2015 X500

gillltc · Jan 27, 2016

I'm looking for a new lawn tractor for 1-2 acres of hilly and uneven lawn with fruit trees, gardens and areas with barnyard grasses. I had a Craftsman Pro for 8 years and wore out the transmission last fall(600 plus hours and a Tuff Torq 46). The local Deere dealer has a trade in coming in that's a 2015 X 500 with 20-25 hours for $4900. I want a serviceable tranny with traction control.Looks like a good deal. I would like to know if wheel weights would help as there is not much level land that I mow. I can get wheel weight and a mulch kit with it for under $200.
Any other other competitors brands for this model that I can compare? I do have a LS 3037 with rear blade, loader and field mower for the big stuff so I would be mainly mowing and hauling garden material.
Thanks for any input.

Amvcane · Jan 27, 2016

Wheel weights will definitely make the machine more stable by lowering the center of gravity. If possible, you may also want to install the rear wheels at maximum width to give it a wider stance.
I would think that the x500 will be more stable than the Craftsman, so you might not even need the weights. I would bring it home then decide if I needed more stability.

TnWV · Jan 27, 2016

I have an X530 and mow some very step property with it. It has the HDAP tires but no weights. Once in a while I have to use the diff lock but that's mostly when the need to back up the hillside arises. I agree that I would try it without weights first, it should have much better traction than the craftsman as is, even if it has the regular turf tires.

beenthere · Jan 27, 2016

Best for hillsides, is all-wheel-steer. If that is at all an option in your search. Near to never have to use the diff lock with my AWS's.

rekees4300 · Jan 27, 2016

gillltc said:
I would like to know if wheel weights would help as there is not much level land that I mow.

I have a hilly yard and X500 without wheel weights but it does have LDAP rear tires. The traction can only be described as AWESOME. You'd be better off spending the $200 on LDAP rear tires.

gillltc · Jan 29, 2016

Thanks for the info. This X500 has a terrain type tire (HDAP). Is a LDAP a light duty all purpose tire (turf tire). Still debating the wheel weights. Is a brush guard a good add on?

rekees4300 · Jan 29, 2016

gillltc said:
Thanks for the info. This X500 has a terrain type tire (HDAP). Is a LDAP a light duty all purpose tire (turf tire). Still debating the wheel weights. Is a brush guard a good add on?

My mistake, meant to type HDAP. Don't think you would need wheel weights unless you plan to use a heavy front-end attachment like a snowblower. The purpose of a brush guard is to protect the front end from damage. If you anticipate that being a potential problem then get one. FYI the brush guard must be lowered before the hood can be opened.

TnWV · Jan 29, 2016

gillltc said:
Thanks for the info. This X500 has a terrain type tire (HDAP). Is a LDAP a light duty all purpose tire (turf tire). Still debating the wheel weights. Is a brush guard a good add on?

If it has HDAP tires, I would give it a try before spending money on weights. You can always add them later if needed. It really is impressive how much traction my X530 gets with the HDAP's. Completely different machine than my old Troy Built.

gillltc · Jan 30, 2016

Found out from the dealer yesterday that the X500 I was getting (it's trade for a 2016 X500) has turf tires. Do you think I will have any problems on my more severe hills since it has traction control and wheel weights? I will be looking at it next Monday.

TnWV · Jan 30, 2016

gillltc said:
Found out from the dealer yesterday that the X500 I was getting (it's trade for a 2016 X500) has turf tires. Do you think I will have any problems on my more severe hills since it has traction control and wheel weights? I will be looking at it next Monday.

My only experience with turf tires is on the lighter machines. You may be fine, but see if the dealer will let you demo it on your property to know for sure.