Learning Experience At Dealer Today

[2manytoyz]

Gettin ready to make a big trade up. Bought a new L130 1st year they were out. 802 hrs. later I'm ready for at least a X540 or older 475, 485. I pull a 1200lb. roller (which killed the K46 after a few years) and mow 2.5 acres. Learned that local area JD dealers will not even take a L120 or 130 in on trade. This sort of surprised me. Secondly I asked about the belt drive on the many JD tractors now. The salesman made out that I was degrading the belt drives I guess. Got sort of defensive and said would you rather replace a gearbox on a shaftdrive or a belt. I have never thought of a belt being superior to a shaft. I have nothing against a belt but if I have a choice between a X540 or an older low hr. shaft drive for a few hundred more I'm taken the shaft drive. Am I crazy?

 

[Scooby074]

I had an X540. It was a phenomenal mower. Best ive ever used and thats even including my current "shaft Drive" kubota bx with the pro deck.

I wouldnt worry about a belt drive. Remember the blades on the deck are still belt driven regardless of how the power gets down to them.

 

[beenthere]

Get the shaft drive. Much more solid than the belt, IMO.
You must take great care of your tractor to get that many hours out of the L130. :thumbsup:

The heavier duty tractors have the shaft drive and near as I can tell over the last 18 years, they are near bullet proof. I prefer the 425, 445, 455 over the newer X. I like the pieced engine surround rather than the one piece hood. Much, much better dust control a pre-filtering ahead of the radiator and air intake. I like the bigger tires on my X485 over the 425 and 455, but still prefer the older ones for the dust reasons.

 

[2manytoyz]

I'm religious on oil changes and this March I rebuilt the K46 trans in it for $160Made a big improvement in its torque again. I've been told by a couple small engine gurus that the Kohler Command engine won't last much past the 1000 hr. mark before rebuild. Time will tell as I may end up keeping it as a spare. I used it on 3 large yards a week for a few yrs. as well as my own. Thats where 800 hrs. come from.

 

[mjncad]

Get the shaft drive. Much more solid than the belt, IMO.
You must take great care of your tractor to get that many hours out of the L130. :thumbsup:

I agree that shaft drive is superior to belt drive. I have an L130 and I'm amazed you've gotten that many hours out of it.

As for the salesman seeming upset...screw him, he's a salesman and will have no qualms screwing you.

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

salesmen just want to sell new tractors. They'll say whatever they need to.

 

[Yooper75]

Go find an older deere in either the 300 series like a 318 or 332 or even in the 400 series like a 420 or 430. I have a 33 year old 312 that I picked up in 2009 and I just went through this summer and I hope to get another 33 years out of the machine. I also just picked up a 1979 317 for a winter project that I am turning into a loader/backhoe for landscaping and dirt duty. The parts are still available and what is not available through Deere you can find on E-Bay for a good price for good parts.

Here is the 312 I just did and I think I have probably $1500-$1800 invested in the tractor including attachments and the rebuild.

This is what I started with.

This is what it looks like now.

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

nice 312. I love those old things. I have a 110, 112, 212, & 214.

 

[Yooper75]

nice 312. I love those old things. I have a 110, 112, 212, & 214.

Thank's I love the older Deere riders, they just don't build them like that anymore. I am having trouble with the carb after putting a new fuel pump on it but I will get it sorted out.

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

Ive noticed the carbs take adjusting a couple of times before they finally come out of it. My 212 is doing that right now. Whatever you do, don't run the tank dry or you'll siphon all the old crud through the carb.