Deciding between a x500 with a 54 inch deck and a x530

[Ryan03]

After 31 years and being passed on through 3 generations, I have decided to semi retire my Kubota G5200 with a 44 inch deck. The New Kubota Garden tractors don't interest me, but the x series John Deere sure does. I cut four acres of grass, about 1 acre of manicured yard, and 3 of unmanicured grass with slopes and trees I need to edge around with a few swales and wet areas. I am trying to decide between the x500 with a 54 inch deck and the x530. I can get a x530 for $6250 out the door using a $250 JD incentive in the coming weeks. I personally don't think I need power steering or power deck lift, but the all terrain rear tires would be a real plus, and they are a pricey upgrade on the x500. The power steering and deck lift on the x530 may be a good resale feature down the road I guess. Not being real familiar with JD equipment, how does the x500/530 compare with the old G5200 3cylinder diesel Kubota with regards to cut quality, longivity, and ruggedness ? Looks to be pretty comparable to me. Does the 54 inch deck produce an equal quality cut to the 48 inch deck with the JD mulching kits installed ?IN general, how much time does going from my current 44 inch deck to a 54incher save cutting 4 acres? Is it worth the extra money for the 54 inch deck over the 48 inch deck ? JD website states that the 54 inch deck is made with thicker steel than the 48, so that is one advantage.

 

[Smoothas]

Get the X530- the advantages over 500 is enough to justify the cost. As for power steering, it’s one of those options you don’t think you need until you have it- I guarantee once you have power steering you’ll never have another tractor without it. Hydraulic lift is nice also, really comes in handy if you decide to snow blow ( and JD 47” Blower is a 2 stage blower that works fantastic) Using foot pedal for mower deck is no big deal, but with snow blower it is a life saver. Cutting is superb with either deck and will save you time. You can’t go wrong either way both tractors are rugged and will last you for years if well maintained

 

[beenthere]

:welcome: Smoothas to TBN

Sounds to me like a good helpful response and thanks for jumping in to help out. :thumbsup:

 

[Smoothas]

Thanks for the welcome beenthere.. That Kubota G5200 was a heck of a tractor in its day 3 cylinder diesel, was practically bulletproof, I never had one but had a buddy who used one as his everyday tractor for 25 years. Of course the X500 series is gas, but Ryan03 will appreciate the Deere has larger tires, is wider and longer leading to a much smoother ride and the HDAPS are amazing have them on my X590, a real nice compromise - not as aggressive as AG’s but much better traction than turfs, so it can handle manicured lawns ( without tearing them up) or rough fields

And Ryan you don't say how long it takes you to mow 4 acres with 44 inch Deck? Assuming it takes you about 4 hours a 54 inch would cut that down to about 3-- depending on how wide open space is. The 500 series handles hills and wet conditions very easily

 

[Ryan03]

Thanks for the welcome beenthere.. That Kubota G5200 was a heck of a tractor in its day 3 cylinder diesel, was practically bulletproof, I never had one but had a buddy who used one as his everyday tractor for 25 years. Of course the X500 series is gas, but Ryan03 will appreciate the Deere has larger tires, is wider and longer leading to a much smoother ride and the HDAPS are amazing have them on my X590, a real nice compromise - not as aggressive as AG痴 but much better traction than turfs, so it can handle manicured lawns ( without tearing them up) or rough fields

Thanks for the info Smoothas. I have no intention of parting with the G5200. I plan to restore it and just use it as a backup, or second mower. Im leaning toward the x530, mostly because I can get a real good buy on it. The diff lock is a huge selling point for me. I have a swale i get stuck in all the time because one back wheel gets light. I do wish the X series had a steel hood instead of composite. I will probably buy the bumper for it to protect the hood.

 

[Garycw]

The x530 sounds like it would be a better route over the 500. If & was not an issue I'd say get a 758 with what you described w/ a 54" deck. I've seen done used ones for around $8k for a 2014
Sent from the mountains

 

[Smoothas]

Ryan after you get the X530- you'll have to come back and tells us how its handles swale in your back yard and how much you love the power steering I was like you didn't think I needed power steering till I got it, the 54 inch deck is good around obstacles also since it sticks out far from tractor you can trim close. Yeah I'm not thrilled on plastic hood either and I definitely went for brush guard right off bat. It protects front of tractor and I like the look

 

[beenthere]

Ryan
Get an All Wheel Steer and you will shorten your mow time as well as handle slopes and swales much easier too.

 

[Bill Guenthner]

I'm in a very similar place as the original poster and also looking at the x500 series moving up from an x300. I'm curious how all wheel steer would help handle the slopes. I can see all wheel drive making a difference.

 

[Garycw]

You'll never regret buying the best. May regret skimping later though.
I've had 46-48-54 & 60" decks. My fav deck is s 54". However I'm mowing with a 60 right now, I still use a 54" mower for tight places too.