OK, now to the meat of the issue, gas or diesel
- Thread starter danbike
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garchib
Gold Member
Diesel(s) produce more low-end torque, which is one of the biggest reasons why they are used in heavy equipment and large trucks. Gas engines product their torque on the high end. Diesels have much higher compression ratio(s) than gas engines (usually around 20 to 1, versus 8 to 1 or 10 to 1 on a gas engine). Diesels are known to use less fuel than gas engines.......oh and they sound cool /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Let's see what else....they tend to last longer than gas engines. I have heard this is due to their heavier construction to support the higher compression ratios. This is a great article on the differences:
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/diesel1.htm
Good luck /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/diesel1.htm
Good luck /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
JDFANATIC
Veteran Member
gamble,
He's trying to decide between the X585 and the X595, having ruled the 2210 out for reasons of size. My vote would be for the diesel, but it does come with a premium -- you'll have to decide whether it is worth it. Something you might want to try at the dealer, at idle, engage the mower deck on both machines. Post what you think. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
He's trying to decide between the X585 and the X595, having ruled the 2210 out for reasons of size. My vote would be for the diesel, but it does come with a premium -- you'll have to decide whether it is worth it. Something you might want to try at the dealer, at idle, engage the mower deck on both machines. Post what you think. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
awlchu
Gold Member
What is the difference in price, $1k?, after the dust settles?
$1k/18months = $60/month, assuming you let JD carry you.
Plus I feel with the resale factor you will recoop the initial investment.
$1k/18months = $60/month, assuming you let JD carry you.
Plus I feel with the resale factor you will recoop the initial investment.
JDFANATIC
Veteran Member
awlchu,
I agree, but there are plenty of Kawasaki twins doing great service out there. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
I agree, but there are plenty of Kawasaki twins doing great service out there. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
RalphVa
Super Member
- Joined
- Dec 19, 2003
- Messages
- 7,885
- Location
- Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Tractor
- JD 2025R, previously Gravely 5650 & JD 4010 & JD 1025R
I vote for the diesel: always starts instantly (after preglowing when cold) even after sitting 9 months (have personal experience with this)(two gas engine lawn machines wouldn't start right away recently due to sitting 3-4 weeks with the hot, dry weather; JD diesel fired right up), safer (won't light even with a wick), uses 25-33% less fuel (my 18.5 hp JD uses less fuel than my 12 hp gas Gravely), less maintenance (no spark plugs or ignition system; the ignition module was out on my Lawnboy: that's why it wouldn't start; NEVER touched fuel injection system on 2 Benzes over 190k miles each except for filter changes).
Only reason I'd ever go for gas over diesel, and then I'd go for 2 cycle, would be on something where lower weight is important. It isn't on a tractor.
Pissed off that Benz still isn't bringing over stick shift diesels since 1983. Still driving our 65 hp Benz stick, and it still runs and looks like new. When they come out with a stick diesel, I'll probably go for it. For a tractor, it's HST though.
Ralph
Only reason I'd ever go for gas over diesel, and then I'd go for 2 cycle, would be on something where lower weight is important. It isn't on a tractor.
Pissed off that Benz still isn't bringing over stick shift diesels since 1983. Still driving our 65 hp Benz stick, and it still runs and looks like new. When they come out with a stick diesel, I'll probably go for it. For a tractor, it's HST though.
Ralph
robison
Silver Member
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2005
- Messages
- 124
- Location
- Western Massachusetts
- Tractor
- John Deere 4510 / John Deere GT235 / DR mower
Diesels are nice, but with JD garden tractors the diesel X series is quite a bit bigger than a GT or GX unit. I suggest you consider whether you will benefit from that extra size and weight before deciding about diesel vs. gas power.
For most lawn mowing tasks the GT/GX units will do a better job because they are more manuverable (trim closer) and lighter (less tracking on soft or wet ground)
That said, If I were set on buying an X series I'd go for the diesel for these reasons:
- better starting after sitting a while
- better power if using attachments
- better resale value
- longer service life
Some will say better fuel economy and that's true but fuel economy has never been an issue with my lawn cutting machinery.
For most lawn mowing tasks the GT/GX units will do a better job because they are more manuverable (trim closer) and lighter (less tracking on soft or wet ground)
That said, If I were set on buying an X series I'd go for the diesel for these reasons:
- better starting after sitting a while
- better power if using attachments
- better resale value
- longer service life
Some will say better fuel economy and that's true but fuel economy has never been an issue with my lawn cutting machinery.
jcmseven
Veteran Member
Danbike,
Having had an X series with both the gas and diesel, I can tell you I much prefer the diesel. There is no comparison in power and economy and the longevity of the diesel is likely three times the gas engine. Is this overkill for a garden tractor? Absolutely!!! Is the diesel WORTH the extra money. I personally think so. It truly is a different world with regard to performance, especially in demanding conditions. Last winter with my X595, my neighbor slid his 2500 Chevrolet into a ditch on our road in the snow. He chuckled when I drove from my house with my 595 and front snow blade and hooked a heavy duty tow strap to his truck. The 595 pulled his truck out of the ditch (sideways I might add) at slightly above idle speed. He went to his dealer the next week and bought one for his property. He still has it and loves it. I think that summarizes the diesel well, super attachment power, excellent resale and longevity and superior low end torque for pulling and engaging work. While the 485 I had did well, it did not have the engine power of the 595, independent of the MFWD.
John M
Having had an X series with both the gas and diesel, I can tell you I much prefer the diesel. There is no comparison in power and economy and the longevity of the diesel is likely three times the gas engine. Is this overkill for a garden tractor? Absolutely!!! Is the diesel WORTH the extra money. I personally think so. It truly is a different world with regard to performance, especially in demanding conditions. Last winter with my X595, my neighbor slid his 2500 Chevrolet into a ditch on our road in the snow. He chuckled when I drove from my house with my 595 and front snow blade and hooked a heavy duty tow strap to his truck. The 595 pulled his truck out of the ditch (sideways I might add) at slightly above idle speed. He went to his dealer the next week and bought one for his property. He still has it and loves it. I think that summarizes the diesel well, super attachment power, excellent resale and longevity and superior low end torque for pulling and engaging work. While the 485 I had did well, it did not have the engine power of the 595, independent of the MFWD.
John M
ddivinia
Elite Member
Are you just mowing grass? If so, you should consider a Z-Track. I bought a 2210 last year and overall I was very happy with it. The problem was it is too big for some things and way too small for others. I did my homework and ended up with a JD 757 Z-Track and a JD 4720. For my situation there is not a one size fits all tool.
D.
D.
