New X500 or used X534 or X540?

[ChuckinNH]

The AWS is sure different. I think that because the rear of the tractor actually moves away from the turn instead of pivoting on the rear tire, the actual radius of the turn is larger, however the mower deck is closer to the pivot point with such a system so the uncut circle is smaller. I have three acres + to mow, and lots of rocks, trees, and such to mow around, and I'm having the same trouble deciding about the AWS myself.

 

[WalterK]

The AWS is sure different. I think that because the rear of the tractor actually moves away from the turn instead of pivoting on the rear tire, the actual radius of the turn is larger, however the mower deck is closer to the pivot point with such a system so the uncut circle is smaller. I have three acres + to mow, and lots of rocks, trees, and such to mow around, and I'm having the same trouble deciding about the AWS myself.

That's about the best description I've heard so far of how the turning radius on the AWS X534 is calculated. My dealer seems to think that the specified radius is based on a pivot point located at the rear axle. All I know is that in turning tight circles in my test drive, you could feel and understand how the AWS allows for a smaller uncut circle.

If the 2WS X500 and X540 had turning radii closer to that of the X300 2-wheel steer models (15 or 16" vs 22") it wouldn't be that big a consideration for me.

 

[daBear]

Let me chime in again and talk about a liquid cooled engine like the X540. I know they will last longer and are probably quieter than their air cooled counterparts. But, I have had a liquid cooled JD 285 for six years and it takes a lot of maintenance and cleaning to keep it running cool. My 285 must be disassembled down to the radiator and washed out with water if the yard is the least bit dry. The clippings are sucked into the covers over the radiator and will effectively block the airflow. My 285 is probably 12 years old and has 950 hours on it and the maintenance load is getting too much with first one thing then the other going wrong. Makes me wish for an air cooled engine to throw away and re power it.

It has been a wonderful piece of equipment but there is more maintenance to the liquid cooled engine and assembly so don't just fall in love with the X540 just because of the engine. It is not without a price.

 

[ChuckinNH]

Let me chime in again and talk about a liquid cooled engine like the X540. I know they will last longer and are probably quieter than their air cooled counterparts. But, I have had a liquid cooled JD 285 for six years and it takes a lot of maintenance and cleaning to keep it running cool. My 285 must be disassembled down to the radiator and washed out with water if the yard is the least bit dry. The clippings are sucked into the covers over the radiator and will effectively block the airflow. My 285 is probably 12 years old and has 950 hours on it and the maintenance load is getting too much with first one thing then the other going wrong. Makes me wish for an air cooled engine to throw away and re power it.

It has been a wonderful piece of equipment but there is more maintenance to the liquid cooled engine and assembly so don't just fall in love with the X540 just because of the engine. It is not without a price.

I have wondered about that too. Actually I'm not so sure that the liquid cooled engines are that much quieter. I wear hearing protection with both since they both are too loud to operate ( especially with a mower deck running) to be safe without protection. There is also the winter concerns with liquid too.

 

[WalterK]

Let me chime in again and talk about a liquid cooled engine like the X540. I know they will last longer and are probably quieter than their air cooled counterparts. But, I have had a liquid cooled JD 285 for six years and it takes a lot of maintenance and cleaning to keep it running cool. My 285 must be disassembled down to the radiator and washed out with water if the yard is the least bit dry. The clippings are sucked into the covers over the radiator and will effectively block the airflow. My 285 is probably 12 years old and has 950 hours on it and the maintenance load is getting too much with first one thing then the other going wrong. Makes me wish for an air cooled engine to throw away and re power it.

It has been a wonderful piece of equipment but there is more maintenance to the liquid cooled engine and assembly so don't just fall in love with the X540 just because of the engine. It is not without a price.

Wow - great info, DaBear. That's the first I've heard anyone cite any of the negative aspects of the liquid cooled engine (vs air cooled). To date, I've only heard everyone extolling it's virtue and longevity, so it's good to know that it doesn't come without some compromise. I do have some areas in my yard that have worn down to hard pan - no top soil whatsoever. When it gets really dry out in mid summer, I essentially raise a dust storm when I mow. Couple that with lots of dried out pine needles, and it's a pretty noxious combination. (On the bright side, when it's that dry, maybe I'll be able to mulch!). I'll definitely take your advice into consideration.

 

[rod330]

The clippings are sucked into the covers over the radiator and will effectively block the airflow.

Keep in mind the 285 design is over 20 years old. The hood and cooling inlets on the X540 are completely different. Ater two years with my X540 running in similar dry conditions, my radiator is perfectly clean and has not required any maintenance. After each mowing, I always use my leaf blower to clean up the driveway so I also take a minute to raise the hood and blow out the engine compartment. Having said that, there's no question a liquid cooled engine, by definition, will require additional maintenance.

 

[daBear]

That is outstanding rod330 and good to hear. Glad to see they have improved the design. I am sooooo leaning toward the X540. Got a dealer here that will let it go with the 48" deck for $6,900 plus state tax, and a X534 for $6400 with the 48" deck. The X534 has a factory green tag sale on now.

 

[WalterK]

That is outstanding rod330 and good to hear. Glad to see they have improved the design. I am sooooo leaning toward the X540. Got a dealer here that will let it go with the 48" deck for $6,900 plus state tax, and a X534 for $6400 with the 48" deck. The X534 has a factory green tag sale on now.

Hmmm...my local dealer's Green Tag event only includes the X500, which is $500 off. They were extending $500 off their "regular" price to the entire X500 series lineup through this past weekend, but I wasn't ready to commit as of yesterday. My dealer's price on the X534 is $7399, although they list "Save $300 Until July 31, 2009", it doesn't indicate whether that's $300 off listed prices, or if that's just when there might be a price increase). If I could get the X534 locally at $6,400 + tax, I'd probably jump at it. As it stands right now, due to pricing, the X534 and X540 are out of my budget for local, new unit pricing. As I mentioned, I don't think they need to be quite as competitive on pricing here in northern NJ. Interestingly, my dealer lists the X534 and X540 for the exact same price.

 

[daBear]

There appears to be a wide difference among dealers even here locally. I have about five within a 50 mile radius and they are all completely different on what price they are quoting. One even went over the JD website price I assume is MSRP.

 

[WalterK]

The AWS is sure different. I think that because the rear of the tractor actually moves away from the turn instead of pivoting on the rear tire, the actual radius of the turn is larger, however the mower deck is closer to the pivot point with such a system so the uncut circle is smaller. I have three acres + to mow, and lots of rocks, trees, and such to mow around, and I'm having the same trouble deciding about the AWS myself.

Well, I just received the answer from JD Customer Support in response to my inquiry regarding the seemingly contractictory turning radii specs for the X534 vs the other X500 series tractors.

My question, as submitted to JD:Response: "I'm considering an X500 series tractor, and am debating between the 500, 534 and 540. I don't quite understand how the X534 tractor can be listed as having a larger turning radius (27") than the non-AWD X500 series tractors (typically listed as 22"), yet leave less uncut grass left. Is this a typo, or does it have something to do with the way you calculate the turn radius when all 4 wheels turn?

The OFFICIAL answer received from JD Customer Support: "It has something to do with the deck size and AWD and 4 Wheel drive."
(Jo Ann) 05/18/2009 10:21 AM
Thank you for contacting our Web site.


Well, now we all know, don't we? Sure glad THAT was cleared up.
Doesn't exactly build confidence, does it?