Hello from a newbie!!

[JD NGNEER]

FNG here saying ‘hi’

I found this site from a Google search looking for information to help me determine what to buy next…

But first a little info about me:

I grew up in MN on a JD 112 with my brother and I mowing 5 acres every Saturday. Once we moved out of the house, dad got smart and traded it in for a 318 with all the fixin’s. He just bought a new X500 last spring and is loving it!

I bought a used STX38 in 2001 back when I had a standard city lot. We just moved to a new house and now I mow an acre. Guess last summer was a little too much for the ‘ol girl – I replaced the coil, jerry-rigged the fuel shutoff solenoid and then the muffler broke off! Instead of investing more money into it, I’ve decided to replace her, so if anyone needs parts for an STX38 (yellow deck) let me know…

Currently, I am thinking of getting an X300 next spring. I was also considering a LA135, but have read some reviews that lead me to believe the extra $$ for the X series would be worth it (even tho it’s 17HP vs. 22HP). But then I thought about getting a used machine – which brings me to the Google search. If I’m going to invest $3k for a new mower, is the X300 the best machine for the money? I have heard good things about the GX345 as well as the GT and LX lines. I also love the classic 425, 445 and 455 tractors, however I’ll need to increase my budget a bit to consider these…

I guess I joined this forum to hear from other experienced JD owners and get additional feedback you just can’t get from a salesman! I’ll also offer as much help as I can to anyone’s questions.

So with that I say hello and Merry Christmas to you all!



I’ll start the discussion with the following question:

If you mowed an acre that is mostly level and had a budget of $3,000, what JD tractors would you consider?

Thanks in advance for all your input and I look forward to being a part of this forum.

Paul

[jeepersmitty]

Welcome. Glad to have you with us.

[k91]

First thing you should decide is if you want a new or used machine. You can get a lot more of a used machine for your money.

[farmer69]

I have a Gx345 2004 model that I really like and enjoy but don't know if you can get one for 3000.

[slkpk]

If it were me I would increase the budget a little bit and look for a 425. What do you plan on using it for other than mowing? slkpk

[stladrill]

John Deere X300 new, is in that range off money.

[davidg]

[midnitetr8n]

Welcome aboard and a Merry Christmas to you too.

[JDFANATIC]

Welcome to the forum!

[PA318Guy]

Welcome to the Forum, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! You will find a lot of good folks here to answer your questions and you will also find that we are all very graphically oriented so when you are looking at a tractor or buy your new one!

The most common advice you will see on the forum is to look at what you think is the machine that will do what you want today and then (if you can afford it) go up one series! This will normally meet all your future needs once you become thoroughly addicted to working with your tractor!

[SonnyT]

and on the when you decide.

[KHodges]

Originally Posted by JD NGNEER

If you mowed an acre that is mostly level and had a budget of $3,000, what JD tractors would you consider?

Paul

1st of all,

I'd look for a GT235. You can find them on www.machinefinder.com with low hours for a bit more than $2 grand. They sold new in 2002 for $3999, at least that's what I paid for mine. They have an 18hp V-twin engine, either B&S Vanguard or Kawasaki, depending on year made (1999-2005, B&S from 99-03, Kawa from 03-05). It has a manual lift and no accessory hydraulics, but the hydrostatic tranny is a good one and can haul a load or take ground engaging implements (can't remember the TuffTorq number) You could get a 48" or 54" deck, they were "C" models, meaning 'convertible'; this meant a mulching plug was made for the deck. I have the 48" and B&S engine, it has served me well and should for many more years to come.

You'd have enough left from your $3000 budget to buy a cart and maybe something else.

[Grasshopper67]

Although I like my x320 alot for my mostly flat acre, i wish I would have spent 1/2 as much and found a nice clean, reasonable hour LX or GT. So many good used machines out there that are looking for a home. I have seen a few nice deals on low hour late 90s and early 2000 LXs in the $1700 - $2000 range. Closer to 3k for 2000 - 2005 models. I am sure that most would agree that if you treat it right, these could easily be 1000 hour machines. So it should take you right at an hour to cut an acre and average hours a year spent cutting are about 25 - 30 so you should get 15 years out of one with say a few hundred hours on it now.

[AnotherHickey]

Welcome to the forum. Where at in Iowa are you located? We have members all over the state of Iowa and would be able to point you towards any good leads near you if we know of any. I would recommend a 318 since you grew up with them.

[Team_Green]

For new uhh umm dunno... for old i would look for a nice 318 or a 140..

welcome to MTF..