Looking for Experiences/Thoughts/Opinions on JD X380 and similar X series tractors

DennisFolsom · Jun 11, 2022

As I stated in another recent thread, I have put a deposit down on an X380 that is due to arrive in late July. If you own one of these, or a similar model, I would like to hear of your experiences. How is the steering? What do you think of the lift system? If you had it to do over, would you spend an additional $1200 for the X390, which adds the hydraulic lift, power steering, tilt wheel and a step up in transmissions? For me, the X380 was already expensive enough.

DennisFolsom · Jun 29, 2022

OK. I didn't get any replies to this one, but now I can reply to myself with some first impressions. We picked up the tractor today (it came in earlier than expected). Late this afternoon, I mowed for about 1.2 hours. As I had hoped, this tractor feels much more solid and stable than the lighter Craftsman/Husqvarna it is replacing. I tried it on my worst slopes and ditches and it definitely feels better.

I like the steering. The wheel is only an inch bigger than the old tractor, but it feels like more. It turns tighter than I expected. I like JD's hydro pedals better than the Craftsman/Husqvarna setup, though my feet are still getting used to them. The transmission seems more positive.

The seat is very nice. I think it was in 2021, that JD changed to a better seat with a replaceable cover.

I'll attach a photo here. I put some others in my "Little Brother" thread.

RjCorazza · Jun 29, 2022

Sorry you didn't get anyone to weigh in.
Sounds like you ended up with a nice mower!

tomplum · Jul 1, 2022

The X series is a tough tractor to beat. It's a lot more solid for sure than the Husqvarna anything. The steering will stay performing well for the life of the tractor and the Accel deck holds a lot less grass underneath than the Husqvarna as well. It seems like all I do lately is repair Husqvarna steering and transaxle mounts. Enjoy.

DennisFolsom · Jul 1, 2022

tomplum said:
The X series is a tough tractor to beat. It's a lot more solid for sure than the Husqvarna anything. The steering will stay performing well for the life of the tractor and the Accel deck holds a lot less grass underneath than the Husqvarna as well. It seems like all I do lately is repair Husqvarna steering and transaxle mounts. Enjoy.

Thanks, Tom, for the feedback. Besides mine, my daughter has had a couple of Husqvarnas over the years. She uses them hard, mowing horse pastures as well as her lawns and snowblowing in the winter. She beat up and broke the deck on the first one. I welded that up. After a few more seasons, she blew the engine. The second one was supposed to be a heavier model. She broke the frame on that one and had somebody weld it. I can feel the frame flex on mine if I cross a ditch at an angle, but I have not broken it.

I did some rough mowing yesterday with my new JD X380. I am being very careful about rocks, but did graze one lightly. It's bound to happen. I am loving the tractor. It is in a different class than the old Craftsman/Husqvarna for sure.

Spindifferent · Jul 1, 2022

That unit has a very solid K58 transaxle and the super-tough Accel deck so you should have a lifetime of excellent performance.

I upgraded from a Husqvarna to a X584 with the 54-inch Accel deck several years ago and there is a world of difference between those units. Very satisfied with the four-wheel power steering of the X584.

Enjoy!

TimberXX · Jul 25, 2022

I have a X350 and X730. the steering on the X350 works for me at the property i use it at. I would imagine the larger wheels on the x380 would only help.

Cub gt 2544=best · Jul 25, 2022

All im going to say is beware, as the owner of an x540, that POS has broken down so many times. I will never buy another john deere. Baby the machine, change the oil every 25 hours, air filter has to be change every 10 hours or will cause major engine damage (at least that happened in my case) and change the tranny fluid. The tuff torq trannys arent that great compared to a comparable hydro gear. (Ask me how i know.)

beenthere · Jul 25, 2022

Sorry for your experience. Not the norm for Deere.

DennisFolsom · Aug 5, 2022

TimberXX said:
I have a X350 and X730. the steering on the X350 works for me at the property i use it at. I would imagine the larger wheels on the x380 would only help.

Thanks for your reply. the steering on mine seems about right, though I am sure it is not as effortless as a power steering model would be. I like the size of the wheels and tires.