X530/X540 Qustions

[Eric Barney]

Will provide pics as soon as i get it. I also had the dealer install the mulching kit with blades. I'm not getting a bagger any time soon. I'm wondering how good is the kit in general? Should i have just stayed with the regular blades and side discharging?

I have used mulching mowers and loved them. But here in Florida, the soil is sandy and it takes the edge off the blades very quickly. I have been using the side discharge with a mowing pattern that leaves almost nothing left in the way of clippings. For my situation, the side discharge is fine. I think you will like the mulcher in the fall. I hear they do a number on all the leaves. Makes fall cleanup a breeze.
Another thing you are going to want to add is a good cart. These X540's have no trouble hauling a cart no matter how overloaded it is! The transmission can handle quite a bit. Not one word of any problems with the K72 trans.

I think you are going to love your new toy.... I mean tool. My whole neighborhood is loving all the work I am getting done with mine...

 

[DeereNYC]

Thanks guys. Maybe i'll try the side discharge first. I've been paying to have the grass cut the last few weeks and i don't really see the clippings.

@Eric, I'm going to get a cart/buckets for sure. Probably getting the snow blade/blower for the winter. I used to live in Florida as well, Coral Springs. Lucky you, get to use ya toy....i mean tool all year long. lol

 

[Dashe]

I just got an x720 with the mulching kit and although I have only used about 4 times, I think it works great. No signs of grass clippings and it chews up leaves like they didn't exist. I also have sandy soil that ate the blades on my old snapper so I checked the blades after mowing the 4th time and found them to be still like new. The JD mulching blades that come with the kit seem to do a good job. By the way, JD wanted almost a $100 to install the kit. If you are capable of changing the blades, installing the kit is no more than 4 wing nuts and a clip. Super easy.

 

[DeereNYC]

By the way, JD wanted almost a $100 to install the kit. If you are capable of changing the blades, installing the kit is no more than 4 wing nuts and a clip. Super easy.

Yeah when i got the total with the mulch kit installed I canceled that from the order quick. I can do this myself for sure. I've been reading great things about the Gator mulching blades. Maybe I'll try those out as well. Any of you guys using Gator blades?

 

[DeereNYC]

Just got the x540 this morning. I cleaned it up as it was dirty from the dealer. I didn't mind cleaning it, as I did a fine inspection of the tractor. As you see by the pictures it only has .2 hours, but came delivered with .1 hours.
The deck has about 3" of paint scrapped off the side bottom lip. The dealer is sending me paint.
The deck rollers show some slight wear. The dealer said its from the gravel in the yard when they took it out. Not sure if i should be that **** and ask for new rollers.
The seat was dirty and I couldn't get it out even with degreaser, and i found a few small cuts as well, so the dealer is ordering a new seat as well. Going to buy a seat as well.
Other than that this thing looks awesome. Going to ride tomorrow morning.

 

[rekees4300]

Looks good! You will enjoy it for decades to come. On my X500 the dealer said it was important to change the oil at 8 hours. Don't know if true for X540 since different engine but something you may want to check.

 

[DeereNYC]

Looks good! You will enjoy it for decades to come. On my X500 the dealer said it was important to change the oil at 8 hours. Don't know if true for X540 since different engine but something you may want to check.

Same thing on the x540. Thanks again.

 

[Dashe]

The 8 hour oil change is important. Just did mine on a x720 and the oil was chocolate in color. It is easy to do but then you have to wait for 42 for the maintenance task.

 

[TnWV]

Looks good!! I have no doubt you will enjoy it. I put another 4 hours on my 530 this weekend and have reached the 8 hour oil change. My wife is picking up an oil change kit from the dealer today and I will be taking care of that this evening.

 

[DeereNYC]

Does anyone know if they make a seat cover for the 21" seat on the x540. I have been searching online, and can't find it.

 

[rekees4300]

John Deere Gator & Riding Mower Seat Cover - Garage, Lawn & Auto - Mens - John Deere Toys, Hats, Shirts, Replicas, and Merchandise

John Deere 18" Seat Cover LP92334 - Discount OEM John Deere parts for John Deere tractors, combines, planters, lawn tractors, Gators and more!

 

[DeereNYC]

John Deere Gator & Riding Mower Seat Cover - Garage, Lawn & Auto - Mens - John Deere Toys, Hats, Shirts, Replicas, and Merchandise

John Deere 18" Seat Cover LP92334 - Discount OEM John Deere parts for John Deere tractors, combines, planters, lawn tractors, Gators and more!

I saw those but thought they wouldn't fit as they are 18". My seat is 21".

 

[rekees4300]

I don't know what measurement the 18" refers to but the sites calls it "large". I didn't see any for sale that referred to 21". :confused3: Maybe you are measuring something different than the sites? One of those sites does say the 18" will fit X530.

 

[DeereNYC]

I don't know what measurement the 18" refers to but the sites calls it "large". I didn't see any for sale that referred to 21". :confused3: Maybe you are measuring something different than the sites? One of those sites does say the 18" will fit X530.

i didn't actually measure the seat, maybe i should. The specs on the deere site have it listed at 21" high back seat on x540/x534. Thanks for your help.

 

[Eric Barney]

i didn't actually measure the seat, maybe i should. The specs on the deere site have it listed at 21" high back seat on x540/x534. Thanks for your help.

The seat on the X540 is MUCH taller than the other seats. It would take a special cover to fit it properly. I do not plan to cover my seat, just keep it clean and treated with 303. Keeping it out of the sun as much as possible should help.

On the subject of the first oil change. I changed my X540's oil at 10 hours. (Dealer recommendation.) The oil looked like new when it came out. Golden Spectro 10W40 semi synthetic motorcycle oil is what is in it now.

 

[cyleclayton]

You know, since the x500 series are all V-twins, I wonder if anyone has ever put a good set of Vance & Hines motorcycle pipes on them. Can you imagine mowing your lawn with a tractor that sounded like a Harley? I may try it.:laughing:

 

[PioneerMan]

Hey when would you guys do the first hydro fluid change on this machine? The sticker says 50hrs, I'm at 40, but a friend said never. But it's not his machine )

 

[rekees4300]

Follow owners manual

 

[Eric Barney]

Hey when would you guys do the first hydro fluid change on this machine? The sticker says 50hrs, I'm at 40, but a friend said never. But it's not his machine )

The K72 transmission also has a filter. I plan to change my hydraulic/trans fliud and the filter at 50 hrs. It has been suggested that using synthetic 5W-50 oil works best. Tuff-Torque's website has more information on this.
In the mean time, my X540 continues to amaze me with it's power. The photo is of an area of roadside that had been neglected for several years. It was completely overgrown with waist high grass and weeds. 22 palm trees with years of dead growth, and several trailer loads of trash hidden in the tall grass. The X540 was able to level the grass, and help remove the debris with ease. Trimming the trees was another matter. Hauling the trimmings away was the only way the tractor was able to help there. The area is 4/10 of a mile x 40 feet wide. The finished project went over well with eveyone who lives on on the road.

 

[DeereNYC]

Just wanted to post a link to another thread I started being I did make some new friends on this thread. See you around guys. X540 upgrade to X748se