I know I am likely to get laughed right out of here, but any serious opinions would be greatl appreciated. I am brand new to lawn/garden tractors and this was the first one I ever purchased.
I recently moved to a new, larger property where I have about an acre to mow. After doing what I thought was adequate research, I went to the local JD dealer to look at a 100 series tractor. While there the salesperson talked to me about the differences between the 100 series and the 300 series, such as a beefier frame, transmission, warranty, etc. After waiting a couple of weeks and doing some more research, I was then torn between a 300 series and a ZTR. Ultimately I decided on an x324 for maneuverability and for what I thought would be a heavier duty tractor to use for other purposes.
I took delivery of the x324 a few days ago and I am dissapointed in the cut. It seems uneven and I really think the 4WS is the reason. The tractor never really holds a straight line and, in addition to the increased effort to keep it so, it produces an uneven cut. Perhaps this could be my inexperience with the machine.
Also, in doing even more research, I now wonder about the long term utility of the x324. While 99% of what I will be using a tractor for is mowing, spreading, aerating, and light towing, I could possibly foresee needing to do some gardening in the future and might need a tiller among other things. Of course the step up to a 500 series is another two thousand and, again, I may never need to do any ground engaging tasks but the possibility is not zero.
Then again if all I am going to be doing is mowing, then perhaps I should have stuck to my original plan and gotten a 100 series. In many ways it seems the 300 series is just a glorified 100 series with a lengthier warranty. I am not sure the extra money I spent is really worth it considering that the mowers' abilities are really no different despite the supposed differences between the 100 and 300 series.
In any case, I could just be experiencing a case of buyer's remorse, but I am still within my 30 day window to return the unit for something else. If I do, should I go up to a 500 series or down to a 100 series and save some money.
Again thanks for any input.
I recently moved to a new, larger property where I have about an acre to mow. After doing what I thought was adequate research, I went to the local JD dealer to look at a 100 series tractor. While there the salesperson talked to me about the differences between the 100 series and the 300 series, such as a beefier frame, transmission, warranty, etc. After waiting a couple of weeks and doing some more research, I was then torn between a 300 series and a ZTR. Ultimately I decided on an x324 for maneuverability and for what I thought would be a heavier duty tractor to use for other purposes.
I took delivery of the x324 a few days ago and I am dissapointed in the cut. It seems uneven and I really think the 4WS is the reason. The tractor never really holds a straight line and, in addition to the increased effort to keep it so, it produces an uneven cut. Perhaps this could be my inexperience with the machine.
Also, in doing even more research, I now wonder about the long term utility of the x324. While 99% of what I will be using a tractor for is mowing, spreading, aerating, and light towing, I could possibly foresee needing to do some gardening in the future and might need a tiller among other things. Of course the step up to a 500 series is another two thousand and, again, I may never need to do any ground engaging tasks but the possibility is not zero.
Then again if all I am going to be doing is mowing, then perhaps I should have stuck to my original plan and gotten a 100 series. In many ways it seems the 300 series is just a glorified 100 series with a lengthier warranty. I am not sure the extra money I spent is really worth it considering that the mowers' abilities are really no different despite the supposed differences between the 100 and 300 series.
In any case, I could just be experiencing a case of buyer's remorse, but I am still within my 30 day window to return the unit for something else. If I do, should I go up to a 500 series or down to a 100 series and save some money.
Again thanks for any input.
