Buying Advice Looking for a Recommendation for a new lawn/garden Tracktor

[tletourneau]

I'm not familiar with the engine (options) that come with the X380. For long term, from personal experience I recommend a Kawasaki engine if gas. I have a JD garden tractor that was mowing an acre (smooth lawn) for 25+ years with basic DIY maintenance only. Several years ago, I bought a dedicated mower in a 42in Kubota Z-turn mostly because it also had a Kawasaki engine. But I could do that because I bought a SCUT (w/backhoe) to do some serious landscaping.

Weight vs. lawn cut quality is a trade off. Weight is your friend if snowplowing, blowing, or other earthy tasks, but not so much if you are aiming for a manicured lawn. Finding that sweet spot is a challenge if buying and operating one machine for all. Now I have a dedicated BX tractor for everything but mowing and Z turn mower that goes in tight spaces. Best of both worlds but finances might not allow that. Just something to consider. Having a dedicated tractor even a SCUT can do so much if you have landscaping plans. I'm not a fan of a belly mower on a tractor if your terrain isn't already as tame as you want it.

All of the X3xx tractors except the X330 have air cooled Kawasaki engines, the X330 has a Briggs and Stratton 20HP.

The X390 had power steering and implement lift but it retails for $1,000.00 more than the X380.

 

[Firehawkmph]

I bought a 380X last spring with a 54" deck. I cut two acres of grass, around two houses, lot of trees, some hills and some rough open ground. It does a very nice job and is very easy to operate. My wife uses it most of the time. It has a Kawasaki V-twin, forgot the exact HP, thinking 22. I don't use it for anything else, as I also bought a 2032R TLB at the same time for rougher work.
Mike Hawkins

 

[Rock Crawler]

The Hydro Gear G730 rear locking differential equipped Husqvarna with Kawasaki V-Twin. This garden tractor will last a long long time. It has a spin on hydro gear filter just like your car/truck engine uses, and is rated for ground engaging attachments. This is a value (Value = cost vs performance) king in the GT segment in my opinion. I have a G730 (non locking version) in my 2010 GT that has held up to my 3 acre 17 degree general angle yard with 32 degree hills that I mow with weights and chains. I have just under 600 hours on the unit now... and knock on wood... the G730 is a beast!

So here is a $3,400 MSRP unit that has lasted me 7 years (so far) of what I call extreme use compared to most. I would expect it last a more "normal" yard 15+ years easily if it is maintained. And there is a snow blower front end attachment readily available for it, scroll down on the page I linked and you will see it.

Husqvarna Riding Lawn Mowers GTH52XLS

 

[66cuda]

Yes, you could be overthinking it, or all of your 'vehicle' purchasing experiences are limited to "cars" or "boats". Tractor dealerships are somewhat different (which isn't to say that some of them are just out to get your money... they don't last long.)

Reputation is a major factor for all (again, any coloured) tractor dealership. Service, parts and also your loyalty to them, is where they make their money over the long term. This is because (typically) tractors last a loooong time and, make no mistake, a Lawn tractor is a tractor.

I'll wager that, not only did both of these dealerships listen to you & what your requirements are, they also asked pertinent questions. That both of them, independently, recommended the same model says a lot. They could have tried to sell you the 'next up' model X384, but you probably said that you don't have a lot of tight turning to perform... so why sell you something that you're not going to use to its full potential or leave you feeling 'ripped off'.

Look, it's a big decision. Not only for the money you're going to spend but for the long term investment of having/using it. Both of these dealerships sound as they're being fair to you, a potential long-term customer.

This is really my first tractor purchases so I'm definitely in uncharted territory for me. I thought both dealers were very good, they both listened to my needs, asked some questions, and both ended up picking the same model, which did make me feel good. I would definitely feel comfortable going back to either one for any needs I have. When I went in, I let them both know I was just in the research phase and they both still took extra time to talk through things with me.

Have you considered looking for a X500 series used? Just a thought. I understand the new tractor and a warranty and how reassuring that can be. In my experience (not saying I'm right) most machines if they are going to have issues have them up front, once they get some hours if they are maintained will run a long time. I always buy used equipment and it has saved me $ and allowed me to buy more machine than I could ever afford new.

I have thought about it, however I am always leery of buying things used. I don't like not knowing what the previous owner did or didn't do with whatever it is I am buying. When it comes to items such as this, I am always extra cautious. I'm not saying it's off the table, but I would take extra time examining all the details.

The Hydro Gear G730 rear locking differential equipped Husqvarna with Kawasaki V-Twin. This garden tractor will last a long long time. It has a spin on hydro gear filter just like your car/truck engine uses, and is rated for ground engaging attachments. This is a value (Value = cost vs performance) king in the GT segment in my opinion. I have a G730 (non locking version) in my 2010 GT that has held up to my 3 acre 17 degree general angle yard with 32 degree hills that I mow with weights and chains. I have just under 600 hours on the unit now... and knock on wood... the G730 is a beast!

