[Dave T]

Hi everybody... new here.

I currently have an 11 year old LX-288 with the 18 HP Briggs with a 48" deck. I'm looking to replace the tractor with a new X300 with a 48" deck.

Just wondering how well this tractor handles the 48" deck. I see it has an 18 HP Kawi motor, so I suspect that it should handle it as well as my current tractor, but would like some hands on info. Any other info on the tractor (good or bad) would be appreciated.

Thanks
Dave

 

[jfoi]

why not just go with the x320?

 

[Dave T]

why not just go with the x320?

Cause it's $700 more.

 

[tackit]

I would first look look for a older model that's been well maintained, they are out there.

 

[Dave T]

Thanks, I'll do that. However, I really would like the full 4 year warranty. Plus, I like to maintain them myself, and then I know exactly how they were maintained from the first day, and I know how they were used from day one.

So, I'm guessing not many folks have the X300 with the 48" deck. :dunno:

 

[jfoi]

but the extra 700 is going to get you 6 hp more, a better transaxle bigger tires and a stock 48" deck

 

[Dave T]

I agree, but is it $700 that I really need to spend? I guess that brings me back to my original question.

 

[jfoi]

ok yes you can get a 48" deck it shouldn't make a huge difference in handling. also remember John deeres 30 day promise if you don't like it

 

[Dave T]

ok yes you can get a 48" deck it shouldn't make a huge difference in handling. also remember John deeres 30 day promise if you don't like it

Thanks man... I forgot about the 30 day promise.

I wasn't really worried about the handling, I was more concerned that the motor, trani, and PTO are up to handling the bigger deck. Now that I've read around a bit, you've got my attention about the bigger/better trani in the 320.

I wonder what trani was in my LX-288? It sure has handled my yard fine for 11 years.

 

[Brian]

Will you be snow plowing or any pushing/pulling stuff? If so you might want to look up the line at the x320.

 

[Dave T]

Hi Brian,

Nope, no snowplowing or pushing/pulling with the JD. I have a nice, powerful Suzuki King Quad that handles all that stuff.

However, after reading here, and researching on some other good sites like this one, I am seriously considering stepping up to the X320 anyway. It seems that the trani in the X300 may be "borderline" for what I want. If that's the case, I won't mind spending the extra $700 to step up. I will also talk to my dealer about it, but I like to be knowledgeable when I discuss anything with a salesman. There are also some other items I want to discuss... like fan issues, and pushrod issues with the 18 hp Kawi motor. I'm sure JD will get those issues cleaned up, or take care of them under warranty, but I don't want the hassle.

I'm over 60 years old, and I want a tractor that will, with the right care... well... last me the rest of my life so to speak.

 

[mjncad]

Dave:

As others have suggested, get the X320 as a minimum to get away from the Big Box Mart 100-series K46 tranny used in the X300.

As I understand it, current pricing on a replacement K46 tranny is around $700. Spend it now on a better unit rather than down the road when that tranny will cost who knows how much more when it finally pukes.

 

[Dave T]

Yep, I'm thinking you guys are correct. This is exactly why I asked my original question.

Thanks a bunch guys. I think I've been "scared off" from buying the X300. :laugh:

Looks like the X320 will be slightly more than what I need... which in my mind makes it perfect.

To be honest, I am slightly disappointed that JD would put a light duty trani in a $3,000 tractor.

 

[AKfish]

To be honest, I am slightly disappointed that JD would put a light duty trani in a $3,000 tractor.

You're lucky to only be "slightly disappointed".... There's a fair number of X300 buyers out there who are considerably more than "slightly disappointed"!!

Good advice here on the X320.

AKfish

 

[Dave T]

You're lucky to only be "slightly disappointed".... There's a fair number of X300 buyers out there who are considerably more than "slightly disappointed"!!

Good advice here on the X320.

AKfish

Yep!

 

[Murph]

You're lucky to only be "slightly disappointed".... There's a fair number of X300 buyers out there who are considerably more than "slightly disappointed"!!

Good advice here on the X320.

AKfish

I just bought a used X300 and you guys are making me very concerned about the transmission on these tractors

Here's what I got and paid....2006 X300 42in deck with 460 hours plus a like new 44in snow blower, weights, chains and a JD dump cart, I paid $1,800 for everything. Tech people please see my X300 post, need some advice.

 

[tackit]

I just bought a used X300 and you guys are making me very concerned about the transmission on these tractors

Here's what I got and paid....2006 X300 42in deck with 460 hours plus a like new 44in snow blower, weights, chains and a JD dump cart, I paid $1,800 for everything. Tech people please see my X300 post, need some advice.

Murph some info here.

http://www.jd-k66-upgrade.com/?gclid=CO-Fj9jT7asCFcTrKgod7nboHQ

 

[Murph]

Murph some info here.

http://www.jd-k66-upgrade.com/?gclid=CO-Fj9jT7asCFcTrKgod7nboHQ

YIKES....1,600 bucks, that's just 200 less than my total investment.... oh well at least shipping is free!

 

[Dave T]

I just bought a used X300 and you guys are making me very concerned about the transmission on these tractors

Here's what I got and paid....2006 X300 42in deck with 460 hours plus a like new 44in snow blower, weights, chains and a JD dump cart, I paid $1,800 for everything. Tech people please see my X300 post, need some advice.

I don't think the guys are saying... you are going to have a problem! I think they are saying, you less likely to have issues with the X320. That's what I was trying to do... put the odds in my favor while I have the chance.

I'm betting there are plenty of folks that have not had an issue with their X300... just maybe a few to many that have.

Good luck with yours.

 

[mjncad]

YIKES....1,600 bucks, that's just 200 less than my total investment.... oh well at least shipping is free!

I'd rather put the $1,600 towards a heavier lawn/garden tractor than upgrade my L130 if and when the tranny pukes.