JD X500's

[ChuckinNH]

Spring is here, and I've thouhgt a bit about a new mower. I would like input from any of you that have the new JD X500 series riding mowers. How well do you like them, and how are the attachments to get on, and off. Do they seem like they are going to hold up well to extended use? ( I get about 100 hours a year on a rider)

 

[rod330]

I purchased a X540 about two years ago and just love it. I use it only for mowing on somewhat hilly terrain and it does a great job. I purchased it with the 3 bag PowerFlow grass catcher which is horribly expensive but I didn't want to frequently stop to unload the 2 bag version. I added a pair of front weights for hill climbing stability when the bags are loaded.

For me, the best features are the liquid cooled engine (longer life), power steering and diff lock.

You mentioned the ease of attaching and removing implements. In my opinion, the X series are the best mowers but if you're looking to add more than a few implements, you'll start spending about the same money as the small CUT tractors (2000 series). The 2000 series are more powerful and versatile if you need something for more than mowing.

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

I have the X534 AWS model, bought it last August. I LOVE the all wheel steer, I have a fair amount of things to mow around and it works great! The only attachments I have are a dethatcher and spreader.

 

[atschirner]

Ditto Green4me. Our X534 will be a year old in July. In addition to the points above my wife loves the power steering and I like the ability to mow across a hill. My old SST-18 would nose down the same hill if the breeze was blowing downhill.

 

[ChuckinNH]

Well this post sat for a while, but I am very pleased with the input I'm getting now! I do have a Kubota the size of a 2000 series so the heavier stuff, and rear attachments are covered. I'm still not positive, but my initial thought is that it is a bit large, and heavy for continual mowing chores. I like the powerflow catcher setup, and I belive that the MC519 cart is also available for leaf duties. Is the bag setup easy to install, and do you get much "blowout" around the front of the deck in use...... particullarly with leaves? I watched a guy demo a 534 on a steep area yesterday, and was pretty impressed with the way it seemed to handle there. Having the larger tractor available is partly why I'm looking at the X500 series instead of the X700.

 

[rod330]

Chuck, my Powerflow catcher works like a champ and there's no leaf blowout whatsoever. In fact, it tends to chop up the dried leaves and makes great mulch. Now, there is a little known JD option that costs about $80 and I think it's called the "leaf catcher" or something like that. It's just 3 or 4 metal baffles that simply bolt onto the underside of the mower deck lip to minimize leaf blowout. My dealer had never seen this kit and said he thought it would be a waste of money. Well, I'd gladly pay $80 to help with the fall leaf clean up duties. This kit, along with the PowerFlow, does an amazing job wtih lawn leaves. Now, since I practically live in a forest, I also have the Cyclone Rake XL attached to my ancient Cub Cadet. I only use it to suck leaves out of huge flower beds and a massive drainage easement running across the front of my property which leads to a large storm drain. I use the hose attachment only so it's like a giant outdoor shop vac.

 

[ChuckinNH]

Thanks for the input on the powerflow. I tried one of the very first ones out, and there was quite a bit of blowout, but JD said they were working on it. I've seen that baffle you spoke of in the build your own section, and thought it looked like it would work pretty well. I didn't buy the tractor I tried then...... perhaps over 10 years ago.

 

[VABlue]

Chuck, I have a 2305 and can say without reservation that it is not too heavy for every-week mowing. The BX series is essentially the same thing - they are all designed around the mower deck, so its okay to use them that way. Just be sure to remove the front loader and rear implements and don't use 4-wheel drive.

 

[LBrown59]

Chuck, I have a 2305 and can say without reservation that it is not too heavy for every-week mowing. The BX series is essentially the same thing - they are all designed around the mower deck, so its okay to use them that way.
Just be sure to remove the front loader and rear implements and don't use 4-wheel drive.

I mow in 4wd with the BH and FEL on and at the moment the clamp on forks are on it too.
Plan to mow today with all that on the tractor today if it gets warm and dry enough.

 

[VABlue]

Good for you... I wouldn't want to be anywhere near my house with all of that crap on the machine. Forget about tearing up the yard, you simply cannot get next to the house with a loader or BH on, and if you hit the house you'll probably end up with a cracked foundation (or worse).

Now, if you're mowing nowhere near the house, have at it...