John Deere X300 Reviews
SWELEC
Model Year: 2010
Overall a good tractor. Mowing and leaf pick-up are great. Plowing in Northern Indiana is difficult but for most jobs the tractor does well. The deck removes easily and the plow work well. Only problem was a torn seat after two years and a drive idler pulley the failed after there years. These pulleys are plastic with an internal bearing and mounted under the tractor. They get wet and the bearing fails stopping the pullet and causing the belt melt the plastic pulley.
Pros: Looks, engine, overall operation, ease of deck removal.
Cons: Plastic parts just don't hold up to long usage.
Model Year: 2010
Overall a good tractor. Mowing and leaf pick-up are great. Plowing in Northern Indiana is difficult but for most jobs the tractor does well. The deck removes easily and the plow work well. Only problem was a torn seat after two years and a drive idler pulley the failed after there years. These pulleys are plastic with an internal bearing and mounted under the tractor. They get wet and the bearing fails stopping the pullet and causing the belt melt the plastic pulley.
Pros: Looks, engine, overall operation, ease of deck removal.
Cons: Plastic parts just don't hold up to long usage.
John Deere X300: What a Disappointment!
Model Year: 2012
I purchased a John Deere X300 in March of 2012. I mowed my lawn for 28 years with Toro self-propelled mowers and because of back problems I got to the point where I needed a rider. I bought a John Deere, paying well over one month of my income for it, because I thought it would be reliable and because of the 4 year warranty. Unfortunately it turns out I was wrong on both counts. I had a problem with a plastic part rubbing the blade so I had the dealer pick it up for warranty work. However, when the service department called me they said that it is the deck that is damaged and will cost $1,100.00 to fix. This cost is only for a new mower shell and installation of the moving parts from my mower. They will not cover it under warranty because they say it is my fault. The tractor has 38.4 hours on it and I have nothing on my lawn that could cause this damage. I told them I had mowed this lawn for 28 years with Toro mowers that cost 1/10 as much and never had a problem like this. I find this apparently poorly designed and/or flimsily built product to be unacceptable. If a cheap Toro mower can mow my lawn with no damage hundreds of times, why can’t a mower that cost 10 times a much do the same?
Pros: Looks good.
Cons: Won't mow after 38 hours; expensive.
Model Year: 2012
I purchased a John Deere X300 in March of 2012. I mowed my lawn for 28 years with Toro self-propelled mowers and because of back problems I got to the point where I needed a rider. I bought a John Deere, paying well over one month of my income for it, because I thought it would be reliable and because of the 4 year warranty. Unfortunately it turns out I was wrong on both counts. I had a problem with a plastic part rubbing the blade so I had the dealer pick it up for warranty work. However, when the service department called me they said that it is the deck that is damaged and will cost $1,100.00 to fix. This cost is only for a new mower shell and installation of the moving parts from my mower. They will not cover it under warranty because they say it is my fault. The tractor has 38.4 hours on it and I have nothing on my lawn that could cause this damage. I told them I had mowed this lawn for 28 years with Toro mowers that cost 1/10 as much and never had a problem like this. I find this apparently poorly designed and/or flimsily built product to be unacceptable. If a cheap Toro mower can mow my lawn with no damage hundreds of times, why can’t a mower that cost 10 times a much do the same?
Pros: Looks good.
Cons: Won't mow after 38 hours; expensive.
Great Mower
Model Year: 2013
I got this mower due to suffering from heat exhaustion with a walk behind mower. I did a lot of research, seems most models outside of John Deere are made by the same people with different labels on them, most with Briggs and Stratton engines. Could not find a favorable review of B/S engines, so I went with a Deere with a Kawasaki engine (the one at the dealership and not Lowe's or Home Depot). I am well pleased with the performance and power. I have mowed my yard several times and got a good even cut. I mowed a person's yard from church a few times, much bigger yard, with ease. I am now helping a neighbor move large rocks to fill in his back yard and the mower pulls the card with 200 lbs of rock with ease.
Pros: Power, ease of use.
Cons: The mower deck can get jammed and not lower correctly, just need to grab it and give it a firm shake on both sides for it to work loose. Price: you get what you pay for and this model is more expensive than its counterparts.
Model Year: 2013
I got this mower due to suffering from heat exhaustion with a walk behind mower. I did a lot of research, seems most models outside of John Deere are made by the same people with different labels on them, most with Briggs and Stratton engines. Could not find a favorable review of B/S engines, so I went with a Deere with a Kawasaki engine (the one at the dealership and not Lowe's or Home Depot). I am well pleased with the performance and power. I have mowed my yard several times and got a good even cut. I mowed a person's yard from church a few times, much bigger yard, with ease. I am now helping a neighbor move large rocks to fill in his back yard and the mower pulls the card with 200 lbs of rock with ease.
