X300 / X500 bagging options

[kolyur]

We moved to a new home about a year ago and now have a 1+ acre lot with about 3/4 acre to mow. I've been doing it with a push mower up until now so needless to say I'm ready for a change. I've pretty much decided on green but I'm debating between the X300 and X500. My lot is generally flat except for about 1/3 of it which is at a smooth 10 degrees. The lawn perimeter is very curvy and I have a number of trees to mow around so I've decided on 4WS and a 48" deck, which leaves X384 and X584 as my options. At this point I don't intend to do anything with it besides mow and maybe pull a small yard cart, so I think the X384 would fit the bill for this. But there's the issue of comfort--I'm a big guy at 6'3" 240lb and my knees were right against the steering wheel of the X300. I don't anticipate moving snow but I could see getting some small implements for it someday--roller, dethatcher, aerator. These concerns were making me lean toward the X500 even though it would be a tighter fit in my garage.

Anyway, I'd welcome any thoughts on the whole X300 vs. X500 thing but the real reason for my post has to do with bagging. I was planning to get the mulch kit and 7 bu. Powerflow bagger, with the intent of mulching whenever possible but bagging when the grass goes crazy in springtime. Our lot is next to a woods so we do get a lot of leaves on the yard in the Fall but I have a walk-behind blower that makes quick work of sending them all back where they came from. The problem is the shrubs and mulched beds, which are extensive and require the leaves to be vacuumed out rather than blown. Right now I have an old Peco lawn vac that I inherited from my dad (similar to the one in the pic). He mounted it on a cart and attached a long hose with a handle to the intake. It works OK but the bag is hard to empty and dragging it around the yard is a pain.

So... I'm wondering if there's some kind of bagger unit available for the Deere that has the option of attaching a hose for shrub cleanup and the like. The caveat is that I do not want a trailer-style machine. It's going to take some maneuvering of the tractor to reach some of these spots and I know I can't do it with a trailer attached. The Peco unit I have used to be mounted to the back of a Cub Cadet and it would fit the bill if emptying the bag wasn't such a bear. Peco doesn't seem to make this style of bagger anymore. So far the only one I've found that mounts directly to the tractor is the Trac Vac 462, but frankly I'm not real keen on the neighbors watching me mow with a big trash can on my rear end.

I'd appreciate any suggestions on equipment, or just hearing how you guys in similar situations handle it in the Fall.

 

[beenthere]

:welcome: to TBN

I use the MC519 cart, and it is on wheels but is not like having a trailer-type. Put a hydraulic ram on it for dumping and have it on either my X485 or 425 which are both AWS. IMO it is the only way to go.

The Deere Powerflow system is a very good solid blower, IMO.

 

[rekees4300]

Sounds like the X584 would be best for a big guy like you. I have X500 without a bagger. Property surrounded by trees so have a major leaf problem in the Fall. The X500 mower is so powerful I use the deck as a blower to blow of the leaves back in the woods. Here's a link to bagging options.

John Deere Yard & Lawn Care Riding Mower Attachments

 

[s219]

I just bought an X380 recently, and so far the fit is OK for my 6'1" 215# frame. I have the seat almost all the way back, but it has another 2-3 stops left. I'd think in the farthest back position it could definitely fit you, but you would know better than me.

I really would have liked an X500 for the larger tires, but it was overkill for my yard and the price jump was substantial. I think the model I was looking at was over $6000. The X380 came in at $3700 after rebates and discounts.

 

[Ed of all trades]

s219

How do you think your mower would do with a snow blower? I will only have about a 50 ft drive that is 2 cars wide with some slope but not bad.


Kolyur
Sorry for the hijack. I am looking just like you. Ed

 

[kolyur]

Thanks to all for the replies. I sat on the 300 and 500 again and didn't notice as much difference in legroom this time. But I had just found out that the X584 is $2,500 more than the X384 so perhaps that fact was clouding my judgement. I think the 500 is off the table; realistically it's overkill for my needs. I spoke to a friend with a 345 and he highly recommended power steering and hydraulic deck lift so now I'm looking at the X394 as a compromise.

 

[s219]

Thanks to all for the replies. I sat on the 300 and 500 again and didn't notice as much difference in legroom this time. But I had just found out that the X584 is $2,500 more than the X384 so perhaps that fact was clouding my judgement. I think the 500 is off the table; realistically it's overkill for my needs. I spoke to a friend with a 345 and he highly recommended power steering and hydraulic deck lift so now I'm looking at the X394 as a compromise.

I don't think either of those options are needed at all. And I say that coming from a previous Deere mower before the 380. The deck is easy to lift and adjust with the foot pedal, and I've never detected the need for power steering on such a small mower at all. Bigger tractor, yes, but on something so small with turf tires, there isn't much resistance in the steering wheel at all. Save your $$.

 

[s219]

s219

How do you think your mower would do with a snow blower? I will only have about a 50 ft drive that is 2 cars wide with some slope but not bad.

I don't think I can answer that well, but I suspect it would do better than the walk behind snow blowers I used as a kid. The 380 certainly has plenty of guts. I imagine you'd want tire chains.

 

[Ed of all trades]

s219

Thanks for the reply. I went to the deere dealer today just to look and ended up putting a down payment on a x310. It is a 2015 and I can get it for less than $3000. The x370 that is the same mower almost is over $1000 more. I really like it so far, time will tell. I will get the snow blower later. Ed

 

[DJRuss]

:welcome: to TBN

I use the MC519 cart, and it is on wheels but is not like having a trailer-type. Put a hydraulic ram on it for dumping and have it on either my X485 or 425 which are both AWS. IMO it is the only way to go.

The Deere Powerflow system is a very good solid blower, IMO.

I just picked up a 265 that came with one of these. It has a little pneumatic piston. Does yours not or did you remove it? Here's a pic of it "dumping". I'm actually looking to sell it if anyone local is interested. I just don't have the space or need for it right now.

 

[beenthere]

DJ
I replaced the OEM system with a hyd. ram. No need to get off or wrench the back dumping.
I also changed out the fast hitch system that can give a person fits, especially after it gets a little bit bent from slipping off a time or two.
I solved the hookup and unhook problem by buying a dedicated JD 425 AWS and leave the 519 cart on it all the time.

 

[DJRuss]

Nice addition to a neat system. It looks very effective.

 

[kolyur]

Well I ordered an X394 at the dealer on Friday. It's supposed to ship from the factory on April 12th. Also ordered an MC519 cart and Powerflow blower. Primary features of the 394 are power steering, power deck lift, larger tires, and a serviceable K58 transaxle. I've driven both manual and power steering models, and I agree the manual steering is adequate but the power steering was quite addictive. Knowing that I'd get the serviceable transmission too was a bonus.

I think I made a good decision but I keep having this nagging feeling that I should have gone to the X5 (would have to be an X584 to get the features I need). Here are the pros and cons of going to the X5 as I see it:
Pros: Beefier transaxle (K72 vs K58), locking differential
Cons: More expensive ($1600+), larger, heavier, overkill for lot size (3/4 acre)?

I won't be moving snow and I don't anticipate using any large ground attachments. We do have a wooded area next to our property (rough but not hilly) and I could see myself zipping back there occasionally to dump yard waste and pick up topsoil. I included a photo of the sloped area--it's about 10 degrees and covers less than 1/3 of the total mowed area.

My biggest fear is that I'll have traction problems with the X394 and won't have diff lock. I've read just about every X300 vs. X500 thread that Google can find. My head is spinning. I guess I'm looking for comments from those in similar situations to put my mind at ease (or convince me to spend more money).

 

[Smoothas]

Congrats on new tractor- test that puppy right away- dont forget the John Deere promise, if you find tractor slipping or it otherwise isnt working for you, bring it back and get a 500 series..LOL

https://www.deere.com/en_US/docs/wa..._home/turf_support_30Day_At_Home_Trial_US.pdf

 

[deathtoblackberries]

Well I ordered an X394 at the dealer on Friday...Primary features of the 394 are power steering, power deck lift.

Well I don't think you needed the power deck lift or steering, at least you don't on the 2 wheel steering model. That would have saved you $1,000 plus future maintenance/repair risks. I have a brand new X380 with a 48" deck and power blower/bagger for mowing my 1 acre of mixed flat and slopes. First once you set your deck height you will rarely change it and the manual foot operated deck lift doesn't take any more effort than your average clutch pedal. So far I have only raised my deck when pulling the spreader and there's a handy lock right on the dash to lock it in the upright position, simple and easy to operate. As for power steering the revised manual steering on these lawn tractors takes little effort, I don't even notice it. The whole lawn tractor only weighs like 650 lbs and has a short wheel base. I have power steering, lift, hydraulics on my larger Kubota B2920 at nearly 4,000 lbs with the FEL and backhoe the power steering makes more sense.

I kicked around the idea of 4 wheel steering but liked the tires on the 2 wheel better. I can't imagine turning tighter than the 2 wheel steering radius and had read about some issues with the 4 wheel tearing up grass and issues trying to get it aligned so it steers straight.

So far the power blower/bagger works awesome. I think the 48" deck is a good fit for it. Like you I need it in the spring when the grass grows crazy and it rains here for sometimes a week or more straight so the grass is pretty long by the time it dries out enough to mow. I was previously limited how I could mow since I had to always mow in certain directions so I'm not blowing clippings over the top of uncut grass. With the power blower/bagger I can mow in any direction without regard to clippings. For my 1 acre I am emptying the bags frequently when the grass is tall, but the system is pretty well designed and there's a handle on the bottom of the bags so you can lift them from the bottom to empty. The whole bagging system including the blower can be quickly removed without tools for cleaning or if you want to pull a spreader around, a few minutes tops. Its also pretty lightweight. The X380 has plenty of power, it hasn't bogged down in tall grass or damp grass. It has enough power to vacuum up pine cones. The blower blades are thick plastic, so far they seem impervious to chopped up branches and pine cones.

