Premature Criticism of X series

[deere4600]

I think the criticism of the new JD X series tractors is a bit premature. We need to see the tractors in action first. I have this feeling that JD has done their marketing studies and are confident the tractors will do well. I agree with some comments regarding the lack of turning brakes and a two-speed differential but otherwise the tractors appear to be what I am looking for. I don't want the ROPS on this size tractor. I realize that the ROPS saves lives if the tractor rolls over but only if the operator is secured by the seat belt. I expect to hear responses that most of you always wear your seat belt but in reality, most don't. If you talk to a dealer most will tell you the tractors traded in have the seat belt fastened together and tucked under the seat, obviously never used. A ROPS equipped tractor without the operator secured with a seat belt is more dangerous than a tractor without the ROPS. I think what has been lost in the discussion is the fact that Deere is building a premium garden tractor not a compact or sub-compact tractor. These new X series are closer in size to the 420 and 430 tractors. THose were great tractors but were considered garden tractors. I think the BX Kubota is a lot of tractor for the money and the sales would certainly suggest that Kubota is filling a void in the market. Whether Deere's new 4010 or 4015 steals some of that market remains to be seen. But I predict there is a tremendous market for a large gardent tractor that will most likely never see a front end loader. It is the mowing tractor, snow removal tractor and general large lot-small acreage tractor that Deere has sold to for more than 20 years. I take nothing away from Kubota. They build excellent compact tractors but for the customer looking for the large garden tractor they don't build what I want. If the BX didn't have the ROPS I might give it more consideration. But I need an agile tractor that can wind its way around trees and under branches without folding and unfolding the ROPS. I may be wrong on this one but I am betting that you will begin to see posts on this message board beginning in the Spring about the long delays in getting the new X tractors. I think the demand will far exceed the supply for some time. To me it will be further proof that in the garden tractor class Deere has no equal.

 

[beenthere]

Well said, Deere4600. It probably won't affect those who want to voice their premature opinion, and sound like experts - but there is some of that in us all or we probably wouldn't even bother being in this forum. I enjoy the forum, and add information when I think it can add to the discussion (void a lot of reply's when I think the reply will intimidate or just sound too smug). I learn a lot from the discussions, and I also learn how naive some people are too (others learn that about me when I post, I am sure). I look forward to seeing the x tractors in real time, not just pictures that probably do not do justice for the size of these machines. I plan on trading my 445 in for one, as soon as I can. I do't plan to get rid of my 4300, with FEL, snow plow, etc. JD is great on warranty work, and if there are things that need fixing on the x, I trust JD will do that within reason. Also, I will be able to talk from experience, the Lord willing and the creek don't rise.

 

[rwdunky]

WHY WOULD ANYONE WANT A $11000 GARDEN TRACTOR. TO MAKE A B2200 A VERY UNSAFE TRACTOR ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS REMOVE 8 BOLTS ON THE ROPS THEN YOU COULD GET THROWN FREE IF IT ROLLS OVER.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

As long as it isn't your money their spending what difference does it make?

<font color=blue>Robert Turk Jr.</font color=blue>
<font color=blue>Whitetail Splendor Deer Farms</font color=blue>
<font color=blue>Silver Creek, NY</font color=blue>

 

[Nuru]

Good Point

nuru

 

[TresCrows]

This ROP's thing is a misundersanding--there is no excuse for not having a ROP's. They unbolt easily enough from every tractor I ever saw one on including the BX.
As to the info on the JD's website that the BX ROP is not up to snuff is like the motorcycle helmet issue--just because --it has not been certified to every standard does not mean that it does not meet or exceed all standards.
The BX ROP is probably the beefiest ROP on any tractor I have seen when you take it in perspective with the tractor itself. It is massive and secure and I would bet my wifes life on it--I do.
It also unbolts easily so this is not an issue.
JD's new X series--if someone wants to pay that kinda money on an old design--fine--I am truely dissappointed that they did not enter the subcompact market--a market in which only the BX and the new Cub (that thing looks nice) have all to themselves. The X tractor does not make the grade as a subcompact--it is still a GT--could be wrong--I hope that I am or maybe this represent a broadening of that segment?--the Cub being slightly larger and the JD being slightly smaller--than the BX. Maybe that is a good thing. J

 

[Snowman9000]

After looking at the info on the X's, I don't think there is much doubt that they are not really "BX competitors". Except maybe in price. They are direct replacements for the 425, 445, and 455, but with 4WD. So they are 4WD garden tractors. If they are BX competitors, it will be for the consumer who finds the BX to be too big. There, it's settled.

 

[TresCrows]

This is stupid I know--but would it not be great if some company built an aircooled Briggs powered 25 horse sub- compact with step on a pedal and get 4wheel assist and locked differential--it would come in a gear and a hydro version. It would not have the bullet proof transmission of the BX or the Cub or the quality and engineering of the JD. It would have a loader similar to the older 455 and could use implements made for the new Cub and BX with a cat-1 hitch. A plane Jane looking machine and it would sell at Sam's club for--oh--say---5,000 dollars. A disposable sub-compact but since many guys get years out of a Murray this would get those guys something even more fun to play with along similar lines. Just a dream, never mind. Harley Davidson is doing something similar with the Buel Blast--a cheap entry level bike to hook young riders. J

 

[webbmeister]

"...most of you always wear your seat belt but in reality, most don't."

I love my wife dearly. I dislike my mother-in-law at least that much. When my new tractor arrives this spring, I will wear my seatbelt for both of them; for my wife, so I'll survive and be around after an accident, and for my mother-in-law so I'll survive and be around after an accident. ;-)

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Well said 4600. I sell these tractors, and so far, the interest has been tremendous. I have already taken deposits on 5 of these tractors, and I'm afraid you are right--the demand on these will be much greater than the supply. From all reports we have heard, these tractors will be a winner for the consumer, and for Deere. I have already been told that we won't see any of these tractors until the May/June time frame. So people, be patient, and next spring, you will see a new tractor which will "blow the doors" off the competition.