What Used Lawn Tractor to Buy? Older Diesel or Newer Gas?

[Freeborn]

I知 in the market for a John Deere lawn tractor and am trying to figure out what model to buy and what year and hours are reasonable. This will be my first lawn tractor so I am not experienced enough to know exactly what I should buy. The tractor will be located at my hobby farm (future retirement spot) and will mow an acre of grass about every 2-3 weeks as I don稚 go there every week. The farm is pretty flat with moderate slopes with no big hills but mowing infrequently will mean I could be cutting some thick grass. I plan on using the tractor for only mowing and pulling a small garden trailer. I知 about 10 years away from retirement so I would like the tractor to last into my retirement and then I can upgrade if I want a different tractor.

There are allot of tractor models and maybe I am over thinking this but would like to buy the right tractor and not regret it. I am currently looking at used tractors so I am looking at tractors that are available within about 200 miles of me. Here are the units I am thinking about and the seller痴 asking price.

2009 X540 with around 200 hours for $4,500
2003-2004 X495 Diesel with around 700-1000 hours for $5,500
2005-2007 X744 Diesel with around 700-1000 hours for $6,500 hours

My number one goal is to buy a tractor that痴 in good condition, will last until I decide to replace it and is heavy duty. I also want a tractor that is very dependable as I don稚 live on my property. I am very good at general maintenance but I am not a mechanic.

I like the idea of the larger framed tractors (X495-X744) but am concerned about the age of the tractor as paying $6K for a 10-12 year old tractor doesn稚 seem intuitive. The longevity of the diesel and assumption they are more durable are the only variables that makes me think these older tractors are a good idea.

Assuming I buy a well maintained unit will an X495 or X744 last 10+ years if well maintained? Will the tractor need major repairs just because of age? Are there additional costs that will come from the older diesel?

I like the X540 and if well maintained think it will perform without problems but am I losing some of the durability and risking repair compared to the larger units?

Like I said I am probably over thinking this as I could probably save some money and get by with an air cooled unit like a X360.

What advice/experience can you provide? What would you recommend for how I will use the tractor and for not living where the tractor is located?

Thanks Much, I appreciate the help!

 

[Egon]

If your priority is dependability consider a compact diesel. On retirement chances are all kind of new jobs pop up for a tractor so consider looking ahead.

 

[davesl708]

I bought my Kubota BX2200 used (9yrs. old) 22hp diesel with FEL, MMM, Tiller and rear blade.
Has enough power to cut through tall weeds and do a good job on the finish cut.
Pushes snow, tills gardens, clears small trees, moves heavy rocks, etc.

My JD mower sits 95% of the time.

You would not regret getting a diesel and having more capabilities that a larger SCUT or CUT offers.

Hours on a diesel that has had good care are of less importance than the tractor getting proper routine maintenance. A few thousand hours are not a lot.

 

[Eric102]

John Deere gas powered mowers can last for a long time also. When I sold my 318 it was 27 years old and still running great, never had to do any engine repairs to it at all. For my retirement I treated myself to a new X739 gasser.

 

[davesl708]

Another consideration on used. Just because it is old does not mean it has a lot of hours on it. Most might put 50- 100hrs per year. 10yrs old = 500 to 1000 hrs. That is not much. 3ph hitch and front loader will be a big asset in the future.
My friend is mowing 10 acres and clearing 900ft. of drive with a 35yr old tractor. Has over 20,000hrs.

 

[Freeborn]

Good information guys. I do like the idea of the diesels but would not be afraid of a good gas unit. I’m a big fan of synthetic oils and good filtration and if you keep a unit maintained it should perform for a long time.

DavesI708, when you purchase your Kubota what steps did you take to get comfortable with a 9 year old tractor? Did you buy from a private party or a dealer?

Does anybody have a checklist on what to look at or test when buying a used diesel lawn tractor? I’m pretty good (so far) at looking at equipment and you can typically get a good idea if a unit was maintained and not abused but you never know.

 

[jenkinsph]

I would prefer the diesel just on a storage basis, much more forgiving than todays gasoline which can go stale quickly.

I have the x749 diesel and have really enjoyed using it the last five years.

About aging, there isn't much to worry about but look the tires over as these are not cheap. The rubber parts are more likely to be affected by age than the rest of the machine.

 

[Freeborn]

What are your guys thoughts between a 62 or 54 inch deck? Seems most units have the 62" deck but there are some 54" decks. Is there and significance to this or just personal preference. This tractor will be mowing in open spaces so no need have a smaller deck unless there is an advantage to it.

 

[milligjg]

I've got a JD 318 with 700 + hrs on it and that 18 hp Onan just keeps chugging.

 

[jenkinsph]

What are your guys thoughts between a 62 or 54 inch deck? Seems most units have the 62" deck but there are some 54" decks. Is there and significance to this or just personal preference. This tractor will be mowing in open spaces so no need have a smaller deck unless there is an advantage to it.

I have a 48" deck on mine only because I need to get through a few tight spots. If you are mowing open spaces I would go with the widest deck offered. The only down side to a wide deck is if your lawn isn't smooth enough, might have scalping issues. I try to mow at about 4" height, better for the lawn.