JD 425....good machine??

[jd2cylguy]

I am considering buying a JD 425 w/ 900 hrs. on the clock and in very good condition. Could any one who has one of these tell me what they think about it, pros and cons. also things to pay close attention to as I look over the unit.

 

[Chris in IN]

I have had a 425 AWS since 1995. I have 431 hours on it. The only problem I have had is I had to replace a seal in the water pump. I think it is a great garden tractor.

 

[PLOWER]

I had one for a year and I thought it was great. As soon as I move into my new house I'm getting another one, along with a 4700

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I have a 332 -(3 cylinder yanmar diesel) (1988) with 4573 hrs on it, and it is still as smooth as ever. I run 3 455,s and they always show up for work ready to go. If I was going to spend the money you are talking about on a 425, I would go one step farther and get the diesel (1/2 the fuel consumption, and the only maintainance is clean air filters and good oil.)

 

[gsxr1100]

I had a JD 455 and I sold it. What is the price of the machine you are looking at? The guy who bought it got a great deal! Being the stubborn Pollock that I am, I thought I could get a better tractor for about the same money. It is a yes and no answer. The kicker was that the 455 ran and ran! Nothing ever went wrong with it. Just start it and run with it.
I had the 3-pt hitch, mower, and the loader. The loader picked up around 400 to about 5 ft and then about 300 at full height. Yes, that red devil (BX2200-kidding here guys) does pick up more weight at full height (about 40%). The 455 just needs a little more time. More playtime…The reason is that the BX2200 has an additional piston, in the center, to aid in picking up items and the hyd pressure is a great deal more in the BX2200. The mower worked just fine and the hitch came in handy for using the 450 tiller. All-in-all I should not have sold it! Kicking myself now. I am using me fathers 425 for now. The 455 never used much fuel and the power is always there in the 455. The 425 needs RPM’s to get power; hence, for fuel used. I am going to hopefully maybe buy me neighbors Ford 1220 but the machine is way way overkill for my yard! I don’t know. The wife barrowed some of the funds, I can’t say took or I am in trouble J) to re-done the bathroom with marble walls and ceiling! So the tractor is going to take a little while longer. I don’t know, maybe another 455, BX2200, TC-18,….

Being in the good old political US of A all the colors are great machines.


Thanks
Mike

<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by burnickas on 09/09/01 06:59 PM (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[foreman81]

I have an 425 AWS to maintain about 3 acres of land. The 425 is an all around excellent machine for homeowners who do not need to do extensive work or landscape. The pros on this machine are the amount of operator space on the platform, backlit gauges, good hydrostatic controls and performance and stong pulling capabilities (fill the rear tires with windshield washer fluid). If you get it with the AWS, it's a mowers delight around obstacles and with trailers. The Cons would be it's lack of engine power when engaging implements such as the heavy 54" mower deck. You really need full throttle to start it up without stalling...and even then its sketchy. it's lack of ground clearance would not suit this machine for rough terrain or muddy ground. It also consumes high amounts of fuel for a tractor its size. Although I would gladly trade it in for a diesel unit, the 425 AWS is a superior garden tractor and should not be overlooked.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Dependingon how much you are going to spend and how much power you need, you may want to consider a 4100. Dealers are starting to lower their prices to clear them out. I just got one (HST, Plow, R4 Turf tires) by trading my GT225 in and a little down. The total price for the unitswas under $12400, now i gotta save up for my mower deck, and later my loader.

Nuru

 

[Anderson]

I've got a 425 AWS with 300 hours - great mowing machine, and good clearance with the deck off. Downside: it's so easy to use, my wife logs more hours on it than I do.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I have a 425 AWS also and love it. I stopped by the dealer one time to get something for my 4300 and looked at the garden tractors while waiting. Then I started trying them out beginning with the low end [LX?] and working up to a 425. You can really tell the difference. The AWS is great as we have over 100 new trees in the yard. I cut about about 3 acres plus a mile or so of trails and would just as soon use the 425 as the 4300 with a MMM. I put a knuckle breaker [with a JD logo] on and can realy wheel around the trees full tilt. Mine was a company employee trade with about 25 hours on it. I think I paid a bit over $7,000. Cons: no cup holder

 

[Anderson]

We have a similar setup - dealer trade in with about 30 hours, $7,000. I mow about 3 acres , >200 established trees, a number of significant hills, JD knuckle breaker, chains in the fall, winter and spring. The JD knockoff bagger cart in conjunction with high lift blades picks up everything but acorns. My trails are still too rough, so I use the Kubota with the brush mower for our mile of trails.

Tons of attachments
Easy maintenance
replacement parts are well stocked

$2.75 JD cup holder works great on the left fender.