[mjac]

Hello,
New guy here. Great forum! I have learned a lot so far but can't seem to find any info on a JD 425. I have my eye on a '98 with a 22hp Kaw and 48" deck. It is not AWS.
The deck is reported to be new and the tractor has 500 hours on it. Its about a 200 mi round trip to look at and the seller is asking $1800. Is it worth the trip?
There are no attachments included.
I need a machine that will cut appox .5 acre of grass and help me clear (haul debris) from the other 1.0 acre of east TN hill I have to go.
Thanks

 

[JDFANATIC]

mjac,

Welcome to the forum! :Welcome1: The 4x5 series of tractors were great performers, and paved the way for the X4x5/X5x5 series and now the X7xx tractors. I had a 425 for 10 years and ~ 700 hours. Some of the early 425s had a plastic cam that experienced some failures (many think it was more of a use/maintenance issue than design) and Kawasaki did change over to a metal replacement. Other than that, these were deluxe tractors and $1800 sounds like a steal -- providing the condition is excellent and there is some maintenance history available.

 

[x595]

Hi mjac , :Welcome1:

Are you sure it's a 425 ??? The 425 had the Carbureted 20 hp. Kaw. and the
445 had the EFI 22 hp. Kaw. ...

:ditto: , to everything else JDFANATIC said ...

Later,x595

 

[mjac]

Hi mjac ,
Are you sure it's a 425 ??? The 425 had the Carbureted 20 hp. Kaw. and the
445 had the EFI 22 hp. Kaw. ...

Thanks for the welcome and reply. Its advertised as a 425 w/22hp Kaw. I too, like you, am wondering the same thing having learned the differences you pointed out during my research today.
I'll find tomorrow as I am going to check it out up close and personal like. If it happens to turn out a 445, is that a bad thing?

 

[JDFANATIC]

Thanks for the welcome and reply. Its advertised as a 425 w/22hp Kaw. I too, like you, am wondering the same thing having learned the differences you pointed out during my research today.
I'll find tomorrow as I am going to check it out up close and personal like. If it happens to turn out a 445, is that a bad thing?

Not unless there is something wrong with the EFI system. I'm a little suspicious of the low asking price and would advise you do your best to make sure everything is as advertised.

 

[D-Dogg]

Welcome to the forum.

$1800 sounds like a very good deal on a 425, and an absolute steal on a 445. Some members in my area have gotten steals on other JDs recently, so maybe it's pollen in the air.

Like jdfanatic recommends, I'd check it out real thoroughly. Sometimes I'll see a 318 advertised with the rear PTO, and the seller honestly doesn't realize the little stub shaft on the rear of the tranny is not the PTO.

 

[S DIAMOND]

I believe the 425 is carbureted and the 445 is EFI. The EFI unit is nice, but I promise you if there is an issue with the ignition system (igniter) and or the fuel injection (control) the cost to replace the module is ridiculous. :crybaby:

They are both housed in the same module and the part is over $1000.00 to replace. That does not include labor.

I had to replace one for a customer not too long ago.

Good luck.

 

[mjac]

Thanks everyone for your help.
My trip today confirmed that it is a 425 with a 20 hp Kaw. It is mechanically sound and has a bump and bruise here and there but doesn't appear to be abused. The deck and blades were new as advertised. It ran, drove and cut very well.
After beating the guy up mildly for the engine size discrepancy, I handed him $1400 and the 425 is in my driveway on my trailer. Sorry, no pics. Its pouring down rain as I type.
Now to find a manual somewhere, Any suggestions?
All the fluids looked clean and fresh, although I could not detect any coolant other than water in the radiator. Is there something you would recommend doing right away?
Thanks again.

 

[JDFANATIC]

mjac,

Sounds like you got a deal. I would change all fluids and filters starting with the right coolant (these tractors are extremely sensitive to temperature), and moving on the the engine oil/filter and tranny oil/filter. Don't skip the fuel filter, air filters, and spark plugs. It will cost you a few bucks in materials, but at least you will know you are starting with a clean maintenance slate.

 

[mjac]

Ok, will do. I see the chart under the hood that list capacities but I don't know what flavor oil and tranny juice. It there a quick guide somewhere (before I track down a manual) with filter numbers and lube wts that are recommended?

 

[JDFANATIC]

Here's something I scanned a while back:

 

[mjac]

JDFANATIC,

Great info! Thanks

 

[slkpk]

Sounds like you got a good deal. I would also suggest changing everything as already mentioned and use the pre-diluted JD Coolguard for the coolant/antifreeze. slkpk

 

[mjac]

Perhaps a silly question but is a JD dealer to only place to get JD parts, filters, fluids, etc?

 

[JDFANATIC]

mjac,

Pretty much. Even though it seems like the prices are excessive, over the hours we use these machines a few cents makes little difference.

 

[mjac]

Its not that I mind so much the price, its just that my one and only visit to the local dealer left such a bad taste in my mouth. Locally I don't have much of a choice.

 

[JDFANATIC]

Its not that I mind so much the price, its just that my one and only visit to the local dealer left such a bad taste in my mouth. Locally I don't have much of a choice.

mjac,

Sorry to hear there are still idiots out there.

 

[bvp2000]

I have bought several parts from: http://www.shopgreendealer.com/

I have found them to be helpful and cheaper than my local dealer.