JD X324 or X534

[GeneDoc]

Yet another "help me buy" post. It seems the John Deere line is one of the better lines, but truthfully I'm not sure I've been able to find a good comparison source or webstie. So, I'm open to suggestions if people think I'm looking at the wrong manufacturer.

My yard is 1.5 acres for a home with a fully exposed basement. So, the slope of the yard is about 15 feet high across 75 feet long, with the greatest slope in the realm of 10 feet high across 40 feet long (?15 to 20 degrees at greatest slope, but may be an overestimate). I would say it's a pretty standard yard for homes with a fully-exposed basement. There are plenty of trees and other obstacles, so I figured either a ZTR or a 4WS was a must. I also want to potentially be able to pull a spreader, trailer, or use a bagger. With the accessories I'm interested in (primarily plan on mulching), plus the fact that I don't care for the ruts I've seen from ZTR's, I've been leaning towards the 4WS units. I can afford the JD X324 and would probably get the 48" deck, but would consider other manufacturers if other members here think I should look at them. With the grade of the yard, I was wondering if I am undervaluing the power of the X534. If I could hear a strong enough argument, I would reconsider the X534.

An alternative I was considering was getting the X324 with a more "beefy" tire that I'd seen, but I forgot what it was called. Perhaps it was something I'd only seen on a X5xx series.

 

[Yellowfever440]

My two cents.

I would go with the 534 for the weight reason and they have a wider stance I believe and that means more stability. The x5xx 's were built heavier also and the rear ends are also. I would definitely stick with was because Ztrs will slide down hills, sideways or forward and backward. If you were running down the hill mowing and you saw something it would be to late because the Ztrs would slide the rear tires down the hill, seen and have been on one doing it, not much fun when their is water or trees. If the x534 is water cooled that is definitely nicer but their are more engine problems possible, but if it isn't liquid cooled then no worries.

 

[rjwerth]

I have a similar but smaller situation at my house and own an x304. No problems at all going up down or sideways on the slope to the back yard (about 9' high over 25' or so). I even use a core aerator w/about 200# of blocks on it, though not straight up the hills.

Bought it in 07 when they still put the k58 in them and it (and the rest of the tractor) has been flawless so far.

 

[jenkinsph]

I suspect any of these will work for the intended use, my preference would be for the x324 and save some coins. I would demo if possible to make sure before buying.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Cub Cadet iSeries. Turns circles around all of these, very wide rear end. Built lighter for sure, but its half the price of a 5xx. Its one of the few cub cadets I like, it feels like a much more expensive tractor than it is.

Kubota GR. 4WD, good tractor, few mechanical problems in the x10 and x20 series. 4WD, shafts, etc.. probably more $$ than makes sense for you.