x500 fuel usage

[cyleclayton]

Well, my income tax is done and I can finally afford the mower I have wanted. Have narrowed it down to either the x500, x530, or x540. Just wondered if there is any fuel economy information on these mowers anywhere. Have read some who said they suck gas and some who say they don't. Wonder if the x540 is really more efficient with the liquid cooling.

 

[Retired Iron Peddler]

To give you an idea, my '99 JD 345 with a 54" mower in good thick grass will burn a little over over a gallon of gasoline in an hour. It is powered by a 20 HP liquid cooled V-twin Kawasaki engine. However, in that hour it will mow a lot of grass. It's difficult, if not impossible, to measure fuel economy in these machines... there are too many variables.

Bill

 

[rsewill]

But one thing is certain, a Diesel machine will burn a lot less.

 

[TractrNoob]

I agree with RIP, generally about a gallon per hour. That's what I got from my 2009 X320 (22HP). I haven't had my X485SE long enough to determine how much it burns. But I'm anxious to see how the 25HP, fuel- injected, liquid-cooled engine does.

 

[TimS]

From another forum:

NOTE: FUEL CONSUMPTION WILL VARY WITH CUTTING CONDITIONS. 1/2 LOAD FIGURES ARE CLOSEST TO MOST CUSTOMER MOWING CONDITIONS.

GPH = GALLONS PER HOUR, LPH - LITERS PER HOUR)

TRACTOR 1/2 LOAD FULL LOAD

210 0.6 GPH 2.3 LPH 1.1 GPH 4.2 LPH
212 0.8 GPH 3.0 LPH 1.3 GPH 4.9 LPH
214 0.9 GPH 3.4 LPH 1.4 GPH 5.3 LPH
216 1.0 GPH 3.8 LPH 1.6 GPH 6.1 LPH

316 (S/N 285001- )0.9 GPH 3.4 LPH 1.4 GPH 5.3 LPH
318 0.9 GPH 3.4 LPH 1.4 GPH 5.3 LPH
322 0.9 GPH 3.4 LPH 1.5 GPH 5.7 LPH
325 0.75 GPH 2.8 LPH 1.25 GPH 4.5 LPH
330 0.4 GPH 1.5 LPH 0.8 GPH 3.0 LPH
332 0.4 GPH 1.5 LPH 0.8 GPH 3.0 LPH
345 0.8 GPH 3.0 LPH 1.3 GPH 4.9 LPH

420 1.0 GPH 3.8 LPH 2.0 GPH 7.6 LPH
430 0.4 GPH 1.5 LPH 0.9 GPH 3.4 LPH

425 0.94 GPH 3.6 LPH 1.57 GPH 5.9 LPH
445 0.98 GPH 3.7 LPH 1.64 GPH 6.2 LPH
455 0.79 GPH 3.0 LPH 1.32 GPH 5.0 LPH

STX30 0.40 GPH 1.5 LPH 0.65 GPH 2.5 LPH
STX38 0.40 GPH 1.5 LPH 0.65 GPH 2.5 LPH
STX46 0.70 GPH 2.7 LPH 1.15 GPH 4.4 LPH

L130 2.1 GPH ｾ load

LT133 0.40 GPH 1.5 LPH 0.65 GPH 2.5 LPH
LT155 0.70 GPH 2.7 LPH 1.15 GPH 4.4 LPH
LT166 0.75 GPH 2.8 LPH 1.20 GPH 4.5 LPH

108 0.8 GPH 3.0 LPH 0.8 GPH 3.0 LPH
111 0.7 GPH 2.6 LPH 1.0 GPH 3.8 LPH
116 1.1 GPH 4.2 LPH 1.6 GPH 6.1 LPH
130 0.4 GPH 1.5 LPH 0.6 GPH 2.3 LPH
160/165 0.8 GPH 3.0 LPH 1.2 GPH 4.5 LPH
170/175/LX172/ 0.6 GPH 2.3 LPH 1.1 GPH 4.2 LPH
LX176/LX178
180/185/LX186 0.75 GPH 2.8 LPH 1.3 GPH 4.9 LPH

240 0.6 GPH 2.3 LPH 1.1 GPH 3.8 LPH
260 0.75 GPH 2.8 LPH 1.3 GPH 4.9 LPH
265 0.75 GPH 2.8 LPH 1.3 GPH 4.9 LPH
285 0.8 GPH 3.0 LPH 1.3 GPH 4.9 LPH
285 EFI 0.7 GPH 2.6 LPH 1.2 GPH 4.5 LPH

