JD GX345 vs LX280

[Weeds]

I'd like some opinions on which JD model to upgrade to. I have a large yard (1 acre) with over a dozen or so trees/bushes and a steep incline on a portion of the yard (maybe 30 degrees).

I currently have an L120 which just isn't going to last. Two used options i've found are the GX345 and LX280.

GX345 - $5400 w/ power bagger, 129 hrs
LX280 - $3500 no bagger, 35 hrs (this is the 48" model).

Which would be best suited for my yard and give me the most reliability?

I test drove the LX in my yard and it performed wonderfully. LX might not be able to handle pulling a heavy aeration plug machine, but the GX would handle for sure.

Are the above prices resonable?

 

[cast_and_blast]

Two different classes of machine - the GX series is much heavier duty.

GX has a liquid cooled engine, power steering, cruise, hydro lift, differential lock (traction assist!) and many more attachements available. And, it comes with a bagger (according to your post).

If you're looking for longevity and future use I'd look at the GX. You could also look around for a 425, 445 or (better yet) a 455 diesel - they may be in that same price range.

Good Luck!

Scott

 

[Weeds]

Based on those details, is the GX priced reasonably?

 

[drkmstr]

I'd like some opinions on which JD model to upgrade to. I have a large yard (1 acre) with over a dozen or so trees/bushes and a steep incline on a portion of the yard (maybe 30 degrees).

I currently have an L120 which just isn't going to last. Two used options i've found are the GX345 and LX280.

GX345 - $5400 w/ power bagger, 129 hrs
LX280 - $3500 no bagger, 35 hrs (this is the 48" model).

Which would be best suited for my yard and give me the most reliability?

I test drove the LX in my yard and it performed wonderfully. LX might not be able to handle pulling a heavy aeration plug machine, but the GX would handle for sure.

Are the above prices resonable?

What are the manufacturer years??? Do they still have OEM warranty??

You could buy a new X500 for the price of that GX345, different features but still new... And you would have warranty

 

[JSR LLS]

I'm getting $3500 for my GX345 on trade. It is a 2003 with 54"deck and 300 hours, it does not have any other attachments but is in very good shape. I thought about selling outright and asking $4000 obo for it.

 

[drkmstr]

I think both prices are a little too high...

 

[Weeds]

The GX is a 2005 which i believe is at the end of its warranty period.

The LX is a 2006.

 

[drkmstr]

The GX is a 2005 which i believe is at the end of its warranty period.

The LX is a 2006.

I would say both are over priced because you can by new in that class right now from a jd dealer at the same price.

For instance and lx280 48" = X320 48" which sells new for 3999

 

[cast_and_blast]

In looking on machinefinder.com it appears that the GX345 price you list above is competitive with what is listed. However, that may or may not equate to what they really sell for or what is a good value compared to new.

I believe you need to get up to the x520 and x540 in the "x5" class to get a liquid cooled engine - a feature that most would argue provides considerable longevity to an engine. You'd need to add a bagging system which is not cheap from JD. This adds up to considerably more than $5400, but I understand the argument for "new".

I'd stay away from the LX series for your uses.

Scott

 

[LBrown59]

I think both prices are a little too high...

I like :
5150 for used BX1500
New BX1500 7650