x320 or used John Deere lawn tractor?

[johndeereg]

I've been shopping for a mower for my Dad. I compared the x300 and x320 at the dealer and the x320 looks like a better tractor for what he mows. He has a lot of hills (not huge, but not much is level either). The lawn is pretty uneven too, so I think the 320's deck with more anti-scalp wheels/roller is better than the x300 with just 2 wheels. ALso from what I read the trans. is better too.

I was really hoping to spend around 3000 though, not over 4000. So, my question is, should I just spend the extra on the new x320, or is there a used tractor that would be just as good or better? What do you recommend?

 

[rekees4300]

Welcome to TBN. Spend the extra on the X320. It has the K58 transmission which will be more reliable in the long run. Ask the JD dealer (don't buy at big box store) if he will include HDAP rear tires. Those will improve traction significantly on the hills.

 

[johndeereg]

Thanks for sharing your opinion. Are some dealers willing to swap those tires out at the same price? I never thought of different tires when I buy.

 

[rekees4300]

Those tires are normally not at the same price. Would guessimate $200-$300 more. Dealers expect some negotiations in order to make a $4K sale so all you can do is ask and see what he says.

 

[johndeereg]

Do dealers typically negotiate a better price on the tractor? I loosely asked when I was looking at them, and they said something like the prices are the John Deere prices right now. One other dealer offered 200 off just through email when I asked price and availablity though.

thanks!

 

[rekees4300]

Yes it's like buying a car. The prices are negotiable but will vary from dealer to dealer depending on time of year, his inventory, etc. So it pays to shop around.

 

[johndeereg]

Is there any particular price you recommend I aim for if the retail is 4299? I know some cars have more mark up than others. The one dealer I actually met seemed like it was a no-negotiation thing.

 

[rekees4300]

This time of year it's going to be hard to get a good price because demand is high. IMO a good deal would be $4000 with HDAP tires included. Make that counter offer to the dealer who has already offered $200 off. Maybe he will agree?

 

[johndeereg]

ok, thanks again for your help.

 

[daveshoot]

You have already made the right decision, but as an X300 owner (came with the house), I can assure you the thing is difficult on slopes and prone to scalping the lip of the slope where it bends flat. It has turf tires and one is always spinning if there is any kind of slope. I have to lean to the uphill side to keep going if I am crossing the slope, and it scalps pretty bad if I go up and down.

I have taken to long diagonal runs but you need a good running start to keep a straight line.

It's not a bad machine at all, but there must be better choices for lots of elevation contours.

 

[jeffinsgf]

Getting to your original question, I would give a good strong look at an older JD unit. Specifically, something in the 425,445, 455 family. I admit a certain bias, but I think this was the pinnacle of modern JD L&G tractors. What's been added since has been fluff, not substance. I bought my 455 used and have given it a workout for 7 years, and it still runs like new and cuts grass better than any of my neighbor's expensive ZTR's.

 

[jenkinsph]

I would recommend the x310 or x320 if buying new but would look for a good used lawn tractor too. Buying used would depend on what you can find in your locale. In the eastern states they may be more abundant than in my area, see what you can find used and let us know. Lots of people are looking for a mower this time of year so that is not in your favor.

The HDAP tires are a very good choice imo, I would definately be willing to pay something extra to get them. This past weekend I was backing up a steep ditchbank with my x749 with a landplane on the back, don't think I could have done that with regular turf tires.

About the x310, having ps is nice but the power deck lift is the real advantage with this mower. Being able to adjust the deck height when traveling over the mounds would be a plus for your dad to help prevent scalping. I suspect the smaller deck on the x310, hdap tires and power deck lift would make this an optimum choice for you.

 

[johndeereg]

Lots of great ideas. I appreciate all the responses.