Comparison Advice needed on a new Mower purchase.

[moodyda]

Recently I posted a comparison between 2 AWS Tractors that I was interested in comparing and have since ruled that type out. I have also ruled out zero turn types as they become too pricey plus they would get the lawn done too quickly as I do enjoy the chore with a few. I am now comparing three different tractors that will be used to cut 1.3 acres of somewhat hilly and sloped landscape located in rural part of West Palm Beach, FL.

1. My favorite is the JD x300 but pricey. OK though if it will last 20 years.
2. Cub Cadet LTX 1050 with its 22 hp Kawasaki engine, 12" turning radius, and 50" mowing deck and for $1k less than the x300, but will it last?
3. Finally the JD LA 125, which I wonder if it will outlast my current 9 year old Craftsman lt 1000.

All recommendations welcome.
Thanks

 

[Diamondpilot]

I am not a fan of the JD 100 series. The 300 is a good machine. The Cub tractor would probably be ok but stay away from the Cub ZTR's, they do not have a good rep.

Chris

 

[TigerfaninAR]

I looked at both the X300 and the 100 series from the box stores. I had an acre at the time with some spots that weren't the best ground, little bumpy in places. I thought the X300 was much better and decided on that. Had it two years before we moved and it did great.

 

[moodyda]

I looked at both the X300 and the 100 series from the box stores. I had an acre at the time with some spots that weren't the best ground, little bumpy in places. I thought the X300 was much better and decided on that. Had it two years before we moved and it did great.

Thanks, so there were no problems with the x300 over those 2 years. That's good to know. Did you have experience with lesser quality equip, if so what was the real difference?

 

[TigerfaninAR]

I had a Troy Bilt Horse previously and it broke a U joint (think thats what it was called), belts came off, and the engage lever to the mower had to be rigged to work. Worse piece of equipment ever. Thats when I decided to get something better. The X300 won out. Had to mow thigh high grass at another property and it did it with no problems. Over the two years all I did was change the oil, grease when necessary, and added new blades after I cut the 7 acres of tall grass (that wasn't fun btw). Never a problem.

I didn't do a massive search, had a JD dealer very close and after looking at the ones at the box stores (cub cadet, husquv****, etc) I decided on the X300. Great decision. If you plan on only keeping something for a short time I'm sure the 100 series or similar will get by but the X series is definitely a step up if you plan on keeping it.

 

[moodyda]

Yes I plan to keep. I have tried to keep the LT 1000 going but I have had it with this or that breaking down. I am just hoping that the Kawasaki 17hp motor is strong enough. Haven't had a chance to test drive one yet.

 

[mjncad]

Welcome Moody.

Since you plan to keep the mower a long time, get the X300 series. I have a L(emon)-130 that's been a disappointment. Granted I cut juicy tumbleweeds in dusty conditions with mine, which is more than what it was intended to do; but it still has needed more work than what I expected, and it sucks gas.

 

[moodyda]

Welcome Moody.

Since you plan to keep the mower a long time, get the X300 series. I have a L(emon)-130 that's been a disappointment. Granted I cut juicy tumbleweeds in dusty conditions with mine, which is more than what it was intended to do; but it still has needed more work than what I expected, and it sucks gas.

Gee I wonder how the x300 is on gas?

 

[ChuckinNH]

The Kawasiki's JD uses have a reputation for being somewhat thirsty. That would make more sense if owners would put numbers on it! I have a 20HP Kohler Command in my Simplicity, and mowing with the collector running I use about a gallon an hour, or perhaps a bit more. I use less, of course when I don't use the collector, slightly less than a gallon per hour of mowing at WOT. Doing other chores at half throttle, it is quite miserly on gas. Maybe we can get some comparison numbers here?

P.S. About 625 hours on the engine now, and I've replaced a fuel pump (factory defective staking operation) and a starter (what's up with that one?)

