Lawn tractor. Can I ask here?

[GregE]

I use two different types of, "mowers," for my property. I have a JD 3033R for approximately six acres which I mow. I got it because I wanted a cab. My secondary mower is now a Husqvarna TS348XD. I previously had a Husqvarna lawn tractor which I had for seventeen years. It had the Briggs and Stratton engine and started to blow smoke and leak oil. I was looking at getting a JD X300 series mower to replace it, as I also have a JD X300 for mowing at another property that I mow. That mower is approximately eight years old and has not given me any problems. However, when I went looking for a similar mower, there were none in stock and the dealer didn't know when they might get more in because of Covid. So I looked at the Husqvarna again. The model I bought was on sale for $3390. I also needed the bagger, so my total cost was just shy of $4,000. If I could have bought the JD X300 series with bagger it would have been in the $5K range. So far I've mowed with the new Husqvarna twice. I'm impressed! This mower comes with a 24 HP Kawasaki engine. I got the 48" deck vice the 54" deck to to a ditch I mow and 54" deck would've been too much deck. This thing is solid. I believe it would be more comparable with the JD 500 series for a lot less money. Given that it is a step up from my prior Husqvarna that last seventeen years the mower may out last me! I think it's worth a look.

 

[MoPops]

Thx Greg, I actually was reviewing the Husqvarna 348XD this morning. It sure is tempting to go brand new, and still get the Kawasaki engine. I’d be dropping a lot of width on the mowing deck vs the 54, just to make things easier for the ditch. I think I’m just going to try and go at it from the other direction. Most of the 348 reviews were pretty positive. I guess I’ve just always wanted a JD, so I’m going to check them out tomorrow. Not sure it’s the most practical solution, but it’ll scratch that itch I’ve had for a while.

 

[GeneV]

Thx Greg, I actually was reviewing the Husqvarna 348XD this morning. It sure is tempting to go brand new, and still get the Kawasaki engine. I’d be dropping a lot of width on the mowing deck vs the 54, just to make things easier for the ditch. I think I’m just going to try and go at it from the other direction. Most of the 348 reviews were pretty positive. I guess I’ve just always wanted a JD, so I’m going to check them out tomorrow. Not sure it’s the most practical solution, but it’ll scratch that itch I’ve had for a while.

My man, that's all the reason you need to get a JD, go for it!

 

[MoPops]

I ended up getting a 2013 X540. Has 420 hours. It痴 a little rough, so I was able to talk them down to $2500. It runs very well. They just replaced deck supports, mower belt, plugs filters and oil. It needs headlights maybe a new grill. The hood is intact and not cracked. Looks like a bit of oil around the valve cover.
I知 happy with it, and it mows well! Can稚 believe how quiet it is compared to my older Craftsman. Power steering is nice too.


Looks better from behind. Ha!

 

[Complete Turf Care]

Congrats! I hope it does well for you.

 

[two_bit_score]

There are lots of the X540 model for sale on TractorHouse.com. After looking at the asking price on there, the $3000 might be a fair price for this unit.

I don't know why the link below says "Pardon our interruption". It is a link to TractorHouse.

Pardon Our Interruption

Those mostly seem to have 400-600 hours on them vs the 1100 on the one he is looking at.

EDIT: To the OP, glad you found something you are happy with! Enjoy it!

.

 

[MoPops]

You guys that are more familiar with the x series, is there anything I need to be aware of with this x540 (420 hrs).
Thx!

 

[TimberHole]

I bought a JD345 a year or two back. Some rich guy advertised it for $150.00. Not sure why he would sell it that cheap. I did not argue, just handed that nice fella the money and got out of dodge. I pull a 60 swisher behind it. Really cuts down on mowing time and the pull behind is great for getting under trees and such. Might be an option for mowing around your pond and keeping your mower farther from the ponds edge.

 

[fried1765]

I bought a JD345 a year or two back. Some rich guy advertised it for $150.00. Not sure why he would sell it that cheap. I did not argue, just handed that nice fella the money and got out of dodge. I pull a 60 swisher behind it. Really cuts down on mowing time and the pull behind is great for getting under trees and such. Might be an option for mowing around your pond and keeping your mower farther from the ponds edge.
View attachment 663006

HOT !!!!

 

[TimberHole]

HOT !!!!

Not hot, he bought it new. I have the paperwork. Also, he lived in a very expensive home. Some folks just want to get rid of stuff and are not looking for top dollar.

 

[shovelmike]

What a deal.

 

[MoPops]

I bought a JD345 a year or two back. Some rich guy advertised it for $150.00. Not sure why he would sell it that cheap. I did not argue, just handed that nice fella the money and got out of dodge. I pull a 60 swisher behind it. Really cuts down on mowing time and the pull behind is great for getting under trees and such. Might be an option for mowing around your pond and keeping your mower farther from the ponds edge.
View attachment 663006

Wow! I wish I could have found a deal like yours. $150! The pull behind mower looks great. I will be mowing around the pond this morning. First time with the new to me JD x540. I will see how it does.
I mowed all around the barn and house yesterday. I think it cut the mowing time by 2/3s vs my old Craftsman. So far, I am really happy with it. It takes a while to get used to its overall size and larger cutting deck. But power steering and a very tight turning radius are nice.

 

[beenthere]

In addition to the number of hours you may run into parts availability issues. I have a 2010 Craftsman Garden tractor with a leaky transaxle. Finding a part number is no problem but the part no longer exists - anywhere!! So I can either part it out or dig into the transaxle hoping to find a usable seal. I'm mechanical - I'll fix it. Can you get parts for the Deere? You can get some fairly decent stuff new for the money he's asking. Figure how big a property you need to mow. Many lawn tractor sites will recommend a size tractor suitable for that size property.

John Deere mower products are a world apart from Craftsman.. you won't have a parts problem with the Deere.
The reason Deere products hold their value (easy to look at used prices and Craftsman don't hold value at all) but buying used you are at some risk not knowing what may happen, or that it will run forever.
My diesel 455 has been running for 10 years without an issue, and had 500 hours on it when bought in 2010.

 

[radios1]

I bought a JD345 a year or two back. Some rich guy advertised it for $150.00. Not sure why he would sell it that cheap. I did not argue, just handed that nice fella the money and got out of dodge. I pull a 60 swisher behind it. Really cuts down on mowing time and the pull behind is great for getting under trees and such. Might be an option for mowing around your pond and keeping your mower farther from the ponds edge.
View attachment 663006

yeah, it makes sense, I've seen a number of posts where a large tractor was given away for free, too:shocked: sometimes you just luck out!..

 

[fried1765]

Not hot, he bought it new. I have the paperwork. Also, he lived in a very expensive home. Some folks just want to get rid of stuff and are not looking for top dollar.

That just does not pass the smell test with me!

 

[TimberHole]

That just does not pass the smell test with me!

Here is the ad. Does this pass your smell test? The guy lives in about a half a million dollar home which is a few blocks from the low rent district where I live. You think he is fencing hot property out of his own garage? He also gave me some original paperwork with it so if he is a thief he is a thief that provides excellent documentation! He also seemed well educated and well spoken for a crook!

 

[two_bit_score]

Here is the ad. Does this pass your smell test? The guy lives in about a half a million dollar home which is a few blocks from the low rent district where I live. You think he is fencing hot property out of his own garage? He also gave me some original paperwork with it so if he is a thief he is a thief that provides excellent documentation! He also seemed well educated and well spoken for a crook!

Some people just can't stand it that somebody else got a good deal. Enjoy your tractor and ignore the mistfits carping about it. Congratulations!

 

[Beltman60]

Good deals are out there everyday if you look hard enough for them.

Years ago a bought a Bobcat front mounted 72" diesel mower for $500.00 from a guy who lived out in the boonies that a friend told me about.
Now when I say boonies I'm talking about Deliverance out back type place. I wasn't too keen in pulling down his driveway. (washed out dirt driveway)
Anyway He knocked $200.00 off it for my can of dip and told me no one else has ever acquired about it so make it gone.

Get it home and fix a few small things wrong with it and use it about a half of year and decide that the 72" deck is a bit much so go to sell it.
Thought I would make a bit of money on it and priced it at $850.00. I couldn't get one person to come out in over a month of trying to sell it.
I go online to see what the things our going for on the interweb and they seem high to me at $2800. - $4000.
It's getting to the end of the season and I don't want this mammoth thing taking up the barn space but decided to relist it at $2800.
In 4 days I had 8 people interested in it wanting to come from over 4 hours away.
Sold to a local guy for $2500. and he paid me $150. to drop the big SOB off at his house about 15 miles away.

So what I'm trying to say is deals are out there if you look for them, and if you're trying to sell something make sure you price it right or people think something is wrong with it and won't even bother looking at it.

 

[TimberHole]

Good deals are out there everyday if you look hard enough for them.

Years ago a bought a Bobcat front mounted 72" diesel mower for $500.00 from a guy who lived out in the boonies that a friend told me about.
Now when I say boonies I'm talking about Deliverance out back type place. I wasn't too keen in pulling down his driveway. (washed out dirt driveway)
Anyway He knocked $200.00 off it for my can of dip and told me no one else has ever acquired about it so make it gone.

Get it home and fix a few small things wrong with it and use it about a half of year and decide that the 72" deck is a bit much so go to sell it.
Thought I would make a bit of money on it and priced it at $850.00. I couldn't get one person to come out in over a month of trying to sell it.
I go online to see what the things our going for on the interweb and they seem high to me at $2800. - $4000.
It's getting to the end of the season and I don't want this mammoth thing taking up the barn space but decided to relist it at $2800.
In 4 days I had 8 people interested in it wanting to come from over 4 hours away.
Sold to a local guy for $2500. and he paid me $150. to drop the big SOB off at his house about 15 miles away.

So what I'm trying to say is deals are out there if you look for them, and if you're trying to sell something make sure you price it right or people think something is wrong with it and won't even bother looking at it.

My dad and I both spent decades in sales. When one of us has something advertised and it has not sold our standard joke is “need to raise the price”! It is true that the asking price makes a statement about the merchandise.

I have found 2 mowers on that site. The 345 mentioned and a really nice rear engine snapper. The Snapper did not run and they just wanted it out of the garage. Took it home and had it running in 20 minutes. I still mow with it. Have a zero turn I bought for 200. Put a new engine on it for 350. Mower had 42 hours total time. Bargains are everywhere if you look.