om21braz
Veteran Member
If you're looking at used, the Deere GX325 began having the diff. lock in about 2006. That's the smallest older model with it that I know of.
What is the smallest Deere with a diff lock?
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Carl Bert
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If you want an exceptional tractor and even greater value, take a look at a 2003-2005 GX345 or 355 (diesel) with differential lock. These tractors were way overbuilt, and considered by a lot of JD fans, as one of the best lines of L&G tractors JD has ever put out.
The older X5xx series are also outstanding machines, and available with 4 wheel drive and diesel engines. These tractors are about 6" longer then the 345 and about 250 lbs heavier, with larger 26" rear tires. I think JD stopped producing this line about 2006. It was replaced with the X7xx series.
A nice GX345 will run about $3000-3500 with low hours. The X5xx series will be about $1000-1500 more, depending on the hours and condition. Either one, you will not be disappointed.
I am not a big fan of the new X5xx. I looked at them myself, and just don't think the quality is there. Just my opinion. The X7xx is a whole other story, a lot bigger and A LOT more money.
The older X5xx series are also outstanding machines, and available with 4 wheel drive and diesel engines. These tractors are about 6" longer then the 345 and about 250 lbs heavier, with larger 26" rear tires. I think JD stopped producing this line about 2006. It was replaced with the X7xx series.
A nice GX345 will run about $3000-3500 with low hours. The X5xx series will be about $1000-1500 more, depending on the hours and condition. Either one, you will not be disappointed.
I am not a big fan of the new X5xx. I looked at them myself, and just don't think the quality is there. Just my opinion. The X7xx is a whole other story, a lot bigger and A LOT more money.
om21braz
Veteran Member
GX325 is belt driven and IMHO I'd say it would compare best to the X500 series - maybe a little more rugged. I believe you have to go to the older 400 or X400 series at a minimum to have shaft drive.
Hawaii Wayne
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With your size property I would think the X500 will/should be all you will need for a long time. Please remember this is a garden tractor and design for a heavy workload. The upgarde to the HDAP wil make short work of those hills. The X534/540 are great machines, but do you really need to have a smaller turning radius of about 5 inches? (more to break) same thing with the power steering & hyd lift. The X500 is a easy machine to use and maintain. this thing should last you 20+ years if taken care of.
I looked at the gx345 and they do look nice. What did you not like about the new x5xx's?
I think you are right about the x500's lasting a while. To me that is the biggest reason to get them over the x300 or cheaper tractors. I don't want the rear end to blow out when I'm under a foot of snow. (I spent this winter repairing a 626 deere walk behind snowblower every time it snowed big) Yes, the machine had been neglected for years and now runs like a top, but it proves the point that blowing snow is hard on stuff and I'd rather have a heavy frame, and bigger trans. Power lift is for the wife, and four wheel steer just seems too cool. I do have some small spaces to turn around in and the four wheel steer might really help with a blower on the front.
Carl Bert
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Kiteflyer said:
There was no "one" thing that I didn't like about the new X5xx. The tractor as a whole just seemed very flimsy and didn't have the rugged build of the previous generation Deere. I have never owned or even driven one, and my opinion is only based on what I've seen on the showroom floor. Most of the time, that's enough, but not always. One mistake I do think Deere made on that line, was not offering 4 wheel drive and a diesel engine. You now have to move up to the larger frame X7xx series to get those options.
Only time will tell for sure, whether or not these new X5xx series tractors have what it takes to last. I personally don't think so. I am currently looking for an X595 myself. It kills me to have to give up my GX345, but I need 4 wheel drive and really prefer a diesel. Good luck on whatever you decide and don't forget to post some pics.
greg_g
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It would help to know where you live, but if it's anywhere near western Kentucky - here's a nice one I just noticed in a local free paper. If it had been available last year, I might have purchased it, rather than the considerably more expensive and less substantial new X500
//greg//
//greg//
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Carl Bert
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- Kubota B26, John deere X595
That one is actually way overpriced considering its condition and hours. Look at mine, which I will be selling for about the same price. It only has 260 hours and is in near new condition. This was a very popular tractor, so there are a good amount to choose from in the used market today. Save a search on Ebay.
