Now mowing 1.5 acres with a GT 225, 42" deck with 2 bagger. Like the mulch, hate the bagger for leaves. Like the traction assist on the X530, 54" deck (which dealer says does not mulch well), will get the 3 bag powerflow for grass and cyclone rake for leaves. Mowing time (now 1.5 hrs) should be reduced to an hour. New machine will have a 4 yr warranty (or used has 3 years and saves $900.00. Should I stay with current tractor, which is in excellent shape, or upgrade in the Spring?
Help me justify a new X530
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Gonerafting
Silver Member
I think it's just a matter on whether you want a new "toy," if the GT 225 is in excellent condition and doing what you want it to. I think the mulching capability of any of these decks in related to cutting 1/3 of the height of the grass. My mulcher works well on my 62 inch, but I bought it for not it's mulching abilities. My Golden-doodle walks by my X744 as I mow, I thought he would be terrified by the thing. Usually, I can lean over and pet him. I did not want him getting hit by objects going out the chute. He likes to think the Garden Tractor is a big play toy.
WilliamBos
Super Member
- Joined
- May 1, 2004
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- Innisfil, Ontario, Canada
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- MF 1635 12x12 Powershuttle
If you buy the X530, will there be more chores for it to do??
Had a loaner X500 a few years back, like the bigger platform compared to our CC LT1042, liked the gas though.
If you are comfortable with the price, your SO (if you have one...) gave you the go ahead, then I say go for it. You only live once.
Had a loaner X500 a few years back, like the bigger platform compared to our CC LT1042, liked the gas though.
If you are comfortable with the price, your SO (if you have one...) gave you the go ahead, then I say go for it. You only live once.
JDTank
Platinum Member
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- Oct 5, 2010
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- 693
I would upgrade. A newer machine is always nice, and what one has to remember is, you can't take your money with you. There's no slipping the big man upstairs a hundred dollar bill to let you in!
Yard work is a chore with cheap equipment. Once you have high grade stuff like the X530 for example, it becomes fun, and you wish the grass would grow faster so you could hack it all down again from the comfort of your big yellow seat on big green!
Yard work is a chore with cheap equipment. Once you have high grade stuff like the X530 for example, it becomes fun, and you wish the grass would grow faster so you could hack it all down again from the comfort of your big yellow seat on big green!
Hondov65
Member
Cutting grass is so much nicer since i bought my X530 I can cut quick or slow depending on my mood each pass is 4 1/2 feet.:thumbsup: I opted for the ossolating fan and sun shade. My grass seems to have slowed down on growth.
I purched mine in March and I managed to put approx 55 hrs on the meter. Come April I need to change oil, fuel filter, oil filter, air filter and check blades I could do it now but whats the sense in having it set up all winter? The X300 wasn't enough I wanted Hydraulics (steering and deck lift) and the X700 was too much no to mention $9,000 I got the X530 for $6,200 paid 1/2 down. I say if you can afford the paymnets go for it but sometimes it's hard making them payments in cold weather. I made my choice I traded my LA105 got $900.00 in trade and now cutting grass is never a chore. Not to mention the neighbors.:laughing::laughing::laughing:
I purched mine in March and I managed to put approx 55 hrs on the meter. Come April I need to change oil, fuel filter, oil filter, air filter and check blades I could do it now but whats the sense in having it set up all winter? The X300 wasn't enough I wanted Hydraulics (steering and deck lift) and the X700 was too much no to mention $9,000 I got the X530 for $6,200 paid 1/2 down. I say if you can afford the paymnets go for it but sometimes it's hard making them payments in cold weather. I made my choice I traded my LA105 got $900.00 in trade and now cutting grass is never a chore. Not to mention the neighbors.:laughing::laughing::laughing:jenkinsph
Super Star Member
I agree it is more a matter of wanting a new toy, if you wan't it then go for it. I still have my 2005 L130 and mow my own lawn with it the majority of the time as it is much lighter than the x749. Moving to the larger deck will cut down your mowing time and the differential lock is another plus if needed. That said the x530 has more capabilities if you need or want them.
jcmseven
Veteran Member
I recently picked up a 530 for a friend and had a chance to spend a little time on it before taking it to him. While I cannot attest to its long-term abilities, I was very impressed with the machine. In all honesty, for just mowing, I think it is as good and much less expensive than an X700 machine. It also would last many years for the average homeowner mowing two acres or less. It has a lot of power and I think the hydrostatic on it is pretty snappy in performance. Although I do not know for sure, I think it could have challenges plowing snow in winter without chains and/or weights, as it is not too heavy a machine. It would run a blower well due to the high horsepower it has relative to its size. It is quite a step up from a GT 200 series machine to this one. I was able to get it for my bud for $5700/plus tax, which I thought was a fair deal for such a good tractor.
John M
John M
There's a repo service right next to me that has a x540 up for auction Thursday you may want to consider. I've seen things go for half to a third what they'd sell for at a dealer. Here's the link:
http://auction.repocast.com/details.cfm?ID=729766
http://auction.repocast.com/details.cfm?ID=729766
JDTank
Platinum Member
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- Oct 5, 2010
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- 693
Congrats!
That is one top of the line machine, and it will last you many, many years if well taken care of.
Mowing for you will now be a happy time, a good machine is all it takes to make mowing a task you look forward to.
That is one top of the line machine, and it will last you many, many years if well taken care of.
Mowing for you will now be a happy time, a good machine is all it takes to make mowing a task you look forward to.
Congrats mjm!! You'll be happy you did it:thumbsup:
jenkinsph
Super Star Member
Congratulations on a nice new mower.:thumbsup:
Gonerafting
Silver Member
Congratulations, now let's see if you can controlling buy accessories better than I have.
mjm1 said:
Depending on how big your driveway is, I wouldn't hesitate on getting the blower. I bought the blower when I bought my machine & I love both. The blower makes quick work of the driveway & it's fun. I still need my walk behind for the walkway.
JDGREEN4ME
Veteran Member
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- Sep 27, 2002
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- Southeast PA
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- John Deere 2520, John Deere X534, GT 225, GT 275
Congratulations I love mine! I went with the AWS 534 but I think that is the only difference.
helifeller
New member
hello all,
i am in the market for a x530 and would like to ask you about the power steering.
how easy and light is power steering on the x530 compared to JD 100 series ride-on's?
how is the hydraulic steering cylinder powered (by pump or mechanically...)?
thank you very much for your input.
i am in the market for a x530 and would like to ask you about the power steering.
how easy and light is power steering on the x530 compared to JD 100 series ride-on's?
how is the hydraulic steering cylinder powered (by pump or mechanically...)?
thank you very much for your input.
Eric Barney
Silver Member
I have the X540 with hyd steering. It is very light and easy to use. Very different from the quick, firm steering from my previous LX188. Backing with the cart attached is much easier with the X540. Going straight ahead for a longer distance is not as easy. (tends to wander a bit) I have been getting used to it though. Overall, I like the steering and the hydraulic deck lift is nice.
From another point of possible interest: With the hydraulic system, there is no belt slackening mechanism for the power drive belt. It is always under tension, and goes straight back from the engine to the trans. This may lead to longer life of the power drive belt. The steering only works while the engine is running.
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