 

[Grand_Pooba]

I bought a JD X324 (all wheel steer). It has the kawasaki 22hp engine and runs very smooth. I mow at full throdle and use about 1 gal/hr. I traded in a JD L120 with about 250 hrs on it, I spent more time fixing that tractor than running it. The Biggs engine was junk. I crawled all over and under the X324 before I bought it...all the weak spots on the L120 are beefier on the X324.

 

[brin]

I will chime in here...I bought a 20 HP 46 inch cut Murray Lawn Tractor from Home Depot on sale in 2000 for $999.00 and other than oil changes it has operated flawlessly...With the HP it has it never bogs down even in high grass...I even run over some 1 inch brances and it chews them up....I see all the money folks spend on these mowers and I am here to tell you there is an alternative. I think many of these mowers are made by one plant that just puts various names on them...Private Lableing...10 years with this Murray mower and I love it..

 

[LBrown59]

Gee I wonder how the x300 is on gas?

Probably not the greatest .
I think all the high HP lawn tractors and garden tractors are gas hogs.

 

[moodyda]

Can any of you confirm or deny a comment I recently foung about the x300 series JD, "Do NOT get an X300 or anything else with a K46 or any other trannie that is not serviceable unless you want to give JD another $900 after each 92 hours like they want from me" any truth to this comment, I really hope not.

 

[brin]

Probably not the greatest .
I think all the high HP lawn tractors and garden tractors are gas hogs.

LB - You are right about that ...My 20 HP Murray mower eats the gas...that is true..I forgot about that..at least 2 gallons an acre...Not good...otherwise I am happy with it.

 

[Gittyup]

Pretty good friends with a JD salesman. He says the x300 series is the best choice if you don't want to spend the money for premium X700s. I'd say they would be pretty good. OTH, my neighbor has a JD130. Been using it 3 years on his 3/4 acre lot. Hasn't had any trouble with it yet. And, yes you can get many years out of a cheapo. My dad got 13+ years out of a $999 tractor. The higher end machines are usually more comfortable and give better traction due to weight. And yes you can have problems with the high end machines too. You can be unlucky with any make/model. But, there are probably more unlucky soles that buy at the low end than there are at the high end. So, just get what you want and hope you are not one of the unlucky ones.

Me, I'd take a used JD400 series any day over the x300 for about the same money. Just way more tractor. But you have to forgoe shiny and new, and easy financing. Don't understand anyone not wanting AWS either, unless you need the ground clearance, say for plowing. It's the best featurer created for GTs in recent years.

 

[mjncad]

My L-130 has a Kohler engine, and I suspect any carbureted engine regardless of brand is going to be hard on fuel. I go through about a gallon per hour.

 

[keyman1808]

I have a Husky with an 18 HP Kaw engine and it is a gas hog about a gallon an hour. But with over 250 hours on it no probolems what so ever. Do your maint and she will last for awhile.

 

[ChuckinNH]

Glad to see some numbers being put on the gas consumption here. What is a gas hog to one might be reasonable to another.

 

[parkerpusher]

The X300 is a good machine. It is what I would pick if you want something that you can keep for a long time. Once a year I heard that JD offers 500 off the price, so if your dealer is asking say 2850 (they always try to be less than MSRP), then you could pick up a new one for about 2300-2400.

The K46 is good unless you overwork it. For just mowing or cart pulling, the usual stuff, there's nothing wrong with the K46.

 

[jenkinsph]

I recommend you get an x310 and up with the k58 transmission. I have a k46 in an L130 mower and the transmission started failing (slowing down)before it reached 200 hours. Had a backhoe and a tractor prior to its purchase so it has never been abused. Lots of members here have had similar issues. Do you feel lucky?
I don't think mowing my lawn would be considered abusive on the contrary it should be a piece of cake for most any mower. I use to pull an 80lb spinspreader a few times a year with it but now it is too slow to spin the fertilizer at 291 hours on the clock.

Here's a picture of the spin spreader I pulled and the lawn I abused it on.

About the gas consumption best I can tell about $5 an hour at todays prices, I consider fuel for all of my Deere equipment to be inconsequential, thats the last thing I am going to worry about.