Why buy x300 instead of 400 series

[ktm250rider]

Ive got some of my lawn in this year. Just the front yard and Ive been borrowing the neighbors JD with a 48" mower. When I come out of retirement, Ill be looking to buy a mower for myself. Stopped at the dealers and looked online and seems the x300 series are around 4 grand. Even more when I get a bagger, would like a power flow to deal with the leaves.
Cruising ebay & machinefinder, I see a lot of 400 series for what I think is cheap money. 445 for around 4 to 5 grand with under 300 hours. Sure they are a long drive away, but what could be wrong with this type of tractor with that little hours. By the pictures, the hour meter is eithor accurate or they did a darn good job of cleaning. I guess if the engine is blown, thatd be hard to tell. I figure just before finding a job, I could take a couple days, drive down and pick one up. The couple ive seen are in MD, PA, the furthest was KY.
Mowing with the 48" deck wasnt bad, took longer than I wanted and Ive only got 1/4 of the lawn. Would like a 54 to 60" deck. Stickly for mowing.
So the question is, besides warranty, why buy a new 300?

 

[Shaman]

I just got done shopping the higher end lawn mower, lower end garden tractor market. X300s are going for less than $4k. The X304 is $3.5k. Unless you are including your options in that price, but then the options will be more anyway unless you find a used deal.

The difference is the X300 series is a lawn mower, while the 400 series is a Garden Tractor.

For a Lawn Mower: I chose a used LX277 over a new X300 as my new lawn mower. The 2003 LX was $2000 cheaper than the X300, only had 250 hours on it, and has a stronger transaxle.

I didn't want to spend $3.5k, but if I could have found a G-Series with low hours and excellent condition, I would have. Around here deals are hard to find though. Deere Dealer wanted $3.5k for a G325 with 1500+ hours on it.

 

[VABlue]

Other than the warrenty, the question is how shiny do you want it? I've never heard anything bad about the 400 series machines, and I hear the implements are still easy to find.

As for the bagging... I've yet to hear anything good about the powerflow bagger, or any other bagger that connects to the deck discharge. Lots o' clogging... Most people on the forums will suggest a separate tow-behind unit, like a Cyclone rake or a DR rake. But that's just my opinion, I have no experience with any of them.

 

[Shaman]

As for the bagging... I've yet to hear anything good about the powerflow bagger, or any other bagger that connects to the deck discharge. Lots o' clogging...

Baggers

Pros: Can look good

Cons: Bulky, Clog, Limited Capacity, Expensive

Sweeper

Pros: Less Expensive, Large Capacity, Picks up leaves and sticks well.

Cons: Can make getting around obstacles more difficult.

 

[TimS]

As for the bagging... I've yet to hear anything good about the powerflow bagger, or any other bagger that connects to the deck discharge. Lots o' clogging... Most people on the forums will suggest a separate tow-behind unit, like a Cyclone rake or a DR rake. But that's just my opinion, I have no experience with any of them.

I guess there's a first time for everything. I have a powerflow bagger and MC519 cart combination on my JD455. I don't use it all the time, just in the fall when I want to mow and pick up leaves at the same time. It works perfectly and saves a ton of time compared to raking or blowing leaves. I have never had it clog.

Tim

 

[Grrrr]

I hate mowers with any sort of tubes to collect grass . It seems as if they just won't work for British Weather.

We now have a mower that has a powered brush at the back to brush up the grass as you go. It never clogs up, ever .

But the 4x5 machines are nice

 

[Fordlords]

Hands down an X300 is no comparison to one of the 4xx garden tractors. If you can get a 4xx with low hours in good shape at a reasonable price, I'd go that route over any of the X series lawn tractors. The only exception might be the old model 400 itself, as its Kohler cast iron engine is no longer made and expensive to rebuild or replace. Any of the newer 4xx models with a Kawasaki or Yanmar engine are the ones I'm referring to.

-Fordlords-

 

[jcmseven]

A "late model" 400 series tractor is a nice piece of equipment. Parts are readily available and they are super machines. Although the X300 series machines are nice enough and look sharp, they are not a direct comparison to a 400 series tractor. Go with the 400 series if you can find a good one.

John M

 

[ktm250rider]

Ill be looking for a minimum of a 425, would like a 445 but thats ok. Theres a dealer in VT that has a few GXs' for sale. The 4xx's they have are more costly than the long haul ebay ones. They do have a few GX's that are fairly priced. Could live with a 54" deck i guess.

 

[Jason B]

Hi

Go with the 400 series, they are a great machine, all three models! I had a 425 AWS and have since upgraded to the 455 Diesel with AWS. IMHOP I would seriously look at buying a 455 with the Yanmar Diesel. Very exconimical and exceptionally good on fuel. Can't go wrong with the extra power of the Yanmar Diesel. The 445 with Kawi 22hp is also a great machine and is well suited to run a 60 inch deck( If you plan to run a 60"). The 425 is another great choice but find it to be short on power when running a 60" deck. If your going to only be running a 48" or 54" deck then the 425 would be a great choice, if going to a 60" deck I would strongly look at a 445 or 455. as each are rated a 22hp and well suited for the 60 inch deck. If Starting is an issue, the 425 is carburated, while the 445 is electronic fuel enjected. In any case all three models are an exceptional tractor! You would be well pleased with one! Good Luck

Jason B