2015 X500

[gillltc]

I'm looking for a new lawn tractor for 1-2 acres of hilly and uneven lawn with fruit trees, gardens and areas with barnyard grasses. I had a Craftsman Pro for 8 years and wore out the transmission last fall(600 plus hours and a Tuff Torq 46). The local Deere dealer has a trade in coming in that's a 2015 X 500 with 20-25 hours for $4900. I want a serviceable tranny with traction control.Looks like a good deal. I would like to know if wheel weights would help as there is not much level land that I mow. I can get wheel weight and a mulch kit with it for under $200.
Any other other competitors brands for this model that I can compare? I do have a LS 3037 with rear blade, loader and field mower for the big stuff so I would be mainly mowing and hauling garden material.
Thanks for any input.

 

[Amvcane]

Wheel weights will definitely make the machine more stable by lowering the center of gravity. If possible, you may also want to install the rear wheels at maximum width to give it a wider stance.
I would think that the x500 will be more stable than the Craftsman, so you might not even need the weights. I would bring it home then decide if I needed more stability.

 

[TnWV]

I have an X530 and mow some very step property with it. It has the HDAP tires but no weights. Once in a while I have to use the diff lock but that's mostly when the need to back up the hillside arises. I agree that I would try it without weights first, it should have much better traction than the craftsman as is, even if it has the regular turf tires.

 

[beenthere]

Best for hillsides, is all-wheel-steer. If that is at all an option in your search. Near to never have to use the diff lock with my AWS's.

 

[rekees4300]

I would like to know if wheel weights would help as there is not much level land that I mow.

I have a hilly yard and X500 without wheel weights but it does have LDAP rear tires. The traction can only be described as AWESOME. You'd be better off spending the $200 on LDAP rear tires.

 

[gillltc]

Thanks for the info. This X500 has a terrain type tire (HDAP). Is a LDAP a light duty all purpose tire (turf tire). Still debating the wheel weights. Is a brush guard a good add on?

 

[rekees4300]

Thanks for the info. This X500 has a terrain type tire (HDAP). Is a LDAP a light duty all purpose tire (turf tire). Still debating the wheel weights. Is a brush guard a good add on?

My mistake, meant to type HDAP. Don't think you would need wheel weights unless you plan to use a heavy front-end attachment like a snowblower. The purpose of a brush guard is to protect the front end from damage. If you anticipate that being a potential problem then get one. FYI the brush guard must be lowered before the hood can be opened.

 

[TnWV]

Thanks for the info. This X500 has a terrain type tire (HDAP). Is a LDAP a light duty all purpose tire (turf tire). Still debating the wheel weights. Is a brush guard a good add on?

If it has HDAP tires, I would give it a try before spending money on weights. You can always add them later if needed. It really is impressive how much traction my X530 gets with the HDAP's. Completely different machine than my old Troy Built.

 

[gillltc]

Found out from the dealer yesterday that the X500 I was getting (it's trade for a 2016 X500) has turf tires. Do you think I will have any problems on my more severe hills since it has traction control and wheel weights? I will be looking at it next Monday.

 

[TnWV]

Found out from the dealer yesterday that the X500 I was getting (it's trade for a 2016 X500) has turf tires. Do you think I will have any problems on my more severe hills since it has traction control and wheel weights? I will be looking at it next Monday.

My only experience with turf tires is on the lighter machines. You may be fine, but see if the dealer will let you demo it on your property to know for sure.

 

[rekees4300]

Found out from the dealer yesterday that the X500 I was getting (it's trade for a 2016 X500) has turf tires. Do you think I will have any problems on my more severe hills since it has traction control and wheel weights? I will be looking at it next Monday.

If your Craftsman Pro had turf tires and you didn't have traction problems then it's likely you wont have problems with the X500. Determine the slope (aka degrees) of your most severe hill. When you look at the X500 Monday, ask the dealer to see the owner's manual. In the manual there should be safety recommendations regarding the maximum slope. If your slope exceeds the manual's recommendations you should consider a different tractor. Keep in mind the X500 weighs 800 lbs. plus your weight so you are looking at 1/2 ton. If you are going downhill and loose traction it's going to be difficult (perhaps impossible) to stop 1/2 ton even with traction control. Slamming into a fruit tree under those circumstances would not be good.

 

[gillltc]

Looked at the 2015 X500. Looks in great shape with 23.4hrs. Price paid $4900. Mulch kit and wheel weights $180. Free delivery. Thanks for all the input. Now to start pruning fruit trees and getting out the LS with a Wally chipper for mulch. Look forward to mowing with the Deere.

 

[Amvcane]

Congrats on the purchase.
We need some action pics on those slopes

 

[rekees4300]

Congrats :thumbsup: You got a very good deal. With a little TLC it will last for decades.

 

[TnWV]

Congrats! Be sure to let us know how the turfs work out for you.