John Deere X300 Series Decision / Dilemna

[WalterK]

My Scotts 2046 (made by JD) is on its last legs - the K51 Tuff Torq transmission is fried, and despite my modest repair attempts, I don't think it's prudent to invest in a full re-build of the trans. That said, it's time to decide on a new tractor, and since there are no local Cub Cadet service centers (Morris County, NJ), I'm pretty much narrowed down to the X300 series - and I'm hoping that those with more experience can help me sort through the options to select the best model for my needs.
My yard (1.75 acres) is a combination of relatively flat area with several hills. My Scotts 2046 regularly scalped the hills and cut lines in the inclines. There are lots of evergreen trees (those blue spruces do a number on both me and on the tractor)that drop pine cones and short needles everywhere, and I do use the tractor to pick up leaves, which I bag and put into compost bins. I'd love to be able to mulch, but I've never had any luck. The grass grows too fast, and I've always ended up with clumps, so I've typcally had to bag the grass and take whatever I can't compost (which is most of it) to the town recycling center. I have a PowerFlow bagger unit on my Scotts, which does a decent job of picking up grass and leaves, but it really sticks out far and takes a beating from all the trees. I've had to patch the entire housing with sheet metal to keep it sealed.
I borrowed my neighbor's JD LA110 (42" deck)to cut this weekend, and while it cuts well, I had to constantly stop the tractor to clean out the lower (non-powered)chute. I'd immediately regret buying a tractor like that that wouldn't pick up properly. Given my past experiences, what's important to me, in no particular order, are:
1. Quality of cut - I'd consider a smaller, 2-blade deck (42")to improve the quality (which, along w cost, rules out the X500 series)
2. Mulching capability / convenience - It would be great to not have to change blades (which you need to on the 304)
3. Ease of service / removing deck
4. Quality / Durability of Transmission - I could step up to the X320/324 for a K62 transmission. I do occasionally pull a dethatcher or plug aerator, so decent torque and adequate HP is important.
5. Agility - Is not getting the 4-wheel steering something I'd really regret after-the-fact? Going with a smaller 42" deck, even if I go with the X324 (which is admittedly starting to really stretch my budget), I'd still be leaving a decent size uncut patch
6. CAPABLE bagging system, that won't readily clog. I'm intrigued by the 300R, which I know is more popular in Europe. While I'd give up some things (like 4w steering), I like the idea of no side projection. It sounds like a nice system, BUT it's set up to DUMP grass, not to allow me to unload the hopper bags, which is actually more convenient for me. I could always consider adding something like a Cyclone Rake to bag (which would be great for pine needles and cones), but then I'm back to a large side projection, and the thought of dragging a trailer behind me with lots of low-hanging branches, and possibly navigating it with 4w steering doesn't thrill me.
So there you have it....Apparently, I want it all, but can't seem to find it in a single model. I'd greatly appreciate ANY insights, particularly from those of you who have some experience with the various X300 models.

 

[dodge man]

I was in the same boat last year. I also had a Scotts mower, 25hp with a 54" deck. I liked it but traction was a problem on my hills. I looked at JD, something similar to what your looking at, and I also looked at something bigger, a 4 wheel drive with a diesel engine. They were big bucks, maybe 11-12k. I ended up buying a Subcompact Kubota, a BX2350. I also bought a end loader and a rear blade. I have a fairly long driveway (600 feet) so I use it for snow removal also. I use the end loader for moving dirt, fire wood, muclh, etc. It also has a 60" deck, and with 4 wheel drive, it mows great, although it won't turn as tight as dedicated riding mower.

I'm not trying to talk you into something you don't need, just take a hard look at what other uses you might have for a small tractor. John Deere also makes some really nice Sub compact tractors. The way I look at it, my Kubota will last many years, where in the past, the riding mowers I bought almost seem disposable.

