tractor - JD vs Craftsman

[Scooby074]

I even picked up an "X" series brochure today; but I really would like to find a good 445 AWS or preferably 455 AWS as I prefer liquid cooling, shaft drive and fuel injection. I told the dealer to call me if one comes in...we'll see; but I'm not holding my breath. I checked Machinefinder and Tractorhouse today and the nearest 445's and 455's to me are about 400+ miles away.

Those 445 and 455 deeres sure seem to be holding their value. Several on machinefinder are 3-4k and look pretty well used. Better condition ones are over 5 some are 9K!!. A new x324 is something around 5K. Are the 455s that good? Would they be the equivalent to a x500 in the current series? Liquid cool and shaft drive would definitely be selling points. I hates belts

Edit: i did a little reaserch, you can get liquid cool in the 500 but it looks like you got to go to the 700 for shaft drive but, I could be wrong.

 

[mjncad]

Those 445 and 455 deeres sure seem to be holding their value. Several on machinefinder are 3-4k and look pretty well used. Better condition ones are over 5 some are 9K!!. A new x324 is something around 5K. Are the 455s that good? Would they be the equivalent to a x500 in the current series? Liquid cool and shaft drive would definitely be selling points. I hates belts

Edit: i did a little reaserch, you can get liquid cool in the 500 but it looks like you got to go to the 700 for shaft drive but, I could be wrong.

Yeah I've noticed the same thing concerning the 445's & 455's holding their value. The 445's & 455's are equivalent to the X700 series. When I was shopping for my 4200 in 2001 I test drove a 455 with a loader that had only 89-hours on it. It was a nice little unit and it was traded in for a larger CUT, and that was the only reason I didn't buy it as I wanted something a tad larger. The 455 has a Cat 0 hitch as I recall, and the X700's have a limited Cat 1. Since I want it for mowing, I don't care about the hitch.

Besides price, my other gripe about the X-series is the blasted RIO lawyer switch is an integrated unit with the PTO switch and I don't know if I can easily disable the RIO like I did with my "L"emon 130.

I really do have the itch for the all wheel steering too, which of course jacks up the price whether new or used.

 

[LBrown59]

Those 445 and 455 deeres sure seem to be holding their value. Several on machinefinder are 3-4k and look pretty well used.
1* Better condition ones are over 5 some are 9K!!.
Are the 455s that good?
2* Would they be the equivalent to a x500 in the current series?
I hates belts

Yeah I've noticed the same thing concerning the 445's & 455's holding their value.
3*The 445's & 455's are equivalent to the X700 series. When I was shopping for my 4200 in 2001 I test drove a 455 with a loader that had only 89-hours on it.
4*It was a nice little unit and
5* it was traded in for a larger CUT, and that was the only reason I didn't buy it as I wanted something a tad larger.
The 455 has a Cat 0 hitch as I recall,
and
6*the X700's have a limited Cat 1. Since I want it for mowing, I don't care about the hitch.

1*I think you can do better for about the same or less.At least I did.
2*You would have to buy a JD 700 series to equal a 455 or 425 .
3*This is correct.
4*and 5* IE garden tractor.

 

[hilld]

I found when looking for a used machine, it helps to do so out of season. I realize that your "Lemon" is currently out of commision, but I purchased my x300 used in Feb for $1250, including the large grass catcher (2 bushel). It was 2 years old and not very well maintained, I took it straight to my dealer and had them service it, replace the bad blades and replace the hour meter that was broken. Besides from the fact they installed the wrong blades the first time around, I have a great mower for just over $1500, the MSRP on this unit with the bagger is around $3k. I am happy and would do it again in a heartbeat. I found it on craigslist, but I was looking for about 4 months or so.

Hope that helps.

Derek

 

[QueBota]

I'll second that. If you are not it hurry to purchase I would look around for a deal on and older "garden tractor" level mower. From what I have seen they tend to be built heavier and use higher quality components.

You may be able to find a well maintained older unit for a reasonable price. Even if you have to put a few $$$ into it I think you will still be way ahead of any entry level lawn tractors currently offered.

You would have to spend at least $2.5K to purchase something currently produced to match the older GT level products.

However, if all you need to do is mow an acre or less of level, smooth lawn the better entry level lawn tractors, if properly maintained, should provide many years of service.

Dave

 

[herd]

There is absolutely no comparing the two, one is cheap but will do the job and the other is expensive but you won't be dissatisfied with the Deere. I ran a Craftsmans 18hp Kohler with 46'' cuts for several years on 1.4 acres. While the engine was outstanding, it was basically a good heavy duty engine on a medium duty mower and frame.

The peripherial equipment such as starter, solenoid, belts, pulleys, etc, do not last long, I was spending a couple hundred each year on maintenance. I went fm that to a 48'' Snapper ZTR, outstanding mower but made best for turf and not rough terrain.

I now mow 3+ acres and the Snapper was killing me bouncing up and down so I went to get the JD 54'' but saw an outstanding buy on the Husqvarna 54''. I have used the Husky for 3 months now, very, very satisfied with it.

Good luck, let us know what you settle on.

 

[joes_427_vette]

Deere entry level machines are just that. They have the name but built no better than the craftsman / murray.

To get a good machine in JD colors the deck alone will be 2k. The rest of the unit although expensive at purchase will last a lifetime. Spend the money and be happy or scrimp on a cheapee and spend your time fixing. I have a 4110 JD and it works great.

 

[LBrown59]

There is absolutely no comparing the two, one is cheap but will do the job and the other is expensive but you won't be dissatisfied with the Deere. I ran a Craftsmans 18hp Kohler with 46'' cuts for several years on 1.4 acres. While the engine was outstanding, it was basically a good heavy duty engine on a medium duty mower and frame.

The peripherial equipment such as starter, solenoid, belts, pulleys, etc, do not last long, I was spending a couple hundred each year on maintenance. I went fm that to a 48'' Snapper ZTR, outstanding mower but made best for turf and not rough terrain.

I now mow 3+ acres and the Snapper was killing me bouncing up and down so I went to get the JD 54'' but saw an outstanding buy on the Husqvarna 54''. I have used the Husky for 3 months now, very, very satisfied with it.

Good luck, let us know what you settle on.

Same thing as a Craftsman.

 

[SCDolphin]

I had the same dilema 2 yrs ago. None of the 100 series JD's are rated to pull a trailer much less a disc. I bought the Craftsman GT 6500 with the smaller 48" deck vs 52" (ordered it that way). The blades are stout. The spindles are greaseable unlike the JD which are not. The belt is easy to remove and it will pull ground impliments. The 26 hp Kohler has tons of power. For the money I could not be happier. I have posted about this before. It is also easy on gas.

Good luck

 

[archerm3]

Isn't comparing a JD to a Craftsman like comparing a BMW to a Kia?

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Isn't comparing a JD to a Craftsman like comparing a BMW to a Kia? )</font>

Maybe if your comparing a Craftsman with an upper end JD.... not an L series.

Yeah, I was thinking more like comparing a Yukon to an Escalade.