This is a joke right?

I mean you are looking at sinking $12,000-$14,000 on a lawn mower?

At this range, ask your deere rep. to bring both machines to your yard so you can try them both. Then tell us (instead of asking us).

If the guy wants to spend $14k on a tractor, the folks at JD will be very happy. Personally, I don't see enough capability improvement in the x5 to want one over the x304 which sounds like plenty enough tractor for you

Comparing 4 wheel steering to 4 wheel drive is not a relevant comparison. They do different things for different reasons. 4WS gives you more maneuverability; 4WD gives more traction in a straight line. Perhaps you see a similarity that I do not (cost maybe). For 2 acres and the tasks you have stated either will do fine, but so will a lot less expensive models. The traction assist on the X500 works well in forward and reverse, glad I have that feature. I'm assuming your thinking of ground engaging tasks in the future, but you didn't say so. That would be the reason to go to that class tractor, unless you just want one. It's your money, buy what you want or think you need. If you really think a X700 series is what you need you are in sub-cut pricing so check those out too.

I've had two JD dealers recently steer me away from the X500 and X700 line. Their reasoning is that the ground engaging equipment those lines will handle is too light to really be effective. Both of them said if I needed more than the X300 series, I should go right on up to a 2305 (or somesuch) to get much more bang for my buck than the X500 or X700.

...hmmm, seems to me that sleeve hitch bottom plow and disc have been doing lots of work since garden tractors were invented. I'd have to ask those dealers why JD even bothers, just build 300's and 2000's and cut the price. I'm waiting for the Johnny Bucket Jr to come out for the X500 and then I'll add a box blade on electric sleeve hitch. I have lots of chores for those two, but am in no hurry either. Of course with my luck I'd have been better off with a Ingersoll 7000 and a Simplicity Pacer, but for a middle of the road entry level garden tractor a X500, Simplicity Conquest, or 3100 Cub are all attractive models with lots of capability.

I have been hearing for some time how limited the X series tractors are. Specifically the older X-400, now the X-700 series. I also hear that the loader is practically useless without 4WD and the loader canÂt lift a full bucket of anything but bark mulch. This is from a lot of people on this forum with significant knowledge and experience (probably not with the X-400 series though).

I have an X-475, 2WD, with loader, filled rear tires and 600lb ballast off 3pt hitch. I use it primarily for mowing and the loader for everything you could possibly imagine, from pulling up bushes (small trees) to spreading mulch, to just moving and lifting things.

Just last month I decided to use it for what I actually bought it for almost 4 years ago, to help install a 4Â wide 60Â long bluestone walk. I honestly thought I would dig the walk by hand into the loader bucket and then move the dirt and dump it. This is because of what everyone said and because our soil in central NJ is very rocky (shale) and I was digging though a lot of tree roots. I was surprised when I was easily able to use the loader to actually dig the walk. Within about 4 hours I had the entire walk dug down over 1Â deep and 4Â wide. This included ripping out about 25 roots some as large as 3" in diameter.

I was also surprised when I used the loader to fill the trench back in with over 10 tons of 3/4 " stone in about two hours. Not only was I able to easily scoop the stone with the bucket, I could also lift a full bucket to maximum height. This was something I was told could not be done. This was all without 4WD.

IÂm not sure why the discrepancy between what the forum thinks this tractor can do and what I can do with it. Maybe I have a special tractor or I know how and when to use it (made sure to dig in the spring instead of summer for example). Also, for this type of work a larger or more powerful machine would not have really helped much. Plus I would be stuck mowing with an unnecessarily larger machine (which is 90% of its use). The four foot bucket width allowed me to dig exactly the width of the walk requiring no backfill after installing the walk

My point is that I thought it was really cool that my lawn mower could do so much when called to. I have pictures showing the progress of the walk and will post if I can figure out how.

I wouldn't criticize the original poster for wanting 'more tractor than he needs' - Some folks just prefer to buy professional equipment from the git go rather than repairing the junky 'homeowner' versions year after year

I have a Kubota diesel with a 54 inch deck for my acre and a quarter - It also has the hydraulic 3 point hitch and while I tow a blade and use a bucket from time to time it's basically just a glorified lawn mower 90% of the time

I wanted a 'bulletproof' mower with a diesel engine and after having several 'expendible' air cooled garden tractors over the years, the Kubota has turned out to be one of the smartest purchases I've ever made. The mowing deck is VERY heavy duty, shaft driven, uses a double belt and is very securely mounted to the tractor . . . . I know because I've had other tractors that almost required me to own a welder to 'maintain' - I don't buy junk anymore either, so I know where dbk123 is coming from

Don

gravy, I would ditch those dealers fast. Sound like complete idiots. I've been using my GX345 (similar to X540) for years mowing and moving dirt/rocks/mulch/snow... you name it. I needed the tight turning radius and compact size. The unit is designed to handle this stuff for many years.

My guess is that these dealers had extra X300's and 2305's to sell. They are both great machines, but you have to look at them like Swiss Army knives. the 2305 is like the "big kahuna" model. But does everyone need the blades, saws, compass, magnifying glass, roid clipper, files, bottle opener, wart removers? Some do, most don't... Probably couldn't even fit in their pocket.

-gh

I saw your post on tractorbynet too. Lots of good feedback. My vote would be the x500. I would put more agressive tires on it. And weight the tires or rear. I would say your traction would be fine then since you didnt mention you need a front loader or ground attachments. Let us know what you decide and good luck.

I am a John Deere dealer and I can tell you about the differences. The X500 is what we call a true garden tractor, it can handle the tiller and a multitude of other attatchments that the X300 series cannot. The guy that wrote and said a dealer told him the 2305 is more bang for your buck is right. By the time you want to put hydrolic 3 points and other attatchments you are spending more than $12,000 and we sell a brand new 2305 JD tractor, mower, loader for $12,999. So you might as well get the 4 wd and 3 cylinder yanmar diesel! As for the person that started this debate, both the X500 and X700 are overkill. An X300 would work just fine unless you want to get the JD 30 tiller and 2 stage snowblower attatchments that will only fit an X500 and up.

The difference the all wheel steer makes is this...trimming around your trees and flower beds is much easier. The 4 wheel steer gets you closer to a zero turn type turning radius. It is just like the all wheel steer trucks, if you have ever driven one of those. I like to say that the 4 wheel steer is like heated seats... you don't need them, but they sure are nice and probably worth the extra $400 bucks!

Thanks to all for the posts. My situation is that I don't need to run a anything off the PTO or 3pt hitch, I have a larger Kubota tractor for that.

However, the reason I am interested in the x500 series is the ability to lock the rear differential. My current tractor (10 year old JD STX46) frequently gets stuck spinning one of the rear wheels when pulling a small utility trailer full of grass clippings near our compost pile.

Just tonight I borrowed a used x540 from our local dealer. Only used it about 30 minutes, but it seems quite nice and seems to get very good traction. However, I noticed that engaging the mower deck results in a loud noise and very noticable drop in engine RPM - is this normal?

Also, the ride seems smooth, but bouncy on the bumps - perhaps the tires are a bit over inflated. Finally, the engine always requires the choke to start, even when very warm. Is this typical or a tune up issue?

Thanks!

-dbk123

Yes, it is normal for the engine to temporarily drop in RPMs when engaging the PTO. It has to overcome the inertia of the blades and other moving parts to get them moving. Nothing to worry about.

Yes, I expected the drop in RPMs (particularly considering that the electric clutch is pretty sudden - I suspect that the hydraulic clutches are a bit more gradual). I just didn't expect the RPMs to drop to the point where I thought the machine was about to stall.

Aside from that, I was very impressed with the power of the machine.

-dbk123

dbk,
Normal for minor drop when engaging the PTO, especially just coming out of the garage when relatively cold. In the yard, when I forget or mismanage the RIO and have to restart I don't notice. I don't have a loud noise not associated with normal operation. Just the blades coming up on song, so to speak. My previous 160 did the same. If warm, I need no choke. Could be an individual engine thing or adjustment or tune-up. Shouldn't be a problem. I like individuality in my machines. The 500 has the tallest tires in this category, unless you go to the Ingersoll. Correct tire inflation should help (10 psi?), but you are going to get some rough ride on rough ground. Nature of the beast with no suspension. I wish I could have compared the HDAP tires to the normal turfs on my lot, but with the traction assist it hasn't been a problem. My plan was to find an extra set of wheels and mount some weighted ag's for real work. Unless you want or need the power steering, water cooling, or hydraulic lift I think the base X500 is a lot of machine for the money, or is it a lot of money for the machine, well one of the 2 based on your perspective. To me those features added a lot to the base price that I didn't see necessary for my use. Your around a 1,000 pounds with deck and rider on this machine. As long as your cart doesn't exceed this you should be fine pulling wherever you need to go. Now if JD would just add a twin diesel and 2 speed rear end at the same price level we could have a pretty awsome machine.

I recently purchased an X744 with a rear PTO and 3 point hitch, the 62" mower, powerflow bagger, and so far I have a Johnnybucket Sr. with the bucket doubler and a toothbar, and a landpride 3 point spreader. Soon i will have a Pto log splitter and a chipper. Truly believe that the X744 is the most refined tractor out there. Worth every penny and willing to spend it. No joke either.

unit40, what brand chipper and splitter did you end up choosing? I am not familiar with what the good brands are out ther except DR THanks.

Haven't got either yet. But am considering a Timberwolf Tw-3 splitter. It is expensive but it is the best one out there brand-wise. As far as the chipper, I'm not entirely sure yet, but I want one that runs off of the rear PTO. I need the splitter more than the chipper right now so it will give me time to do a little more research

If you really think a X700 series is what you need you are in sub-cut pricing so check those out too.
soccer_dad

Just last month I decided to use it for what I actually bought it for almost 4 years ago, to help install a 4Â wide 60Â long blue stone walk.
Within about 4 hours I had the entire walk dug down over 1Â deep and 4Â wide.
Posted by tstevens NJ
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I'm working on setting up a JD 455 or a CC 2554 with a blade on the front and a tiller on the back just for such projects as well as for other landscaping chores.
Till it up then push the dirt out with the front blade.
You can move a lot of dirt with a rig like that.
I know I did with the old Bolens I had set up like that for years.

I would look at the Kubota BX2350 first, not BX24, unless you really need a backhoe this minute. Which it doesn't sound like you need one.

Or if you want to stick with garden tractors, I would investigate the G2160 for much less money.

1*My situation is that I don't need to run anything off the PTO or 3pt hitch, I have a larger Kubota tractor for that.
2*However, the reason I am interested in the x500 series is the ability to lock the rear differential.
3*Just tonight I borrowed a used x540 from our local dealer.
4*seems to get very good traction.
5* However, I noticed that engaging the mower deck results in a loud noise and very noticable drop in engine RPM - is this normal?
Thanks! dbk123
**************************** ***********
1*
2*After owning a Bolens 850 GT for 41 years as of this month I've deduced that Additional weight is a far better traction getter than a locking differential.I doubt If i've ever engaged the Diff. on the ole Bolens half a dozen times.
3*
4*It Should as it's bigger and heaver that most garden tractors.
5* normal

I'd go with a JD 445 or 455.
I would also take a look AT the CC 2500 and 3000 series.

1*It would also be the reason you want 4 wheel drive over 4ws.
That's when you will need all the traction you can get .
4 WS is worthless when you aren't going anywhere cause you're just setting there spinning or hung up. Mobility don't mean much when you ain't mobile.
2*Most definately: When I pay for a Caddy I'll not settle for a buick.

1* I'm assuming your thinking of ground engaging tasks in the future, but you didn't say so. That would be the reason to go to that class tractor,
2*If you really think a X700 series is what you need you are in sub-cut pricing so check those out too
Posted by soccer_dad

This is because of what everyone said and because our soil in central NJ is very rocky (shale) and I was digging though a lot of tree roots. I was surprised when I was easily able to use the loader to actually dig the walk. Within about 4 hours I had the entire walk dug down over 1Â deep and 4Â wide. This included ripping out about 25 roots some as large as 3" in diameter. Posted by t stevens
============
The main advantage I'd have in doing something like this is the BH on my BX23 and the tiller on my Bolens.

Posted by unit40 (My Page) on Sun, Jun 3, 07 at 17:34

I recently purchased an X744 with a rear PTO and 3 point hitch, the 62" mower, powerflow bagger, and so far I have a Johnnybucket Sr
*****************
How high will the Johnny bucket lift?
Can you load a pick up truck with it?

Posted by unit40 (My Page) on Sun, Jun 3, 07 at 17:34

I recently purchased an X744 with a rear PTO and 3 point hitch, the 62" mower, powerflow bagger, and so far I have a Johnnybucket Sr
*****************
How high will the Johnny bucket lift?
Can you load a pick up truck with it?

lb,

Though I think your heart is in the right place, if you refrain from these multiple posts your credibility will almost most certainly be elevated. With your multiple-post strategy, so often posters are out of breath before they are able to discover the benefits of a clued contributor.

Why don't you rise to that level?

Cheers,

JDFANATIC

I want to get away from my walk behind Blower and get into sit down, I have a X345 now for mowing, thatching and Bagging and will keep it for that, is it worth buying a 500 or 700 used unit for just the Blowing? I have 180' x 12' and 80' x 30'? or am I better off buying a Blower for my X345? A little cold up in Mn. wouldn't mind getting a cab also.