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Need help selecting

2402 Views 22 Replies 15 Participants Last post by  oldgibsonguy
Hello everybody,

I'm trying to select the right garden tractor for my needs and I'm having some trouble. I have a smaller yard (about 3/4 acre), but I have a lot of landscaping. So I need something that can mow reasonably well around flower beds and larger trees. I also want to put a JBJR on it at some point and would use it to haul mulch and maybe pea gravel. I might use it once in a blue moon (as in once a year or less) to level and grade.

Right now I'm looking at the X370 as that's the beefiest model I can get that still has a 42 inch deck. I don't want to go up to a 48 inch deck, but I would if I had to. Cut quality is very important to me though, but I haven't seen many complaints from anyone on the newer decks other than the bigger ones(54s) cutting on a slope or ditch.

My biggest question is with what I'll be doing with the front bucket will I ruin the transaxle? I want a machine to last a good long time (5-10 years), and honestly the amount of landscaping I do will be done maybe a couple times of year. I'll probably use a poly cart a lot to haul sticks and debris from the yard and haul plants to their final destination. I'll definitely be using the aerator and dethatcher when appropriate.

Also I live on almost perfectly flat ground, nothing would be more than a 5 degree slope, ever.

I thought about moving up to an X500 for the tiller, but honestly with the cost difference I don't see a need to move up to the 500 Just for the tiller which is the only reason as far as implements of why I would do that.

Anyway thanks for the help.
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What is your budget?

I am always a proponent of buying a high end but used machine in very good condition.

This place I heartily recommend but OP you didn't list where you are from.

https://www.lawnpower.com/browse-eq...-industries/Riding-Mower/all-makes/all-models
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Taking everything you said into consideration, I would honestly jump up to the X500 series. For a couple reasons.

1: The size of your lot. I have just over half an acre and have a X585 (now X738) and wouldn't go smaller. Go big or go home.
2: You want to put a JB JR on it. And have concerns about the transaxle. Why not get the larger machine for sake of having a larger transaxle? The Tuff Torq transaxle are a great transaxle but parts are expensive. I am going to be shopping for parts for a K92 transaxle (for a X7 series) here within the next few days and with just 2 parts I am at $1000.
3: Comfort. Personally I want to be comfortable while mowing. I don't want to feel like I am in a clown car.
4: Size of the machine. I am an average sized guy (200 LBS +/-) and I don't want to feel like I am cramped for space sitting in the operators seat. And a wider foot print means more stability.
5: Horse power. That JB JR is going to eat up some horse power.
6: Differential lock. The X370 does not have that option. This IMO is a must with really any attachment, especially a loader when you're going into scoop material.

These are just some of the reasons why I personally would jump at least to the X570. It can be a harder pill to swallow for the cost increase but overall longevity of the machine I personally think it will out live the X370. Hopefully these reasons help. I personally have a go bigger or go home attitude, and want to have the right equipment for the jobs I am foreseeing at my house. I don't want to be stuck wishing I would of went bigger.

Go to your local dealer and sit on these tractors and get a good feel for them before committing. Maybe even ask if they'll let you take them for a lap around their building.
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X370 that is maintained would easily handle your needs and last 20 plus years. Waste you're money on bigger if you want but you don't NEED bigger.

X370 is no slouch of a mower. 18hp Kawasaki is a great motor.
I think you would be fine with the X370. Mulch weighs next to nothing, pea gravel is another thing, however. If you are planning to move pea gravel on a regular basis, I would move up.

As an FYI, check out this thread...https://www.mytractorforum.com/215-...2inch-deck-2016-x500-series.html#post12182747
Regarding the budget question, I know of a 2012 X728 with a 45 loader, less than 200 hours, in the $9,000 range. I had considered buying it but didn’t know what I would with an extra loader and found another deal. It has a 54” deck but the dealer who has it has a shaft driven 48” for a 700 series model that I bet he would trade.

It is WAY more tractor than you need but you would never grow out of it and I like the 2012 models for loader reasons.
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Regarding the budget question, I know of a 2012 X728 with a 45 loader, less than 200 hours, in the $9,000 range. I had considered buying it but didn’t know what I would with an extra loader and found another deal. It has a 54” deck but the dealer who has it has a shaft driven 48” for a 700 series model that I bet he would trade.

