Thoughts on used John Deere x354

3013 Views 10 Replies 7 Participants Last post by jgayman, May 23, 2021

Hydrocephalic

Discussion Starter · May 21, 2021

Hi all, and my apologies for the big time newbie question, but I've dug around here for info and I am looking for some opinions. I recently moved to a property with about 1.5 acres of grass and now I need my first mower.

I have a buddy who works as a John Deere dealer and he had an x354 trade come in today, and he knows I've been looking. It has 214 hours, was reportedly well maintained, and comes with the grass catcher in the back (which I probably wouldn't even use). It is a couple years old and they are asking $2200.

Most of my property is flat, some decent inclines that would be nice to traverse but I don't know if that matters at all. I live in Oregon and will probably use this about 15 times per year.

My big question is: any thoughts on this mower versus getting a new troy bilt bronco for $1600 from home Depot? I like to be frugal, but can certainly afford either. I would just hate to buy used and have it crap out fast, but was told to expect 800-1000 hours of life.

I appreciate any feedback!

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jgayman

· #2 · May 21, 2021

It nothing else, the Kawasaki engine in the X354 is worlds better than the single cylinder B&S engine in the Troy Bilt. Those B&S engines are famous for blown head gaskets and broken automatic compression releases.

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denverguy

· #3 · May 21, 2021

Agree with Jgayman's comments.

Also, a 42-inch deck on 1.5 acres of grass will get old really fast...a 48-inch deck might grow tiresome as well.

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MTB98

· #4 · May 21, 2021

Seems to be a decent price. New mowers are in short supply right now too.

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bkeller500

· #5 · May 21, 2021

X354 has AWS. All Wheel Steer........take a test drive and experience the maneuverability. The price seems low and a great deal for you. The 42" deck might be a little small for 1.5 acres but you will likely mow it in 1.5 hours. The cut and finish look with the 42" will be great. Bigger is not always better. I love Home Depot but I would never purchase a riding mower from them. You are on your own when you take delivery. As far as support, you have a friend in the business.......service, parts, or trade-in down the road, you have a great advantage.

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Sefto

· #6 · May 21, 2021

My personal opinion is that it all comes down to trans axels, of which I've gone through three on one acre with a slight incline. 3xx series uses a K46, same as the 1xx series, and its proven too light duty for my small yard. Not my opinion, but a very expensive fact. Axels are 3/4" on 3xx series vs 1" on the 5xx series K72, and the whole tranny and axels weigh a mere 12 pounds on the 3xx. I had to bump up to a 500 series, not because I wanted to, but because I had to.

More on the K46 here...https://www.tufftorq.com/product/k46/

And here is a comparison view...

Integrated Hydrostatic Transaxles (IHT) Archives - Tuff Torq Corporation

www.tufftorq.com

Good luck with your purchase.

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FortClatsop

· #7 · May 22, 2021 (Edited)

Don’t waste your money on box store junk. That thing is barely broken in. Price there deal against new and decide.

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jgayman

· #8 · May 22, 2021

Sefto said:
My personal opinion is that it all comes down to trans axels, of which I've gone through three on one acre with a slight incline. 3xx series uses a K46, same as the 1xx series, and its proven too light duty for my small yard. Not my opinion, but a very expensive fact. Axels are 3/4" on 3xx series vs 1" on the 5xx series K72, and the whole tranny and axels weigh a mere 12 pounds on the 3xx. I had to bump up to a 500 series, not because I wanted to, but because I had to.

The only X500-series models with 1" (front) axles are the ones with power steering. All manual steering models have the same front axle diameter as the X300-series.

As for the rear axles, everything from the original X500 to the newest X590 has the exact same rear axle size.

Speaking of rear axles, those beefy looking rear hubs on the X500-series are mainly for show. That hub with the fancy lug bolts is driven from the smooth transaxle shaft by a single square key, just like the 100-series machines. Disappointing, eh?

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Hydrocephalic

Discussion Starter · #9 · May 22, 2021

Thanks for all the feedback. I pulled the trigger on the Deere and am quite happy with the choice!

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Sefto

· #10 · May 23, 2021

jgayman said:
The only X500-series models with 1" (front) axles are the ones with power steering. All manual steering models have the same front axle diameter as the X300-series.

As for the rear axles, everything from the original X500 to the newest X590 has the exact same rear axle size.

Speaking of rear axles, those beefy looking rear hubs on the X500-series are mainly for show. That hub with the fancy lug bolts is driven from the smooth transaxle shaft by a single square key, just like the 100-series machines. Disappointing, eh?

View attachment 788214

My mistake. I was speaking about transaxels and should have been more specific in my second sentence. TRANSAxels are 3/4" on 3xx series vs 1" on the 5xx series K72.

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jgayman

· #11 · May 23, 2021

Sefto said:
My mistake. I was speaking about transaxels and should have been more specific in my second sentence. TRANSAxels are 3/4" on 3xx series vs 1" on the 5xx series K72.

Not all X3xx-series have 3/4-inch rear axles. True, the K46 has a 3/4-inch axle but on some models like the X380 and X390 they use a K58 transaxle which has a 1-inch axle.

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