Pros: Power, ease of use.
Cons: The mower deck can get jammed and not lower correctly, just need to grab it and give it a firm shake on both sides for it to work loose. Price: you get what you pay for and this model is more expensive than its counterparts.
Vinces John Deere x300 42" Deck w/Mulching Blades
Model Year: 2013
When I first got the machine it was unlevel so I kind of hacked the yard a bit. Service guy came, leveled, installed mulch kit, and now she cuts nice and level. Cuts clean and the yard looks nice. I'd get a larger tractor with implements if it were possible to finance. But overall I'm very happy and wash her good after every use.
Pros: Clean cut, reliability.
Cons: Price.
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Model Year: 2013
When I first got the machine it was unlevel so I kind of hacked the yard a bit. Service guy came, leveled, installed mulch kit, and now she cuts nice and level. Cuts clean and the yard looks nice. I'd get a larger tractor with implements if it were possible to finance. But overall I'm very happy and wash her good after every use.
Pros: Clean cut, reliability.
Cons: Price.
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So Far All Good
Model Year: 2013
Very pleased so far with the way this mower performs, it is much better than la-130 it replaced. Steering is great; feels almost like power steering. Also it runs smoother and when turning on transaxle; it is much smoother. As for the transmission it is the same one I had in the LA-130 that I had for 6-years, hauled a lot of dirt with a cart and still going strong when I traded it in. I think if you maintain the mower, it will last a long time. If not just replace trans with something stronger.
Pros: Everything but one see cons.
Cons: One thing I do not like when going in reverse, it turns off transaxle.
Model Year: 2013
Very pleased so far with the way this mower performs, it is much better than la-130 it replaced. Steering is great; feels almost like power steering. Also it runs smoother and when turning on transaxle; it is much smoother. As for the transmission it is the same one I had in the LA-130 that I had for 6-years, hauled a lot of dirt with a cart and still going strong when I traded it in. I think if you maintain the mower, it will last a long time. If not just replace trans with something stronger.
Pros: Everything but one see cons.
Cons: One thing I do not like when going in reverse, it turns off transaxle.
My X300
Model Year: 2012
No complaints about this machine. I feel like I use it more than the 10hrs on it. I have the canopy and front brush guard. I have the dump cart as well. I drive it down the street and into the woods to dump yard waste. I tow my daughter around for Halloween in the cart. I have pulled a decent size stump out with it. It cuts well on slopes. I had an STX38 for 10 yrs. prior and the x series is a whole different machine. I disabled the seat cut off so she stays running without pushing the button. The only thing that I don't like is you can't cut in reverse without getting the override.
Pros: Everything.
Cons: Can't cut in reverse without spending extra money.
Model Year: 2012
No complaints about this machine. I feel like I use it more than the 10hrs on it. I have the canopy and front brush guard. I have the dump cart as well. I drive it down the street and into the woods to dump yard waste. I tow my daughter around for Halloween in the cart. I have pulled a decent size stump out with it. It cuts well on slopes. I had an STX38 for 10 yrs. prior and the x series is a whole different machine. I disabled the seat cut off so she stays running without pushing the button. The only thing that I don't like is you can't cut in reverse without getting the override.
Pros: Everything.
Cons: Can't cut in reverse without spending extra money.
If I had Waited One More Year I Would Have Had 4 Year Warranty
Model Year: 2008
Mows good. If my land was level or my weight was 120# I would love it. The tranny is acting up so I got a deal on a GT275 that I will use to replace the X300. Cost less to swap mowers than upgrading the tranny on the x300. With a stronger tranny, this would be the perfect mower.
Pros: Mows good, reliable.
Cons: Weak tranny that I can't service.
Model Year: 2008
Mows good. If my land was level or my weight was 120# I would love it. The tranny is acting up so I got a deal on a GT275 that I will use to replace the X300. Cost less to swap mowers than upgrading the tranny on the x300. With a stronger tranny, this would be the perfect mower.
Pros: Mows good, reliable.
Cons: Weak tranny that I can't service.
Continuous Problems
Model Year: 2008
Like many others the original battery quit after less than two years. Electronic module went bad at two years; may have been due to jumping a dead battery. Extremely poor performance after 3 years turned out to be bad spark plugs. At 4 years the same sluggish performance is back. Hope it's the same problem. This is coincident with a bad spindle bearing which needs replacement after only 70 hours. The grease fitting on the right spindle is inaccessible the one on the left one is very difficult to access. When it's working it's great.
