better get up to an x320 or bigger to get a stout enuff hydro to take thet hauling, hilling, pushing, etc. The La series and the x300 have lighter weight hydros, i believe..

Avoid the LA series if you can.

The specs don't change year to year (not like the automobile industry)

The cost of underbuying is far greater than the cost of overbuying.

Taking a harder look at the X320 now. Didn't really want to drop 4 grand (plus attachments) but I think it might be the one that will give me the most peace of mind when I'm pulling a cart full of gravel or pushing that once-in-ten-years 12" snow. Anyone have a success story about the X320?

I have a X320 I only use it for mowing because I have a 318 for the heavy work.But I really like the X320

Buy an X300 w/a mulching deck. They are very reliable and have held up well. All X300 series have the same transmmissions and they have a three year-300 hour warranty. LA series machines will be too light for your needs-they have a two year-120 hour warranty. Spend the extra money-you"ll be glad that you did.

If you aren't set on buying a new one, look on craigslist for a GT235 (I think there may be a GT245 as well.) Its a little older model, but great machine! Have had great luck with it. We have a diesel. Its very slow, but the gas ones are much quicker. Has hydraulic lift for the blade/deck/blower.

Ditto on a used JD. The reason I did it was because I could not afford to spend 4 or 5 grand on a new one. And glad I didnt since I feel this is as good as new and 4 years later no problems. Picked it up at the dealer for $1900 with a new 48 deck installed.
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The k46 tranny(non servicable) in the x300 is not well built I had the x300 and the tranny went with 8 hours on the machine from just mowing I excercised the 30 day warranty and purchased the x500 and have had no issues it has the k71 serviceable tranny to avoid spending that kind of money go for a good used GT as mentioned but definitely stay away from anything with a K46 there have been a lot of disappointed people including my self

mowertech25 not all X300 series have the same transaxel.The X300 and X304 have the same as the LA series and the X320 has a heavier transaxel.

Honestly, any of the three are good tractors. It's sort of like this...LA135=Ford Ranger, X300=F150, X320=F150 w/ towing package. All do the same thing, just to different degrees and longevity.

I vote X320, but if your budget won't allow it, go X300.

FWIW, I went with the X320. Seems to be a great little tractor, but only time will tell. They delivered it with the blade on it, just in time to push about 5" of snow. It exceeded my expectations with that. Can't wait to get the deck on it and do some mowing!

Thanks for all of your input! I really appreciate it!

"not all X300 series have the same transaxel.The X300 and X304 have the same as the LA series and the X320 has a heavier transaxel."

Beg to differ on the x300 and LA having the same transaxle. LA tractors run the T40 , X300-304 run the K46, and the X320-X360 run the K58.

"Beg to differ on the x300 and LA having the same transaxle. LA tractors run the T40 , X300-304 run the K46, and the X320-X360 run the K58."

The 2007 X304 had a K58. Your correct on all others though!

I concur on purchasing a good used John Deere. I bought this 1986 JD 330 last summer. It's a very heavy duty diesel tractor with shaft drive and a powerful hydro. It also has hydraulic deck lift and provsions for a 3-point hitch. To give you some idea of how strongly it's built, it weighs 900#!
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Looks as though you already made the purchase - good luck. For anyone else, if you're willing to go to $4K on a x320, take a good look at a used x500 and get a true GT tranny instead of going back and forth on the k46 vs.k58 debate. I was in the market myself last year, but my budget was $2500 max. Picked up a very nice used GT225 for $1700. From what I saw last year, I could have got a very low hour used x500 for $4k+ with some warranty left. Also saw a number of GX series which could have been had in the $3-4K range. Long-term I think the premium JDs hold their value well, however, just like most cars, there's a pretty decent drop that first year or two.

I purchased a JD LA130 some 5 years ago. I turned to JD after owning a few JD push mowers that performed very well. I have to say, all though this machine (engine, trans & chassis) stands up well, the mower deck leaves a lot to be desired. I haven't had a belt or pulley problem at all, knock on wood, but the deck it self is very frustrating. The slightest moisture and the chute plugs or while trying to mulch, it drops clumps all over. In the fall while TRYING to bag leaves, it seems as if 50% of the leaves get blown away from the carriage rather than being sucked up, I literally have to come at them from from the drivers side as if sneaking up on them to get them picked up.
Anyway, this frustration has lead me to seek another rider. I see that Consumer Reports rate the LA105 & 115 high on their list however, I am looking for the best possible Mulcher I can find, 2nd would be the capabilities of picking up and bagging leaves and if this leads me to a X300/320 then so be it, just don't want to spend a ton of $$ and have the same issues. I cut roughly 2/3 of an acre, don't really have much more to do than that, but I never know what the future will bring. Other than looking at me strange, I received no insight or knowledge from the JD dealer on any of my issues..... Any suggestions? Thanks for your help!