It is WAY more tractor than you need but you would never grow out of it and I like the 2012 models for loader reasons.
And now we are off to the races with the scope creep... ;)
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And now we are off to the races with the scope creep... ;)
You're right of course, you know how we love spending other peoples money!:tango_face_wink::tango_face_grin:
Im downsizing and wondered if I could live without a loader. I was surprised by how useful the 10 steel cart I got with the new house is. Load brush across it and throw a ratchet strap over it hauls probably at least half what i did with the loader, with sides almost as much mulch and stone well how much are you really going to move anyway? Take your time with it and dont do any more than you have to and the cart may get it done. Sounds like you are talking new and if so X370 seems about right. A nice low hour GX345/355 would be my used choice. Good luck.
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You're right of course, you know how we love spending other peoples money!:tango_face_wink::tango_face_grin:
The actual asking price was $8,900 with loader, and we never got down to working on the price. It’s a good tractor. I just gave him my “beefed up” ballast box on the X700 that I traded, he didn’t really want it but I can’t use it any more.
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Sorry bencox2010, I didn’t intend to highjack your thread but I just realized that I did. I’m checking out, good luck.
Thanks for the advice guys. Yea the only big deal I see would be the diff lock on the x570 would be nice for scooping. Getting an older model wouldn't be bad, but I've never been in the Deere world beyond the 100 series. So the model numbers don't follow any logical progression that I can see unless you know them by heart. Recommendations for older models comparable to an x570 welcome.

I'll be paying cash and budget isn't an issue, but I won't spend money unnecessarily.

Im actually only going to buy used (was looking at barely used new models) so the depreciation curve is more linear and I can sell it without too much loss, if a few years from now my projects outgrow my machine.

I'm in TN btw, Tennessee tractor is the only local dealer that I'm aware of around here. Many locations though and good pre-owned inventory.

I take really good care of all my other lawn equipment so good maintenance schedules won't be a problem.

Thanks again!
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X370 will handle your needs no problem. Power steering is very nice. If you had to go to 48 inch deck the X380 is nice option- has stronger tranny ( K58) and beefier 22 HP engine. The turning radius on X370 is 22 inches- its 15 inches on X380 so it’s very nimble. But either way will do the job
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So the model numbers don't follow any logical progression that I can see unless you know them by heart.
post 54 will sort that out for you

https://www.mytractorforum.com/12-john-deere-forum/270444-john-deere-family-tree-4.html
Thanks for the advice guys. Yea the only big deal I see would be the diff lock on the x570 would be nice for scooping. Getting an older model wouldn't be bad, but I've never been in the Deere world beyond the 100 series. So the model numbers don't follow any logical progression that I can see unless you know them by heart. Recommendations for older models comparable to an x570 welcome.

I'll be paying cash and budget isn't an issue, but I won't spend money unnecessarily.

Im actually only going to buy used (was looking at barely used new models) so the depreciation curve is more linear and I can sell it without too much loss, if a few years from now my projects outgrow my machine.

I'm in TN btw, Tennessee tractor is the only local dealer that I'm aware of around here. Many locations though and good pre-owned inventory.

I take really good care of all my other lawn equipment so good maintenance schedules won't be a problem.

Thanks again!
So the model numbers don't follow any logical progression that I can see unless you know them by heart.
post 54 will sort that out for you

https://www.mytractorforum.com/12-john-deere-forum/270444-john-deere-family-tree-4.html
Well heck money no problem get the X5xx.
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IMHO opinion an X370 would fit your needs. Power steering, power lift, and a 42" deck for maneuverability are pluses for sure. With the small amount of ground engaging use and pulling a small cart once in awhile you're in good shape. All of this means you'll have to keep up the maintenance but you'll find plenty of help here!
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I agree that the x370/x380s are fine machines. I almost bought one of this series, but my wife insisted that I move up to a larger tractor because of the size of our property, 10 sloping acres. We started looking at the 1025 and moved our way DOWN the lines until we found one that met both ground attachments capability, and budget.

She likes to overbuy; I like being out of debt. It is a good combo...when it works!
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Honestly, the X370 is a good choice.

I'd start with a cart and see how that works before buying that shovel. I use a manure fork to load the cart and then empty it one fork load at a time and place it around the plants. Works a lot easier than dumping it and trying to spread around with a rake. At least in areas with plants.
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Saw no used X370's at TT but here are some I'd look at

2016-X380- with year of warranty left only 64 hours - $3100

https://www.tennesseetractor.com/de...=Year&d=D&vt=lawn mower&fr=xPreOwnedInventory


2015- X500 135 hours $4000

https://www.tennesseetractor.com/de...=Year&d=D&vt=lawn mower&fr=xPreOwnedInventory

2017 - X570 ( 2 years of warranty left) 135 hours $4250
https://www.tennesseetractor.com/de...=Year&d=D&vt=lawn mower&fr=xPreOwnedInventory

and if you really wanted to spend some money an almost new X580 12 hours fr $6500
https://www.tennesseetractor.com/de...D&sq=X580&vt=lawn mower&fr=xPreOwnedInventory
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I think the x3xx series would suit your 3/4 acres.

Scour craigslist, you can find great deals there. Found my x750 with 79 hours...guy's dad purchased mowed for a year, then passed away. I paid less than $8k for it...essentially brand new. It's got 126 hours on it now...I mow 2.6 acres in just over an hour (I don't mow fast).

You might be able to find a x5xx series tractor used for same or less than a 300 series new.

Remember the immortal words of Captain John "Hannibal" Smith (The A-Team): "Overkill is underrated!"
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