 

[WilliamBos]

I was in the same boat last year. I also had a Scotts mower, 25hp with a 54" deck. I liked it but traction was a problem on my hills. I looked at JD, something similar to what your looking at, and I also looked at something bigger, a 4 wheel drive with a diesel engine. They were big bucks, maybe 11-12k. I ended up buying a Subcompact Kubota, a BX2350. I also bought a end loader and a rear blade. I have a fairly long driveway (600 feet) so I use it for snow removal also. I use the end loader for moving dirt, fire wood, muclh, etc. It also has a 60" deck, and with 4 wheel drive, it mows great, although it won't turn as tight as dedicated riding mower.

I'm not trying to talk you into something you don't need, just take a hard look at what other uses you might have for a small tractor. John Deere also makes some really nice Sub compact tractors. The way I look at it, my Kubota will last many years, where in the past, the riding mowers I bought almost seem disposable.

I agree totally. Take a little time to think about your purchase because we do not want you having buyers remorse after wards.

Good luck, and keep us posted.

 

[LBrown59]

John Deere X300 Series Decision / Dilemna
My Scotts 2046 (made by JD) is on its last legs - the K51 Tuff Torq transmission is fried, and despite my modest repair attempts, I don't think it's prudent to invest in a full re-build of the trans. That said, it's time to decide on a new tractor, and since there are no local Cub Cadet service centers (Morris County, NJ)

~~~~~~~~~~

I'd recommend a CC gt25OO series or a used Kubota BX series.

 

[AKfish]

I bought a X300R with 42" deck last year. I was interested in that model for a couple of reasons: 1.) more compact and manuverable with trees, fence lines. 2.) Improved flow of clippings into the bag - less problems clogging with heavy, moist conditions.

The tractor has been a winner on those qualifications.

However, I have concerns regarding the durability and longevity of the unit - recognizing that it is the lower end of the JD line for lawn tractors. There's not alot of grease points (zerks) and the rear-end is a sealed unit (not servicable). Given the amount of yard I mow - I believe the machine will likely last me 10 years. But, I don't mow nearly 2 acres, either. And I have a large tractor for snow plowing, dirt work and hauling.

If you are considering the X300 machine as the "last purchase" you'll make.. you might want to look harder at the machines further up the food chain. Or, as others have suggested - a sub-CUT or small end CUT.

Good luck.

AKfish

 

[WalterK]

I agree totally. Take a little time to think about your purchase because we do not want you having buyers remorse after wards.

Good luck, and keep us posted.

Interestingly, I'm more concerned about having buyers remorse if I spring for a more expensive machine (which for me is the X300 series or similar lines of competing brands). If I bit the bullet and bought a JD "LA" series or lower line CC, which are probably about the equivalent of the Scotts I have now, I'd figure on the tractor lasting about half as long - but I'd likely own 2 tractors in the time period I'd own a somewhat more expensive tractor. I could buy one, use it for 3 or 4 years and sell it to buy another....
I do tend to beat the crap out of my lawn tractor, particularly with all of my evergreen trees - and so my option could be to buy a "disposable" sub-$2K tractor, knowing that it's not going to last as long, or to spend roughly twice as much to get something that might last twice as long. The math and longevity work out almost the same, but in the case of the 300 series, I'd own it for a lot more unwarrantied years. I could buy 2 sub $2K Cub Cadets in ten years and have limited warranty coverage the entire time. Recognizing that the 300 series JDs aren't really in the league of the 500 or 700 series in terms of quality of build, I do have to give some thought to what else I might use the tractor for. My sense is that most of the larger projects I might consider are beyond the means of a 300, or even a 500 series with attachments.
I should mention, on the topic of recommended Cub Cadets, that I stopped at Home Depot today, just to look at what they carried (which I realize are the low-end series units only). I asked them if they knew of anyone anywhere in the area who provided warranty service for CC's, and they didn't have a clue where I might take it for service.

 

[jcmseven]

