[YNOT55124]

Hey folks, first time post. After reading through the wealth of knowledge and information on here - I thought I would reach out and ask some questions. After 10 trouble free years of service, I plan to upgrade my mower/tractor. I currently have a LT155 (bought new in '99). It has the Freedom 42 mulching deck which has worked great for me (need to keep up with the grass and not mow when it's wet to expect best results). The rig is in great shape and cuts as good as it did new. It has the 15hp OHV Kohler engine. Other than a minor scratch on the rear left fender area the tractor looks new (always stored inside), hydro works great, seat and tires are good and new belts all the way around last year.

I want to list on Craigslist or maybe here too. How much is this thing worth?

I've kinda setteled on a new x534. I mow about an acre and 1/4. I have a bunch of hills and slopes. I have also planted a number of trees where I hope the 4WS will really help out. I do plan to blow snow with the new machine as well and think the diff. lock will be of great value here? What are you all using for weights (wheel, suitcase, etc.)? Do you need chains for the tires? At the end of the day, I hope to have "more tractor" than I need vs. being left wanting more performance. Would love to hear your thoughts and opinions from any of those who have experience with this machine/use.

Looks like John Deere brought the X500 series out in '06? If this is true, how long does Deere typcially run a series (model design) before redesign / new release. What time of year does Deere bring out next year models (Fall, Spring, Summer)? Wondering if there will be incremental / small improvements, if this line-up will likely be relatively the same for a number of years or if I should wait?

Can a guy get HDAP tires for the x534? Looks like the 534 has a different rear wheel/tire size than the x540? Can one run a tiller (don't have the need presently, but who knows)?

Thanks in advance for you help.

By the Way - great site you have here folks.

 

[Ken N Tx]

:MTF_wel2: ..

Enjoy all of the many Forums here on MTF..:trink39:

 

[jeepersmitty]

Welcome to the forum. Glad you joined us. Some Deere guys should be along shortly.

 

[midnitetr8n]

Welcome to the forum. :MTF_wel:

I can say that with either unit of the X500 series you won't be dissappointed. I can't answer for certain about the HDAP's fitting the X534 but then again I can't see why not, for other than maybe a clearance issue. If they fit I would definitely recommend you get them, traction with these are just great and will be a huge benefit for when you plan on getting your tiller.

As for your older machine, its in great condition so I am quite sure you will get a great price for it.

 

[KeithB78]

Welcome to MTF

 

[Rodney in VA]

YNOT55124

:MTF_wel2: we are glad to have you. There are many friendly and knowledgeable folks here at MTF, so enjoy all the different forums. Click on ”Active Topics” near the top left of the page for all the latest activity. You can also register with other members from your state by clicking here:

 

[Altiman94]

I sold my '99 LT155 with the same freedom deck for $1,000 about a week ago if that helps any! I've seen them go from about 1200 down to 850 around here.

 

[Sergeant]

Typicaly Deere runs a tractor series 10 years. They may change decals and add features but pretty much they stay the same. A tiller cannot fit the X534AWS without some modification to the tractor ie you would need to have wheel spacers made for you rear tires so they would not rub up against the tiller housing when turning but it can be done basicly you would need spacers the width of the spacers they make for the Deere X700 series AWS models. Which need spacers for tire Chains. the reason the HDAP 24x10.5 are not offered has to do with the AWS system rubbing on the rear of the tractor when turning but the AWS models can take the Rear AG tires. Currently for the X534 they do offer a intergral Hitch (sleeve Hitch) so you can use a garden Plow,rear blade,Disks and a Cultivator or any sleeve hitch implement.. Oh another thing if you want a 42inch deck and the tractor you can get one. But you have to remove diff/lock pedal when using it. :thThumbsU

 

[JDFANATIC]

Welcome to the forum! :Welcome1:

 

[YNOT55124]

Thanks for the warm welcome and information. I will look into the spacers, wonder if I go with the 47" snowblower attachment (which the dealer said he kits with weights and chains) if they will put the spacers on Sergeant referred to?

 

[Sergeant]

those spacers I'm talking about You would have to have made by a seperate metal fab. The spacers That they make for the X700 series I don't think will fit. I was just giving the X700 series spacers as a example To use the snowblower on the X534 you don't need spacers for tire chains only on the X700 AWS tractors. Now I have seen a X534 with metal fabed wheel spacers so it could take the 30inch Belt driven PTO tiller at the JD Dealer where my Younger Brother runs the Service and Parts Dept. I don'nt know with the spacers if it will take the 42inch Hydraulic tiller because I belive part of the tiller lift mechanisim infterfears with the AWS system. But with those spacer you should be able to take the Mechanical 30inch tiller. But Deere will not carry them for The X534. You will need to have them made. :thThumbsU

 

[farmer69]

I was just thinking YNO have you ever considered getting the X540 which has power steering and with the 54' deck. I know with my Gx345 it no problem going around trees, although you do have to back up once or twice but with the power steering its pretty slick. And for the hills they have hte diff lock. Might be worth considering. I cut about 3 acres with lots of trees and buildings and with the 54" deck it doesn't take long.

 

[slkpk]

Great looking LT155 and it's nice to see older tractors being taken care of. slkpk

 

[davidg]

:Welcome1:

 

[Stuck]

I was just thinking YNO have you ever considered getting the X540 which has power steering and with the 54' deck. I know with my Gx345 it no problem going around trees, although you do have to back up once or twice but with the power steering its pretty slick. And for the hills they have hte diff lock. Might be worth considering. I cut about 3 acres with lots of trees and buildings and with the 54" deck it doesn't take long.

:ditto: With what the farmer said! I'm so happy with the X540 power steering I don't see what a guy needs with AWS? And if ya got to make all them mod's to make it work, what's the point? Plus you get water cooled.
Take another look at the 540, bet it will more than meet your needs.

Oh & :MTF_wel:

 

[YNOT55124]

Thanks for the inputs! I've been back and forth between the 534 and 540. The 540 would be the clear choice, especially with the option for HDAP tires (snow blowing) but I would really like to not have to back up and jockey when going around the trees in the yard. I think the only way for me to feel confident is drive both and see just how much difference the 4WS makes. Also any of you folks blowing snow without using chains? Will HDAP tires work without them if the rig is properly weighted?
Thanks!

 

[Stash]

I have the X540, and I mow around several trees. I don't have to back up at all. Granted, I've got about a 3-foot mulched area around each tree, but I've still got steering left, so I could cut around a smaller diameter. My entire property is sloped, so the locking differential comes in handy all the time. As far as snow goes, I blade mine, and of course, I use chains because the drive is sloped as well. I would think if you have a level area to blow snow from, and there's no ice, with proper weight, the HDAP tires should fare pretty well, especially with the differential lock.

 

[x595]

Also any of you folks blowing snow without using chains? Will HDAP tires work without them if the rig is properly weighted?Thanks!

:Welcome1:

Is your driveway gravel or asphalt ??? Mine is asphalt , the HDAP tread is
like suction cups on my driveway , I rarely use 4WD , unless the snow is real
deep or heavy (wet) ... If your driveway is gravel then you might need
chains , but you could pick those up later if needed ... You'll be using a
snowblower which should be easier for your Tractor , I plow snow with a
front blade ...

Later,x595