Which Older John Deere Garden Tractors Should You Spend Big Money On?
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- Опубліковано 12 чер 2024
- As a very belated follow up to a video I put out a year ago, here's a few tractors I would recommend if you're wanting to buy good quality garden tractors, but save more over buying new. Most of the tractors in here would be $7000-10000 today and some over even $15000. However, this is a very general list of the ones I've familiar with. Certainly this is an overall opinion piece and folks will have different opinions on which are best or worth the money. Special thanks to Luke's John Deere Garage and VGI for allowing me to use several of the photos.
I have a JD 425, all-wheel steer, with a 60" deck - bought new in 1993 by my mom. Still running strong with a 20 HP Kawasaki motor, hydrostatic drive. I have had some needed repairs like head gaskets, water pump, gear case on the mower deck, and numerous minor fixes as needed. We have used this constantly during this whole 30+ years, for mowing about 2-4 acres regularly each season, never in the winter for snow. And I have used it a little for some hired work, mowing stuff that was 3-4' high at times. What a beast! I intend to fix and use this forever if possible. It was around $13,000 new, in 1993! Keep your machine greased, lubed, oiled, and maintained - it will reward you!
That is a great story, but not surprised at all. Yep agreed, regular and good maintenance keeps all my more pricey investments going strong. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for all the info!! Great videos
Thanks Gabe, but this was just general info. If you have specific questions or a need for particular information, don't hesitate to reach out to me via email or phone/text. Thanks for watching.
Just helped my brother restore his newly purchased 425. Things a tank! Great machine. Our grandfather had one back in the day. Brother just got his and I'll be getting one this year as well. Zero turns aren't all they're cracked up to be. Great vid!
I apologize, I missed your comment. Some definitely need a little TLC when you get them, but they are certainly long-term investments. Thanks for watching.
both have there places, but the zero turns cannor be beat for mowingtime
I have two 80s 400s that I need to fix up, one has front loader and backhoe
Wow, that's awesome, you own a unicorn man, a 400 TLB!! Cool tractor, one of my and Luke's friends in our area found one a few years ago for $400, was (and still is) in rough shape. Thanks for watching.
Too bad you didn’t mention the JD 400.
I also have two 400s with most available attachments.
2x snowblowers, 1x 20Loader, 1x cab, 1x 60”deck, 1x rototiller, 1x 4way plow, 2x three-point-hitch, 2x rear PTO gear case, 2x set wheel weights, 1x sleeve hitch with 6x 42lb weights.
Very versatile and reliable tractors, big power for its size.
Oh, the series of John Deere tractors that are sold at Lowe’s and Home Depot are just the entry-level series and you can get them from your John Deere dealer as well. They are usually the D’s or is or S series 100 lawn tractors. They are usually a lineup that includes one of the “garden tractors“, which is really a lawn tractor with larger rear tires, and maybe fender handles. They are not made any less well because they are distributed through Home Depot and Lowe’s. They are just the entry model lineup. One can purchase from a John Deere dealership. I think Ellen might or might not save money because they are certainly quite expensive for what they are at the two big box stores.
Yes, you are right generally speaking. They are still American built and all, but not made with the quality materials the upper price point have established. So not made less well on a craftsmanship standard, but made less well based on the fact that the actual unit itself doesn't have the beefy components to like more expensive John Deere. I think also, until about 20-25 years ago, John Deere didn't make an econo line, or at least their econo line was not really an econo line. They've always had cheaper and more expensive tractors, but even their cheap ones used to be far more expensive compared to more "everyday" brands. When I bought my first JD, a GT235, it was $4900, Home Depot also had a G100 for $4300. It had a bigger engine and deck, but was cheaper. There was a reason for that. The components in the GT are simply better than the G series. Thanks for watching.
Great video keep them coming
Thanks David, not sure how I missed this video way back, but thank you for watching.
Thanks for sharing 👍 I really enjoyed your video 😊
You're welcome and thanks for watching.
The 400 is an awesome machine also.
I run a loader off the onboard hydraulics. Works well.
I believe you can also with thr 420-430s.
Yep, that tractor is a beast for sure. Very capable machine, thanks for watching.
I picked up my first JD, a 2004 GX255 with 500 hr two years ago for $2500. Has power steering, posi-traction, 54" deck and the 20HP Kawasaki engine. Power steering is amazing after 40 years of mowing without it. Modded it with a 455 suspension seat to improve the ride on my lumpy lawn and forward/backward switch mod. Put in a new drive belt recently and a couple other odds and ends, but I couldn't be more pleased so far.
Yes sir, those are great tractors, haven't owned one yet, but any of the GX have been great tractors. Thanks for watching.
I have a Gt242. In my opinion it is kind of in between the box store and dealer John Deere garden tractors. It's a 14hp Kawi, 6 speed manual ( last manual JD made I think)manual steering and lift. They have a fabricated steel front axle as opposed to a cast iron one. I believe the decks are higher quality. All in all it's been a good tractor that I've had for about 6 years. The worst part on it it the super brittle plastic hood that likes to Crack if you look at it the wrong way.
