Recent content by Vigilant

I'm in the market for a newer X500 with low hours. I noticed that the '06 to '10 models have the FH721V 25 HP and 5-gallon tank, while the '11 to '15 models have the FS730V and a 4.5 gallon tank thanks to the stinking EPA. Sounds like the FH721V has been very successful, and the FS730V is more...

I need to ask a question for a neighbor who is not Internet savvy. What model Deere tiller is correct for the GT275? Thanks in advance.

Whenever a hurricane is bearing down on us, among other things, I load up on non-ethanol gas for the generator. I always have some gas left over, which is a good thing. But I finally got tired of wrestling with gas cans funneling all that extra gas into the gas tank on my pickup. Plus, I don't...

I have been running Mobil 1 Extended Performance 10W30 engine oil for quite some time, and have never had a problem. I'm thinking about switching to 5W30, which is also what I run in my pickup. I'm curious to know what the general consensus is about engine oil weight. Thanks in advance.

I ignored our local John Deere dealership for years and years. I always thought they would be way too expensive and have a snotty attitude. Boy, did I screw up. These people are top notch. I had them do some work recently, and was pleasantly surprised. They put the Mom & Pop repair shop I was...

I believe mine is a K72B. I have always used John Deere Hygard low vis, since that's what Deere calls for. I have read a couple posts from people who have used Mobil 1 synthetic in a Tuff Torq, particularly Mobil 1 Extended Performance 15W40. I have had excellent luck with M1 in my vehicles, and...

Still kicking tires at this point, planning to buy another X500 with low hours in the Fall. I have seen a few that were pretty faded, both the hood and the metal. I'm not worried about bringing back the luster in the metal, but I'm not sure about the plastic hood. Can a John Deere plastic hood...

I have noticed that the 2014 and 2015 X500s have a line of vents on each side along part of the top of the hood. I would think that, along with the improved grille, would help air flow in the engine compartment a lot, thereby prolonging engine life by allowing it to run cooler. Does anyone care...

Like many people here, I don't trust an hour meter. I'm looking at one that's showing right at 400 hours, but the front tires are worn out. Could someone shed some light as to how many hours, on average, the original front tires last? Thanks in advance.

I let my X500 idle for about a minute after it starts, but when I'm finished mowing, instead of just parking it in the garage, I let it sit outside and blow down while I trim. We already talked about engaging the PTO. As I said, I engage my PTO at just above idle, then speed up gradually to full...

I have read several statements that the older models were better because the bean counters got involved and started looking into shortcuts to increase profit margin. Someone else claims the newer models were better. So, which model years were the best? Thanks in advance.

On an X500, will I reduce wear and tear on the PTO clutch if I engage it at high idle instead of full throttle, or is full throttle better? Thanks in advance.

Instead of the cap coming off the end of the oil drain tube, the tube and cap are now coming loose from the crank case. This is on a John Deere GT275. Can the tube be welded to the crank case? Thanks.

Instead of the cap coming off the oil drain tube as it should, the tube and cap unscrew from the crank case. Can the tube be welded to the crank case? Thanks. This is on a John Deere GT275.

Any idea as to what kind of price this system sells for used, in top notch shape? Just the collection system itself, from the deck to the trailer, everything included. Many thanks.