new X310

TimberXX · Nov 20, 2011

The power steering in the larger models bumps the price up several thousands. What bothers me about the x300 is that you can't change the tranny fluid until you get a x360.

jinman · Nov 20, 2011

jenkinsph said:
Just my opinion but I den't see the need for a power lift for a small mower deck. the manual deck lift on my L130 is simple and easy to use. Same with power steering, don't see the need for it either. If you need a power lift for a snowblower and power steering I recommend you get a larger model machine to start with.

I have to agree with you, Steve. The problem with a hydraulic lift is that you have two spots you can control with repeatability: 1. all the way up, 2. all the way down. In between those, it's a guess. Manual lifts have multiple notches and discreet steps. This may not be true of the JD hyd deck lifts, but my Kubota has no height indicator and my old Gilson with hyd deck lift certainly didn't either. However, every manual lift deck I ever owned had a series of notches for different heights.

Markcuda · Nov 20, 2011

What bothers me about the x300 is that you can't change the tranny fluid until you get a x360

And that is why I sprung for the X360.
Did a tranny and filter change at 50 hours, all looked good

The power steering is the cats meow.
People that don't like it, fine, peeps that do, is also fine.

jenkinsph · Nov 20, 2011

jinman said:
I have to agree with you, Steve. The problem with a hydraulic lift is that you have two spots you can control with repeatability: 1. all the way up, 2. all the way down. In between those, it's a guess. Manual lifts have multiple notches and discreet steps. This may not be true of the JD hyd deck lifts, but my Kubota has no height indicator and my old Gilson with hyd deck lift certainly didn't either. However, every manual lift deck I ever owned had a series of notches for different heights.

The Deere models have a knob for adjusting the height with repeatability with the hydraulic lift models mower decks. I just don't see the need to over complicate these smaller mowers with decks that are easily managed with a manual height adjustment.

I can easily see the advantage to an upgraded transmission as being very worthwhile, imo the 300 model should have had the K58 to start with.

jenkinsph · Nov 20, 2011

Markcuda said:
And that is why I sprung for the X360.
Did a tranny and filter change at 50 hours, all looked good
The power steering is the cats meow.
People that don't like it, fine, peeps that do, is also fine.

I can see the ps being put on the 360 model which is at a higher price point but don't think it is needed on a 310 with out ballast. Really it seems there are just too many models imo, must be about 18 to 20 models between a D100 and a x749 now. No wonder the dealers have a hard time figuring out which parts to stock.

mbrun · Nov 20, 2011

jenkinsph said:
Just my opinion but I den't see the need for a power lift for a small mower deck. the manual deck lift on my L130 is simple and easy to use. Same with power steering, don't see the need for it either. If you need a power lift for a snowblower and power steering I recommend you get a larger model machine to start with.

Power lift is for blower and snow plow only, it does not operate the deck. One thing I like about this is that it gives the option of downforce. It's on my list for the x500.

broncosfan · Nov 20, 2011

another link for it if this helps anyone
Electric lift kit
http://youtu.be/mdwKjDkbT0Y

mjncad · Nov 21, 2011

jenkinsph said:
Really it seems there are just too many models imo, must be about 18 to 20 models between a D100 and a x749 now. No wonder the dealers have a hard time figuring out which parts to stock.

That's one of my pet peeves with Deere's lawn and garden tractor lineup. They obviously got this marketing strategy from the cell phone and electronics industries. That's what I liked about the old 400 series, you had a 425, 445, and 455. Pick your price point, or pick your wants/needs and get it done.

When the L130 pukes, I intend to get something with power steering and deck lift as I'm not the strongest guy out there. I can't imagine trying to steer a L130 class machine with a snowplow hanging off the front, even with 84-pounds of suitcase weights on the back. I have the weights on the back of my L130 to help lighten the front end, and it made little difference for me.

RBLapham · Dec 12, 2011

TimberXX said:
What bothers me about the x300 is that you can't change the tranny fluid until you get a x360.

I just changed the oil in my X300 K46. Took about 1.5 hours. Put in 5W50 synthetic reccomended by tuff torq, have 53 hours on it. Sounded better and felt stronger but no sientific data

Just pull trans, plug, turn upside down to drain, refill and reinstall. Also cleaned it up so it runs cooler.

On the X310 - for $1200 over the X300 they could have put in a K66 - then it would be a great machine.:2cents: