John Deere Guidance (Lawn Tractor)

[buickanddeere]

The 100 series JD and the low end 300's use the weenie K46 transaxle. The 320 and other high end JD use the decent K58 Tuff Torq iirc to obtain the 450 psi hydraulics for steering and deck lift.. The 500 series use the HD K66 which also has diff lock.
That sai, my LX 188 that quit moving 200hrs ago. Has never driven better since draining, flushing and re-filling the K46 with 60wt Amsoil synthetic motor oil.
A set of ballasted 22x11-8 ATV tires have ended hill climbing problems.
Yes I know sooner or later the K46 is going to make a bad sound while breaking into little bits.

 

[ksks]

My yard is one big hill and I have no problem with my JD X540. I never slip until I get into the gravel areas. I doubt you'd need 4x4 for just hills. The traction control will give you what you need.

If your open up the yard and may be pulling trailers of stuff or dragging to clear land, a 500 series would do you well.

Could get a good used one for your price.

 

[Mad_River]

You might consider a used X400 series or X700 series. You can get them in the price range your looking for and many have less than 500 hours on them. I bought a X740 (diesel) with full hydraulics with more than 1300 hrs on it and I have had no problems. The engine and tranny have never been overhauled.