John Deere X300 Series Decision / Dilemna

[LBrown59]

My Uncle has a 500. He bought it after driving my 425. But, he has said many a time that it's not the tractor that my 425 is. I drove his 500 for just a few minutes and very quickly thought the same thing. My advise is to scrap the 300 series idea and get a good used 400 series, or move up to the subcuts.
1*I guess the closest comparable new model to the 400's is the x700's. But, boy are they pricey!

The plot thickens...
2*So are the older JD tractors that are being recommended over the current X-series models the GT and GX series? Is the LX series (the "L" which I assume stands for "Lawn" and "G" standing for "Garden" durable enough to be considered used, or should I be only looking at G-series. Again, remember that due to the hills in my yard, and concerns about quality of cut, I'm thinking a 42" deck may be adequate. It does look like I give up quite a bit of agility (turning radius, etc) with the older series tractors.
3*I'm curious as to what my local JD dealers will have to say about the older vs new tractor debate.
This is also the second recommendation to look at Simplicity. Guess I'll do that also.

1*That's right.
2*The 400s were garden tractors.
3*He is naturally going to favor the new over the old; his business depends on it.

 

[Gittyup]

The 400 series (older 400, 420, (even 318) and newer 425, 445, and 455) are garden tractors, but are not of any particular series like "GT" or "GX". It should be pretty easy to find one to test drive, either at a dealer or through a private seller. Once you do, you'll see how different they are. You get real hydraulics, power steering, a heavy stable platform with outstanding traction and differential lock, all shaft, and water cooled quietness. Some have AWS. A rear PTO and 3PH are options as well. Attachments are many and readily available, and are the bomb, especially the hydraulic angle and lift plow blade. The 455 is a diesel. The 445 is fuel injected. They also make excellent snow movers, especially in tight spaces. Do a search on TBN for these models and you'll get a lot of good info. Some have proclaimed them to be the best garden tractors ever made.

Simplicity makes some nice machines, as does or did Gravely, bota, wheel horse, ford, ingersol, and MF. A quality tractor is worth it IMO, just to make your life easier: comfort, speed, noise, your time, usefulness, etc.

 

[jcmseven]

I think we must be careful to not graduate out of our OP's budget desires. If he is looking at a 300 series machine, he might not wish to go the full monty to an X 700 series tractor. Examples of used tractors he might wish to check out: 325,335,345,425,445 455 (though the diesel might be overkill) and don't forget the 2210 sub-c. About the smallest new machine would be the 500 series now, which by the way I personally do not think is as good as the previous 300 series. All these mowers from JD offer excellent cut, even on hilly terrain, and should not scalp the yard. They are excellent machines. I like the Simplicity line, and the Kubota GT line also, but they are not inexpensive machines either. I have good JD relationships so I favor JD but feel there are other solid machines from other brands out there. The best small garden tractor I ever had was a Gravely 8199 with an Onan engine and 60" deck. It was a great machine. Sadly, like all things good, they no longer make it. If you could find a good used Gravely, that would be another option. I rate the Gravely 8199, the JD 318 and 455, and the IH 20 hp GT from yesteryear as the four best tractors of all time in their respective sizes.

John M

 

[LBrown59]

Examples of used tractors he might wish to check out: 325,335,345,425,445 455 (though the diesel might be overkill) and don't forget the 1*2210 sub-c.
2*About the smallest new machine would be the 500 series now, which by the way I personally do not think is as good as the previous 300 series.
3*I like the Simplicity line, and the Kubota GT line also, but they are not inexpensive machines either.
John M

1*I would highly recommend the Kubota BX series in addition to the JD 2210.
Here is a sweet pair of BX1500s I picked up at a good price.

2*The 500 is the old 300 series now at a higher price.
3*Rite

 

[budlite]

Sumitter asked for X300 series owner comments. Bought a X304 last spring to cut my 2+ acre lawn. Already have an utility tractor so just needed mower.

1. Quality of cut - My 304 has 42 inch deck, cuts great.
2. Mulching capability / convenience - Not tried to mulch with the mower. I have a LOT of hardwood trees and use a DR lawn vac in the fall for leaves.
3. Ease of service / removing deck - haven't removed deck yet
4. Quality / Durability of Transmission - Don't know
5. Agility - Is not getting the 4-wheel steering something I'd really regret after-the-fact? - I love it! Formerly had a old 210 JD and the 4WS on the X304 is great. Test drive one yourself, if you have a lot of maneuvering to do I think it would be a no-brainer.
6. CAPABLE bagging system, that won't readily clog. - No idea, don't bag

 

[TigerfaninAR]

Sumitter asked for X300 series owner comments. Bought a X304 last spring to cut my 2+ acre lawn. Already have an utility tractor so just needed mower.

1. Quality of cut - My 304 has 42 inch deck, cuts great.
2. Mulching capability / convenience - Not tried to mulch with the mower. I have a LOT of hardwood trees and use a DR lawn vac in the fall for leaves.
3. Ease of service / removing deck - haven't removed deck yet
4. Quality / Durability of Transmission - Don't know
5. Agility - Is not getting the 4-wheel steering something I'd really regret after-the-fact? - I love it! Formerly had a old 210 JD and the 4WS on the X304 is great. Test drive one yourself, if you have a lot of maneuvering to do I think it would be a no-brainer.
6. CAPABLE bagging system, that won't readily clog. - No idea, don't bag

I have a X300 and like it. Of course I had a Troy-bilt Horse which was the worst piece of you know what ever before. Anyway back to the original posters questions .

