Orange or Green

[usmcshepherd]

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts, suggestions and apprecaition.

Well today, I test drove a x520 and wow what a machine. I've never had anythig like this so it was quite impressive to me (I'm still using a small craftsman). I totally agree with whatever says about dealer support, which is what is driving me closer to the JD line, as the Kubota dealers in IL weren't very helpful when I called them up to just inquire about service support etc, where the JD guy told me they'd drive out to the farm and pickup the tractor and return it whenever necessary without charge (of course they are only about 10 miles from the farm itself...which oh by the way is located outside Princeton, IL).

I liked the x520/540 liquid cooled engine, but then read elsewhere that that can sometimes be more work and a potential issue in cold weather.

The salesman quoted me a price of $6200 on the x520 and $7k even on the x540 which for the $800 I think it would be worth having the power steering and autolift deck.

My delimea returns to whether I need a tractor the size of a x500 series or if I should just go with a x360 (22hp over the 17hp in the smaller 300 series plus it has the power steering and lift, just doesn't have aliquid cooled engine or differential, and its $2k cheaper then the x540).

The one thing I didn't really like about the JD's was that the brake was on the same side as the fwd/rvs pedals...is that normal? Are they all that way?

Anyway thanks again and once I get this issue over I'll tell you about a restored Farmall M I am planning on buying my dad for his birthday next year. Its the same model he had growing up on the farm!!!

 

[mjncad]

I have Deere equipment primarily because there are plenty of dealers and parts are easy to come by. I'm also pleased with my 4200.

Try them both out and see which you like best.

I have a CUT and an L130 (Despot/Doh's) series of lawn tractor I bought at the dealership. The L130 is maneuverable for my current use; but I can't recommend the 100 series as they are too flimsy.

Unlike a car or pickup, you can't just run down to NAPA, et al for parts; therefore you need to factor in the dealer too. I would have looked at Kubota's more closely had the closest dealer not been a jerk. The next closest dealers are either too far from me, or too much of a PITA to get to.

Bottom line is get what you like best.

 

[Gittyup]

For about half that $7K you can get a nice used 455. It's so much better built than those 500 series. It's diesel and heavy, and can take cat0 3ph implements as well as a small loader. Some even have a rear PTO, or one can be added. Hydraulics and PS are standard. All shaft driven everything. Many have said the 400 series were/are the best GTs ever made.

Liquid cooling isn't an issue on any of these. I love the quietness of them. And, of course, it adds to engine logevity. Flush and refill is simple and quick, and isn't all that often either. I use mine in the winter for snow plowing. Never an issue with the liquid cooling. In 16 years, literally just change the fluids, keep it greased, and it just works and works and works. Always starts on first try, hot or cold. This is, of course, on a 400 series. The new 500 series just doesn't impress me. My uncle bought a 500 after he used my 425. After the purchase, he was disappointed. Said it wasn't near the tractor that mine was. He still has it, but prefers to use his old 70's cub cadet. What does that say? I do like the 700 series. But, man are they pricey.

I'd also consider a good used bota 1500 or there abouts.

As far as the brakes. You hardly even use them on an HST. Mainly for parking and holding on steep hills. The JD setup on their GTs is the best configuration. Easy, short motions and nonfatigueing.

Also, don't discount the AWS option on the deeres. It reall can cut mowing time considerably, among many other advantages that it offers.

Of course, if you have flat, smooth land and want to cut the absolute fastest, a zero turn is the way to go, as long as all you want it to do is cut grass.

 

[LBrown59]

I am in no way sold on a color, I was just using color to reference between Kubota and John Deere. For the price of a x534 I could have a diesel GR 2110 that does have the shaft drive. However,.* the JDs have a lot more accessories available for them.

*Not if you go with a BX1500 or BX1830 1850 or 1860.
A far better choice than either the X534 or Gr2110.

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

All I can say is that my shaft drive JD425 is on its 16th cutting season and I've never had to change a belt. Fuel consumption ain't bad either. What I would recommend to the OP is to look for a used JD455 for lawn mowing, if diesel is your preference. Or a JD445 or 425 otherwise. These are "better" machines than the new x500 series. Will last you a lifetime. There almost certainly are similar products in the kubota line (like bX1500) too.

