JD x394 vs x570 (four wheel power steering vs more power/longevity)

[NEPA guy]

I recently lost the use of one arm for 6 months due to an accident. I was mowing with a zero turn before that I can't use until next year.

I have 5 acres of grass on hilly, flat, and some rocky terrain, with close to 100 fruit trees I need to maneuver around. Some with cages to protect them from deer, some without.

I would like to confirm, and I have seen other posts on this site that say:

"I do have the rear tires tear up the lawn around trees if I try and turn too fast/tight when the ground is damp/soft."

Does the AWS offered allow me to do circles around trees WITHOUT tearing up the grass?

The x394 is $6100 and the x570 is $6400

Clearly the 500 series offers more, but I cant afford it with the AWS. Im already breaking the bank as is. So if the x394 isn't going to offer me the advantage I seek, I will go for the x570.

Can anyone speak from personal experience mowing with and without AWS?

Any advice or comments are welcome

Thank you

 

[NEPA guy]

I found my answers already. Thanks for reading.

 

[JJZ 109]

So what did you end up doing and what were your answers? I didn't spot this post until today.
I'm on my 4th season with an X394. Effortless power steering. 4 wheel steer makes a much tighter turn than any front wheel only steering tractor, but obviously will never compare with a ZT (I've owned 2 of those in the past). With stock tires I have yet to tear up anything no matter how sharp I turn it. The hydraulic deck raise & lower is also a bonus.

 

[NEPA guy]

I bought the x570. I decided the extra hp and the upgraded K72 transmission were worth it. I couldn't be more pleased. The power is there, and climbing hills were effortless. We did a bunch of towing with the 17P JD cart loaded with firewood already so that was a big plus. I added a front brush guard and add a few weights on the front and back for stability's sake. The 570 also has the added benefit of wider rear tires, offering me even greater traction and control.

I like that the machine is approx 1,000 pounds which is much lighter than my Ranger XP 900, which I was using for hauling wood before. I have some areas that are wet so now I don't sink, and there are a few spots that I drive over that have real old pipes underneath that I prefer not to go over with the heavier machines.

I added the mulch kit to the machine and it really cuts beautifully. I also added the wheel spinner so that makes it much easier to turn the wheel. I don't find it difficult at all without the power steering. It does not tear in to the grass at all when going around trees and the operation is very quiet compared to my scag with a near identical engine.

Other than an issue with a rear tire leaking slowly due to a faulty rim, the dealer added an inner tube to take care of the problem. Just about 20 hours on it so far. No regrets.

 

[reichheld]

I bought the x570. I decided the extra hp and the upgraded K72 transmission were worth it. I couldn't be more pleased. The power is there, and climbing hills were effortless. We did a bunch of towing with the 17P JD cart loaded with firewood already so that was a big plus. I added a front brush guard and add a few weights on the front and back for stability's sake. The 570 also has the added benefit of wider rear tires, offering me even greater traction and control.

I like that the machine is approx 1,000 pounds which is much lighter than my Ranger XP 900, which I was using for hauling wood before. I have some areas that are wet so now I don't sink, and there are a few spots that I drive over that have real old pipes underneath that I prefer not to go over with the heavier machines.

I added the mulch kit to the machine and it really cuts beautifully. I also added the wheel spinner so that makes it much easier to turn the wheel. I don't find it difficult at all without the power steering. It does not tear in to the grass at all when going around trees and the operation is very quiet compared to my scag with a near identical engine.

Other than an issue with a rear tire leaking slowly due to a faulty rim, the dealer added an inner tube to take care of the problem. Just about 20 hours on it so far. No regrets.

Your dealer should have replaced the rim under warranty!

 

[NEPA guy]

Your dealer should have replaced the rim under warranty!

I agree. Before I brought the tire back to the dealer, I put soapy water on the tire on each side laying it down. I found three small leaks from the rim.
He claims not to have found them. I told him I did and showed him where. He said I just put in an inner tube. I guess its easier than putting in the paperwork and ordering me a new one.

I spoke to a sales associate about it and it was said that he's tough with covering warranties. (Just 3 year new owners who bought it out, to a once highly reputable business) I recently got an extended warranty offer in the mail and declined it due to his reaction. I even called JD to ask questions about the warranty specifics, as one area wasn't clear. See Q&A below.

"Can I have a comprehensive list of items NOT COVERED under Power Guard Protection Plan Residential? Page 2, section three, Item G, states "ETC." Please define, ETC. See excerpt below.

G. PARTS OR REPAIRS DUE TO NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND ITEMS NORMALLY DESIGNED TO BE PERIODICALLY REPLACED BY THE PURCHASER DURING THE COVERED PRODUCT?S LIFE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO BATTERIES, BEARINGS, LIGHT BULBS, FILTERS, FLUIDS, BLADES, BELTS, HOSES, SPARK PLUGS, SEATS, CV BOOTS, ETC.;"

"Thank you for your email.

Only a John Deere service provider will be able to provide you with a full list of items that are NOT covered under the PowerGard Protection Plan.

You may also contact customer service for this information so they may go more into detail with you."

I called 2 departments, each referring me back to the other for the answer. It would appear its dealer discretion and I didn't even bother calling the dealer. I was interested in knowing if the seals on the hydro unit would be covered if they were to fail.

I feel we are in a day and age where most folks want to do as little work as possible and just take your money. There is no pride in workmanship or customer care anymore.

Ah well, at least it works for now. About 30 hours on it so far. No other issues.

 

[reichheld]

I agree. Before I brought the tire back to the dealer, I put soapy water on the tire on each side laying it down. I found three small leaks from the rim.
He claims not to have found them. I told him I did and showed him where. He said I just put in an inner tube. I guess its easier than putting in the paperwork and ordering me a new one.

I spoke to a sales associate about it and it was said that he's tough with covering warranties. (Just 3 year new owners who bought it out, to a once highly reputable business) I recently got an extended warranty offer in the mail and declined it due to his reaction. I even called JD to ask questions about the warranty specifics, as one area wasn't clear. See Q&A below.

"Can I have a comprehensive list of items NOT COVERED under Power Guard Protection Plan Residential? Page 2, section three, Item G, states "ETC." Please define, ETC. See excerpt below.

G. PARTS OR REPAIRS DUE TO NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND ITEMS NORMALLY DESIGNED TO BE PERIODICALLY REPLACED BY THE PURCHASER DURING THE COVERED PRODUCT?S LIFE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO BATTERIES, BEARINGS, LIGHT BULBS, FILTERS, FLUIDS, BLADES, BELTS, HOSES, SPARK PLUGS, SEATS, CV BOOTS, ETC.;"

"Thank you for your email.

Only a John Deere service provider will be able to provide you with a full list of items that are NOT covered under the PowerGard Protection Plan.

You may also contact customer service for this information so they may go more into detail with you."

I called 2 departments, each referring me back to the other for the answer. It would appear its dealer discretion and I didn't even bother calling the dealer. I was interested in knowing if the seals on the hydro unit would be covered if they were to fail.

I feel we are in a day and age where most folks want to do as little work as possible and just take your money. There is no pride in workmanship or customer care anymore.

Ah well, at least it works for now. About 30 hours on it so far. No other issues.

When you run over a thorn and the tube has to be patched that would be the best time to demand a rim. They have to satisfy you. I've had real good luck coming unhinged in front of patrons listening in on you're problem. I guarantee you they will make it good for you and it's unfortunate that's the way you have to treat them "IF" the rim is actually defected.