Price Check JD x pricing?

[shorton540]

I've been trying to catch up on the last two weeks' worth of X commentary, so I apologize if this is redundant. I got a quote from my local dealer today of $11,900 for x485 with 62C deck and 47" snowblower and all necessary quicktach hardware, etc. Is this a reasonable deal? I'm thinking about using the no interest for life program, but want to have some ammo if I"m going to ask for a further discount. BTW, I'll be snowblowing a 200' flat driveway and mowing 1 1/2 acres of flat lawn. Comments on performance of the 485 vs 495 vs 585 in my situation? Oh, and I live in Vermont for what it's worth. Thanks! Sean

 

[beenthere]

Only thing I would change is go for the all-wheel-steer. Good price as I look at it.

 

[shorton540]

Do you know it the AWS has any maintenance nuances? Also, how does the AWS handle in the snow? I was a little curious if it might be squirrely. Then again, I'll have weights and chains, so that might control any slipperyness.

 

[awlchu]

Sean,

AWS is a great option if you have alot of trees and beds to mow around. With 1 1/2 acres it will trim your mowing time. The turn radii is 12 inches +/-.

It is very sturdy and except for greasing, no maintainance.

If trimming/trees etc is not an issue, I would put the extra $ into the 4WD models X585 or X595 (diesel) instead.

IMOP the diesel is a very very nice engine.

And for a $1k more, you can get a 2210 !!!! I just went through this with trading in my X485 to a X595. A 2210 was calling my name (and it is a more robust tractor over the X595) yet I could not justify it for my primary uses (mowing and pushing snow).

For example I was offered a 2210 with 62 inch deck and the FEL (the nice one that comes and and off easily) for $13.6k out the door.

.....Sign your name here and we'll deliver it by Friday 4PM?

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

PS Watch out for the free financing if you miss a payment. JD will stick you with 19% + carrying fee. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[shorton540]

Thanks! I have a dozen trees, and flower beds, so the AWS was definitely a consideration. I drove an X475 AWS and was very impressed but had some reservations about its snow traction and mechanical reliability. I also test drove a used X495 w/62C on my property, and I thought the 62C scalloped and the diesel ran rough, rattly loud. It was a used (abused commercially) tractor, so I probably didn't give it a fair shake. Whichever X I decide to go with, it will probably displace my car for garage space until I build a barn - thats how **** I am about my equipment. As for the 2210, I borrowed a friends with a 54C and the FEL, and it was awesome. But since the wife does most of the mowing, I need to stick with something that's a little less like a tractor and a little more like a cadillac, if you get my drift. Right now I'm leaning toward the X495 AWS based on the opinions I'm getting. Then there's my brothers full tilt 4310 with every attachment... sweet!

 

[awlchu]

X495 with AWS, sweet. The AWS is a beefy setup. JD does not skimp on the metal there. Drop down and take a look at its design and the over-design of the rods and u-joints etc.

My diesel is smoother at full throttle than my X485, plus it sounds "cooler" at idle. I was concerned about the exhaust smell but it really isn't that bad.

Okay, how do you get your wife to mow?

Best luck and let us know what direction you go! Post pictures!

Regards, Brian

 

[shorton540]

Thanks for the help Brian. I'm not sure when my wife decided she liked to mow, but apparently she'd mow her neighbor's lawn with an old 318 as a teenager. Coincidentally, I bought the tractor from her neighbor, so she's been mowing with the same tractor for 22 years!

So you mention the diesel smell and you say it "really isn't that bad." Do you mind elaborating on that? That could be a deal breaker for the 95, as that's where my wife's wifeness comes in again. Reverting to the X485 AWS will save me $1k, but in long term resale and reliability, is the diesel worth it?

Oh yeah, have you ever driven an AWS in the snow? Also, do you run turf tires or regular tires?

Thanks,
Sean

 

[awlchu]

Sean,

The exhaust is down front right (looking fwd from the seat). On occasion the wind will blow a puff towards the user. Does not belch out black smoke, it just a different smell. (diesel in morning reminds me of......victory)

I suggest you drive one at JD and sniff for yourself.

An interesting comment was made by one TBNr (commercial user) that he only buys gas models because the platform is shot before the diesel engine is even broken in! I studied the design of the Yanmar engine versus the kawasaki and concluded the Yanmar was much more rebust. Three vs two cylinders, four versus two main journeys on the main crank, rock solid reliability, and much cheaper on fuel.

(The kawa engine is a fine design too. And they sell a bunch of them because they are very reliable as well, just a difference design (V-twin vs inline) ).

Maybe a JD dealer can comment on resale value.

Never owned a AWS, tested one at JD. The only thing I have heard is the rear tends to cut into the drift when making a sharp turn. Moot point really.

I'm saving my pennies to buy a johnny bucket instead of the JD blade. About the same in $ but it can be used to move mat'l.

My X485 had turf. My X595 has HDPC (sp ?) knobby tires.

 

[beenthere]

I can say the AWS is a plus in snow. I have a blade on mine, and a good neighbor says he wouldn't have anything else with his behind a blower, sweeper, and his blade.

Amazing what traction one can find just by turning the rear wheels in a little different direction. Hard to describe. The AWS was something I was tentative about, but so far it has been bullet proof.
I think highly of the diesel too (smell on one I bought made me switch back to the gas as I just didn't like it, and didn't want to try to get used to it - but wish I could have) for its fuel efficiency and many hours of performance. They seem to get better with age. Did some work around 455's with hours close to 2000, and they seemed smoother than the low hour ones.
But have an X485 AWS and think I have the best of 'all' worlds for a mowing tractor with some snow plowing (my son uses it in the winter for snow while I use his 445 with the 519 cart for picking up leaves).
Another plus for the AWS is how it turns when on a slope. When going along a slope that is steep, my older regular steer tractor would slip the upper wheel if I turned uphill. The AWS just turns and goes up without any wheel slip, as it seems to scoot the rear wheels around under the rear to keep good traction. Again, hard to explain, but impressive to experience.
Another plus with the AWS is how much less backing up (reversing) one does, as turning corners and turning around is so quick and easy. That is probably the first thing I noticed when I had my first AWS back in 1998.

 

[shorton540]

You guys are awesome for all the info. It's nice to get a straight answer instead of biased dealer answers. Even if they aren't biased, I'm too jaded to believe it. Anyway, we're going to drive a diesel tomorrow and see what my wife thinks. If she's on board, then it will be an x495 AWS w/62C and 47 inch blower, if not, I'll "settle" for the x485 similarly equipped. I hope I can pull the trigger. They told me it would be a 1-2 weeks for delivery, so I might let the grass grow just to watch that sucker cut through it like buttah! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif