[JMC]

Have not checked in for a few years, the X300 is at near 400 hours. The K46 is pretty noisy and has lost a bit of ground speed but it's still working. Will probably put a new unit in (it's 10 years old). I bought the X300 first year production. The engine is maintained with Castrol Edge 10W30 (Syntec) and has 2 valve adjustments in near 400 hours. No oil leaks or consumption. Runs like new.

Thought about a K57 or K66 upgrade and it's just not worth it to me. The X300 is a legit 20 year machine with a 10 year transaxle if it's not abused.
I never changed the oil in the transaxle. The new one will get the 5W50 synthetic right off the bat and a intermediate change. I thought of a repair kit but the cases are 10 years old, not worth the risk or money.

JD could have done better than the K46, and the K58 is only marginally better. If one needs a tractor for lugging, something with a K71 or K72 (old GT or newer X500) is the choice if you have the pockets.
Otherwise the X300 is still a class leader at that price point IMHO.
Best to all.:thThumbsU
Jeff

 

[Justy37]

This is why I wish deere had more options.

If deere had a x300 k46.
And a deere x300 gear.

I wouldn't even hesitate on the decision between the two. Hydro would be great for mowing, if it lasted. But I would choose the x300 geared, because chances are. It's going to tow and push snow, pull a landscape trailer. It will suck for mowing, but would have longevity. That would be more important too me than speed mowing.

 

[JMC]

This is why I wish deere had more options.

If deere had a x300 k46.
And a deere x300 gear.

I wouldn't even hesitate on the decision between the two. Hydro would be great for mowing, if it lasted. But I would choose the x300 geared, because chances are. It's going to tow and push snow, pull a landscape trailer. It will suck for mowing, but would have longevity. That would be more important too me than speed mowing.

Justy -
I went to the big boxes for a sanity check and found (1) tractor a bit over $3K that has a K58 unit - marginally better than a K46 or K57. But the rest of the tractor sucked so bad I'd put a grand into mine in a minute.

The dealer said they have changed oil in older K46's with 20W50 Synthetic and gave them another lease on life. That's an option too... Deere recommends not changing it because it's a chore and most of John Q. Public would do more harm than good. And they like selling transaxles too. In my case pardon the pun, if the case seals are leaking when it goes in the tranny will be changed. If not I'll take the gamble on the oil change. A brand new K46 OEM unit dealer installed only has a 90 day warranty be it from Tuff Torq direct or from the JD dealer so nothing to lose there. Mine is going on 10 years old. So my old argument stands - anything that will kill a K46 will eventually do in a K57 or K58.
Best
Jeff

 

[Classic25]

I appreciate this review because I just bought a 2009 X300 with 325hrs. I got it for $1250 with the twin bagger and a 10p cart which seemed like a good deal to me. It was only dealer serviced and in mint condition. I did drop the trans and put 5w-50 synthetic in it. It makes a little noise but works just fine forward and reverse up and down the small slopes in my yard and seems to quiet down more when it warms up. I dont know what if any noise is normal in the K46 because I never owned one. I did look at the K66 upgrade by RJR just to have a future plan but man thats pricey. I have a set of x500 grab bars on the way that im going to mount up. Other then that Ive put 5hrs on it and I really like it. That kawasaki engine is super smooth and quiet in my opinion.
Dave

 

[Justy37]

K46 will last a while if you baby it. Don't overload it, don't overheat it. I almost wish there was a fan upgrade for the k46, like a metal fan. Something that the blades do not flex. Maybe then, it would stay cooler.

Keep it clean is about the best advice you can get with these light duty hydro's.

 

[JMC]

I appreciate this review because I just bought a 2009 X300 with 325hrs. I got it for $1250 with the twin bagger and a 10p cart which seemed like a good deal to me. It was only dealer serviced and in mint condition. I did drop the trans and put 5w-50 synthetic in it. It makes a little noise but works just fine forward and reverse up and down the small slopes in my yard and seems to quiet down more when it warms up. I dont know what if any noise is normal in the K46 because I never owned one. I did look at the K66 upgrade by RJR just to have a future plan but man thats pricey. I have a set of x500 grab bars on the way that im going to mount up. Other then that Ive put 5hrs on it and I really like it. That kawasaki engine is super smooth and quiet in my opinion.
Dave

View attachment 1486849

You did really good for $1250. The K46 and many others will make a groaning noise in cold weather or when cold, especially when the oil is old. Even new it's not quiet.
The key maintaining it and not overloading it. The Kawasaki engine is far better than any competitor's engine and will last as long as you want to own that machine.
Best of luck with the tractor, it looks great. :greendr: