[John151]

I purchased the GT 275 about 7 years ago when I purchased my property (2.5 acres: 1 acre lawn, 1.5 acres brush). This machine has served me well and was spot on for my needs. However, my needs have changed in the last 7 years.. I now have 2.5 acres of lawn and need to move trailers around my property at times (1 4x8 flat bed, 1 6x12 with ramp, 1 empty 20' boat trailer). I would like something with 4 wheel steer for maneuverability around trees, a 3 pt hitch for the trailers, a 60" deck to cut down mow time, and a deck that is capable of handling taller grass (my current deck gives a lousy cut if the grass very tall, it leaves two "mohawk" stripes where the blades overlap as if they don't have enough overlap). The property is also a tad rough in spots, so a smooth ride would be very nice. Looking to buy used, but want something that is reliable and low maintenance (I am no as mechanically inclined as most folks here).

No specific budget, but would like to keep it under $7K (lower cost is better).

Note: I searched on Machine Finder, but if you don't have specific model numbers, the list is overwhelming, so hoping to get a short list of models and years that would meet my needs and budget.

Note2: I am open to other brands.

Suggestions?

 

[spokes100]

john deere X584

 

[Jimbochap]

https://appleton.craigslist.org/grd/d/chippewa-falls-john-deere-x595-garden/6936409247.html

x595 Special Edition diesel 62" deck, MC519 cart with power flow

Nice looking tractor, go with cash in hand, offer a little less and see where it gets you. He has alot of bells and whistles on this tractor..........won't last long at that price

 

[MinnesotaSteve]

I was just browsing my local craiglists and saw this one... It's down in Rockford, IA but it's an X724 with 350 hours on it. It's 4 wheel steer, and you can put a 3 point hitch on back, and it has a 62" mower deck.

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/grd/d/rockford-john-deere-x724-aws-garden/6934142318.html

Tractordata.com is a good resource for looking at model capabilities, it'll tell you if it has 4 wheel steering, 3 pt hitch capabilities, etc.

 

[Country1966?]

this would do everything you mentioned including pulling those trailers around like there were not there and blow your snow in a cab.

They also make a dozer blade for them and all kinds of other front-mounted attachments

This time of year I'm sure they want to move it off their lot I bet you could get it for 7K. you could put a ball hitch on the back of it but obviously not a three-point hitch.

I promise you you would never go back to a rider after owning that bad boy

https://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/farm-equipment/for-sale/30056815/2004-grasshopper-725

 

[cnymowinplowinsailin]

I think the 5 ft deck limits you to: 420, 430, 425, 445, 455, X475, X485, X495, X575, X585, X595, X7 anything. If you are in machine finder, go to the specs tab and click on the width if you want the quick way to get to this list. This should give you a reasonable number of machines to look at it if you sort for your location.

I think once you have the wider deck trimming around trees is fine with normal steer...AWS is most likely going to limit your options looking for used but they are the 445, 455, X485 and X495 if optioned with it or the X729 X739 X749. Not sure what you consider tall grass but the 62C/Edge only does a so so job in tall grass imo.

Finding a machine that is reasonably close to you, AWS, with a high capacity 5 ft deck and a 3 pt in good shape at the right price might take a while. Good luck.

 

[inspectorudy]

I guess you guys are in the area where machine finder tells the truth. In my area here in Atlanta they are about 20% over what you can get/pay for the same tractor. In your case I would go with the X700 series for growth and heavier demands in the future.

 

[My craftsman 917.27308]

If you eliminate the 4 wheel steer, you can get a 4 wheel drive x728 or a 2 wheel drive x730 for less than $7,000.

 

[oldgibsonguy]

Regardless, if it's a new machine it will have to be a 700 series tractor if he wants a 3pt hitch.

 

[KHodges]

I purchased the GT 275 about 7 years ago when I purchased my property (2.5 acres: 1 acre lawn, 1.5 acres brush). This machine has served me well and was spot on for my needs. However, my needs have changed in the last 7 years.. I now have 2.5 acres of lawn and need to move trailers around my property at times (1 4x8 flat bed, 1 6x12 with ramp, 1 empty 20' boat trailer). I would like something with 4 wheel steer for maneuverability around trees, a 3 pt hitch for the trailers, a 60" deck to cut down mow time, and a deck that is capable of handling taller grass (my current deck gives a lousy cut if the grass very tall, it leaves two "mohawk" stripes where the blades overlap as if they don't have enough overlap). The property is also a tad rough in spots, so a smooth ride would be very nice. Looking to buy used, but want something that is reliable and low maintenance (I am no as mechanically inclined as most folks here).

No specific budget, but would like to keep it under $7K (lower cost is better).

Note: I searched on Machine Finder, but if you don't have specific model numbers, the list is overwhelming, so hoping to get a short list of models and years that would meet my needs and budget.

Note2: I am open to other brands.

Suggestions?

You really don't need the 4WS, the X7 turns pretty tight without it and it adds unnecessary complexity to the steering. I'd look for an X595 or X748. 4WD diesel, you can get factory or aftermarket 3 point hitch for either one, factory 540 PTO for both, and should you want a loader, the 45 factory loader or a CPC aftermarket loader will fit. The JD 45 loader is no longer made, but can be found. You have choices of 54" or 62" standard Edge mower decks, or a 60" 7 Iron deck. The 7 Iron is heavy duty with a deeper housing and the more desirable, but harder to find and more expensive. The X595, and X748 up to 2009 model year have selectable mechanical front drive (MFWD), the '09 and later X7 has hydrostatic full-time 4WD.

 

[John151]

Awesome replies! Exactly the info that I was looking for, and the CL links look like buying great opportunities. Thanks everyone!

One question: How easy it is to have a 3 pt hitch added to a used machine?

 

[UpstateTony]

Like to correct one thing here, the X7xx series is a lot of things, but the two wheel steer unit does not “turn tight” it has by far the largest turning radius of any late model JD GT. If you have a lot of maneuvering to do – keep in mind the 2 wheel steer 700 series turns like a tank. Your GT275 will turn circles around a 700 series tractor. So if maneuverability is high on your list – a 2 wheel steer JD 700 series might not be a good option. Seriously given your budget and mechanical ability I’d strongly consider a JD X584- with your budget you can get a Lightly used one or two year old tractor still under warranty. Of course if the FEL is that important – the 500 series is out. Unless a Johnny bucket works for you .

Given you are not a mechanic and do basic maintenance I’d stay away from 445, 455, X485 and X495- as those units are 15 to 20 years old- so expect to do some “wrenching” on them.

You can buy a new X570 with your budget- and that does turn extremely tight for 2 wheel steer

So in conclusion- I’d go with lightly used X584 or consider “upping” my budget a few thousand to get a gently used X7xx series 4 wheel steer

 

[John151]

Like to correct one thing here, the X7xx series is a lot of things, but the two wheel steer unit does not “turn tight” it has by far the largest turning radius of any late model JD GT. If you have a lot of maneuvering to do – keep in mind the 2 wheel steer 700 series turns like a tank. Your GT275 will turn circles around a 700 series tractor. So if maneuverability is high on your list – a 2 wheel steer JD 700 series might not be a good option. Seriously given your budget and mechanical ability I’d strongly consider a JD X584- with your budget you can get a Lightly used one or two year old tractor still under warranty. Of course if the FEL is that important – the 500 series is out. Unless a Johnny bucket works for you .

Given you are not a mechanic and do basic maintenance I’d stay away from 445, 455, X485 and X495- as those units are 15 to 20 years old- so expect to do some “wrenching” on them.

You can buy a new X570 with your budget- and that does turn extremely tight for 2 wheel steer

So in conclusion- I’d go with lightly used X584 or consider “upping” my budget a few thousand to get a gently used X7xx series 4 wheel steer

Thanks for the corrections.

One clarification: I am NOT looking for a FEL. Mowing and towing only for me for now (maybe snow plowing in the future).

 

[Jimbochap]

Call and find out if the X595 is still available and don't look back. It will do it all if and when the times comes. You will never have buyers remorse with that selection.

If the x595 is close to you go see it and see how it rides, you will be pleased for sure. Then compare it to your GT275...Turning radius isn't really that much different if that is what you are worrying about. It wil surprise you have nimble and quick you can cut your grass at top speed with no bogging down of the engine, no matter how high the grass is. It laughs at high grass and just sips fuel unlike a gas engine.

 

[KHodges]

Like to correct one thing here, the X7xx series is a lot of things, but the two wheel steer unit does not “turn tight” it has by far the largest turning radius of any late model JD GT. If you have a lot of maneuvering to do – keep in mind the 2 wheel steer 700 series turns like a tank. Your GT275 will turn circles around a 700 series tractor.

It has a larger turn radius than small machines because it is bigger than them with a longer wheelbase, but for its size it turns pretty tight. The uncut circle radius of mine, with a 54" deck, is 27". My GT235, with a 48" deck, is only slightly smaller. It will be less than that with a 60 or 62" deck. The 4WS version will turn a bit tighter, but IMO isn't worth the extra mechanicals of the rear steer for the improvement you get. I can trim around all my large trees and rub the trunk all the way around with the edge of the deck, and get the smaller ones with a "clean up pass" the next time by it. I can do a 3-point turn to turn around completely and use not much more space than the tractor takes up just sitting. Been mowing 5+ acres with my 2WS for over ten years and it works for me, as well as maneuvering around plants in the garden. You want super-tight turning, get a ZTR.

