Looking to purchase a new JD mower/snow thrower. Any advise on the two of these models? Currently have a lx 188 with a blower and mower. This model has done me fine but looking for the power steering and power lift.
JD 360x vs. 540x
- Thread starter yod67
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mjncad
Super Member
Welcome.
We need more information (e.g. yard size and hills, obstacles, length of driveway, how much snow, etc) to give you advice and opinions.
We need more information (e.g. yard size and hills, obstacles, length of driveway, how much snow, etc) to give you advice and opinions.
JDGREEN4ME
Veteran Member
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- Sep 27, 2002
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- Southeast PA
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- John Deere 2520, John Deere X534, GT 225, GT 275
keerym
Bronze Member
Do you need liquid cooling? The x540 is liquid cooled, power lift, power steering. There is a new model the X530 that is an air cooled tractor with power lift and steering. If your coming from an LX188, there is probably no need for an X530/X540. If you were starting from scratch, I would probably recommend the bigger frame garden tractors for that much snow blowing.
jcmseven
Veteran Member
These machines would be EXTREMELY close in performance mowing. My dad had a 360 and it is a super mowing machine. I wanted to upgrade him and looked at the 540. For mowing, there simply is not enough difference between the two machines to merit the upcharge. I ended up getting him an X 720 and he really likes that. That was a legitimate upgrade. For snow removal, the 500 series machines have three features which would make them a somewhat better choice: 1. Slightly heavier frame 2. Differential lock and 3. Available HDAP tires (which if not using chains are great in snow). Either of the above machines would perform better in summer and winter than your current machine being replaced. If you really want snow removal to go well, I would get the 500 series machine, but if your snowfalls are small either would operate a blower fine and both have power steering and a power lift. If you have ever sat upon them you would likely notice that there is virtually no difference between them in the driver's compartment. If you go with the more expensive model you would be doing it strictly for its wintertime performance (for an additional $2500.00).
John M
John M
Is the trany the same in the x360 and the x540? Or is the x300 have the same trany as the x360? Another question is it worth have a liquid cooled versa a air cooled unit? Currently have a lx 188 liquid cooled.
mjncad
Super Member
I don't know if the trannies are the same or not. Personally I prefer liquid cooling as its more efficient; but air-cooled is not a show-stopper to me. However, if money allows, I'll take fuel injection any day over a blasted PITA carburetor.
Went with the x360. Couldn't justifiy the difference in the extra $2500 betwwn the x360 and the x540. With the x360 I got the 44" snow blower and the 48" deck w/power flow bagger. Thanks for all the information and the replies.