Question for X320 owners

markerbeacon · Jun 1, 2011

A Google search on the X320 will return problems and serviceability issues with the K58 transmission. Knowing that it only takes one "Aw sh&t!" to ruin a dozen "Atta Boy!"s, how many of you X320 owners are not having transmission issues, and how long have you owned (years/hours) your machine. It's getting time to replace the 185 I bought new 25 years ago and I'm looking hard at the X320.
Thanks!

tom4120 · Jun 1, 2011

I've had my X320 for four years (110 hrs) and not had any issues with the transmission or anything else for that matter. I mow on flat terrain and occasionally pull a fertilizer spreader. No issues or regrets in getting it.

waynem · Jun 2, 2011

The only problem transmission that I know of is the K46. Which is not in your tractor.

bruiserx2 · Jun 3, 2011

79 hours and no tranny problems, I haul firewood occasionally and mow hills. Just nice and easy.

Johndeere3720 · Jun 3, 2011

My grandpa has an X320 with about 20 hours, it's a 2010 model and no problems to date. I can really feel the difference between the X320's power in the tranny compared to my L118 with the K46.

sgoldste01 · Jun 6, 2011

I was considering the X320 when I was in the market for a tractor late last fall. As others have said, the K46 tranny in the X300 is to be avoided. Most people on this forum say that X320 is the absolute minimum tractor to buy due to the upgraded tranny over the X300.

Having said that, I purchased a used 2003 GT245 with 500 hours on it for $2100 (including a JD towable fertilizer spreader and 10P dump cart). No sales tax, since it was purchased from a private individual rather than a dealer.

So I saved considerable $$ when compared to the price of the X320 (or even the X300), and got a tractor with an even beefier K71 tranny vs. what the X320 provides. In addition, my GT245 came with the 54C 54" deck, which I believe is a beefier deck than which comes with the X320. Furthermore, the GT245 travels faster over the ground than the X320. Don't underestimate the time savings that a wider deck and faster ground speed will provide.

I don't recall the engine differences between the two. The GT245 comes with a Kawasaki V-twin 20 hp engine. This thing is a mule, and easily swings the three blades in the 54C deck, even when mowing tall, thick grass.

Just some food for thought....

Steve

ZDB · Jun 9, 2011

My aunt bought the X320 4 years ago and I got her 285.
She mows and pulls a fertilizer drop spreader with it.
Just turned 110 hours, I do all the service on it and there have been no issues to date. Its a nice machine, then again so is the 285!

Jeff56 · Jun 10, 2011

Most people on this forum say that X320 is the absolute minimum tractor to buy due to the upgraded tranny

That was the reason I bought a 324 instead of a 304 but then I started seeing posts on another board saying the K58 transmission had problems too. But IMO some people just want to put you down because you didn't buy something as expensive as they did. I didn't need anything more than what I got for cutting grass. I would like to have a tractor but it will be a bigger model when I get one. It won't be small enough to cut grass. I'll probably do what my dad did and buy a used JD and rebuild it.

bruiserx2 · Jun 10, 2011

80 hours and 3 years later no tranny problems at all.

jtheise4 · Jun 28, 2011

I have a X320 with about 20 hours. I mow some hills and pull a log splitter with the tractor. Absolutely no transmission issues at all.

jenkinsph · Jun 29, 2011

markerbeacon,

I considered buying an x320 last time I was shopping for a mower and tried one out on my lawn. I think it is a good mower with a much better tranny than my L130. If all you wan't it to do is mow and pull a cart I feel it is a good choice. IMO this is where the good Deere mowers start and I would have one myself for my own lawn, I bought the x749 since I needed more for my commercial landscape work with subcompact implements.

On a finished lawn such as I have an x320 is all I really need.

IGO1320 · Jul 19, 2011

Just joined the forum I am having a problem with my X320 maybe I can get some suggestions.

Bought the mower new spring of 2007 the transaxle went out in less than two (yes "2") hours first time mowing the lawn. Dealer was great and they got another transaxle from Atlanta (I live near Orlando Fl.) overnight and had it installed and ready for me to pick up in less than 24 hours. I asked the dealer at the time about servicing the transaxle and was told they are "good for life". Well, all I have been doing is greasing, oil changes (synthetic), and new blades. I am now at 581 hours and I noticed that the tractor doesn't have the same speed as it used to or power up hills, feels like the transaxle.....I am going to try and change the fluid, what is recommended (I would prefer a synthetic) and what do I have to do to drain it, I see no drainplug, also can I install a drainplug and where? Thanks.

Also how much fluid does it hold?

Markcuda · Jul 19, 2011

The trans axle is a sealed unit, and no drain plug.
They can be separated so you can change fluid, just be prepared for a few hours of work.
I hope you are very mechanical inclined?
Do your home work before trying to service the rear end.
Welcome

Kyle_in_Tex · Jul 19, 2011

IGO1320 said:
Just joined the forum I am having a problem with my X320 maybe I can get some suggestions.

Bought the mower new spring of 2007 the transaxle went out in less than two (yes "2") hours first time mowing the lawn. Dealer was great and they got another transaxle from Atlanta (I live near Orlando Fl.) overnight and had it installed and ready for me to pick up in less than 24 hours. I asked the dealer at the time about servicing the transaxle and was told they are "good for life". Well, all I have been doing is greasing, oil changes (synthetic), and new blades. I am now at 581 hours and I noticed that the tractor doesn't have the same speed as it used to or power up hills, feels like the transaxle.....I am going to try and change the fluid, what is recommended (I would prefer a synthetic) and what do I have to do to drain it, I see no drainplug, also can I install a drainplug and where? Thanks.

Also how much fluid does it hold?

They recommend 5W/50 Synthetic. Not sure how much. If you are a bit mechanical, you can do it.

IGO1320 · Jul 20, 2011

Kyle_in_Tex said:
They recommend 5W/50 Synthetic. Not sure how much. If you are a bit mechanical, you can do it.

Is there a link for the procedure?

Yes I am very mechanical so that won't be a problem. Just need some guidelines is possible.

Thanks.

5isalive · Jul 20, 2011

Again I am linking to another website but why re-invent the wheel.

http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=197758

IGO1320 · Jul 20, 2011

5isalive said:
Again I am linking to another website but why re-invent the wheel.

http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=197758

Thank you.

Kyle_in_Tex · Jul 20, 2011

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/parts-repairs/164892-tufftorq-k46-repair-guide-pictures.html

best link in the world right here on TBN

5isalive · Jul 20, 2011

Kyle_in_Tex said:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/parts-repairs/164892-tufftorq-k46-repair-guide-pictures.html

best link in the world right here on TBN

That is where I have seen that guide before. Thank you! Did so many google searches couldn't remember where I had found what.

Baldbigears · Jun 1, 2018

New X320 Question[/B]. X320 with 78 hours been parked for a while. Runs great but rear axels have end play. While changing a tire on the rear I noticed that the rear axels can be pulled in and out about a 1/4 of an inch. Is this normal? JD dealer says "bring it in so we can look at it".