I do not like the new 300 series machines from JD. My good friend and dealer has countless units coming in for mostly small but aggravating things that keep their users from using them. He says (and he is a very busy dealer and one of a larger "chain") that the 300's are not what JD had intended. This is not to say everyone with one of these machines is going to have trouble--JD would not stand for that--but that for a little more money one can get a lot more machine. Unless you just want brand new, invest in a used 300 series (the real 300 series) machine. I sold a 335 once via this forum and the buyer got a great little mower for a price similar to what a new lesser machine would cost. The engine and tranny on that machine is good for 1500-2000 hours with good maintenence and this would outlast most private mowers/homeowners. Unfortunately, JD has the marketing pitch down. They make one pony up some additional cash to get a machine with what I would consider reasonable features (hydraulic lift, etc.) Those things are not essential for just mowing but they are nice when it comes time to trade or resale if you decide to. I can also understand not wanting to spend five digits for a sub compact, but they truly do give one the most for one's money, I think, and one could use such a machine five-ten years and sell it for fairly close to its purchase price, if it is in good shape.

John M

 

[James Loehr]

I do not like the new 300 series machines from JD. My good friend and dealer has countless units coming in for mostly small but aggravating things that keep their users from using them. He says (and he is a very busy dealer and one of a larger "chain") that the 300's are not what JD had intended. This is not to say everyone with one of these machines is going to have trouble--JD would not stand for that--but that for a little more money one can get a lot more machine. Unless you just want brand new, invest in a used 300 series (the real 300 series) machine. I sold a 335 once via this forum and the buyer got a great little mower for a price similar to what a new lesser machine would cost. The engine and tranny on that machine is good for 1500-2000 hours with good maintenence and this would outlast most private mowers/homeowners. Unfortunately, JD has the marketing pitch down. They make one pony up some additional cash to get a machine with what I would consider reasonable features (hydraulic lift, etc.) Those things are not essential for just mowing but they are nice when it comes time to trade or resale if you decide to. I can also understand not wanting to spend five digits for a sub compact, but they truly do give one the most for one's money, I think, and one could use such a machine five-ten years and sell it for fairly close to its purchase price, if it is in good shape.

John M

Agree with this 100%. I've never felt the X300 a good value. I've owned a LX277 and 335 John Deeres and both of these machines had much better value than the X300 IMO. Also check out the Simplicity.

 

[Gittyup]

My Uncle has a 500. He bought it after driving my 425. But, he has said many a time that it's not the tractor that my 425 is. I drove his 500 for just a few minutes and very quickly thought the same thing. My advise is to scrap the 300 series idea and get a good used 400 series, or move up to the subcuts. I guess the closest comparable new model to the 400's is the x700's. But, boy are they pricey!

I agree that financially, it is probably a wash between buying disposables vs. higher end machines. However, I guarantee you that it is more pleasurable to work off of a high end machine. Quieter, power steering, better ride, better traction, etc. You also only have to shop and research once vs. several times, and with each purchase your chances of getting a lemon go up. And the high end machines require less maintenance. With shaft drive to the tranny and the mower deck, I've yet to replace the one belt my tractor has. I'm now on my 16th cutting season, cutting about the same amount of grass as you. I've spent a total of $75 on repairs over its lifetime.

For mowing, all-wheel steer is the cat's meow when a ZTR won't do. This is available on some new deeres and on the 425 and 455. The mower decks on the 400 series are also top of the line, very heavy duty. They'll take the punishment, no problem.

 

[WalterK]

Agree with this 100%. I've never felt the X300 a good value. I've owned a LX277 and 335 John Deeres and both of these machines had much better value than the X300 IMO. Also check out the Simplicity.

The plot thickens...
So are the older JD tractors that are being recommended over the current X-series models the GT and GX series? Is the LX series (the "L" which I assume stands for "Lawn" and "G" standing for "Garden" durable enough to be considered used, or should I be only looking at G-series. Again, remember that due to the hills in my yard, and concerns about quality of cut, I'm thinking a 42" deck may be adequate. It does look like I give up quite a bit of agility (turning radius, etc) with the older series tractors. I'm curious as to what my local JD dealers will have to say about the older vs new tractor debate.
This is also the second recommendation to look at Simplicity. Guess I'll do that also.