replacing the john deere X540

[konst]

I'm thinking to replace my John Deere X540 (bought in 2014) .
The X540 Is a nice lawnmower, but I'm wondering if I can find something more confortable (I'm getting old)
A seat suspension can help my back.
My JD dealer has a second hand 1016r (two years old, 150 hours) but I dont know if this sub-tractor could be more confortable than my X540 . Any advice?

 

[Teachu2]

You can add seat suspension for a couple hundred bucks.

Seat Warehouse - Product categories Suspension Kits

 

[crazyal]

Have you tried to adjust the seat springs to see if it helps? I think you'll find that you might be better off trying to find a seat you like for your X540 than sell it (if you bought it new you will take a pretty good financial hit). While it may not be the cheapest option I would go to your Deere dealer and see what options they have. When I bought my X500 a few weeks ago the dealer had a optional seat. It was expensive, lol, around $600 but it really fit me well. The back was adjustable, the foam felt thicker, and the suspension felt like there was more travel. The seat on my X500, and your X540 may be the same, has springs in the rear only. The optional seat looked like the whole seat was suspended, not just pivoting on the front like mine does. Since I haven't mowed with the tractor yet I wasn't ready to drop that kind of money on a new seat. I think this may have been the seat. I'm not trying to talk you out of upgrading, just avoiding spending extra money.

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

I would also suggest a upgraded seat, the x700 series is a more comfortable ride but it has a upgraded seat.

Taller and wider tires really helps, my dad ordered his 445 with the bigger tires and that really makes a difference, smaller tires can really beat you up sometimes.

SCUTs most like have R4 tires on them and in most cases are smaller or the same size as the x500 and x700 series, you won't find a noticeably more comfortable ride until the 2 series tractor which has much larger tires and better suspension, you can get a 72in deck for the 2 series also.

Another thing you can do is lower you PSI on your rear tires, over inflated tires makes the ride very rough.

 

[coobie]

I believe JD has a suspension seat for your X540.I have on on my JD X740 and like it.

 

[konst]

many thanks for the useful replies. The dealer told me today there is the possibility to fit a suspension seat on the X540, as Coobie said. But the seat with the suspension is in very high position, with the steering wheel remaining low for a tall person like me. I already tried deflating the tires and setting the seat springs it is certainly better but not a great difference. Today morning I went to test (not a real test, only sitting) the 1026, the suspension and maybe the thiker foam really make the difference. I understand a SCUT have a higher ride and I dont really need the added functionality (maybe a FEL but i'm not sure I will use it enough) nor the 4WD, but the ride position is really what I would have.
The used 1026 has a 60" autoconnect deck , but maybe a smaller deck will fit better my yard.
The dealer also have a nice 950R on the same price range of the 1026R , but unfortunately the mulching kit doesn't not exist for this machine.

Still need to wonder about all that...

 

[konst]

a picture of the "culprit"..

As said here, the 2014 X540 has only two rear spring, and therefore not a real suspension. In addition the front attachment has some clearance which leaves the seat oscillating laterally. It's a pity because the seat itself is nice with the high sized back.

 

[BBO]

a picture of the "culprit"..
View attachment 507964
As said here, the 2014 X540 has only two rear spring, and therefore not a real suspension. In addition the front attachment has some clearance which leaves the seat oscillating laterally. It's a pity because the seat itself is nice with the high sized back.

I looked at a 3 year old 540 yesterday and both of the yellow seat pads are loose! These are just glued on, and looks like a bad design to me. The cushions are not cracked at all, but both completely loose.

 

[MESSMAKER]

You can get a suspension seat add on that will sit between your seat and the frame. It will only give you about an inch of travel but it will help quite a bit.

 

[Gator6x4]

The 1026r is a good unit. It will have many more bells and whistles than your current 540. If you are concerned about rough ride, negotiate with the dealer for turf tires. The R4 Industrials and R3's will give a more bouncer ride. The Diesel engine in the 1026r is also easy on fuel consumption. A 60 inch deck will also provide good standoff from shrubs.

Also see if you can get the dealer to include a complete hydro and engine oil change with new filters, hydro, oil and air.