I like my Cubs, but in this comparison the JD is easily twice the machine the Cub your thinking about.

Bill

 

I like my Cubs, but in this comparison the JD is easily twice the machine the Cub your thinking about.

Bill

Thanks. I may drop a thread in the Deere forum to see if 700 hours is a major concern.

 

The Kawasaki engine that's in the JD is a good engine - if it was well taken care of it should be able to go 1500 hours.
Run full synthetic oil and it will last a long time.
Bill

 

Likewise, my Cub is great, but I'd prefer to go X5xx. That's a much beefier machine, with a K72 vs K62. Admittedly, 700 hours is a lot, not to mention it's accumulated VERY quickly. I'd wonder how they were used, at ~200 hours/year.

Any chance of finding a lower-hours Deere, even if the price climbed a bit?

There is a Deere X5xx I've heard about with some issues of a weak steering system. I'd want to check if it's this model. Definitely inquire in the Deere forum. But between the two, I'd rather have an X5xx, it's a "true" garden tractor.

Edit: And good call on replacing the S240 before the transmission gives out. If the hills are such that you're spinning the tires, then these are slopes that far exceed what it's built for.

 

Likewise, my Cub is great, but I'd prefer to go X5xx. That's a much beefier machine, with a K72 vs K62. Admittedly, 700 hours is a lot, not to mention it's accumulated VERY quickly. I'd wonder how they were used, at ~200 hours/year.

Any chance of finding a lower-hours Deere, even if the price climbed a bit?

There is a Deere X5xx I've heard about with some issues of a weak steering system. I'd want to check if it's this model. Definitely inquire in the Deere forum. But between the two, I'd rather have an X5xx, it's a "true" garden tractor.

Edit: And good call on replacing the S240 before the transmission gives out. If the hills are such that you're spinning the tires, then these are slopes that far exceed that it's built for.

I'm going to assume they are commercial use trade-ins but the dealership was closed when I found them online. Seems like the $ jumps quickly as the hours drops. They have a '20 X580 with 430h asking $5,900 or the '20 X570 with 745h for $3,900. I'll search the forum for the steering issue. Thanks!

 

I have a new GX54D, mowing an acre with a moderate hill behind the house. No issues whatsoever.

 

The steering issue is a weak sector gear in the manual steering setup, you can shim it or replace it if it becomes an issue… i would go with the 570, those hours wouldn’t bother me

 

Here is My response in your other thread Newer, higher hours X570? If you want to go new don't be afraid of the XT2 GX 54 D
Got a friend with a 6 year old XT2 GX54 D with 1000hrs and it is still running strong

 

Thanks for all the input. It got me reading more about all the X5xx series models. For comparison of traction running up a hill, anyone also run a ZTR (like a Z545R)? I've only operated ZTR on flat ground. Thanks!

 

I recommend a Cub Cadet Zero turn with a steering wheel they our purposely designed for Hill work with a zero Turn I have a 2022 SX54 which was Basically replaced by this Ultima ZTXS4 54 Zero-Turn Mower | Cub Cadet US If You want to save some Money there is This Cub Cadet Ultima ZTS2 54 Zero-Turn Mower | Cub Cadet US it has Top of the Line residential Transmission ZT2800 basically the same specs as the ZT3100 transmission except 50Lbs less Torque I have Taken My SX54 out to my vacation property in western Illinois which has some steep Hills, That Normal Lawn Tractors or Garden tractors without diff/lock will struggle with and the SX54 just goes right up and Ignores that slope



The Cub's with the steering wheel are The Lowest cost Zero turns for hillside Mowing weather Going up or down hill that you don't need to worry about a run a-way machines, which you can get with most lever steer Zero turns with standard Front dummy wheels. The Only lever steer that is good for Hills Is the Altoz Brand, But You are starting at $15,000 Plus just to buy the entry level Machine

 

eric I also consider one of these Zero turns for Hills Walker Model B Lawn Mowers it's pretty good, and it is almost like having a Garden tractor in what attachments in can use as well. I Just have one dealer within driving distance is My Problem which is about 30 Miles away, so I was a Little Leary about going with the Walker and the Price is a bit of Gulp to swallow as well because I would Have gone with the B27i There are More dealers But there In the 60-Mile range and If I Just need a simple Part Like a Belt I don't want to Have to drive so Far