[jaslon]

I am doing this for my neighbor. He is a older retired gentleman that helps out at his church. He does the lawn mowing and is looking for something else, because what he has is breaking down every time he uses it.

My question is, what do you this is best for him?

He has around 3 1/2 acres, a lot of flat land, but has some hills to cut also. I suggested a riding lawn mower because of the hills and he would have problems with a zero turn, but what is a good lawn mower, the X500 series or a older GX series?

Their budget is around $2,500.00, but they could go up some if they find something good.

Should he even look at a John Deere, is there another brand out there, that he could buy brand new and would work for this much area?

I was thinking of a used mower, but I am just seeing a lot of mowers with the high hours and they want a premium price on them now. Seems like the good deals are gone, at least for a little while.

 

[javjacob]

I would look at real garden tractors whether its John Deere or another brand.
The older 3x5, GX3x5 and GT2x5 are great tractors to consider around that budget.
The X5x0 series can also be had at the upper end of that price range.

Also what do you consider high hours?

 

[JRusche]

There's a lot of variance to mowing that much property. Keeping 3.5 acres looking like a lawn vs. keeping it "manageable" will either run 4 hours per week or 4 hours per month, big difference in how the tractor will be used.

So, if you want a long service life, get the best you can buy and spend the budget. If you're thinking more like just keeping the land "ok" looking you could make just about anything last 5 years and see how it goes, low risk option here.

 

[UpstateTony]

Either a GX or X5x0 would do the job. Is he handy? Problem with older GX series you are looking at tractor over 10 years old and depending on hours will probably require a lot of routine maintenance love and care - getting harder and harder to find a decent low hour GX unit- He probably should look at used x5x0 series but to get decent one inside his budget will be difficult. , If he can squeeze out another 500 to 1000 bucks he can land a decent x5x0 series tractor . Either way good luck

 

[jaslon]

Well, he tells me that he spends about one full day there just cutting the grass, so I think they want it to look nice, especially if its by a church. I think they can above their budget, I just don't know how much.

So, is A X540 with 209 hours for $3,999 a good deal?

 

[UpstateTony]

Well, he tells me that he spends about one full day there just cutting the grass, so I think they want it to look nice, especially if its by a church. I think they can above their budget, I just don't know how much.

So, is A X540 with 209 hours for $3,999 a good deal?

500 owners can probably tell you better- but a x540 is a $7500 to $7800 tractor ( depending on deck size) so thats sounds pretty good to me, who knows maybe you can talk owner down a few bucks also. A x540 with only 200 hours is barely broken in - would handle his mowing easily

 

[JRusche]

That would be a very enjoyable mowing experience if he is into maintenance of that property that much. My X530 isn't as "good" but it sure does ride nice, good semi large stance, power steering, great motor. Might as well get the church completely set up and use a front blade for winter clean up.

 

[jaslon]

500 owners can probably tell you better- but a x540 is a $7500 to $7800 tractor ( depending on deck size) so thats sounds pretty good to me, who knows maybe you can talk owner down a few bucks also. A x540 with only 200 hours is barely broken in - would handle his mowing easily

So, this is a 2007 model, still a good deal? And who knows if the church wants to spend that much.

 

[javjacob]

Yes its a good deal as long as it isn't beat up. The year of the machine doesn't really matter. Hours and condition are what matter most.

 

[John151]

He does the lawn mowing and is looking for something else, because what he has is breaking down every time he uses it.

What is he using currently and how well does it work for the task (when it is not in need of repair)?

 

[Leinie]

That machine would turn his full day of mowing into a 2.5- 3 hour ( figuring a 54" deck and 3 mph speed )

That would cut his full day in half. They could probably mow 200 times before worrying about anything but routine maintenance. Worth every penny in my estimation. They'd never be lacking volunteers for mowing if this guy decides to stop at any point.

 

[jaslon]

What is he using currently and how well does it work for the task (when it is not in need of repair)?

I think he is using some off brand mower and uses a push mower also. I think every time he uses it, he has to repair something on it.