OP mentions a smooth ride, the X7 will do that better than the size smaller X5's (new number). If he wants a hitch that lifts, the X5 is limited to a sleeve hitch and not a true 3-point. The 3-point,for the OP's question, is a straightforward install, the lift arms bolt on, but the seat pan has to be removed to set up the lift linkage. A dealer can easily do it if you're not comfortable with the installation yourself.

 

[RT3360]

https://appleton.craigslist.org/grd/d/chippewa-falls-john-deere-x595-garden/6936409247.html

x595 Special Edition diesel 62" deck, MC519 cart with power flow

Nice looking tractor, go with cash in hand, offer a little less and see where it gets you. He has alot of bells and whistles on this tractor..........won't last long at that price

I was just browsing my local craiglists and saw this one... It's down in Rockford, IA but it's an X724 with 350 hours on it. It's 4 wheel steer, and you can put a 3 point hitch on back, and it has a 62" mower deck.

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/grd/d/rockford-john-deere-x724-aws-garden/6934142318.html

Tractordata.com is a good resource for looking at model capabilities, it'll tell you if it has 4 wheel steering, 3 pt hitch capabilities, etc.

I believe both are very good options for what you want to do and having the 2WD, I have very little trouble going around trees with my 54” deck and the PS makes maneuvering very easy.

 

[RT3360]

I believe both are very good options for what you want to do and having the 2WD, I have very little trouble going around trees with my 54” deck and the PS makes maneuvering very easy.

Sorry, 2WS not 2WD. 4WD is outstanding, but not necessary. My son has the X730 and mows steep slopes as well as snow blowing a steep drive with the help of chains. If you are thinking of grapple or loader, I would lean toward the X595.

 

[UpstateTony]

Different people have different ideas on what turning tight is, as a point of reference – the X595 has 27 inch turning radius( in 2 wheel drive, think it’s over 4 feet in 4 wheel drive) , X7xx 2 wheel steer have 25 inch, X580/590 has 22 inch and X570 ( manual steering) has 16 inch- your GT 275 has 20 inch turning radius- so if you want something more “nimble” than your GT275- you can go to X570 or a 4 wheel steer unit( either a X584 or X7xx 4 wheel steer unit) A large deck on some of the tractors can help minimize the large turning radius – but generally speaking the large heavy duty 2 wheel steering GT’s are not known as ‘nimble” turning tractors

Another thing to keep in mind on X595/ X7xx machines- they weigh a lot - easy to rip up your lawn or wear a path or compact the soil if you travel same route every time.

If you need the 3 point hitch- you are limited to heavy duty GT. The X584 or X570 you can get sleeve hitch with adapter to tow the stuff you need moved around your property. The x5xx series you are limited to 54 inch deck -how big a deck do you have on your 275 I assume 48 inch.

The X595 is a beast and one of my favorite GT’s of all time, as are the 700 series tractors – but drawback on them is they are heavy , not nimble , unless you go to 4 wheel steer. Attachments are much more expensive. You can also get the 60 inch deck on the bigger GT’s The X5xx series tractor are lighter, more maneuverable than x7xx series tractors, and attachments are more reasonably priced but not as strong or versatile and you are limited to 54 inch deck

Some people can make any tractor “sing” but anytime your buy an older GT you are taking a chance- sometimes they are perfect, but many times they need a lot of work- so you need to have ability and time to fix ( or spend a ton of cash at dealer). Never ceases to amaze me the work some of the guys on this forum can do with older tractors. Newer models with fewer hours are less prone to wrenching time and many times you can buy a 1 or 2 year old tractor with plenty of warranty left for “peace” of mind

You have to decide, what features are important to you and how they fit into your budget, definitely pros and cons either way

 

[Stryker7200]

It's clear to me he needs a "super garden tractor", being 445/x485x585/x7 weight class. With 2.5 acres to mow he needs a 60" or larger deck. He has also stated he is in need of a 3 pt hitch for the trailers, etc. Small turning radius isn't that important for his needs, only if in smaller yards with tight areas and smaller trees/more woods etc. Weight has never been a problem for me in this class either. If you like mowing when its soggy and wet then that's a choice most of the time.

 

[heathiopian]

I would think the old GT 275 would tow the trailers just fine without a 3 point hitch. I don't own a GT 275, so I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, and that correction is welcomed. But if I'm correct and it will tow the trailers, why not keep it for the towing and get a zero turn? Zero turns are a one-trick pony, but they do their one-trick really well and are extremely maneuverable. Go commercial grade for 2.5 acres. I was mowing my 3.2 acres with a residential zero turn and it took me a little over 2 hours. Spent $3700 on a used commercial grade Husqvarna 72" zero turn with low hours, and I now cut my grass in 45 minutes. If I need to tow something, that's done by my 40 year old Ariens GT.

I'm not sure if talking about my orange machines is allowed in this John Deere green forum