X500 questions

[VTtractorguy]

Hi all. I'm pretty close to purchasing a JD X500 or X540. What I really want is a 2320 but can't afford it right now. My immediate needs are cutting 2 acres of lawn but would like to also snow blow our 2200 foot driveway. The X series is perfect for lawn cutting but do you think it can handle this gently sloping Vermont driveway next winter? I suppose I could consider the 2305, but right now that too is a stretch. If I use this machine for a year or two then sell it, do you think I'll take a bath?

There is a GT 235 for sale locally with 140 hours on it. The guy wants 3k. Perhaps that would be a better choice. But obviously no warranty v. 4 year for the X. What do you think of the asking price for the GT?

Thanks very much.

 

[VABlue]

Sounds to me like you want a deisel powered machine to handle the 2200' driveway... I can't speak about prices, but I'm willing to bet you can find an older deisel tractor for the same money as a new x500. The deisel will give you more power pushing snow... In either case, though, heavier = better. Get wieghts to go with the machine.

 

[shot_gun]

Any of the X500's will do a great job of snow blowing. You can get a 44" SB that is two stage and works very well. The Gt could be alright but you'll have to get an aftermarket snow blower to get 2 stage. If you do buy it make sure it has the Kawaski in it. The other's were Briggs. I've seen the Briggs have less tolerance for abuse. 3k is not too bad if it has the 54" deck.