Newbie. X300 new or used?

[13 Stars]

Hi folks. I'm new to this forum. Great stuff!
I'm looking to replace a 25 year old Bolens mower with a JD X300.
New or used? Can't decide on savings versus higher hp and warranty.
There's a local model for $1600, 154 hours with a trailer. Tempting...
I'd be using it for mowing and snowblowing only.

Thoughts?

JP

 

[Rgilbert]

I think it depends on the year. The new x300 has the problematic k46 rear end in them. I think pre 2008 had a stronger rear end. If they both have the k46 rear end I would probably go with the x310 with the stronger k58 rear end

 

[jenkinsph]

I agree with Rgilbert^^^^^^^^ go with an x310 or higher.

 

[js5020]

Many say go with an x310 or larger as they have the heavier transaxle but they also come with a higher price tag and if one fits into the budget I agree, heck if an X700 series fits the budget buy that. Many also say the K46 transaxle is weak, might be, might be the owners use them a bit harder than they are suppose to also? I purchased an X300R new as this machines task here is mowing, I wanted the features of the R model but wasnt really happy with the transaxle choice, I was skeptical of the transaxle from all the "forum bad press", but decided I would rely on the 4 yr warranty for transaxle problems and if that did happen I would just trade up to a larger X3 or X5 at the end of warranty, but have found none of it to be true to this point (100+hrs) the machine still "pulls" like new, and an R model weighs more than a regular X300 and is most of the time carrying a full bag of grass (even more weight) to work the transaxle harder,,, 2 seasons and no K46 horrors is the bottom line but then I dont use it to pull vehicles, pop wheelies, drag trees or have long steep slopes to deal with.

 

[jenkinsph]

Many say go with an x310 or larger as they have the heavier transaxle but they also come with a higher price tag and if one fits into the budget I agree, heck if an X700 series fits the budget buy that. Many also say the K46 transaxle is weak, might be, might be the owners use them a bit harder than they are suppose to also? I purchased an X300R new as this machines task here is mowing, I wanted the features of the R model but wasnt really happy with the transaxle choice, I was skeptical of the transaxle from all the "forum bad press", but decided I would rely on the 4 yr warranty for transaxle problems and if that did happen I would just trade up to a larger X3 or X5 at the end of warranty, but have found none of it to be true to this point (100+hrs) the machine still "pulls" like new, and an R model weighs more than a regular X300 and is most of the time carrying a full bag of grass (even more weight) to work the transaxle harder,,, 2 seasons and no K46 horrors is the bottom line but then I dont use it to pull vehicles, pop wheelies, drag trees or have long steep slopes to deal with.

So how would you feel about this if you had problems by 200 hours? I know I didn't abuse my L130 and have several tractors for the tougher jobs. Still had problems mowing my fairly level lawn area by 200 hours of use. At 100+ hours mine was working fine too.

I really like the x300R as it is more compact with the rear blower than my x749 with MC 519 cart and alot less money. Still would buy one for my own lawn if they upgraded the tranny to a k58, but don't think they can fit the blower and tranny in the amount of space available.

 

[Rgilbert]

I just know I have had two with the k46. And both have failed. I thought the first was just fluke. Then I bought a la165 and had the problem at 80 hours after using as a lawn mower and sometimes with a 10 p cart. Then I researched it and traded it in on a x310. The k58 diff feels entirely different than the k46. Big difference in tractor/mower as well. Yes the dealer would have replaced/repaired the la165 under warranty but the next time it failed it would have been on me. I just couldn't justify keeping it for what I paid for it and what it would have cost to repair the next time it failed. So I cut my losses and bought the real John Deere instead the entry level tractor. Major upgrade from la (D) series night and day

 

[js5020]

So how would you feel about this if you had problems by 200 hours? I know I didn't abuse my L130 and have several tractors for the tougher jobs. Still had problems mowing my fairly level lawn area by 200 hours of use. At 100+ hours mine was working fine too.

I really like the x300R as it is more compact with the rear blower than my x749 with MC 519 cart and alot less money. Still would buy one for my own lawn if they upgraded the tranny to a k58, but don't think they can fit the blower and tranny in the amount of space available.

I had resolved I was more interested in the features of the X300R than the short comings of the K46 and JD puts a 4yr warranty on the transaxle, so zero out of my pocket if it does fail in that time period. After 4yrs its on my dime and being a 4K mower I will have no issue putting up for a new trans at that time, after 8 or so years I figure the mower to be pretty used up so I will replace it at that time,,, or at end of warranty I will trade for another new one. Dont misunderstand if JD made the R model in a X3 with a K58 or an X5R it would be in the shed even at the higher cost, but they dont at this time.