WARNING: They will cut a big chunk out of the deck chute guard to clear the blower belt, the idiots at my JD dealer did a crap job of this AND it still rubs on the blower belt. I'm surprised JD doesn't make a chute guard for the blower vs hacking up the standard chute guard. So when you remove the blower for mulching there's going to be a chunk missing from the chute guard and they cut away the part with ridges that gives the thing some rigidity. I may go yell at my JD dealer and make them order me a new one. The dealer also failed to install the blower belt guard properly and the belt nearly cut the thing in half so keep an eye on that. The dealer ordered a new one at their cost.

My biggest fear is that I'll have traction problems with the X394 and won't have diff lock.

I have some slopes and have mowed up hill, down hill, and side hill on them in damp grass, damp enough that the tires are wet. Traction has not been a problem the tires have a lot of grip in the grass.

Annoying Things...

1. The stupid reverse safety button nonsense I hate it. You have to press and hold this button down BEFORE pressing on the reverse pedal or it turns the mower deck off. Once you get moving in reverse you can release the button but if you let off and press the reverse pedal again without holding the button down it turns off the mower deck. See #2 which goes hand in hand with this annoyance.

2. Hydro-static transmissions are great but...its like having 6 piston Brembo brakes when you let off the pedal I mean its WHAM like slamming on the brakes. So they design them so that when you lift off the pedal the transmission eases off otherwise it would pitch you right off the tractor. On the X380 this is fine when moving forward, on a down hill slope the tractor will even coast forward a bit with your foot off the pedal. But in reverse good grief you let off the reverse pedal and there's no give its like slamming on the brakes. So you held in the reverse safety button, got going in reverse, try to let off the pedal the hydro-static trans slams on the brakes which gives you some whiplash and your foot hits the reverse pedal again turning off the mowing deck I have not inquired about whether this can be adjusted yet but its pretty annoying. Its mostly a problem when reversing down a slope, I can tell you getting this whiplash is already on my last nerve, as is the reverse safety switch.

 

[beenthere]

AWS is much better for working on side hills. Doesn't tear up grass unless going fast around trees, which over time will rub out grass if thin. Well worth the money IMO and a world of difference when working on slopes.

 

[jenkinsph]

kolyur,
That should be a good lawn tractor set up. The MC519 cart will hold a lot of clippings and is easy to dump. Might want to have tubes put in the cart tires. I had problems getting the little tires to hold air and finally had tubes put in, now they stay aired up all the time.

Four wheel steer is much more maneuverable than the two wheel steer. I have both and the difference is amazing. You should not have problems on 10 degree slopes.

The k58H transmission with the hydraulics built in for the deck lift and power steering should be fine. Haven't read of issues with the 58H on the forums.

I think you will find it to be a very nice lawn tractor that is easy to drive. If you let off the travel pedals slowly it will stop slowly. It is all in how you operate the pedals.

 

[tk tom]

An x5 vs an x3 is not overkill - it's simply a nicer tool for the job in this case.

No leaf pickup option but a husqvarna automower eliminates the need for aerating, rolling, dethatching, seeding, etc in the long run and it maintains the grass better than you'd ever care to.

 

[Gearz]

I bought a new 2016 X584 and have owned it for the past three month's. I liked all of the updates like the new deep deck,dash,large seat,4ws plus a bigger drive train and diff lock compared to my 2013 X360. My first one got sent back because of quality issues like the left rear tire being turned in three inches which the dealer tried to adjust but something was bent. So after another week I got another X584 delivered and it drove straight as a arrow. The X584 is a big upgrade from my X360 as far as as the deck and other features but I also use it to plow and snow blow plus the new sent up uses two lift arms and a large tilt bracket under the tractor which at first was a pain to install but when it's finally adjusted it's just a matter of pins and clips. I don't think I will need tire chains with diff lock and 4ws. As far as mowing I got the new mulch kit that converts to bagging with just moving a leaver and that works awesome. The two side handles on the fenders also come in handy when mowing on slopes so the operator can hold on to. Deere said that they made the new trans axle quieter but it's noisy to me compared to my old X360 but that's what ear muffs are for LOL. I guess what I'm tiring to say is that I have owned several Deere's LX280 ,X320 ,X360 and X584 and the X584 is the best of all of these IMO for 2016 so far.

 

[rekees4300]

I don't think I will need tire chains with diff lock and 4ws.

On ice, diff lock and 4ws may not be adequate. Rear chains make a significant difference in traction. Now is the time of year to order them since suppliers always seem to be out of stock in the Winter.

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