More expensive 2008 X304 = downgrade from 2007 X304?

[BMWBig6]

Is this a misprint? John Deere's website shows that the current (2008) X304 lawn tractor is equipped with a K46 transmission. Last year's X304 came with the K58, which was one of the big reasons (besides AWS) that people favored the X304 over the X300 in the first place (beefier trans). This year's model is actually more expensive, but has the cheaper transmission. Where's the beef? And why would JD do that?

Does the 2008 X304 have other features and content that justify the higher price of the 2007 model? Or did it just get more expensive because of the price of steel/fuel/labor/clearcoat protectant?

 

[bontai_Joe]

Is this a misprint? John Deere's website shows that the current (2008) X304 lawn tractor is equipped with a K46 transmission. Last year's X304 came with the K58, which was one of the big reasons (besides AWS) that people favored the X304 over the X300 in the first place (beefier trans). This year's model is actually more expensive, but has the cheaper transmission. Where's the beef? And why would JD do that?

Does the 2008 X304 have other features and content that justify the higher price of the 2007 model? Or did it just get more expensive because of the price of steel/fuel/labor/clearcoat protectant?

I think you answered your own question. The costs of metals and plastics used have skyrocketed. My employer will only hold price quotes on the machinery we manufacture for 30 days because of the metals markets. Plus the cost of energy to power the factories, transport the tractors also has a role in raising prices. I did notice that they now come with a 4 year warrantee which should offer assurance that they feel confident in the quality of their product.

 

[TimS]

And why would JD do that?

Increased selling price and reduced costs = more profit - it's as simple as that. Deere probably felt that the average person wouldn't really understand the difference between the two transmissions, so they were not gaining anything by using the more expensive one.

Tim

 

[Lend27]

I just purchased a brand new leftover 2007 JD X304 from my local dealer specifically to get the K58 trans.
The new features added to the 2008 were basically frills.
And my dealer gave me the 4 year warranty.

Len in NC

 

[BMWBig6]

I just purchased a brand new leftover 2007 JD X304 from my local dealer specifically to get the K58 trans.
The new features added to the 2008 were basically frills.
And my dealer gave me the 4 year warranty.

Len in NC

You lucked out Len, I tried to do the same thing. My local dealer belongs to a network of 14 other locations, and they are all sold out of the 2007 X304's.

 

[jm102397]

Price is $3499 now and was $3499 last year?

 

[shot_gun]

Ben , the price is the same as last year. Money is the biggest reason they would do that. Being able to keep the price the same. They probably tested and found that they could do the same job in that tractor with the k46 and still offer a 4 year warranty. Jumpin up to a 304 now

 

[BMWBig6]

Oh, if that's true, sorry. Archived posts seemed to indicate that the X300 and X304 were both around $100 cheaper last year (or maybe it was 2006 prices?), but maybe I confused that with what people actually paid, not MSRP. Even at the same price, it seems like somewhat "less" tractor for the money (to me).

The X304 was not originally one of my finalists, but if I was considering an X300 and could get AWS *and* a better transmission for only a few hundred more, it started to appeal to me. Especially considering how hilly my property is (see my other thread here: Is this too much grade for a K46 transmission?).