Looking to replace my JD 175 Hydro with maybe a JD x304...your opinions appreciated.

[fiftyoon]

Hi, I live in Indiana and am looking to replace my aging 175 hydro - 38 inch deck and rear bagger with something like the x304. I have a sloping 1 acre lot with probably some 15% grades. Also a number of large oak trees and some landscape beds. I also have a trac vac for the leaves in the fall. I've read about the issues with the K46 transaxles so I'd be looking for a 2007 x304 with low hours. I like the idea of a 42" deck with a standard chute. Sometimes I mow clockwise and throw the clippings and a few leaves toward the middle, then put the chute on with a few rounds left to bag the excess.

My 175 hydro doesn't mow very evenly, so I'd really appreciate you input on the mowing evenness of the x304. With high lift blades, the 175 has serious vacuum. How is the vacuum on the x304 with the standard rear bagger. I would also appreciate any other usability advice I should consider.

Thanks in advance!

 

[mikehaugen]

I really like deere, but if I was buying a lawn tractor today with mowing as it's #1 duty, I would take a serious look at simplicity.

My mom has a jd 345 and recently got a deal on a simplicity regent with a bagger. It is much smaller and not nearly the "tractor" as the deere, but she wanted a bagger and still uses both depending on conditions. I gotta say that for a $2100 mower, I am impressed.

 

[jenkinsph]

I tried out an x304 on my lawn a few years ago and thought it cut well enough but it couldn't pull up the ditch banks well enough to suit me. I also tried out the x300R and thought it had a great bagging setup, much better than my L130. Finally went with the x749 with the 48" deck and MC519 collection system, nimble enough to fit between most of my trees, climbs any grades I need it to.

If you can find a good x304 with the k58 transmission you speak of that would be a good compromise if the 42" deck is important. If not then consider an x324 with the 48" deck. Just recognize the rear tires on the x304 are small imo.

 

[johndeereg]

I have a 175 and it cuts wonderful. Maybe you are upgrading for other reasons, but if it's your cut quality, something must be wrong somewhere. My deck does a great job, nice an uniform. Is the deck level and the wheels adjusted right?