New JD X324 in the driveway!

[chatcher]

I've been shopping for a mower, and was just about ready to buy a leftover JD LX280 AWS, when this X324 (see attachment) showed up in my dealer's showroom. There were enough differences to change my mind.

Pricing on the LX280 AWS with 48C deck was:

List price: $5179
Dealer price: $4649
Less JD rebate of $700: $3949

For the X324 with 48C deck it was:

List price: $4499
Dealer price: $4299

Bottom line price difference was $350, and for that I got:

1. More HP - 22 vs. 18
2. Improved 4-wheel steering design. Wheels turn with much less effort.
3. 48C deck wheels now pivot like last year's 54C. Should make deck removal a little easier.
4. More comfortable seat.
5. Lots of minor changes here and there.

It's a little early here to cut grass, but might not be much longer. We've gone from snow Monday to a sunny 60 degreees today, and are expecting 70 tomorrow.

 

[chatcher]

Right side view.

 

[chatcher]

Right rear view.

 

[chatcher]

New 48C deck with pivoting gauge wheels.

 

[chatcher]

Rear view.

 

[chatcher]

Dash view.

 

[wolfe1]

Congrats- looks pretty sharp! Now on the rear view pic it looks like you can see the hydro unit with some type of fan on top? Am I seeing that correctly? Is this your first AWS? How does it compare to 2WS as far as "feel"? Nothing better than taking that first trip across the yard on your new machine-

 

[chatcher]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Congrats- looks pretty sharp! Now on the rear view pic it looks like you can see the hydro unit with some type of fan on top? Am I seeing that correctly? Is this your first AWS? How does it compare to 2WS as far as "feel"? Nothing better than taking that first trip across the yard on your new machine-)</font>

Yes, the hydro unit has a fan attached to the drive pulley. It is similar to a 2WS, but the axles are shortened and have u-joints on the ends. The hydro drive does not support the rear wheels - they run on bearings in brackets attached to the frame. I would expect less wear on the hydro axles than on a 2WS, but I don't know if the rear bearings are replaceable.

This is my first 4-wheel steer. It is surprising how it turns - I expected sharp turns, but it is more than that. On a 2WS, when you steer the front wheels, they move the front of the tractor to the side and the rear wheels trail behind, causing the mower deck to also move sideways. With 4WS, the front goes one way, and the back goes the other, so the deck almost rotates in place. I have high hopes for this machine. We were using a Gravely 20G with 60" deck. We have a lot of grades (pond banks and hills) and uneven ground. The 60" deck scalped a lot. I was afraid a ZTR would be uncomfortable on the steeper parts. My wife does a lot of the mowing and she didn't like ZTR's at all, so there you go.

 

[bontai_Joe]

Nice tractor! I especially like the pivoting wheels on the mower deck. Anything to make the removal of the deck is a definite PLUS! What is your opinion of the Deere cart you have? I've seen these at my dealer and Home Depot, and was wondering how they will hold up to use?

 

[Koby]

Congrats on the new ride! Thanks for posting the pics, they're better than any on Deere's site. I'm actually comparing the same exact two tractors myself now. The pivoting wheels on the deck and added HP may be the clincher for me. Thanks again, and have fun.