Am I the only one that hates the digital dash in the JD riders?

[JDL130]

Have been looking at picking up a riding mower. I am looking at the Deere S240 or the X370. I am really put off by the digital dash/fuel gauge in the X300 series...Seems like a very expensive future failure, and for example, you won't be able to tell how much fuel you have, etc., if/when it goes.

I will probably end up with the S240 even though it's a K46 transaxle and a lower grade mower because of this.

Not sure why mfgs. constantly add geegaws like this to something that's supposed to be outside and doing a fairly rough job.

 

[s219]

Most new full size tractors now are coming with an LCD dash -- new Deeres and Kubotas have this. Not surprised to see it on a mower.

To be honest, a waterproof LCD is far more weather, moisture, dust, and vibration resistant than an analog gauge can ever be -- I can tell you that from experience in the marine world. An LCD has no moving parts and can be potted and sealed up tight. Analog gauges have moving parts and can't be sealed up the same way, not even close. So if it's longevity/durability you're after, the LCD is far far better on something like a tractor.

Do not let something trivial like this be the reason you downgrade to an S240 -- to me that would be a massive mistake.

 

[KennyG]

Good points from s219. If a dash gauge goes bad today, 90% chance it's in the sensor or wiring, not the gauge itself.

 

[JDL130]

I like the old "visual gas gauge," i.e. clear tank with a viewing window. I guess that's what threw me. All the other stuff I could live with, as it's not mission-critical, but if the fuel sender goes bad and I can't tell how much gas I have, that's a PITA. I had looked at an older gas powered Kubota also with electronic power steering. Power steering was shot and the motor/control board/shaft were one assembly running just under $1,000.

 

[Kubota 2350]

Am I the only one that hates the digital dash in the JD riders?

I guess so, I never had a mower until now that even had a gauge, I could tell it was out of gas when it quit running.
I always refill my tank when I'm done mowing so it's full when I start the next time.

As far as Digital dash I like them.

 

[sklunk]

Unfortunately they are getting even more complex. The dash on the 2016 X700's has even more digital features:
John Deere Select and Signature Series Tractors Updated With New Features

Go here and see Page 4/5 and Page 10/11:
John Deere

 

[JDL130]

Crazy. And this on the heels of their new software licensing agreements...Ugh.

 

[Ed of all trades]

Just bought a X310 and I figure if the fuel gauge quits I will just keep on going and not worry about it. Ed

 

[bigtiller]

I used a stick for a fuel gauge for a lot of years.

 

[moriboy]

Once you get a machine, you'll have a good idea of fuel usage/hr. Just fill up when you hit a certain # of hours. Running out of fuel is something that is pretty simple to avoid.