Pros: Capable machine.
Cons: Poor reliability; collection chute clogs easily and is difficult to clear.
Model Year: 2008
Like many others the original battery quit after less than two years. Electronic module went bad at two years; may have been due to jumping a dead battery. Extremely poor performance after 3 years turned out to be bad spark plugs. At 4 years the same sluggish performance is back. Hope it's the same problem. This is coincident with a bad spindle bearing which needs replacement after only 70 hours. The grease fitting on the right spindle is inaccessible the one on the left one is very difficult to access. When it's working it's great.
Pros: Capable machine.
Cons: Poor reliability; collection chute clogs easily and is difficult to clear.
Dealer Experience
Model Year: 2009
The salesmen I negotiated the purchase with came to my home three days after the lawn tractor was delivered and actually said "you stole the bagging system from us." I reminded him and produced both the sales and delivery invoices showing the sale agreement we had made was contingent upon the inclusion of the bagger and he left in a huff! I tried to contact the manager of the dealership he worked for and their corporate offices and neither would make themselves available. I even explained all this in the mailer satisfaction survey you receive, I did receive a phone call back, with a voice mail, but with no contact info. It was all just really sad. The tractor has been great and luckily I have another dealership in town I can go to, who is much better.
Pros: Great tractor, very easy to ues and mowes great in evey config.
Cons: Removing/installing/leveling the deck. I have sever back problems and for me the 42" deck can be cumbersome to get in and out.
Model Year: 2009
The salesmen I negotiated the purchase with came to my home three days after the lawn tractor was delivered and actually said "you stole the bagging system from us." I reminded him and produced both the sales and delivery invoices showing the sale agreement we had made was contingent upon the inclusion of the bagger and he left in a huff! I tried to contact the manager of the dealership he worked for and their corporate offices and neither would make themselves available. I even explained all this in the mailer satisfaction survey you receive, I did receive a phone call back, with a voice mail, but with no contact info. It was all just really sad. The tractor has been great and luckily I have another dealership in town I can go to, who is much better.
Pros: Great tractor, very easy to ues and mowes great in evey config.
Cons: Removing/installing/leveling the deck. I have sever back problems and for me the 42" deck can be cumbersome to get in and out.
John Deere X300
Model Year: 2011
I bought the X300 from my local dealer when JD was offering $500 cash back. I bought the mulch plug kit so I would have the option of regular mowing. The mower is quieter and more smooth than my old MTD mower. The mulch kit works AWESOME and makes the leaves virtually disappear. The only potential complaint is that the frame can flex a little when going over a weird dip in my yard. When the frame flexes, the hood pops a little... its a little odd to see. Overall I am very happy with the quality of this mower and the price that I got.
Pros: Dependable, smooth, comfortable.
Cons: None yet.
Model Year: 2011
I bought the X300 from my local dealer when JD was offering $500 cash back. I bought the mulch plug kit so I would have the option of regular mowing. The mower is quieter and more smooth than my old MTD mower. The mulch kit works AWESOME and makes the leaves virtually disappear. The only potential complaint is that the frame can flex a little when going over a weird dip in my yard. When the frame flexes, the hood pops a little... its a little odd to see. Overall I am very happy with the quality of this mower and the price that I got.
Pros: Dependable, smooth, comfortable.
Cons: None yet.
Works Well - a Bit Underpowered for My Current Situation
Model Year: 2007
My x300 has run well for 4 years with dying battery as only problem. It is underpowered for hilly, 3 acre yard I now own.
Pros: Reliable, runs well.
Cons: K46 tuff torque transmission is same as cheaper models - strains a bit on the hills. I would have bought x500 series if I had bought new on this property.
Model Year: 2007
My x300 has run well for 4 years with dying battery as only problem. It is underpowered for hilly, 3 acre yard I now own.
Pros: Reliable, runs well.
Cons: K46 tuff torque transmission is same as cheaper models - strains a bit on the hills. I would have bought x500 series if I had bought new on this property.
No Problems
Model Year: 2010
Have about 1.5 Acre heavily wooded and hilly lawn to mow. Also plow 400 foot driveway, pull a plug aerator, and a very heavy when loaded Cyclone Rake. A lot talk about the K46 trans not up to work - been doing fine. The K46 is repairable but not by JD see http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/parts-repairs/164892-tufftorq-k46-repair-guide-pictures.html
Pros: High torque and quiet engine. Tight steering. Easy maintenance. Deck easy to remove/install.
