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2007 JD X540 Liquid Cooled Engine: Spare parts OBSOLESCENCE

4K views 32 replies 9 participants last post by  BillBoost37 
#1 ·
I have been researching and have decided on a 500 Series tractor. My biggest interest is in the X540 vs the 500/530, but have a critical question regarding availability of spare parts and repair costs. Since I am looking at older model tractors, I am already at ~8-10+ yr mark at time of purchase.

Others have shared to be concerned as to availability of parts and repair costs as the liquid cooled engines get older. I do not want to spend a lot of money on a tractor which may experience some form of obsolescence within a few years of my purchase. Spending several thousand dollars is a lot of money for me and can't be wasted on a tractor good FOR LESS THAN 10 years.

PLEASE COMMENT ON THIS THREAD AS I MAY HAVE TO MAKE AN OFFER TODAY ON AN X540 TRACTOR (2007, 450 HRS) BUT DON'T WANT TO GET BURNED IN THE FUTURE. THANKS.
 
#2 ·
I had a JD 285 that at 25+ years old the plastic cam gear failed. I was able to buy all the parts to repair it.
But later when the transaxle pump/hydraulic motor case broke (shaft wore through causing a major leak, but still worked) The case half was NLA and I had to get a used transaxle.
I think you will have no problem getting engine parts.
 
#3 ·
You will not have any problems with parts for a John Deere. With only 450 hours on an X500 you have a long way to go before you need to worry that the engine is worn out. The x500 series tractors are tough and built to last. There are many out there with several thousand hours on their clocks.
 
#4 ·
Thank you. That IS the reason I've been looking at John Deere, but when I read some comments about the Kawasaki liquid cooled engines, I got a little nervous. I have a great opportunity for this tractor for about $2600 and I think it is a very good deal that I don't want to miss.
 
#6 ·
Thanks. I am heading out in the morning to drive down. From discussions with family, and pix, it appears the unit was very well maintained with 450 hrs for 2007. The X540 was my first choice, but some reservations made me question it. However, I think it is the right choice, and $2600 is a very fair price for the X540 w 54"deck. I'll share pix if I bring it home. This forum has been very helpful.
 
#8 ·
Here are some pix. It is a great machine. Thanks for all of the support!
 

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#11 ·
It looks like you got a great deal for that machine. With the detailing you have done it looks brand new. I think you will be happy for years to come with that x540. You paid 1/3 the cost of new and should easily see a thousand more hours out of it with regular maintenance.
 
#16 ·
I certainly did shop around for a while, and hope that I got a fair/good deal. More importantly is that I bought a reliable tractor that satisfies what my demands will be. I am so grateful to many who offered advice along the way. Although many views were shared, they all played a part in the final decision. And...now that I have the tractor, it's time for some work :tango_face_smile:
 
#12 ·
One of my X540's has 900+ hrs and mower every week. and snow blows in the winter.

Only suggestion is get the JD GRILL EMBLEM, kinda a thing with me :tango_face_wink:
 
#15 ·
Grill emblem is a MUST. I was trying to find one on line last night. Does my local dealer have one, or is it readily available on ebay? My quick search didn't find it, but I didn't use the term "emblem." BTW: I am hopeful that this unit will give me many good hours.
 
#21 ·
Bought one today. I have to wait for the decal to get delivered to my local dealer, but that's not a big deal.


I have another issue though. I set up another thread after I replaced my transaxle oil and filter and noted that I've overfilled the reservoir before hitting 5 quarts (states 5.6 qts needed). The reservoir is now above the seam of the reservoir's center line. I think it is bad to have that much extra. Can I simply remove fluid through one of the drain holes? Does it matter which one, and is it critical how to remove fluid since one drain is for hydrostatic and the other for differential section.
 
#23 ·
When my X360 was low, I added too much. Then I used a plastic siphon hose to draw it back out the fill port into the new bottle. Super easy.
 
#28 ·
I'm afraid that if my panels were all that bright green then I'd be hesitant to really use the tractor.
Scratches, cracks, etc ... mine gets the job done.

AND she provides me a smug nose up posture when my neighbor passes by on his lowes "D" machine. Hopefully he won't ever come home with a x700 series.
 
#31 ·
Today was THE day to use the tractor on the entire property, and I could not be happier with this tractor. One of the main criteria was the differential lock due to the slopes and the wetness in areas. This tractor went up every hill with ease. It was amazing up the slopes. A new friend offered me his grill guard and I could not tell you how many times already today that it saved the hood.

To all who supported me during this time, MANY MANY THANKS! When I finally finished, I turned to my wife and said, "this is the perfect tractor for this property." And...for those of you looking, I did finally pick up the sticker this morning and now my JD X540 is complete :)
 

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