buying new tractor, need input please

maniac · Mar 15, 2003

i am looking at purchaseing a john deere x485 or x495(with a 62c deck). my delema is weather or not to get the diesel or gas unit. i have heard some guys say that the gas units love to drink a lot of gas. haven't heard anything about the diesels. also i may put a snowblower on it later. i have about 3.6 acres, and a very long drive. can anyone shed some light on the situation. any comments are helpfull. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

thcri · Mar 15, 2003

From what I see it is about a grand more to go to the diesel. I like the diesel engine. It will last longer. Some people hate the smell of diesel fuel but I personally like it. I guess you have to decide if the grand more is worth it. I think the diesel will run economical and will give you better resale.

murph

rockyridgefarm · Mar 15, 2003

There is more to the diesel than sippimg fuel (although that is great) They are better suited to the demands that lots of work place on them. When you really need Umph, they keep giving it; while a gas engine falls down. It'll outlast the gas unit, and really sounds cool /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

NY_Yankees_Fan · Mar 16, 2003

The other advantage of diesel is the storage and handling of the fuel. Diesel fuel is a combustible liquid and gasoline is a flammable liquid meaning any source of ignition nearby and you can have a flash fire, especially when refueling. I know people will say they have been refueling for years with no problem. Believe me it does happen, I know, look at what I do for a living. With a diesel fuel spill it is more of a pain then a fire safety issue. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

If you live in a cold climate and will use your tractor in the winter, you may want to consider a block heater for easy starting in cold weather. A $1000 over 36 months is like $35 more a month, is diesel worth $35 more a month? I think it is.

Have you considered a 2210 or the Kubota BX1500, or 2200? It just adds a few more $$$ to the monthly payments /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Regards

mopar · Mar 16, 2003

i don't know if this will help but our craftsman 25hp kolar with 50" deck and hydro would use a little more than a gallon of gas per hour mowing with it,just as a reference as i don't know what the hp ratings are that you are looking at,but i do know the diesel will work better when working under hi loads,because as the rpm's drop on the diesel the torque increases the gas falls off,this may be helpful when blowing snow.if starting the diesel in the cold is a concern i can say that the dealer started one of the diesel garden tractors for me it was about 5 above 0 and it started right up,no plug in heater and had been sitting outside for awhile,i was impressed.

rockyridgefarm · Mar 16, 2003

( If you live in a cold climate and will use your tractor in the winter, you may want to consider a block heater for easy starting in cold weather )

You might be surprised at how easy a Yanmar engine starts in the cold. I had one that was stored under a tarp that would start right up in 0 Degree weather. I never got around to that block heater... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

chevy · Mar 16, 2003

If you can afford the increased cost, go with the diesel. I bought a 425 /60" deck in 1995. After using a JD4400 for 2 years & being very impressed with that diesel, in 2002 I traded for a 455. After using the 455 for the first time I wished I had gotten the 455 to start with. More power, quicker starts, and uses less fuel.

maniac · Mar 16, 2003

the cost i don't think will be much of an issue. my wife just told me to get whatever i want( this doesn't happen very often). as for cold start problems. it will be in a heated shop all year around. i did look at a kubota bx1800 and bx2200 saturday. i didn't like it very much. they wanted 10,900 for one with a 60" deck. at this point i am leaning towards the diesel. i may even look at a 2210. i had a dealer call me and said that he would give me a great deal on one if i stopped in.
well if it's a good enough deal, i should be getting a 2210. but i will have to wait and see. i will let everyone know what i get.
everyones input has been greatly appreciated. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Anonymous Poster · Mar 17, 2003

Look hard at the 2210 or even the 4010 CUT. When I started looking to purchase, I initially priced out the x595. When I was done adding everything needed to run the implements (the x series comes without some of the base equipment needed to run a loader and 3 point attachements), I was within $500 of the 4010 CUT.

Diesel vs. Gas--Diesel is the way to go in my opinion. The block heater makes the engine very easy to start no matter what the outside temp. You will be amazed at the power and performance you get from a diesel engine.

Good Luck

Bob

NY_Yankees_Fan · Mar 17, 2003

( the cost i don't think will be much of an issue. my wife just told me to get whatever i want )

WOW go for what ever you want then, attachments, the works! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Good luck, looking is half the fun /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Take pictures and post of what you end up with. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif