anyone own JD X500 series...opinions apreciated

16 years ago

hello,

I am soon to purchase either the John deere X500 48 inch cut or X520 48 inch cut. feedback on which model to buy as well as the pluses and negatives of these tractors that uve experienced would be apreciated . the tractor i buy would cut close to and maybe over 100 hours of grass every summer and plow 3 or 4 drive ways of snow(central ohio winter's amount of it) one with quite a steep hill on it. this tractor would also be used to haul a heavy 4x7 trailer that get's fully loaded with firewood and dirt. anyone done heavy hauling eith either of these???

thanks for ur past and future help

CCB

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Comments (7)

soccer_dad
16 years ago
CCB,
I bought a X500 this spring after 15 very good and 4 hard years with a Deere 160. The X500 will have no problem doing what you want it to do provided you maintain it and add counterweight when needed. I don't see a need for watercooling on this class tractor. If I wanted water cooling, power steering, and hydraulics I go right on up to a sub-cut with diesel.
greenhobby
16 years ago
No offense Soccor_dad, but water cooling, power steering, and hydraulics are creature comforts and are nice on any class tractor. Since the X540 isn't on the OP list, then they aren't desired so the point is moot.

If you are plowing 3-4 driveways, then I would recommend the Johnny Plow with the electric actuators (X500/X520) or Deere's hydraulic plow (need to jump to X540). I've plowed for many years without assist and let me tell you, it comes in real handy on the GX!

-gh
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tangoway
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I've own my X520 for just over a year and look forward to using it as much as I can. I have the 54" deck and mow 2.5 acres with some obstacles and hills. It handles the hills, even when wet, and long grass with ease. The diff lock was a must have for me and comes in handy almost every time I mow. The wide track provides much better stability than the Craftsman it replaced. If I had it to do over, I would buy the same machine. I'm happy with mine.
nhtzer
16 years ago
The X500/X520 are great machines. Good size, great power and plenty of features / comforts to appeal to the premium buyer. I'd lean towards the X500 as I personally question the validity of a liquid cooling on such a small engine. Sort of like grease zerks for a sealed bearing (IMO).

I had a Johnny Bucket on a old bolens and can attest that they are very cool additions to any tractor. Plowed my driveway and 2 others in snowwy NH (spun my ass off without 4wd though)... Like all snow removal tools; making the first pass is the toughest. The 1971 bolens was air-cooled kohler v-twin and never had an issue with overheating for what it's worth.
yetty734
Original Author
16 years ago
great advise so far....has answered many of my questions. has anyone had experience in striping with a machine like this....how hard is it to turn around/do they stripe.
soccer_dad
16 years ago
GH - agree they are nice, but the price point for those options on a X500 series put you into another category IMHO.

CCB - I've found no problem in turning around even though it is a bigger machine than my 160. Shouldn't be any different than what you are using now. There is no stripping roller a la Simplicity, but you get some of the effect depending on mulch, discharge or bag. Sears does have a pull behind roller for striping if that is a requirement.
cheez
16 years ago
My Dad bought an X540 about 2 months ago. He really likes it over his 1988 Wheel Horse 520H. The Deere has an excellent cut and the traction lock works great on hills. The 26hp Kawasaki never even strains.

anyone own JD X500 series...opinions apreciated

Comments (7)

soccer_dad

greenhobby

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anyone own JD X500 series...opinions apreciated

Comments (7)

soccer_dad

greenhobby

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