No doubt the old 400 Series Deeres are some of the best ever built...but that was then and this is now and I wanted something new. For my use the 500 Series is plenty good enough. Did not want diesel and I sure wasn't going to pay at least 4K more to "get the shaft" with a 700 Series.

 

[usmcshepherd]

I think the reference to the older 400 series probably fits the now 700 series more accurately. While I would love to have a x720 (there was one at the dealer today that we looked at) its just simply to big for what I need. The dealer is going to get in a 540 and 360 for me to test drive and check out and then I'll make my decision.

I did take the time once I was done at the JD dealer to swing by the Kubota dealer and look at his mowers and to be honest, the Kubota's just didn't look as impressive as the JD's. The JD's just seemed more solid then the Kubota's...so that being said I think we will end up going green on this go around.

 

[LBrown59]

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts, suggestions and apprecaition.
Well today, I test drove a x520 and wow what a machine. I've never had anythig like this so it was quite impressive to me (I'm still using a small craftsman). I totally agree with whatever says about dealer support, which is what is driving me closer to the JD line, as the Kubota dealers in IL weren't very helpful when I called them up to just inquire about service support etc, where the JD guy told me they'd drive out to the farm and pickup the tractor and return it whenever necessary without charge (of course they are only about 10 miles from the farm itself...which oh by the way is located outside Princeton, IL).
The salesman quoted me a price of $6200 on the x520 and $7k even on the x540 which for the $800 I think it would be worth having the power steering and autolift deck.
My delimea returns to whether I need a tractor the size of a x500 series or if I should just go with a x360 (22hp over the 17hp in the smaller 300 series plus it has the power steering and lift, just doesn't have aliquid cooled engine or differential, and its $2k cheaper then the x540).
Anyway thanks again and once I get this issue over I'll tell you about a restored Farmall M I am planning on buying my dad for his birthday next year. Its the same model he had growing up on the farm!!!

I have 7750 in a new BX1500 and 5050 in a used bx1500 .
Both are diesels with PS and full HYDs.
They also have ROPS 3 point hitches and rear power take offs and are hst..
**********************

All I can say is that my shaft drive JD425 is on its 16th cutting season and I've never had to change a belt. Fuel consumption ain't bad either. What I would recommend to the OP is to look for a used JD455 for lawn mowing, if diesel is your preference. Or a JD445 or 425 otherwise. These are "better" machines than the new x500 series. Will last you a lifetime. There almost certainly are similar products in the kubota line (*like bX1500) too.

* I've found from my investigations that the BX1500 and 1800 series along with JD2210 and the 2305 are tough to beat with an x400 x500 or x700 series in quality features and value for about the same money in most cases.
*****************

*****

I am in no way sold on a color, I was just using color to reference between Kubota and John Deere. For the price of a x534 I could have a diesel GR 2110 that does have the shaft drive. However, the JDs have a lot more accessories available to them.

************

For about half that $7K you can get a nice used 455. It's so much better built than those 500 series. It's diesel and heavy, and
1* can take cat0 3ph implements as well as a small loader. Some even have a rear PTO, or one can be added. Hydraulics and PS are standard. All shaft driven everything. Many have said the 400 series were/are the best GTs ever made.
2*I'd also consider a good used bota 1500 or there abouts.
Liquid cooling isn't an issue on any of these. and it just works and works and works. Always starts on first try, hot or cold. This is, of course, on a 400 series. The new 500 series just doesn't impress me. My uncle bought a 500 after he used my 425. After the purchase, he was disappointed. Said it wasn't near the tractor that mine was. He still has it, but prefers to use his old 70's cub cadet. What does that say? I do like the 700 series. But, man are they pricey.

1*That's not a given because the 400s did not come standard wit a 3 point hitch and or a rear pto.
2*These can't be beat.There's just no comparrison between them and garden tractors.

 

[LBrown59]

I think the reference to the older 400 series probably fits the now 700 series more accurately. While I would love to have a x720 (there was one at the dealer today that we looked at) its just simply to big for what I need. The dealer is going to get in a 540 and 360 for me to test drive and check out and then I'll make my decision.

I did take the time once I was done at the JD dealer to swing by the Kubota dealer and look at his mowers and to be honest, the Kubota's just didn't look as impressive as the JD's. The JD's just seemed more solid then the Kubota's...so that being said I think we will end up going green on this go around.

Did you know The JD 300 500 and 700 series are all garden tractors.?
The Kubot BXs are in in the higher class off sub compacts.