So here is a $3,400 MSRP unit that has lasted me 7 years (so far) of what I call extreme use compared to most. I would expect it last a more "normal" yard 15+ years easily if it is maintained. And there is a snow blower front end attachment readily available for it, scroll down on the page I linked and you will see it.

Husqvarna Riding Lawn Mowers GTH52XLS

I did look at a Husqvarna as well as a simplicity at one of the dealers that I went to. They did not have the model you listed, but I will look at it a little more. I will say that I was not overly impressed by the husqvarna models I did see. They did have a new model that was not on the floor that he recommended, I believe it was a dealer special but I don't recall the model number.

 

[Rock Crawler]

I did look at a Husqvarna as well as a simplicity at one of the dealers that I went to. They did not have the model you listed, but I will look at it a little more. I will say that I was not overly impressed by the husqvarna models I did see. They did have a new model that was not on the floor that he recommended, I believe it was a dealer special but I don't recall the model number.

It is likely the extremely rare and coveted limited run, dealer only, unicorn that very few on earth (I believe 1,500 were made) were able to scarf up....the infamous Husqvarna GT48DXLS.

2017 Husqvarna GT48DXLS, Kawasaki FR730 V-Twin 24 Hp engine, Tuff Torq K66 Electronic Locking Differential and newly designed 48" "Clear-Cut" 10 gauge fabricated deck at $2999.99 (dealer base $2489.96). John Deere's X500 series is the nearest competitor with a similar configuration (FS730 Kawasaki engine, K66 manual locking differential and new stamped 11 gauge deck design). The John Deere is priced at $5999.99.

 

[Rock Crawler]

I did look at a Husqvarna as well as a simplicity at one of the dealers that I went to. They did not have the model you listed, but I will look at it a little more. I will say that I was not overly impressed by the husqvarna models I did see. They did have a new model that was not on the floor that he recommended, I believe it was a dealer special but I don't recall the model number.

It is likely the extremely rare and coveted limited run, dealer only, unicorn that very few on earth (I believe 1,500 were made) were able to scarf up....the infamous Husqvarna GT48DXLS.

2017 Husqvarna GT48DXLS, Kawasaki FR730 V-Twin 24 Hp engine, Tuff Torq K66 Electronic Locking Differential and newly designed 48" "Clear-Cut" 10 gauge fabricated deck at $2999.99 (dealer base $2489.96). John Deere's X500 series is the nearest competitor with a similar configuration (FS730 Kawasaki engine, K66 manual locking differential and new stamped 11 gauge deck design). The John Deere is priced at $5999.99.

 

[Brotherdan]

I went through this last year, and decided to go the SCUT route. The best contenders in the garden tractor realm was the upper series JD or Husqvarna. With the chains, weights, etc. I was not all that far from an entry level SCUT. I prefer the MF gc1700 series because I'm a cranky geezer that is a bit demanding. But, a kubota or mihandra would do nicely. If you do not require a hydrostatic transmission, I really like the little tractor Northern Tool sells.

Looking at longevity, versatility, resale, etc. You may want to go with a more substantial tractor than a lawn and garden unit.

 

[Rock Crawler]

Thank you for the information Tom. I was surprised that both dealers recommended the exact same unit, after listening to pretty much the same story that I wrote here.

I've read quite a bit of information on this forum about the different transmissions. both dealers seemed to think that the K58 unit is strong enough for the work that i d, but after reading the forums i'm not sure. Then again, I've been using a 20 year old MTD and it's done the job just fine so I would think the 380 would be good? but who knows.

I started thinking about the whole X500 Vs. X300 series questions too but I don't think I can afford a 500 series a this time. I may be able to in a couple of years. Thought I'm not sure I really want to keep fixing the MTD for 2 more years.

I went through this last year, and decided to go the SCUT route. The best contenders in the garden tractor realm was the upper series JD or Husqvarna. With the chains, weights, etc. I was not all that far from an entry level SCUT. I prefer the MF gc1700 series because I'm a cranky geezer that is a bit demanding. But, a kubota or mihandra would do nicely. If you do not require a hydrostatic transmission, I really like the little tractor Northern Tool sells.

Looking at longevity, versatility, resale, etc. You may want to go with a more substantial tractor than a lawn and garden unit.

I also would suggest a Massey Ferguson GC1705 with mid mount mower, but the fellow indicates that at this time he is not in a comfortable position to up the price point. So I was actually looking to give him the very strongest value in garden tractors available this year, and that comes from the Husqvarna that I linked him to that has that exceptional Hydro Gear G730 diff-lock transaxle that is serviceable as well as the option to get the desired Kawasaki V-twin engine. The cut quality of a Husqvarna is very good, the fabricated deck is very good, the transaxle is very good, the Kawasaki engine is very good and the $3000 or less price is very very good! Then if he decides in 10 or 15 years to move up to a sub compact, he can make that call when the time is right. Oh, and cutting at 6-7 MPH with the Husqvarna plus the tight turn front axle makes you capable of getting into zero turn cutting times. A Zero turn in the same price range would be the opposite scenario... it would be the lowest end of each part put together to meet a price point. You simply can't touch a sub compact without more than tripling the price of the Husqvarna.

