JD 430 L&G vs X595

[scotd1]

I have a JD 430 L&G w/60" MMM that I bought new 1-5-85. It has been and still is a great mower, never had a service call or problem. But, I realize that I may now be working on borrowed time as it's only a matter of time before problems start to arise due to age if nothing else. So, I am thinking about trading for an X595 with the 62" MMM but I have a couple of questions/concerns and thought maybe some of you familiar with the 595 may have some experience to share.
Since I have an area to mow that is pretty hilly I am concerned with the center of gravity, how is the 595 in this respect? My 430 with fluid in the tries is like a goat, you'd have to work to turn it over and I would think the 595 is pretty much the same. Does it sit higher?
How would the turning radius on these two compare? With the 4WD on the 595 I am concerned about this even when it's in 2WD.
Anything else I should think about or look at?
Thanks for your input.

 

[Green_in_MI]

If I had a 430 that ran ok i would not even consider buying a new tractor let alone "TRADING IT IN". imho i would be very happy with a 430 and not absorbing the loss of the trade and the overprice of the new machine. Your 430 with good maintenance may yet outlast that new x5xx. If you do decide to get rid of it you will find no shortage of buyers that will give you way more than the trade price.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Cant tell you how it compares, however I own the X585 and it is a great machine. I still wish I went with the 4xxx series but the X585 is solid. Good turn radius. I have 5 acres, 2 mowable with hills and bumps galore. I enjoy the seat time very much. Great feel to it and weight helps keep it on the ground. 4 wheel drive very nice. The range rovers of there class. You won't be disapointed.

 

[scotd1]

Green_in_MI, You may be right, I have had that thought myself. It's one of those "when do you hold 'em, when do you fold 'em" questions. If I keep it and three months from now the hst pump goes out I'll be kicking myself for not getting out while the getting was good. I guess what has really got me thinking about this is that lately there has been some signs of wear showing up on the deck, some of the bearings, suspension, etc. Nothing that a little refurbushing/rebuilding wouldn't cure, so far. But before I start putting money into an 18 year old mower I need look at the pros and cons.
So, I'm looking, shopping and considering my options.
Thanks for your input.

 

[TCowner]

I have an X595 with 62" deck along with a NewHolland TC40D compact utility. I use the 595 primarily for mowing, spraying hauling wood, etc. I purchased my first 430 in 1984 when the first tractors were produced. I've maintained for some time now that they were the best premium garden tractor that JD built. I traded a 430 for the new 855 when it came out in 1986 mostly for the 4 wheel drive and of course it was something new. I changed directions a bit and went back to the garden tractor size in 1995 with a 425 with a 54" deck. I added the larger 26" tires, deluxe seat suspension and high back seat. But I never thought the tractor measured up to the 430. Granted, it wasn't a diesel, but the wheelbase was kind of compromise between 318 and 420/430 series. It was too small in my view after having spend so many hours on the 430. The tractor also lacked the turning brakes and the two-speed axle. Having a transport speed of nearly 11 mph is quite handy if you have to move any distance. The move to a foot operated hydro is probably the nicest feature of the newer tractors. The professional high back seat is more comfortable on the new X tractors than on your 430. The tilt steering is a little better on the X but not that important in my opinion. Attaching the mower deck is much easier on the X tractor. There is an exception however. The pto shaft attaches to the front of the hydro and there is nothing you can do short of laying on the ground/floor to hook it up. Once the pto shaft is on then it is a breeze. Your 430 attaches to the front of the tractor and while it you have kneel down it is easier in my view. I'm not sure the hydraulic control lever location is any better on the X seriess than your 430. Deere rates the X495 and 595 at 24 hp compared to 20 on your 430. I don't know if I can tell any real difference but perhaps there is. I fairly confident that the 430 was easier on fuel. Its not big deal because both tractors use so little but my X uses more than a gallon of diesel while mowing and my 430 would use about 3/4 of a gallon. My X595 has the optional tires like the Gator. It is similar to a heavy duty ATV tire. In 4 wheel drive I am amazed at what this will pull. I pulled a car out of ditch and everyone watching couldn't believe it. I had bar tires on my 430 and it was good to but the 4 wheel drive makes a difference. Sorry for the long post but I wanted to give my perspective. Your 430 is still a great tractor. But if you can handle the sticker shock of the X595 of X585 I think you will be impressed. But if you choose to keep the 430 I doubt you will disappointed either.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I was going to buy the X5xx series until I saw the 2210.
I have used it on some pretty good inclines and it feels more stable then my 335.
The price was there with between the two, once you added everything to the X series.
I just could not see spending the same money for garden tractor and being able to get a SCUT.