GT242 0.6 GPH 2.3 LPH 1.0 GPH 3.8 LPH
GT262 0.75 GPH 2.8 LPH 1.2 GPH 4.5 LPH
GT275 0.75 GPH 2.8 LPH 1.2 GPH 4.5 LPH

X465 1.2 GPH @ ｾ load
X475 1.2 GPH @ ｾ load
X485 1.2 GPH @ ｾ load
X495 0.9 GPH @ ｾ load
X575 1.2 GPH @ ｾ load
X585 1.2 GPH @ ｾ load
X595 0.9 GPH @ ｾ load

 

[Eric Barney]

I bought the X540 mainly because of the water cooled engine. Not so much because of fuel economy. I like the quiet, cooler running, and the long life the engine will provide. It is a slightly smaller displacement engine that has the same HP as the air cooled version. Whether that translates into better fuel consumption, who knows?

 

[rekees4300]

Just wondered if there is any fuel economy information on these mowers anywhere.

If you have to ask how much fuel they use then you can't afford to buy an X series mower...just kidding. The primary concern should be the proper use of fuel. The owner's manual for my X500 says:

"Use regular grade unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 87 or higher. Fuel blends containing up to 10% ethanol or up to 15% MTBE reformulated are acceptable. Do not use fuel or additives containing methanol as engine damage can occur.

Always use fresh, clean fuel that is purchased in a quality that can be used within approximately 30 days. Fuel stabilizer should always be added to the fuel each time fuel is purchased. This helps prevent engine performance problems and allows fuel storage in the machine all year without draining.

Fill the fuel tank at the end of each day's operation to keep condensation out of the fuel tank."

 

[Scooby074]

x540 is a great mower.. I had one.

As to fuel consumption, it did seem to use a bit of fuel IIRC.. But then my view is a bit clouded because I now have a BX that absolutely sips fuel.. Its shocking how little fuel it uses.

 

[lilbever]

If you want fuel economy get a diesel, but between in the x500 model series i wouldn't let that come into the equation. I have a x530 and was talking to the owner of the lawn service that i use for work ( he uses x500 and x700 series ) and i was telling him that i wish i would have bought the 540 for the liquid cooled engine. He said that he has are air cooled with over 3k hours and never had any problem. He stated it seems he has more problems with the water cool engines.

To be honest with you get what you can afford. I love the power steering on my 530. And if you go for the 540, the liquid cooled engine will hold more value for resale.

 

[mbrun]

Well, my income tax is done and I can finally afford the mower I have wanted. Have narrowed it down to either the x500, x530, or x540. Just wondered if there is any fuel economy information on these mowers anywhere. Have read some who said they suck gas and some who say they don't. Wonder if the x540 is really more efficient with the liquid cooling.

I have been keeping track of fuel consumption for the first 80 hours of my x500. Average thus far is .9 gallons + per hour. Easily over a gallon when working hard. Grading driveway with power grader and core aerating with good weight seem to consume the most. Have not plowed with it yet.

 

[cyleclayton]

MBRUN

By the looks of your equipment lineup, it looks like you don't mind putting a load on your x500. What kind of drive are you dressing with the DR Power Grader? I have crushed limestone, and wondered how it worked.

 

[mbrun]

MBRUN

By the looks of your equipment lineup, it looks like you don't mind putting a load on your x500. What kind of drive are you dressing with the DR Power Grader? I have crushed limestone, and wondered how it worked.

The portion I grade is flat, about 8' wide and 600+ feet long. Some call the top layer of material crusher run. Some chips and dust. Basically the top layer of gravel is limestone pieces no larger than about 1.5-2" in size, mixed with quarry dust so it packs hard like concrete. The power grader has been a good investment thus far. I think I have just reached my 3 year point. I make several times each way about every month or two. Driveway looks like new each time. Surprisingly it does do what the manufacturer claims. The carbide tip teeth are the key. It is a good maintenance tool. Let me know if you have any other questions.

 

[Treadfellow]

Well, my income tax is done and I can finally afford the mower I have wanted. Have narrowed it down to either the x500, x530, or x540. Just wondered if there is any fuel economy information on these mowers anywhere. Have read some who said they suck gas and some who say they don't. Wonder if the x540 is really more efficient with the liquid cooling.

I have had a 345,445 x485 and a x749. Hands down go for the liquid cooled, fuel injected for economy. They burn less than a gallon an hour on a 54 inch deck.The x 749 diesel is really stingy with fuel with a 54 inch deck, about 0.6 gallons per hour.

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

I only mow about one acre so I never really checked the fuel enonomy on my X534. This is the third season mowing with it and I've been very happy with it. I was actually looking at the X540 but due to my yard and all the things I need to mow around the dealer recommended the AWS, I am sure glad he did! I love it!