J.D. 445 or newer X series

[mark2550]

I'm trying to decide which is the better value prices are really close on used machine's just wondering if any of you have any hand on expierence's with both these machines and if one is superior to the other ?

Both are an overkill for my acreage but would like to add a FEL at a later date

 

[beenthere]

If FEL, I would say go with at least the 4wd units, or the X500 series.

I have had two 445's and now have an X485. I like the extra power of the X but many features of the 445 are missing. One important one is the excellent air intake system that filters the air before getting through the radiator and through the carburator. Deere took a step backward with the bolder one-piece hood arrangement and the stockier 'look'.
If I could trade even up for a 445 with similar hours, I would not hesitate to do it (but factor in a few other things such as equipment and that even trade becomes more difficult too).

They are cadilac machines, and expensive initially. But they keep their trade-in value as you probably have already found out. So the initial investment is good, IMO. They are work horses, and I haven't regretted moving up to that 400 series, one bit. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Basically, the 445 and the X485 are the same, but the X585 is 4wd.

 

[mark2550]

So are you saying that you would prefer a 445 over a x485?
Reason I'm asking have located a 2001 445 w/ 230 hrs and a 2004 x485 w/ 85 hrs real close on pricing, salesman said they don't make them like the older one's anymore didn't go into details also said it won't be around for long said people prefer them over the newer ones I just figured he might be getting a better commision on this paticular unit still trying to find out more info on each unit .

 

[jcmseven]

Dartyme:

Please refer to my other post responding to your question in the JD forum. I think your salesman is being, well, a salesman. I know a lot of people who have used the older 445's etc. and now use the X series. I have yet to speak with anyone who does not rave about the new machines. I myself have used both and find the new X series to be a VERY nice upgrade. Not that the older machines were bad, they were excellent, but the new ones are really nicer in about every way. I would say between the two you mention, go with the 485. If you could wait and swing the MFWD 500 series, you would notice a major improvement even over those two with regard to versatility. That said, my local dealer just took trade in on a 455 for a new X595 last week. The 455 was used by the local college for mowing and has 5022 hours currently on it. They are asking $4000. Hopefully the new tractors will have such clout on resale.

John M

 

[gsxr1100]

If they are close in price why mess with an older machine and more hours?


The FEL on the 445 is like $3,000 new& installed (with ballast box and load tires). That is what I paid for my FEL for my old 455. I sold my 455 (650 hours) with FEL and extra tires for $7,300 3 years ago. I now have a BX22 and so far the only diff, is the 4x4, FEL and BH.

 

[x585guy]

Hey mark2550, I have a 585 with 54' deck, mulch kit, 3 bag powerflow bagger and 45 FEL. Its a great machine. I used it in my back yard last winter to make a path from basement to garage and not once did I get stuck when I was going through several inches of snow. Its a garden tractor on steroids! I have used the FEL for cleaning up the yard, spreading around new top soil and had no poblems with it. The only thing I wish I could change is the hydraulic pressure. It produces 1000psi where the 2210 produces 1987psi. The mower deck does a fine job of mowing. It comes off and goes on very easy. Just have to remember turn the deck wheels in the right direction. The FEL lifts 385 lbs at full height and lifts 640 lbs at 36 inches. I like 2210's fel capacity. It lifts 700lbs at full height with the 200cx and I am not for sure how much it lifts at 36 inches. If you plan on using the fel for serious work, you may want to look into a 2210, but if you are doing light to medium work, than the x585 is the best way to go. Good luck on your search. Do your research thoroughly before you put your money done on a machine. You won't be disappointed with the x series but they are big bucks for a garden tractor. I paid $14800.00 for my setup.

 

[gsxr1100]

That is weird I would have thought JD would have revamped there pressures since there FEL is still low. My old 455 had the same PRV settings.

I like JD but they like to nickel-and-dime owners to much. That is why I left and went to Kubota. I looked at the X595 and the BX22 (TBL) and JD was about 2,000 to 3,000 more for the same unit with no backhoe.

 

[mark2550]

Before this post dies anyone else have any knowledege of these 2 comprable units trying to research as much as possible before deciding

 

[awlchu]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Before this post dies anyone else have any knowledege of these 2 comprable units trying to research as much as possible before deciding )</font>

mark2550,

(1) Are you planning on keeping the tractor long term? I mean do you see this as a short term (get going now) and upgrade later?

(2) Can the owners of each tractor provide evidence that maintainance was performed regularly on both units? (This is very important to me.)

(3) All things being equal, did you sit on and drive both units? What does your feelings tell you?

I own a X485 and what sold it for me was the leg room (comfort factor) and construction of the tractor.

Honestly if condition and maintainance evidence are equal I would go with the new model (X485).