 

[usmcshepherd]

Actually yes I did realize the x300, 500 and 700 are all considered graden tractors but for what I need now and what I'll need around the farm when I move there will ultimately require a mower that can get around a little more effectively then a compact tractor. I'm only mowing an acre now, hence the reason I was looking at the x540 (I know its more then I need now, but will be nice when I'm mowing the 4 acres at the farm in a couple years). What I am going to do once I move to the farm is look at a larger 35 hp tractor with a small cab on it for mowing, snow removal etc.

 

[wolc123]

It sounds like you are on the right track there Marine, and thankyou for your service.

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

Did you know The JD 300 500 and 700 series are all garden tractors.?
The Kubot BXs are in in the higher class off sub compacts.

Did you know that not everyone wants/needs a sub compact?

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

aaooo!

The respective websites show about $1300 difference in MSRPs between an X534 and GR2110 with the GR being higher. Guess its all a mute point since you have better pricing.

Thank you for your service.

 

[archerm3]

All,

I am new to the TBN site but have found numerous articles that have been assisting me to this point in deciding on a new lawn tractor but I remain undecided. I have a couple of issues I need to point out:

1. I'm an active duty US Marine who moves around but am close to retirement (I'm at 20yrs in the Corps and will retire at 20yrs), so I still have a move or two left prior to settling down on our farm in IL. We currently have about an acre to mow.
2. Our farm lawn mowing tractor is in need of replacing so whatever I get I want to be able to handle the mowing at our farm (160acres / 3.5 acres mowing)when I return there in a couple years.

I've pretty much narrowed it down to either a Kubota or JD. One option I'm considering is getting a smaller lawn tractor just for mowing and then buying a larger tractor when we return to the farm that will handle bush hog, FEL, post hole digging, snow etc.

So my question is should I just go with a T series Kubota or X300 JD or perhaps something a little larger like the GR 2110 or X540? I lean towards the GR 2110 with its shaft drive and glide steer which would be nice while I'm still mowing smaller yards until I retire. On the other hand JD has dealers that are closer to the bases as well as our farm (Kubota dealers are within an hours drive at most). Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
USMCShepherd

orange or green? no, go white. Bobcat.

 

[Gittyup]

I think the reference to the older 400 series probably fits the now 700 series more accurately. While I would love to have a x720 (there was one at the dealer today that we looked at) its just simply to big for what I need. The dealer is going to get in a 540 and 360 for me to test drive and check out and then I'll make my decision.

I did take the time once I was done at the JD dealer to swing by the Kubota dealer and look at his mowers and to be honest, the Kubota's just didn't look as impressive as the JD's. The JD's just seemed more solid then the Kubota's...so that being said I think we will end up going green on this go around.

While I don't recommend the x700's, unless you've got money to burn. I am surprised that there is actually a significant difference in size (wheel base and width) between them and the 500 series.

Also, you are right the 400's are most closely like the 700 series. But, again I don't think they are bigger than the 500's. Could be wrong.

And, of course, to each his own. But, I'll take a used, well maintained 400 series at half the price over a new 500 series everytime. Just a better tractor for less money.

Regarding new vs. old: My 16 year old tractor performs in all aspects just like the first day I got it. Everything works just like it did originally. The only difference is a little dirt. After a few cuttings, a new one is just as dirty. So, I don't understand that "gotta buy new" thinking, especially when new is clearly inferior.

OTOH, the OP, if I understand him correctly, will be looking to get a bigger mower for the bigger acreage in the near future. With that plan in mind, why would one spend more than they need to now? Perhaps even a cheapo GT would be the way to go? The 500 series is such a strange breed: expensive, but only slightly better than many, much less costly machines, and hardly good enough to be in the same class as the premiums.

 

[mjncad]

Did you know that not everyone wants/needs a sub compact?

Apparently LB doesn't realize that.

It sounds like the OP is close to finalizing what he wants based on his needs.

I was picking up some steel today and the guy working the yard asked me how I liked my F-250. I told him I was happy with it, and that I've had bad luck with GM products. He chuckled and said he had bad luck with Ford products.

Bottom line, buy what works for you regardless of color or name. Remember, the fate of the free world doesn't hinge on whether you buy green, orange, blue, red, white, or whatever. It's no skin off my nose if you find Orange or whatever works better for you, and I'll respect your decision as I figure you are a fully competent adult capable of making your own decisions.

