JD X320, X500 or Craftsman YT4000

mikeyorko · May 15, 2009

OK...so here goes my predicament.

I just purchased a home...2.6 acres..about half grass....half wooded...

I have a stone driveway that is about 200 yards long...grass on both sides but it has anywhere between a 15-35% grade.

First...I was thinking this craftsman model for a few reason...costs about $1600, they offer 1 year intrest free..and because it seems strong

X320...I went to my local JD dealer...and saw this model...its about $3999, very nice..more options etc.

X500..this model is on sale at my local dealer...for $4999. Its a totally good deal in my opinion....

Now, I am looking at the more expensive JD models for a few reasons....the incline on my driveway worries me...don't want something that won't make it up the dirveway..or in a few years will be weak to get up..especially with now. Also, I can finance up to 58 months with a decent intrest rate through JD and lastly..the dealer has been in business here in my area for a long time...and they are great people..so I know I will have someone that will take care of me if there is a problem.

I will probably want to get a johnny Jr eventually..and probably a plow for it...

However, I am going to be maybe purchasing an ATV next winter, because I might want to plow with that..and just use it around the place and just to have fun with it.

So...which one do you thinkl I should go for and why. keep in mind the state our economy is in. that is the only reason I am not going completly for the X500.

Thanks

Erik_in_Hoyt · May 15, 2009

If bang for the buck is your primary criteria, then look at it this way; $1600 plus tax at 0% for 12 months means for roughly $140 a month you own it free and clear in 12 months.
$4999 carries 3 times the sales tax. Even at low interest, you're probably looking at that same $140 monthly payment, only for just shy of 5 years rather than only 1.
The engine on the Craftsman will be as good at going up those slopes as the JD.
Both should have a good service life so long as you keep up on the maintenance.
The JD will likely have a more durable mowing deck.
not sure which would have a more convenient method for removing/reinstalling the mower deck.
parts & repairs will be cheaper for the craftsman, JD service will likely be faster and more personal. (dealership vs big box store)
if the Craftsman only lasts 10 years, in 30 years you will still have less invested in it than the JD (not including the $1600 to replace the JD deck at the 20 year mark when it dies) and will have kept up on all the latest features, bells,. and whistles. If the craftsman lasts more than 10 years, then you're REALLY ahead of the game.

but then, that's just my opinion - and I bought a 20+ year old Craftsman all wheel steer mower last weekend. (and no, it wouldn't go up a 40 degree slope in wet grass, even without engaging the blades)

TomWhite · May 16, 2009

Erik_in_Hoyt said:
If bang for the buck is your primary criteria, then look at it this way; $1600 plus tax at 0% for 12 months means for roughly $140 a month you own it free and clear in 12 months.
$4999 carries 3 times the sales tax. Even at low interest, you're probably looking at that same $140 monthly payment, only for just shy of 5 years rather than only 1.
The engine on the Craftsman will be as good at going up those slopes as the JD.
Both should have a good service life so long as you keep up on the maintenance.
The JD will likely have a more durable mowing deck.
not sure which would have a more convenient method for removing/reinstalling the mower deck.
parts & repairs will be cheaper for the craftsman, JD service will likely be faster and more personal. (dealership vs big box store)
if the Craftsman only lasts 10 years, in 30 years you will still have less invested in it than the JD (not including the $1600 to replace the JD deck at the 20 year mark when it dies) and will have kept up on all the latest features, bells,. and whistles. If the craftsman lasts more than 10 years, then you're REALLY ahead of the game.

but then, that's just my opinion - and I bought a 20+ year old Craftsman all wheel steer mower last weekend. (and no, it wouldn't go up a 40 degree slope in wet grass, even without engaging the blades)

On your comment about the engine on the Craftsman and going up the slope.- It isn't the engine in any of these that the OP should consider, it is the hydro, and how strong and durable it is.

JD parts should not be any more expensive than the Craftsman, and are much more likely to be in stock. Most Sears stores don't stock anything other than a few belts and filters.

Also, the warranty on the JD's mentioned is four years. How long is the Craftsman warranty? How long will it take Sears to send a repairman, and after he looks at it, how long will it take for him to get parts?

mikeyorko - I would think the X320 would be more than fine for you.

Erik_in_Hoyt · May 16, 2009

TomWhite said:
On your comment about the engine on the Craftsman and going up the slope.- It isn't the engine in any of these that the OP should consider, it is the hydro, and how strong and durable it is.

JD parts should not be any more expensive than the Craftsman, and are much more likely to be in stock. Most Sears stores don't stock anything other than a few belts and filters.

Also, the warranty on the JD's mentioned is four years. How long is the Craftsman warranty? How long will it take Sears to send a repairman, and after he looks at it, how long will it take for him to get parts?

mikeyorko - I would think the X320 would be more than fine for you.

I agree that repairs will get done faster on the JD - and said that.
Yes, I believe JD parts cost more - just like Grasshopper parts cost more. I also expect JD to charge more per hour for labor, just like any other dealership with a full time mechanic to pay for.
I believe Craftsman comes with a 2 year warranty, but you can buy a 5 year extended on it. (I realize JD likely sells extended warranties as well)
I have no idea where sears maintenance is done - or what local shop they contract with, that would be a good question for the sales staff, though.

I also agree that the JD 300 series and above machines are great and I would love to have one, and that the Craftsman is not in it's class.
But the question to me did not sound like Mike was asking "which is the better machine?" - he answered that with "the x500."
He was asking "which makes more sense for mowing just over 1 acre right now, in this economy, when I have another large purchase on the horizon?" - and that's what i was trying to answer.

jcmseven · May 16, 2009

There is NO QUESTION that the X 500 machine is the best choice here, even for the additional money. It will last much longer than either of the other two options and performs much better also. The other two, though not bad choices, are nowhere near the machines of the 500 series. Honestly, if there is any way that you could swing the more-expensive machine, it is worth the monetary difference.

John M