looking at JD 530 verses JD 540, what is difference in gas consumption? Does water cooled 540 last longer? difference in cost is $1000.
I never bought either but I went thru this early last year. At that time it was $600 difference.
I suspect little difference in gas consumption. The water cooled engine is supposed to deliver slightly more HP. Maybe 26 vs. 25.
But the 540 also has the hyd deck lift and a differential lock I think.
My decision was down to the 340 or the 540, with the 540 as my pick.
For me the 340 is a better choice considering the dollar value, but the power steering and hyd deck lift is better suited an older member of my family that also uses the mower.
I have 2 mowers that are water cooled and I like the feature. It seems like a cooler engine would last longer to me.
Others will say the air cooled engine lasts just as long, and is WAY easier to work on without that radiator shroud in the way.
Especially if you get one with the 54" deck, make sure you can easily work the manual deck lift on the 530.
On my 445 with a 60" deck the deck lift is a problem. If you happen to hit a rock it will dislodge it from the dirt, and could even damage the deck. A smaller lighter manual deck will raise up easier and
faster to mow over rocks.
My 445 hyd deck lift has a slightly delayed response to raise...
The 530 or the 540 does move fast at 7.2 MPH where the 340 is only 5.8 MPH. This was one of my main reasons to want the 540.
But the 340 would use less gas if that is important for you. But unless you have a real big yard, I don't consider this a big deal.
If you mow 6 acres, get a diesel.