There are a few posters that fortunately are in the minority that pick a certain color (e.g. Orange) and think everyone should be driving the same brand.

By all means, please tell us what you get and how you like it.

 

[DavidVT]

Thank you for your service!

If you have another move in your future and you do not know if that will require for a mower, consider simply purchasing a used generic garden tractor for your 1 acre lot and then sell it when you move.

As to color and capacity etc, try to find folks in your community who can share their experiences. When I started shopping for a tractor, I was amazed at the input from locals. It is a very polarizing topic indeed.

A local friend proudly allowed me to use his Kubota BX on my property for a few days. I was glad he did, as I found crossing my very hillly property very uncomfortable (stability) with a load in the bucket. That experience made we wait another year while I saved a bit more $ to invest in an L series Kubota. (no slam to the BX lovers, it was just not for me)

Good luck in your search and again, thank yoiu for your serviice!

 

[usmcshepherd]

All,

Thanks again for all the help...but now I've gone and complicated things (imagine that). I was out driving around today and saw a CC dealer so stopped and to make a long story short I ended up on a SC2400. I was really impressed with the smoothness of the tractor as well as how tight it turned. Anyway, I know someone advised me to look at a compact tractor but I thought the turning radius on them would inhibit me from mowing in tight places and around trees...well that is not the case...at least with these new tractors.

So that being said what would be an equivalent JD? I liked the CC SC2400, but hesitate to go CC as I don't find a lot of dealers that actually service them...they just sell them. I looked at the JD 2305 and it appears similar to the SC2400. Is that a fair comparison? The JD is a little more money but there again you go into better service and dealer support.

And if 2305 is good then what the heck is the difference between the 2305 and 2320?

 

[bp fick]

Like our Marine, I too read this forum for a year and you all have provided a ton of insight. Thank you.

My experience has shown me a few things. First, there is a model of tractor for just about everyone, depending on their actual needs and the trick seems to be determining those specific needs. The price points between a top of the line "garden" tractor like a C.C., Deere X700 or a Kubota GX series and then the BX and the B, for example, is not that great. Not really.

I priced them all, honestly. But lately, my neighbor has been doing some favors for me with his Kobota B. Nice tractor and I was tempted, given the relatively small price differential. But the size of the B was just too much, seemed too heavy around my grass, and so forth.

I was very, very tempted by the GX and X700 series "garden" tractors from orange and green, respectively, but honestly? I have to push 100" of snow up here, and I till a half acre garden. Those are my needs. When I became honest with my needs, the decision became easier.

The BX1850. Way more than a so-called garden tractor without being the rather brutish beast the CUT's can be in tight quarters. Just right. For me and my needs, and that's the point. Had it delivered yesterday. Now, the future.

No profound advice here, but this. Identify your own needs and buy the machine that best matches those needs, within one's budget.

Oh, yeah, and get the wife's approval, that goes without saying.

 

[usmcshepherd]

It is certainly a complex problem deciding between the high end garden tractors and the sub-compact series of said brands. I looked at the 2305 and 2320 and once you look at those two tractors I really like the look of the 2320 (I did a little research and figured out some of the differences) with its real full 3 pt hitch vice the limited on the 2305. Additionally, the 2320 has the drive on MMM deck. I watched a video on utube of a fella on his 2320 mowing in his back yard and while it wasn't a huge backyard he manuvered around quite easily with the machine. I've put a call into my dealer to see what kind of deal I could get on the 2320 with a 54" MMM and imatch 3 pt hitch so we'll see how that comes out.

I totally understand the needs analysis, and actually that is what is making this more difficult in that while I am in the Marine Corps I'll probably continue to live on 1-2 acre properties, but I am also looking to the future when I move back to our farm and have 5+acres to mow plus several acres of pasture and over a mile of roadway. Sooooooo.....that is why I am trying to find a mower that will work for me now (of course it will be overkill....but a lot of fun to play around on...) and then when I move back to the farm it will be plenty of tractor for my needs.

 

[Wesdor]

It looks like you are enjoying the process and also getting to ride on a lot of different kinds of equipment.
Since you are a Marine, I'm sure you understand the decision making process. Looks to me like you are well on your way to finding the right machine for you. Whatever you decide to purchase will most likely be the right choice.

Glad you are keeping us informed.