Buying Advice 2016 John Deere X330 w/new warranty

[Nodeuce]

Hello all! First post here. I just moved to a property where I have about 2 acres to mow with some moderate slope. I've never had a lawn tractor before and looked at the local Lowe's, online dealers and my local John Deere dealer and have been having a hard time deciding. I'm leaning towards a 2016 X330 at my local Deere shop with 0.5 hours on it that comes with a new warranty for $2500, the top of my budget. It was a display model and has been outside for about 2 years in the Kentucky weather. I drove it and it seems OK. Does that sound like a good deal? Thanks for any advice.

 

[man00]

Does that one have the K46 transmission ? Seem I recall some having issues with the K46

 

[mddorange]

:welcome:
To the TBN forum Nodeuce. You came to the right place to get answers as the two above prove.

Keep using us as you go along.

 

[Tractorable]

1) Buy from the John Deere dealer, not the big box store.

2) Shop for a riding mower with a transaxle better than the K46.

 

[MORRISONSTEEL]

The John Deere website lists a new 2018 for $2,999. Figure a little wiggle room, and what would a new unit cost? As to the big box store offerings, most of them are pretty low grade models, plus the fact that you will have a hard time getting service work done. John Deere doesn't want to do warranty work on something you bought from Lowes, and the same goes for other brands.

The X330 has a Tuff Torq K46 transaxle in it. That unit has a poor reliability record. Google K46 problems or even search this site for discussions on it. They are non-serviceable and can do fairly well on flat land with no heavy cart towing, but you mentioned you have a slope to deal with. I know you would be exceeding your budget, but an x370 would be a better bet for you. You have power steering, hydraulic lift and a better K57 transaxle.

If you look at the used markets, you'll see tons for these big box tractors for sale. Why? Longevity? Certainly the used market will offer some heavier units at a decent price. I would do a little reading on the K46 before you make a final decision. Out of warranty parts for a K46 fix will cost you upwards of $400. A dealer installed replacement will run $600-700 or more. The K46 can become a pay me now or pay me later deal if you decide not to upgrade to a better model transaxle.

My JD dealer will do warranty work on anything green regardless of where you bought it.

 

[mercdv]

I agree to avoid the K46 trans or any cheap trans in the lower end mower. I live on a lot that has a pretty good slope and I can tell you to avoid the K46 trans. I can make my 2305 whine big time on my side hill and I had an X500 that groaned too. The K46 won't last long if you have a slope especially if you pull anything. I'd save up and get a X300 series higher on the list that has the K57 trans with steel gears (not the K57 with powdered metal gears but not sure JD offers the steel gears), the K58 trans, or a larger trans. The big thing to look out for now on any lawn tractor or mower is the trans. They make some really crappy trans that they put in the cheaper models. I started with an X500 and ended with a 2305. I really liked the X500 but my back was going bad and I needed a heavy lifter. My wife didn't want to train to be a power lifter so I had to settle for the 2305.

 

[djefferis]

I壇 pass myself

Paid around 3300 for a x370 NOS 2016 last year, you get power steering and the upgraded replaceable trans for the extra $$

2500 you might not find new, but you値l find plenty of good 3-5 year old units with plenty of life left. It痴 going to be a big upgrade from the big box store units build quality wise and you値l have something that will easily last 10-15 years with minimal maintenance typical.

 

[JamesKingTT]

Like so many, Nodeuce no come back since he posted his question. :confused3:

It happens, doesnt it?))

 

[plowhog]

If he does check back, I would suggest evaluating if you will ever want a higher capacity bagger, such as the 7 bushel bagger. When I priced the x380 it was about $800 for the bagger and it *required* a powerflow unit that cost around $1,200. I might be a little off on the prices but it was pushing $2k to get a bigger bagger when I shopped. Not sure if that is offered with the same specs on this model or not.