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.)

 

[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.