Justalurker & TomPlum - I promised I'd follow-up with an update. Sure enough, that GX345 fell thru. Turns out it was being packaged up, with another 5 to 10 riding mowers/tractors, to be sold to a Canadian wholesaler. The weird part was that I was taking my 12-year old to a hockey game 100 miles from where I originally saw the GX345. Up the street from the rink was a JD dealer, and it happened to be owned by the same dealer (they have 3 locations)...For kicks, I drove around the back of the building and sitting on a pallet was the GX345! Sitting next to it, on 2 other pallets, where the deck and the blower....I got a chance to inspect more closely. As I said previously, things happen for a reason - I am VERY glad I didn't buy this tractor. But, the story gets better. Short version is that I kept my eyes out for a used x5-- series. I happened to see an x530 go up for sale, but it was about 2.5 hours from the house. After conversing with the seller (who was in FL), turns out the tractor was built late May 2011, sold in late July 2011 but it was not known how many hours were on it. I took a leap of faith and committed to buy it, sight unseen (well, just 1 picture). The best part? It was originally sold by the same dealership that had that GX345 (their 3rd location!). I drove in a snowstorm, a couple of days ago, to pick it up. The tractor has only 37 hours and still has 3 1/2 years of warranty on it! I won't publish what I bought it for - but, you can do the math. I paid 1/2 what was paid for it, last July....A nice deal and a very nice silver lining to the craziness I went thru. Patience - and cash - pay off! x530 is now being outfitted with a 47" blower, grill cover, 4 quiktatch weights and chains. Thanks again for all of your help!

garydewater: That's about 1/2 the price as a new one and 135 hours is about 3 years of average homeowner use (about 40 - 50 hours/year). If it is in good condition and not been abused it sounds like a pretty good deal. You did not mention what year model it is. I have an acre and 1/4 myself and usually rack up about 40 - 50 hours/year depending on what projects I'm working on. I mow, dethatch, aerate, overseed, pull a cart loaded with rocks, firewood, etc... and mulch my leaves in the fall pulling a lawn sweeper to collect them. You can usually save a bunch of $$$ buying a good used quality tractor. Just make sure it has been well taken care of by the previous owner. If it looks rough it probably is rough. An engine coated in oil, grass clippings, etc..., faded paint, cracked seat and weathered plastic components typically indicate that it was left outside in the elements and not well cared for. Good luck!

I have the John Deere X320, bought in 2006. It has a 48" 3 blade deck, which I put the mulching kit on, including mulching blades. I live on a hillside, and have some steep hills. I've never had any problems at all, including when I pull around my 48" core aerator and trailor full of who knows what. I did put two of the suitcase weights on the back to help with traction on the hills. I also have many blue spruces to mow around, so I slapped a grill gaurd on the front, which actually does help, even though I wanted it for the cool look. The cut is good, but I follow a pattern, so it looks better. I keep the mowing height at 2.75", which is healthier for the lawn, but is also the lowest I can go before I get too close to scalping on the hill crests. The deck is easy enough to take off and put on, but leveling the deck is a pain, although not hard to do. As for leaving grass clumps with the mulch deck, well, it ONLY happens when I have let the lawn grow too long, and it is wet. In that case, I just drive over it a 2nd time and it goes away. All in all, I am VERY happy with my X320, and really enjoy mowing with it. Oh, and about the 4-wheel steer, I was told by the guy at the dealership to avoid it if you have steep hills, as you risk a rollover if you have to turn on a hill, which I do. Joe

Ok you guys got me thinking and more concerned with what happened so here is the email I sent to the dealer. As you know you recently delivered a 2007 Z425 and were going to charge me MSRP of a 2008 machine. I sent it back due to this and the fact that the tow rating was much lower than our discussions. I have discussed this with some people and the more I think about it I find it strange that you would not know what you are selling and delivering to a customer as stated. You must have inventory lists with the particulars on them. I have shopped for a few years now and other dealers/manufactures usually had "left over" model year mowers at a discount. You offered me 10% off only after I informed you that you sent me a year old machine without the newer specs. This leads me to think there was an attempt to take advantage of me. I have had good experiences with purchasing my LT 155 and Stihl backpack blower. I also referred my father-in-law, who also purchased an LT155 shortly after asking me about mine and trying mine. Due to this most recent experience IÂm not feeling that warm & fuzzy anymore. I am considering canceling my order for the X324 and going to a different dealer pending your response to this email. I know IÂm not buying $20,000 dollar machines and that my business is not going to make or break you but you should care about your reputation as local business. I really prefer to support local businesses, not big box stores but this situation really sours me. I also have concerns about the pricing. Hopefully your explanation to this situation and a discount off MSRP on top of waving the $95 prep fee could prevent me from purchasing elsewhere. I have been reading several online John Deere forums and many customers post that their dealers gave discounts off MSRP. Your dealership seems to be very insistent that you canÂt discount MSRP. Hopefully in this case you give can give me reasonable explanation and will reconsider a discount of MSRP and we can continue a relationship for years to come. I really prefer to continue to work with your dealership now and in the future and not go to another dealer. Please pass my concerns on and respond asap. Thanks,