Old vs New Equivalence?

[Klorinth]

I need some help understanding how to look at old and new models and know what I can compare. What do I compare an '80's 318 to? Or how about a 445?

I am looking at all different models trying to find the right one for my needs. But... in order for me to explain to my wife why an older model might be better than that new LA 135 in HD with a warrentee... I need to be able to show her where the older model might have more torque, stronger frame, better engine, etc. Problem is that I am too new to tractors to be able to do this.

Any suggestions?

Ps. For those of you that have not seen one of my few posts... I am looking for something that can handle regular use for relative rough mowing 2-3 acres, snowblowing +140' driveway(gravel), occasional hauling and maybe pushing. I also do not have a shop to work in yet, nor tools. It is a learn and buy as I go situation.

 

[TimS]

If you are settled on Deere, I would recommened asking that same question in the "late model" forum at Weekend Freedom Machines.

Also, don't buy a Deere from a big box store - the same model is available at the same price at your Deere dealer; they will likely have done a better job assembling it, and will be happier about taking care of you if you have any problems.

Tim

 

[Whitey]

Older machines are better.......check out some web pages that sell used equipment and look at the popular models....the cost on a similar one new will make you faint. I own a JD 425 AWS parts are still available and it was half the cost of new.

 

[Klorinth]

Can I compare a JD 425 AWS to say an X340 AWS? Or is it an X540?

This is my problem. If I look at a JD 265, what can I compare it to that is new on the dealers floor?

I know the machines that I like from just a quick look... 318, 445, 755, 790, etc. But can I compare them to the new models? LA's, X's, 23xx, etc.

What can I say? I'm a total Newbie

 

[mred]

Maybe I can help as I went through something similar I think. I own a 318 and like it. I bought a 445 for my father some years back which is how I ended up with the 318. I went looking for something for myself for another property I own a couple of years ago. I did not spend every weekend looking but I did ask dealers to keep a look out as I wanted a 318, 445, 455 etc machine. No one ever called. Around here they are not easy to find used. I looked in the local papers, machine finder etc. I did find one a couple hundred miles away but it was not cheap and I was concerned traveling that distance committed me in a way. Then I found this forum. After reading a great deal and learning from the very knowledgable peoplehere I ended up buying new. I did look at the JD X series etc. I looked at Orange and there were some nice machines there. I grew up being the owner / operator of a JD B so green was the only way for me to go. If I can suggest one thing it is don't wait for the used because having is much more fun than wanting.

 

[Whitey]

I do not know what to tel you....in my opinion the older machines are made up from heavier components and materials that is why the last so long. My JD 425 AWS is a wll build machine and will last years to come. My "92" 770 is the same way. The cost for the machining of parts and the raw materials was different than today. Go to tractorhouse.com or the Deere web site and look at the used machines and then look at the same size and the cost difference will make you faint.

 

[Whitey]

I just read your post again.....rough mowing for 2 - 3 acres??? how much seat time do you want??? Snow blowing 140' of drive instead of plow??? Once again what your describing maybe too much for a 445 a good unit to look at (if you can find one) is a JD 455 diesel. You can buy off road at a lower price and get a 60" MMM that will help with your seat time. What kind of $$$ do you want to spend?

 

[ChuckinNH]

The JD 318, and 445 were Deere's top of the line gas engine powered garden tractors at the time they were produced.The 445 was a little larger than the 318. The new Deere garden tractor that compares to these models is the JD X700 series. The new X500 series are more closely related to the GT265, etc. as they are belt driven, and considerably lighter.

 

[shot_gun]

Can I compare a JD 425 AWS to say an X340 AWS? Or is it an X540?

This is my problem. If I look at a JD 265, what can I compare it to that is new on the dealers floor?

I know the machines that I like from just a quick look... 318, 445, 755, 790, etc. But can I compare them to the new models? LA's, X's, 23xx, etc.

What can I say? I'm a total Newbie

There are not always direct replacements on the machines in question. Say..

425AWS would be closley asosiated with the X724 not identical engines but pretty close on everything else. I would sell an X540 with someone with a 318 that just wanted to mow grass nothing to special but if they were into three point hitch and rear pto then we woud go to a X700 series. A 445 was replaced by the X485 and then the X720. Both X's have more horsepower but all are fuel injected gas liquid cooled engines with similar chassis. The 790 is replaced with the 3005. Just the stickers changed. The 755 is close to the 2520. LA's are most closley related to the STX models, X300's are closley related to the LT lawn tractors. X500's back to the GT/GX-300 series.

I would replace a 265(17hp) with a X500(25hp)/48" deck because both have similar chassis. No x340AWS X324/48" is sweet but no match for the 425AWS or X485 AWS ect.

 

[Klorinth]

The JD 318, and 445 were Deere's top of the line gas engine powered garden tractors at the time they were produced.The 445 was a little larger than the 318. The new Deere garden tractor that compares to these models is the JD X700 series. The new X500 series are more closely related to the GT265, etc. as they are belt driven, and considerably lighter.

That is exactly what I was wondering. I had a dealer tell me that if I was worried about $$$ I should just get an LA135 with blower and plan to replace it in 2 years. Otherwise I see my self needing to go up to the 790 range and I don't think I can afford that. Around here the 318 runs about $4K, 790 $9-12K.

I could get a 445 for a little over $5-6K. My worry about plowing the drive is the drifting that we can get. Friends have two machines, one to plow and one to blow. That is how they deal with it. I just don't want to spend the money on two if I can do it all with one... Thoughts?