Which X-series (if any)?

megotatractor · Feb 10, 2005

my 2 cents; If I were to mow 5 acres (and have a second tractor to handle the heavy dirt and stuff) I'd go for the deluxe X-series Special Edition with the La-Z-Boy seat. Cushy for the tushy. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

JDFANATIC · Feb 10, 2005

Ark,

I think you have a good problem to have! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Dutch445 · Feb 10, 2005

ArkCivEngr,
Isn't it amazing at how a seemingly simple purchase decision can escalate into this long discussion about compact tractors vs garden tractors, gear vs hydro, ztrac mowers vs tractors, etc. etc. etc..??

Your original post states you are currently mowing with a GX335. Not sure which deck though, 48 or 54.
Given the GX does what you want, but takes longer than you like, there doesn't seem to be a pressing need to buy a 4wd machine. But, when you mention that your lawn is growing, and as time goes on it will continue to grow, that 5 acres may end up being what? 6, 8,, more? As you grow into that size of mowable grass, you certainly won't want to be sitting on any garden tractor. That's what seems to be bringing in the suggestions for larger mower decks on the compact tractors. But, a 72" mid mower, even on a 4310 or so , will still only mow about 2.5-3.5 acres per hour, depending on what ground speed you can carry. If you go over the 8-10 acre size, you may still be undersized.
I started this reply with the intention of encouraging an X495, not needing 4wd, and getting the benefits of diesel. And as I typed, like everybody, my mind gets going, and so many other factors come out on the screen... /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Maybe, I guess the point I'm trying to make here is why buy something right now, if you know that you may again outgrow it in the near future? Or, are those plans a ways off in the future, and buying a new X series now will get you thru for a few years?

/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

rdln · Feb 10, 2005

If your doing a lot of loader work were your going back and forth all the time especially snow removal like we do here in northeast mass, you'll be replacing the clutch every year or two which can get costly.


He will not have to touch the clutch for twenty years.

He wants a nice mower that can also tow a little trailer for outdoor chores (no ZTR) and also wants to do real work with a no nonsense reliable JD (990).

The x's look a little more stylish but the 2210 is cheaper might have more ground clearance when not mowing, is heavier for towing better but can also cause more lawn damage.

I like dutch445's idea of x495 with big diesel and 2wd giving the power to operate a 62" and tight mowing radius that you are used to with the gx.

Tractors4u · Feb 10, 2005

( you'll be replacing the clutch every year or two which can get costly. )

Where did you get that from? If that is the case then, considering the number of hours the average tractor owner puts on their machine verses the number of hours in their automobile, then they would be replacing the automobile clutch every couple of months.

rockyridgefarm · Feb 10, 2005

Hey Ark!

stepping sideways for a minute...

I have lotsa woods and hills, and do some logging... (I bet our properties look a lot alike....)

I wouldn't give up my 4310 for a 990!

First, there is the plastic body. Mine has shrugged of more hits and scratches that would sink a metal body than I care to admit. It is TOUGH.

Second the hydro (even with the "e") It handles so well in all the crazy situations, weird angles and whatnot. I wouldn't want a collar shift in MY woods!

And while there are wires, they HAVE hung up. But they are really in one place that is vulnerable (i wonder if folks are getting the idea that there are wires hanging all over the place?) . If you are in lotsa brush, get the skid plates! PLEASE!!! I don't think ANY machine should go in those places without them. Sticks and things can tear up any setup. I would rather fix a wire than a mangled metal rod, but that's me...

AS to clutch holding up, well, if I had Peppers eReverser, I think it is a non-issue. But a collar shift in MY woods - it would be a concern.

So At least look hard at the eReversers. They are great machines. And don't rule out the HST.

And I agree with Dutch on considering staying with your current mower, But if you move up now, I'd get a diesel X or 2210.

ctc1111 · Feb 11, 2005

When I had my 990 I used it for only snow removal. Which in a blizzard in the parking lots that it was used in was you go forward and then back up then do it again for 12 hours straight. Then when the storm was all over I'd have to remove all the snow piles load them up to a truck and haul them off. I had it for a year, the clutch needed replacing. My dealer told me that for what it was being used for thats what was going to happen every year or two. So I bought a plow truck and a 2210 and got rid of the 990. I'm just speaking from my short period of 1 year expirence and what the service guy at my local dealer was putting much enphasis on. He said that lots of people have the same problem i did. I just thought that i would let you know about that. Just incase it could be of any help to you.

Collin

Tractors4u · Feb 12, 2005

Either you were constantly riding the clutch or the service guy just didn't know what he was talking about. People put so much emphasis on going back and forth and wearing clutches out, without thinking about all the cars and trucks out there with manual transmissions. Back and forth, stopping and starting, the tractor is made to do it. 15 or 20 years ago the majority of tractors were straight gear. There were few HSTs. The gear tractors have been doing this type of work for a long time without yearly clutch replacements. I think maybe your dealer saw a possible sell and told you what you needed to hear.

Tractors4u · Feb 12, 2005

Which tractor did you have?

( The x90 series are great tractors for grading and what not i used to have a 790 )

( When I had my 990 I used it for only snow removal. )