Cons: None.
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Model Year: 2010
Have about 1.5 Acre heavily wooded and hilly lawn to mow. Also plow 400 foot driveway, pull a plug aerator, and a very heavy when loaded Cyclone Rake. A lot talk about the K46 trans not up to work - been doing fine. The K46 is repairable but not by JD see http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/parts-repairs/164892-tufftorq-k46-repair-guide-pictures.html
Pros: High torque and quiet engine. Tight steering. Easy maintenance. Deck easy to remove/install.
Cons: None.
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X300 - Nice
Model Year: 2010
Have used my X300 for about a year and a half so far. Have a wooded lot with slight hills. The X300 steering is easy and has small turning radius and can maneuver around the trees easily. I use a plow in the winter for a 300 foot driveway, aerate the 1 acre every spring, and especially in the fall pulling a cyclone rake puts a strain of the X300. It has handled it all with no problems. I worried about the low end trans K46 but after reading the rebuild procedure here, I almost look forward to servicing it in about 10 years, see link below http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/parts-repairs/164892-tufftorq-k46-repair-guide-pictures.html
Pros: Heavy construction, quiet, tight turn radius.
Cons: Price.
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Model Year: 2010
Have used my X300 for about a year and a half so far. Have a wooded lot with slight hills. The X300 steering is easy and has small turning radius and can maneuver around the trees easily. I use a plow in the winter for a 300 foot driveway, aerate the 1 acre every spring, and especially in the fall pulling a cyclone rake puts a strain of the X300. It has handled it all with no problems. I worried about the low end trans K46 but after reading the rebuild procedure here, I almost look forward to servicing it in about 10 years, see link below http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/parts-repairs/164892-tufftorq-k46-repair-guide-pictures.html
Pros: Heavy construction, quiet, tight turn radius.
Cons: Price.
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John Deere X300
Model Year: 2007
This machine replaced a 1966 Cub Cadet. It is not that good. But it is a fine machine. I had a problem getting a chute that would fit properly. the dealer shop was very helpful in getting it to work. It runs great, cuts well, ride nicely. Of course the added feture of a cup holder is a plus. I would recommend the machine and the brand. My problems were with the salesperson. The people in the shop at the dealership have been great.
Pros: Good cut and accessories. Soft ride. Runs well even if I am cutting up to 3 acres, non-stop.
Cons: The deck does not float so on uneven ground you may experience some scalping.
Model Year: 2007
This machine replaced a 1966 Cub Cadet. It is not that good. But it is a fine machine. I had a problem getting a chute that would fit properly. the dealer shop was very helpful in getting it to work. It runs great, cuts well, ride nicely. Of course the added feture of a cup holder is a plus. I would recommend the machine and the brand. My problems were with the salesperson. The people in the shop at the dealership have been great.
Pros: Good cut and accessories. Soft ride. Runs well even if I am cutting up to 3 acres, non-stop.
Cons: The deck does not float so on uneven ground you may experience some scalping.
X300 is a Top Mower
Model Year: 2008
When you look at tractors you'll quickly realize that tractors and boats have something in common. No one model will do everything you want. You pick up one feature and you lose another (and probably pay more). The X300 is a solid, well built lawnmower for those bigger spreads but is limited at some of the towing and earth moving needs. Yes, it can pull a light trailer with ease and has plenty of power for that but it's not designed to shove around piles of dirt. For that, you need a larger tractor that's too big to mow with. Changes I'd like? A lower hood so I don't have such a hard time seeing what's ahead and either better or no shielding around the main mower pulley. It gets packed full of grass easily and it's difficult to wash out. Other than that, a great all purpose and powerful unit.
Pros: Power, durability, ease of service.
Cons: Hood hard to see over, main mower pulley difficult to keep clean.
Model Year: 2008
When you look at tractors you'll quickly realize that tractors and boats have something in common. No one model will do everything you want. You pick up one feature and you lose another (and probably pay more). The X300 is a solid, well built lawnmower for those bigger spreads but is limited at some of the towing and earth moving needs. Yes, it can pull a light trailer with ease and has plenty of power for that but it's not designed to shove around piles of dirt. For that, you need a larger tractor that's too big to mow with. Changes I'd like? A lower hood so I don't have such a hard time seeing what's ahead and either better or no shielding around the main mower pulley. It gets packed full of grass easily and it's difficult to wash out. Other than that, a great all purpose and powerful unit.
Pros: Power, durability, ease of service.
Cons: Hood hard to see over, main mower pulley difficult to keep clean.