John Deere X series lawn tractor

[js5020]

For 4 or 5 acres of mowing I would pass on the x300 series in favor of the x500 or better yet x700 series machines. X5's have a much heavier duty transaxle, and the X7 series is even heavier duty transaxle and shaft drive implements. There are plenty of low hour used X7 gas 2wds that can be had for not much more than a new X5 series.

 

[HRSx2]

Actually I ran a search for x700s. Nothing in reasonable driving distance. The x500 is a little over an hour away. Seems most around here move to 1 series after x300 series. But then I'd have to get bigger trailer. Though that is tempting.

 

[plowhog]

What are you mowing? I think long ago you posted you mow 3 acres-- is that still the same property? Does it have hills, slope, etc that might benefit from the locking differential in the x5XX and above series? And do you expect to use any attachments, also pushing you toward the x5XX or larger series?

My mowing needs are less-- only about a half acre, mostly flat. Although there is one sloped area we never even tried to do with our old Craftsman mower. It was too tippy and with no locking differential. I think my needs are less than yours-- more in the x3XX class, but I'm not sure. x5XX class would probably be overkill for me- I don't intend to use any of the attachments. If I did expect to use attachments, I'd skip the x3XX series and be shopping for the x5XX class minimum.

I was sold on the x380, which is a great machine, until I learned about a new Husqvarna model for 2017. The Husky GT48DXLS has a 24 hp Kawasaki engine, K66 transaxle, and electric locking differential-- for under $3k. They have bigger deck sizes but I want 48" as I will probably add a cyclone rake in the future. Fortunately I have good dealer support, as the dealer who handles the GT models is the same dealer I have bought many Stihl products from. I have not bought anything yet, but need to decide soon.

 

[beenthere]

An all-wheel-steer will negate the need for a locking diff.

 

[KEYBEAR]

HRSX2 I have no idea what state your in but it is all about Condition and price . I drove 254 miles one way for my new tractor but it paid me very well to do so .

 

[plowhog]

An all-wheel-steer will negate the need for a locking diff.

I didn't know that. Both Deere dealers I talked to advised against the all wheel steer, but they likely recommended that based on my fairly simple mowing needs. My terrain is mostly flat with not many obstacles. I thought this feature was just more about maneuvering in tight spaces or around trees. How does it improve traction, maybe sending power to two wheels, or even all four? Thanks .....

 

[kevin37b]

Please explain that . Is it the ability to wiggle your rear .

 

[beenthere]

Yes, as Kevin so well put it.
When I first went to AWS, I was surprised how much better traction was.. especially on my banks that I mow. Just do not get the wheel slipping as I did when straight steering.
But the times when traction is lost, just turn the wheels a bit and new traction is found. I mow a lot of steep ground and truthfully don't recall when was the last time I put the locking diff pedal down. That is over 17-18 years and I mow 6 acres of lawn.

 

[rekees4300]

Ok. I've found a 2011 John Deere x500 25 hp and 71 opt hours. At a Deere dealer asking $3,995. Pictures look good. Found in north Ga. how does this sound?

Sounds like a steal. Ask dealer if he will include HDAP rear tires. They would make a big difference in traction.

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[HRSx2]

I called on the 500 today. Played phone tag to no luck. Try again tomorrow. I did, however, find a dealer who is the distribution hub for his company' s 8 stores. Said he had 570 and 590 in crates. This place is 140 miles away but I have purchased from him before. He gave est of $6k for 570 and $7 for the 590. Said he could do better if I came in. As for mowing, all flat and open. My three plus and brothers 2 or so. The x500 would be fine but The 570 or 590 would be 6 years newer. Now that I have a dealer who stocks them, though two plus hours away. I want to see one. They have a 590 coming out of the crate in a couple of days for a customer. I'll see it then.