1. The quality of cut is great
2. Haven't tried mulching
3. The deck comes off pretty easy. First time I did to sharpen the blades it took me little over 10 minutes. I could get it off now in 5 min. easy.
4. Transmission-don't know
5. Agility-- We have quite a few trees on our 1 acre and it gets around them easily. Much better than the troy-bilt (of course everything is better)
6. Bagging--don't know, never had.

Last Fall I had to cut some thigh to waist high grass and it went through it much better than I thought. I'm sure like everything its not as good as the older versions but I'm satisfied.

 

[WalterK]

Guys -
Thanks to all for all of the insightful info. I'll respond to a few of the various comments and recommendations:

In general, yes - I agree that buying one higher quality tractor versus 2 cheaper ones over time will likely be a more rewarding and less frustrating experience.

LBrown59 re: JD Dealer opinion of new 3-series versus older JD models:
"3*He is naturally going to favor the new over the old; his business depends on it." -
Yes, I assume he will. I was thinking of calling the service/repair center, which is totally separate from the JD sales center, and see if I can't get an honest opinion out them.

jcmseven: "I think we must be careful to not graduate out of our OP's budget desires. If he is looking at a 300 series machine, he might not wish to go the full monty to an X 700 series tractor. Examples of used tractors he might wish to check out: 325,335,345,425,445 455 (though the diesel might be overkill) and don't forget the 2210 sub-c."
Ahhh...the voice of reason. With my oldest just through her first year in college ($51K a year!!!) and two more to go, being budget-conscious might not be a bad idea! That said, I will see what I can find out where I can check out any used older 300 or 400 series JDs. Not sure where the best source in my area might be for that (Morris County, NJ) - Any recommendations?
There is a JD sales and rental center locally that might have older machines, but I'm not sure that a former rental machine is a good idea.

Budlite and TigerfaninAr: regarding the current X300 series bagging capability - "6. CAPABLE bagging system, that won't readily clog. - No idea, don't bag", and "6. Bagging--don't know, never had. Last Fall I had to cut some thigh to waist high grass and it went through it much better than I thought. I'm sure like everything its not as good as the older versions but I'm satisfied."
As mentioned, I'm not a huge fan of the PowerFlow bagging unit that I had on the Scotts. It would've been fine had it had a full metal housing. It projects out far, and the plastic shields and housing wear through and fall apart over time. As I mentioned, my neighbors LA110 JD with only a 42" deck really choked on my lawn, and you could hear the engine and belt system labor when I hit the thicker patches of grass. A PowerFlow bagger for a new JD X300 series adds another $1000 to the bottom line, so I may need to factor that into the equation.

Just as an aside (and not to digress too far from my original post), my father mentioned that I should look into what's available from New Holland, since they're owned by Ford, and I can get a decent (former employee) discount. I think that the smallest thing they make is the Boomer 1020, though, which is likely way out of my league.

Thanks again - I've gotta focus on the "white collar" aspect of my work life for a couple of days - I'll advise as to what I turn up - in the meantime, I appreciate any additional comments.

 

[WalterK]

Examples of used tractors he might wish to check out: 325,335,345,425,445 455 (though the diesel might be overkill) and don't forget the 2210 sub-c. John M

The 2210 looks great, but I think that's beyond my means, and probably overkill for my yard, too. The more recent 325, 335 and 345 are GX series tractors, correct? Anything I should know about that line quality-wise versus the original 300 series (300, 318, 320, 325 etc). Is the older version preferable?

 

[jhgnag]

I'm also considering a 325 or 318 to cut 1.2 acres probably 2x per month (native grass) and possibly snow removal & tilling in the future.

The 325 I'm looking at has 29 hours (that's not a typo). The 318 has 640 hours. I can get the 325 for $2800 and the 318 for $1700. Not sure what to do. The 318 makes me a little nervous because I'm worried I may have to fix things (just due to the age). Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't have time right now to tinker. Of course, I'd love to save $1100.

I'd appreciate any thoughts or input.

 

[WalterK]

I'm also considering a 325 or 318 to cut 1.2 acres probably 2x per month (native grass) and possibly snow removal & tilling in the future.

The 325 I'm looking at has 29 hours (that's not a typo). The 318 has 640 hours. I can get the 325 for $2800 and the 318 for $1700. Not sure what to do. The 318 makes me a little nervous because I'm worried I may have to fix things (just due to the age). Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't have time right now to tinker. Of course, I'd love to save $1100.

I'd appreciate any thoughts or input.

I can't really speak too much about the 318 or 325. I ended up buying up into the current X500 series, picking up an 2007 X534 with 50 hours for $3,500. Not a bad deal, and the tractor's in pretty good condition. As a 2007 unit, though, it only had a 2-year warranty; not the current 4 year/500 hour warranty, so time will tell how good a deal I got. I felt the same way as you about buying a tractor and getting right into possible repairs and maintenance, which is why I bought newer. Still, in your price range, the units you mention sound like pretty good choices. Depending on the amount of tilling and snow removal, I'd look for something with auxiliary hydraulics to allow you to run the hydraulic tiller, etc - which the current X500 series can't do. 90% of what I currently use the tractor for is lawn mowing, but it sounds like you need a more well-rounded unit capable of doing other things just as well as it mows.