Lawn Tractors

MS3DALE · July 1, 2008

Hey guys,I just special ordered a John Deere X304 "4-WHEEL STEER" lawn tractor with a front brush guard and mulching blade attachment.

Anyone else have one?...and what are the pros and cons of it?

Controller · July 1, 2008

What deck did you get? I'm assuming the 48C. I have the LX 280. Very dependable, good running but what I don't like is I use the mulching kit because I don't like a lot of grass laying on top of the lawn when I'm done and this will leave a trial of cut grass on the discharge side of the mower that sometimes requires me to go over the trails twice so it don't look so crappy.

Maybe they all do this with the mulching attachment but it really aggravates me.

98silvz71 · July 1, 2008

No we don't order/buy the fancy lawn tractors. We have a JD L118 Special Edition. Basically it was a low end L110 with a V-Twin under the hood and a standard 42" deck. What a piece except for the engine. B&S 20HP V-Twin, E3 plugs, new air filter, oil filter and oil every start of the season and every 50-60 hrs. I had to drill holes in the hood to secure the support brackets, have to fix the hinge for the hood about every 2 weeks, the deck is lopsided and I can't seem to get it level no matter what I do. The spindles have been replaced twice and the throttle came apart. I love and hate this mower but I can't justify getting rid of it yet. Its only an 04.

MS3DALE · July 1, 2008

Sorry guys,I should have given some more specs...It has the "42X" 42" deck and a 17hp Kawasaki V-twin engine.

I didn't want an "L" series because I didn't want a B&S engine,Plus I wanted the 4-wheel steering to go around all the trees/shrubs I have.

MS3DALE · July 1, 2008

What deck did you get? I'm assuming the 48C. I have the LX 280. Very dependable, good running but what I don't like is I use the mulching kit because I don't like a lot of grass laying on top of the lawn when I'm done and this will leave a trial of cut grass on the discharge side of the mower that sometimes requires me to go over the trails twice so it don't look so crappy.

Maybe they all do this with the mulching attachment but it really aggravates me.

Bob,Are you saying that with the mulching attachment I'll have to go over the lawn twice?....Hell this is why I'm getting it,So "I DON'T" have to go over it twice!

Controller · July 1, 2008

I agree with the B&S engine, I have the 18 hp kawasaki and it is sooo smooth.

dsmazz · July 1, 2008

Rich - The X304 is a great tractor. It is a lawn tractor, not a garden tractor, however. And as such, is not designed for heavy use such as pulling or ground engaging operation. For mowing the lawn, it does an excellent job. A guy at work just bought one and really likes it. The turning radius is quite tight on the X304.

The transmission, though, is not serviceable. No filter, no drain, no serviceable parts available. That's probably the down side. As long as you don't push the unit outside of its intended use, it should not be an issue.

I recently bought an X540, but my entire property is on a slope and I needed the locking differential, plus I wanted liquid cooling and a 54" deck.

Post some pics when you get it.

MS3DALE · July 1, 2008

Thanks Mazz,I should be alright with it,I won't "overwork" it,I just need the best,top quality lawn tractor out there with a tight turning radius and I didn't want a "Z-Turn" mower (Don't like the way they look!)

I did read about the trans. being "non-serviceable" I'm not worried about it though,Not with the warranty it has (4 year/300hr)

Plus I have a buddy that worked for the dealer I'm buying it from,and all the guys over there are pretty cool,so I'm sure if I have any major issues they will help me out!!

BTW...Why didn't you go with the X534 with 4-wheel-steer?

dsmazz · July 1, 2008

BTW...Why didn't you go with the X534 with 4-wheel-steer?

Don't need 4-wheel steer, plus I wanted liquid cooling. The X534 is air-cooled. Also, with 4-wheel steer, you have to modify the setup to run chains for winter chores.

MS3DALE · July 1, 2008

BTW...Why didn't you go with the X534 with 4-wheel-steer?

Don't need 4-wheel steer, plus I wanted liquid cooling. The X534 is air-cooled. Also, with 4-wheel steer, you have to modify the setup to run chains for winter chores.

OK,I didn't notice the X534 wasn't liquid cooled,I need the 4WS to go around all the damn small trees/shrubs I have!!

And mine won't move in the wintertime,It'll be in a heated garage (Hell my truck don't even sit in a heated garage!!!)

Jackson · July 1, 2008

I use this when I have a big job otherwise I have an old JD 15sb walk behind with a Kawasaki engine. still running strong from circa '91.

dad picked this 72" deck behmoth at an auction for the 3 acres of grass he has to cut on our farm. it runs on diesel.

Chestah · July 1, 2008

That reminds me alot of the highway median mower I used to use.

Controller · July 1, 2008

.

Bob,Are you saying that with the mulching attachment I'll have to go over the lawn twice?....Hell this is why I'm getting it,So "I DON'T" have to go over it twice!

If the grass gets too long, and by that I mean if I have to cut off 3" or more it will leave a trail of cut grass. If I keep up on the grass cutting then its not a issue. I mow quite high as well, my grass is about 3.5" after mowing, it stays nice and green that way and also crowds out any weeds.

Jackson · July 1, 2008

That reminds me alot of the highway median mower I used to use.

I take full advantage of the cup holder and use the tool box right next to it to hold mah beer.

MS3DALE · July 2, 2008

If the grass gets too long, and by that I mean if I have to cut off 3" or more it will leave a trail of cut grass. If I keep up on the grass cutting then its not a issue. I mow quite high as well, my grass is about 3.5" after mowing, it stays nice and green that way and also crowds out any weeds.

OK Thanks Bob,I'll be alright then...My grass is kept short at about 1-1/2" and done at least once a week,if not twice!!