x485 expected engine life?

[jshaw251]

Hello All - I'm new to the forum and looking for some guidance in buying a used garden tractor. I currently have a New Holland LS45 but would like to get something a little bigger and more capable for the snow and maybe using a tiller at some point.

I'm looking at spending ~$6k and am looking at some used JDs or Kubotas. I've found a 2002 X485 with the power flow collector / cart, a 46" snow thrower and the rear pto option for $6500. This sounds a little high to me as the machine has 820 hours... Do any of you have any advice as to how long these Kawasaki engines might be good for? Any purchasing advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[sunnyside360]

I had a JD X485 with 62" mmm and 47" snow blower for 4 years. It ran trouble free for the time I had it with about 500 hrs on the meter when I sold it to move up to a cut. For snow, I'd highly recommend rear weights and tire chains and you should be okay. The twin cylinder Kawasaki engine is supposed to be very good but the life of it will depend a lot on the maintenance.

You very well may be able to get the package for less money with a lower offer. Can't hurt to try. Also, good idea to search around on the internet to see how much this unit is selling for.

 

[Deadman]

Air filters determine the life of those machines. My buddy has a lawn service, and he smoked his 485 in 2 summers. He only cleaned the air filter when it was "Dirty", and never just cleaned off the prefilters and whatnot. It somehow started passing some dirt, and it lunched the engine in 2 years time. He has since went to changing the air filter quite often, and its now on its 8th season with ZERO issues at all.
Maintenance is very critical. Thats alot of hrs for that machine, I'd look for a lower HR machine.

 

[sunnyside360]

Air filters determine the life of those machines. My buddy has a lawn service, and he smoked his 485 in 2 summers. He only cleaned the air filter when it was "Dirty", and never just cleaned off the prefilters and whatnot. It somehow started passing some dirt, and it lunched the engine in 2 years time. He has since went to changing the air filter quite often, and its now on its 8th season with ZERO issues at all.
Maintenance is very critical. Thats alot of hrs for that machine, I'd look for a lower HR machine.

Soon after the X485 model was released, a number of owners were running into trouble with over heating and sometimes "smoking" the engine. John Deere sent a bulletin to all owners about frequently checking and cleaning the radiator and radiator screens to prevent the problem. Having owned an X485, I have to say one has to pay close attention to the debris clogging the screen and radiator or there will be problems.

 

[jshaw251]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the response and info.

 

[jcmseven]

With proper maintence I would think 1500-2000 hours would be a reasonable lifespan, though I have seen some shorter and some that have gone 2500+ before giving trouble.

John M

 

[pilot-werx]

I keep trying the new ones and I have not seen anything I like more than my 455 for mowing and snowblowing. It is a small powerful unit that aside from the width, will throw snow just as well as my 4210.