X540 Fuel Use.

[JDTank]

Can anyone tell me what the X540 is like on gas?

It looks like it has a monster engine, 26 HP Kawi under the hood is quite a bit of power just for cutting grass.

Trying to convince the in-laws to go with a X540. They have a old Craftsman in horrible shape and it's 19HP B&S is tired. The deck on the machine is so rusted from lack of being cleaned, that it actually has holes rusted right through it already.

My main concern is the X540 will eat gas like no tomorrow. I know they will never step into a X7xx series because it is to much money and to big for the property.

 

[XSKIER]

In regards to fuel consumption, you get what you ask for. This is pretty universal among internal combustion engines. My 425 would get low gph hauling the brush cart around. However, the gph went to about 5 with a flail mower going through light brush on hills.

Another example, 18' boat with 3.0l 130 hp 4 cyl, will match fuel consumption at 30 mph with the same boat with 5.7l 260 hp 8 cyl. The 5.7l will be capable of 20 mph more with double the gph though.

As with anything that runs on fuel, YMMV

 

[JiminGa]

that's a lot of machine for just mowing duties, maybe a x320 would be more appropriate. Less up front cost and lower fuel consumption...

 

[beenthere]

JD
What model do you own?

 

[JDTank]

The X300 series just looks a little bit small to me, as well as all the comments going around about the weaker drive train it has.

 

[beenthere]

JDTank
What model Deere do you run?

 

[LBrown59]

All of them are gas guzzlers compared to a diesel.

 

[JDTank]

JDTank
What model Deere do you run?

Nothing. As I said, I am in the research stage before purchasing.

I know the diesels are much more fuel efficient, but spending $11,000 on a X7xx series is completely out of the question.

This isn't for me, I am looking for my in-laws. There old Craftsman is beyond tired, ready for the bone yard.

 

[beenthere]

Then as said, for the work getting done, your in-laws will have to put the fuel in the tank. More work, more fuel. Don't think they will notice any difference from the fuel bill of the Crapsman. It is a pretty linear relationship, acres per gallon.

If me, I'd suggest a Deere 455 diesel with about 500-700 hours. Run about $5-6k.

 

[Markcuda]

Look at the X360, 22 horse power, and you can change the oil and filter in the rear end.
Plus, you get power steering and power deck lift.

 

[JDTank]

The X340 has a bigger deck than the X360. Unless one can order the X360 with a 54 inch deck?

 

[TimberXX]

I love this forum, but the man asked a question. And everyone pushes the thread to their own opinion.

We need some x540 owners

 

[mbrun]

Can anyone tell me what the X540 is like on gas?

It looks like it has a monster engine, 26 HP Kawi under the hood is quite a bit of power just for cutting grass.

Trying to convince the in-laws to go with a X540. They have a old Craftsman in horrible shape and it's 19HP B&S is tired. The deck on the machine is so rusted from lack of being cleaned, that it actually has holes rusted right through it already.

My main concern is the X540 will eat gas like no tomorrow. I know they will never step into a X7xx series because it is to much money and to big for the property.

X500 w/25 HP kawi gets an average of 1GPH mowing, aerating, seeding, rolling yard, grading driveway. This is pretty consistent with my former Kohler command pro 25HP engine.

 

[TimberXX]

1 gph is pretty high. I wonder if the liquid cooled 540 is any better on fuel.

 

[JDTank]

I love this forum, but the man asked a question. And everyone pushes the thread to their own opinion.

We need some x540 owners

Thank you. Finally someone who understands!

I could see liquid cooling making a slight difference, but probably not enough to significantly decrease fuel consumption. 1GPH is pretty darn high.

There craftsman uses about 20 liters in 6 hours, and I thought that was bad.

 

[TimberXX]

The larger deere tractors have fuel burn numbers in the specs. Maybe a dealer can get you this?

 

[oldmech]

Hi! No Miracle! A GX Honda engine need 230 Grams H P Hour. So 2.3 liters hour for 10 HP or 4.6 liters ( 1.3 Gal hour) for 20 HP This are the best Some engine take more. My John Deere 317 was near 2 gals hour at full speed. A Good Diesel as Yanmar need 170-180 grams HP hour. If you use your engine at half speed diesel engine are honest and take fuel for Hp . But Gas engine can take a lot more than 230 Grams HP hour for half speed. When young I read Nebraska test. Very good. Good Luck! Oldmech

 

[zlock24]

There craftsman uses about 20 liters in 6 hours, and I thought that was bad.[/QUOTE]
Isn't 20 liters in 6 hours almost 1 gph? Since 1 gal equals about 3.75 liters

 

[beenthere]

The fuel expense is a pretty fixed cost from what I read. Not worth splitting hairs, as it will basically just depend on the acres mowed.
The other cost of the investment is what matters. Higher quality and running for many hours while still maintaining their value on the market are the real plus's behind Deere and the high end mowers.

 

[hizoot]

You need to figure into the equation that the Deere will do alot more work per hour. It will more than likely balance out...and it has a good chance of being more economical.