Yes, Beddy. The x330 and the x350 are the two I had in mind. From everything I have read they both will serve beyond my needs but are know to last a decade plus...which is my biggest desire.I'm assuming you are looking at the x300series, there are a broad range of options in that line up, all of which would be fine for .5 acres. Unless you are against a zero turn, I would highly suggest checking out a toro time cutter. A zero turn would greatly reduce your mowing time, especially if you are going to mow 2-3 times per week.
I hear you, Bert. Appreciate the reply. I always go for the larger price tag (within reason and needs, of course) if I know the product will last. I'd rather pay more up front knowing it will last over two life cycles of the less expensive models.The articulated riders are a real hoot and worth a look at being an out front mower you can put them almost everywhere that the Honda went .
I have a thing against the Time Cutters being that way too many seem to come into the shop with a failed brake module and that automatic electric brake seems to cause the owners a lot of grief to get used to .
Apart from that well built and should last for decades
For small yards I point people towards the small EZ series Deeres .
Apart from them there is nothing I could honestly recommend under $ 5000 .
Everything is definately build down to a price and it starts to show the day warranty expires.
I believe you are doing the right thing by looking at the x series in a garden tractor. Now back to the zero turns. If for say you had a budget of $5500, that then opens the door to a ton of options. Imho, at that price point on a 1/2 acre, you could get into a machine that should very easily last you 10+years if property maintained, and that is being conservative. I'm not trying to seem like a zero turn fanboy, I only suggest that route if you are going to be strictly mowing with the machine, and if saving time is important. These days all the major ztr manufacturers make a pretty good machine, I would suggest going to the dealers that are near you look at, sit on, drive..etc. Once you start researching you will find that with some brands you can get more for your money vs others, like bigger transmissions, better seat, deck, and various options. I actually farm for a living and wr run all jd equipment, we have a great relationship with our local dealership, but I can tell you that in a ztr you can get much more for your money with other makes. Sometimes you end up paying a premium for the green paint. Now, it is my believe that jd does have the best garden tractor, simplicity also makes a good one, but I would take the x series over a simplicity in a comparable model any day. Do you have many lawnmower dealers near you?I hear you, Bert. Appreciate the reply. I always go for the larger price tag (within reason and needs, of course) if I know the product will last. I'd rather pay more up front knowing it will last over two life cycles of the less expensive models.
The S series of Jon Deere, at least from the 100-400, have sounded like they give out after 3-5 years. That's why I went looking into higher models from them. I'd be more than happy to hear suggestions of riders in the 5 grand territory, provided they do have the track record of ave life span of a decade or more.
Thanks again for the help!
Best,
Jay
Sorry for the delay in response, Beddy. Been busy here the past couple days.I believe you are doing the right thing by looking at the x series in a garden tractor. Now back to the zero turns. If for say you had a budget of $5500, that then opens the door to a ton of options. Imho, at that price point on a 1/2 acre, you could get into a machine that should very easily last you 10+years if property maintained, and that is being conservative. I'm not trying to seem like a zero turn fanboy, I only suggest that route if you are going to be strictly mowing with the machine, and if saving time is important. These days all the major ztr manufacturers make a pretty good machine, I would suggest going to the dealers that are near you look at, sit on, drive..etc. Once you start researching you will find that with some brands you can get more for your money vs others, like bigger transmissions, better seat, deck, and various options. I actually farm for a living and wr run all jd equipment, we have a great relationship with our local dealership, but I can tell you that in a ztr you can get much more for your money with other makes. Sometimes you end up paying a premium for the green paint. Now, it is my believe that jd does have the best garden tractor, simplicity also makes a good one, but I would take the x series over a simplicity in a comparable model any day. Do you have many lawnmower dealers near you?