JOHN DDRE RIDING MOWER PURCHASE

[Ricn]

Looking for suggestions from the experts: So my 18 year old Scott mower from Home Depot has finally bit the dust. 18 years of trouble free mowing but the engine is shot now so; I need advice on a new JD with a quality transaxle, thinking X series but which one? Mowing an acre now plus lots of small areas around the house, barns, gardens trees lines etc. I had mowed 2.5 acres for years and with this same mower but now use my tractor/flail mower for much of it plus another large field that I connected with the smaller area last year. No zero turns for me as the ground is rough in places, tried one last year and think not. Will the X370 get me a quality axle with long life? My Scott has been a terrific mower and was made by JD; think it's the JD Saber but in orange color, at least was told that at the time. Never cost me one dime on repairs except two batteries, one set of blades and one belt, oil and filters still having the original plugs until last month. I don't want to beat this decision to death worrying over a few hundred dollars, just want to mow with something of quality that might give similar use as my Scott, if that is possible in today's world. Suggestions?

Ricn

 

[searcyfarms]

hi ricn, seeing you have some substantial Deere/Kubota in your lineup - what kind of trannie did the scotts have ? Gear or Hydro? next, is your ares flat or do you have some hills?

 

[RobinC]

Looking for suggestions from the experts: So my 18 year old Scott mower from Home Depot has finally bit the dust. 18 years of trouble free mowing but the engine is shot now so; I need advice on a new JD with a quality transaxle, thinking X series but which one? Mowing an acre now plus lots of small areas around the house, barns, gardens trees lines etc. I had mowed 2.5 acres for years and with this same mower but now use my tractor/flail mower for much of it plus another large field that I connected with the smaller area last year. No zero turns for me as the ground is rough in places, tried one last year and think not. Will the X370 get me a quality axle with long life? My Scott has been a terrific mower and was made by JD; think it's the JD Saber but in orange color, at least was told that at the time. Never cost me one dime on repairs except two batteries, one set of blades and one belt, oil and filters still having the original plugs until last month. I don't want to beat this decision to death worrying over a few hundred dollars, just want to mow with something of quality that might give similar use as my Scott, if that is possible in today's world. Suggestions?

Ricn

You could possibly look for a new motor if everything is continuing to work as well as you say. The motor swap will be far cheaper than a new mower AND will probably be as trouble free as well. Unless you want that new unit and a hydro tranny.

Predator motors from Harbor Freight are actually pretty good. I think they offer a vertical shaft and horizontal shaft versions of their motor offerings. My boys have purchased two for their "toys" with good results. Honda clone is a good description. Best of luck in your decision. It's hard to give up on a dependable old friend of that many years. Had a 92 Honda hatchback for many years, body rust got her in the worst places, inner body panels.

 

[Diggin It]

First off, what failed and is it repairable at a reasonable cost?

Second, don't limit yourself to green. There are a number of other colors out there.

Third, scan the forum and you'll find a number of similar threads discussing the pros and cons of a wide range of machines. One key point often mentioned is that new machines don't tend to be built as stout and strong as some that were made 20 years ago. Some machines sold today may not be expected to last 20 years.

 

[stevem5215]

Piece of advise. Shop transmission first. Whatever brand you look at. Get the heaviest duty thing you can afford. That'll determine long life of the tractor/mower unit. Same holds true with Zero Turns and if the field is rough then you need a suspension machine like a Simplicity Citation XT or above (6g's) or a Ferris. Those are the choices to make a nice ride in ZTR. Otherwise it's banging over the bumps. BTDT

Steve

 

[Tractorable]

Shop for the transaxle. The X500 series has the K72 transaxle which is strong and serviceable. If you go X5 series you might as well go with the X590 to get the EFI, K72, fly by wire throttle, hydraulic deck lift, diff lock, etc

 

[Ricn]

Sorry to just be getting back, had a gun repair for the neighbor to take care of. - My Sons are master mechanics on diesel and all else, when they say the Briggs motor is toast I accept that, cracked block. We have discussed another motor so that will happen at some point perhaps if they want to fix it up. Meanwhile, I am ready for new after 18-19 years. I talked to local JD guys and they had high praise for this Scott mower saying, the transaxle hydro is a good one being a model #51 in it's day and about equal to the X370 JD of today. For the space being mowed, they recommend the X390 at 22hp, power steering, and having a transaxle drain plug and being a mower they seldom see come in with issues. My place is flat, no hills and collectively for all areas about 1.5 acres. All else gets the flail and brush hog. Not married to any brand, we have JD, Kubota and many off brands here locally but I prefer known products with good dealer support. Our JD dealer sold my Dad his new model 70 back in the day then a new 4020 and 1020 so we know this dealer family well. my brother bought his 5320 there so we have family history. Our Kubota U35 has been bullet proof IMO plus the L2501 is a great tractor for us old timers who need them, easy on and off and very comfortable! I'd like a BX2380 with mid mount mower but hard to justify at this stage. With luck I'll be mowing 5-10 years before watching my Sons do it all.
Ricn

 

[Diggin It]

My Sons are master mechanics on diesel and all else, when they say the Briggs motor is toast I accept that, cracked block. We have discussed another motor so that will happen at some point perhaps if they want to fix it up.

I talked to local JD guys and they had high praise for this Scott mower saying, the transaxle hydro is a good one being a model #51 in it's day and about equal to the X370 JD of today.

If everything else is still good and the kids can do the swap, consider the HF Predator engines. They have a few options in size, orientation and price. Highest is a 22HP with electric start at around $600 on coupons.

 

[searcyfarms]

Shop for the transaxle. The X500 series has the K72 transaxle which is strong and serviceable. If you go X5 series you might as well go with the X590 to get the EFI, K72, fly by wire throttle, hydraulic deck lift, diff lock, etc

I would second this choice but add power steering to the list not sure if that is standard but the transmission on the 500 is way better

 

[Ricn]

Still pondering my dilemma of new rider, even thinking of a SCUT with mid mount. Now, there is a JD Lx188 near by for sale, about as nice as they come condition wise and 170 hrs on the hobbs. One owner/seller is moving and asking 2K saying, it was just tuned up, all adjusted and ready to go. Has the K62 transaxle so should be good for a long time. Anyone know if it's worth that?

R