Too much tractor, too little, or just buyer's remorse

[Wolfman]

If its worth anything, I think you definitely picked the right model in the 300 series if you are planning on doing any kind of pulling/towing. The 300 comes with the K46 transmission, while the 320 and 324 come with the K58. From what I read, the K46 can be problematic and is a little on the weak side for hilly terrain/towing/pulling.

I agree with others that you should be happy with your purchase, especially considering you bought from a dealer as opposed to Lowes/Home Depot. Have you checked to make sure that your deck is leveled/adjusted properly?

The question, I'm sure, is if you decide to return it - where do you go from there? Although it would be an unpopular opinion here, the Sears Garden Tractor (not lawn tractor) that goes for $3K has a heavier duty transmission (K66), has a hydro with a 7.5 MPH speed, turn tight, etc. - it is made by Husqvarna for Sears. Although expensive, their warranty is very good to, from what I remember for around $500 you get a five year warranty that covers everything at home (including belts) and they will also come by once a year to do a maintenance inspection.

I've been researching these as well as larger tractors and if I had to pull the trigger, I would have a hard time finding a better deal than the Sears garden tractor. Although, not a Deere, it is cheaper, has a stronger transmission and can come with the 5 year warranty for about $1K less. But again, its a Husqvarna (Craftsman) as opposed to a John Deere.

If you go high end, you will be in the same ballpark as a 1 series tractor (1023 or 1026), which I would think would be fantastic because it would be capable of doing everything you would ever need to do on one acre - and probably keep a very high resale value versus the resale value of a lawn/garden tractor.

Just my thoughts, and good luck.

 

[harp]

Feel for you. Been there more then once in my life. Even after much thought and research. I too think you need to discuss this with your dealer and find a solution to your problem. John Deere wants you happy with your choice. That is the reason for the thirty-day exchange. Not sure what your mowing conditions are. As stated earlier, could be a matter of deck adjustments. Big difference between the 100 and 300 series. I have an acre and half of lawn on a hillside. Bought a 540 last summer and I am very pleased with it. Power steering, deck lift and rear axle lock are great features on a mower. Especially on tough terrain. My dealer told me it will be the last mower I need to buy. Guess my age is starting to show! Best of luck and get to your dealer.

 

[shortthrow50]

you should never get too small a tractor. You need at least a 1026 or a 2000 series tractor for your property. If you dont beleive me, check out this thread
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/237632-who-has-biggest-tractor-smallest.html

 

[wthompson]

Definately take it back ASAP! i like the 100 series mowers. i've owned both of mine since new and the only major repairs have been deck bearings after several years. i cut about 4 acres of centapede grass for the past eight years . just saying i've had good service out of them.

 

[HunterWare]

I think you have received a lot good advice but I have to wonder if maybe the problem isn't a misconfiguration of that unit? My first Deere wasn't cutting well and it ended up being a deck alignment issue that took a few hours fiddling to fix. I'm sure if I'd taken it to the dealer that they could have fixed it right up much faster, and now it cuts as well as anything I've ever used (including a Z997 I tried out). There is a ton of tuning one can do to these machines and sometimes it doesn't come from the factory just right. You'd hope the dealer would catch the things the factory missed, but reality sometimes differs...

If you otherwise like the 300 then maybe it's worth talking with the dealer first about the problem before you move onto discussing returns/trades?

Best of luck,
Hunter

 

[bradrich18]

If you have any type of uneven terrain I would not go with the 100 series. I had one and it didn't take long for me to figure out I needed something stronger. When I bought it, I jumped on it and started cutting. It had an uneven cut with gaps in it...then I read the manual. I adjusted the deck and got a smooth cut. If I had it to do over and all I needed was something to cut grass, I would probably get something like the x324. The new Deere I got has a 3 point hitch and I'm glad I have it. What has your dealer said about the uneven cut?

 

[TripleR]

I would have the dealer check it out to make sure it is adjusted properly, we have had 100, 200, 400 Series mowers and the quality of cut was very good on all. My BIL has a big box AWS and he loves it; mows about a 2/3 acre or so on two connected properties; flat ground.

 

[C-Range]

We have the 324 and it's been a great machine for mowing, pulling carts full of rocks, dirt, mulch, etc, and leaf collection. The maneuverability is unreal. Mowing quality has been fine, though I don't do the mowing and I'm not that picky about it. As long as my soil isn't washing away, the grass stays off of my radar screen.

Good luck with your dilemma. I agree that you should talk to your dealer about your concerns and see if they can offer any insight.

 

[shortthrow50]

honestly i think the guy got answers he really wanted to hear and might not come back

 

[Yellowfever440]

Just a thought, aws will never cut level/ even while turning. All the spindles are set on an angle so when you turn left the left side of the deck is raised a little and the right side drops a little and when you turn right the right side raises and the left side drops. It you are gonna tow anything get a tractor style mower and I would recommend what you can afford, the bigger the tractor the easier it will be on the tractor. Maybe you don't need a 500 but they are built much heavier that a 300. When I worked at Deere the L series cheap mowers came out, the tie rods weren't adjustable and the tires toed in a bunch, when the tie rod wore in the first couple years the wheels would run straight. They are cheap to compete with mtd and othe cheap tractors.