Looking at $3,000... I do not think you can even one other brand that can compete with Husqvarna and this model. Sure, a Tuff Torq K66 is the next (small) step up in transaxles, but unless he is doing bad bad things to this and not servicing the fluid/filter... this Hydro Gear G730 will live a long long time. It is a beast.

 

[Brotherdan]

I agree. The Husqvarna is one of those "best in class" units.

 

[leonz]

Hello Everyone, first post, and I'm looking for a recommendation for a new tractor. I live on three acres but only mow 1 to 1.5 acres. The rest is high weeds, which I will mow a bath through for the kids. I have a walk out basement at my house and have a slightly moderate sloped hill on one side and a more gradual hill on the other.

For the last 5 year's I've been using a 20 year old MTD Yardman mower that I inherited from my Grandfathers estate. it has a 42inch mower deck with mulching blades. it has worked surprisingly well, however every year i'm replacing parts and i'd like to upgrade to something new that will last 20 years and provide a better cut quality as well as provide other features.

The big thing I was thinking from other features was being able to add a snowblower attachment. I have 75 feet or so of driveway that I would like to snow blow. the drive way is completely level.

I went to two local JD Dealers and both recommended the same unit for my end use, an X380 with a 48" deck and the 44" snowblower with weights and chains. What is everyone's opinion this? Is this the right option? both dealers said that this unit would be best suited for my needs and would have the strongest transmission which should last a long time without having to step to a 500 series. which both thought would be more than what my needs would be.

The only other concern I have right now is storage space for the unit. i'm worried that the overall width of the X380 with 48" deck might be too wide for the area I have for storage in my garage. I have to do some additional measurements and see, how much space I have. it's much tighter in the winter when I'm parking my pick up in the garage. I'm hoping that I'm not going to have to downgrade mowers and continue to use a walk behind snowblower in the winter.

looking forward to everyone's thoughts. Thank you!

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Take this from a JDLA115 owner with 204 hours on the hour meter and the same 6 year old 44 inch snowblower snow blower RUUUUUNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have the rear weights and chains and the LA115 was worthless against deep snows and I ended up filling the rear tires with windshield washer fluid to add more weight.

One more thing to remember is the rear wheels don't have a lot of power being delivered to them. Mine has only 2.38+- horse power delivered to one wheel.

Their snow blowers are made by RAD in Canada and you need metric tools to change the drive belt and it takes a very long time if you have never done it before (4+ hours)
The large driven belts are $125+ tax and travel, The chute and spout are thin plastic junk and will not survive dealing with ice and snow, I have replaced mine three times already.
I finally found some Gates Series 1 Kevlar V belts(A116 size) from an amazon supplier to replace the expensive JD driven belt and I hope it lasts longer then the jd driven belt. The Series 1 A116 Gates V belts were $44 plus shipping so........... I don't feel bad about buying them.

I also need you to understand that the driven belt is very long and it is also poorly very poorly designed as the V belt is allowed to bounce too much and it affects the total life of the V belt as it is allowed to move too much much too much and the unit needs a second snubber pulley to maintain tension on the driven belt to restrain it the belts would last longer.

The other issues include

All of the the V belt pulleys are not greasable, The auger bearings are not greasable, the support bearing for the impeller is not greasable, the flat snubber pulley and V belt pulley is not greaseable, The twin V elt guide pulleys are not greasable.


The impeller is a three blade plastic impeller(it should have four impeller paddles).

Now to the driven belt change out; you need to remove the cross brace that holds the impeller pulley support bearing and you have to use a heavy hammer to drive it back and then down to remove the belt after you unbolt the 2 V belt guide pulleys that do not have grease fittings.

The other issue is the snow blower sags on the heavy side where the impeller is as the underframe of the snow blower is made from thin steel and is weak.

Owing and operating farm machinery and lawn equipment and snow blowers has taught me a lot and you need ot have two separate machines one for snow and one to mow as lawn tractors are not ment to remove snow.
Which is what Consumer Reports will tell you as well. And I look forward to someone from JD telling me I am wrong, and I don't know what I am talking about and to provide proof.

OH and Stay away from the big box walk behind snow blowers.

Buy a good walk behind snow blower like an Ariens track drive unit or a Yamaha and a new replacement lawn tractor with just the mower.

Its been my experience with John Deere that they love to take your money and then they say "well you get what you pay for". Kubota treated me no differently as a potential customer.

Its fine to read literature and look at a garden tractor in the show room and listen to the spiel but the minute you walk out the door after emptying your wallet you are in a row boat without a pair of oars.