Yes, you aren't the only one that has the hood issue, back in the 90's and even 2000's, the hoods were terrible on Deere, absolute worst. And yeah a steel axle, not as good as a cast iron. I like your description of in between, seems like the S240's of today. And I am happy with my hydrostatic tractors for sure. I did have one gear operated one once, a little tiny John Deere 100. I even have a short video with my 1 year old on the thing driving it...well not really, but sort of. Thanks for watching Chris.
Found a GT275 to backup my L120 to care for property. WoW...the difference in quality of the two is indescribable.
I am guessing you have found the GT275 to be a bit more heavy duty than the L120. To be fair, the GT is a garden tractor and the L is a lawn tractor. Meaning even though the X300 and X500 are on the same quality level, the X500 is more build for heavier duty jobs. Good luck in keeping them both running well for long into the future. Thanks for watching.
Really informative video! Outlines the most heavy duty models really well. I strongly believe buyers should seek out a GT/GX tractor before getting anything from Home Depot or Lowe's. They are solid and don't always require "big money" like a 420/430 might. Great pictures! 😀
Yes, I agree, the GT/GX are great mowers and can also handle tillers and other such things. These are still relatively new and very heavy duty and priced right. And yes those pics were very nice from a follow UA-camr, who also delivered them very quickly. Thanks for watching as always Luke.
LOL why do you mention Home Depot and Lowes? The dealers sell the SAME EXACT Tractors! If they were not the same there would be lawsuits a mile high in EVERY city! You people crack me up!
@@JEFFQUICKLE9 Glad I could provide you with some humor today. You definitely need it.
I have owned a very nice 425 (96 model) since 2002, and it’s been a solid machine. I did the steel cam upgrade last year- it’s not a big deal. Have installed a lot of new replacements over the years (muffler, hood, side panels, water pump, etc.) but it’s ok, because I don’t know what could replace it in new tractors.
Well, you could get a X734, but your repairs were literally pennies on the dollar for what you'd spend on a new X734. They are crazy $$! The 425 is a good tractor for sure. Thanks for watching.
@@FloridaDeere To be honest, if I ever need another small tractor, I probably would get a BX Kubota
@@klausswartz3369 😯😧😮🤷♂😭You are hurting me man🤣. They are nice too though, just not as nice as the Green and Yellow.
I want a 4x5 Model JD real bad. I love the look and style of them. Someday I'll have one.
Yes, I agree, they are certainly cool looking, I just found a X485, my first X series and it's cool, but doesn't have the cool squared off look like the 4X5 series. Keep you eyes open and be patient and I'm sure you'll find one soon enough. Thanks for watching.
@@FloridaDeere I'm only 25 current so I grew up seeing these brand new and have been amazed with how they look. I think one of these for me will be a grail machine lol
@@iowafox2206 I loved my 445 and even had a 425AWS as well, both were cool. Prices are all over the place, but deals can be had. I'd be looking for a 445 or 455, EFI gas or diesel would be awesome.
some GT 225' s had abriggs engine , i and two friends bought new . two still running and the third had cylender head peoblems fron a mouse nest built around cylinder over the winter
I have a JD 332 with front loader, three paint and mower deck. Its a beast.
Yes, not exactly the same as my 322's but similar and I'd love to find a loader someday, but I probably couldn't afford one the prices have been. That's awesome.
Interesting video, good job! You didn't mention the 425 in the 400 series; is it basically the same as the other 400's?.
Thanks, but it was mentioned in the 4X5 series section around the 8:30-10:30 mark in the video. I even pictured one of mine in there👍👍. And thanks for watching.
I have a 1996 jd 345. Had plastic camshaft gear that broke after 1,400 hours. But other than that. Love it
Yeah, that was a weird idea, plastic camshafts and I think oil pumps or something else they made from plastic that seemed like a bad idea. But I believe they "fixed" that situation around 1998. Thanks for watching.
Nice job with the video.
There was also a 314 with hydraulic lift and hydro transaxle, manual steering. I bought it for just $400, came with 46 inch mower deck and a grass catcher that will need some repairs.
One thing that really surprised me was how much sharper the 314 can turn compared to my trusty old 212.
So I know the 314 is shaft driven and hydrostatic. I know the 200 series was belt driven, were they also gear drive or hydro too? I have no experience with the 200 series. They are of course excellent tractors too, I've just never owned one. Thanks for watching.
@@FloridaDeere the 200 series was gear not hydro, and they also made a 312 and a 300
@@tractorcounty7522 Yeah, I have no experience with the 200 because of that reason, they were belt driven and also gear, which I never much cared for. Having said that, I know they are really good tractors too. Yes to the 300 and 312, I have owned them as well. Thanks for watching.
How about a video on riging up a tiller? Or other attachments. Thanks!
I think I have several videos on tiller hook-ups, both the 30" hydraulic tiller for the 322 and the 42" hydraulic tiller for the 445. You may have to search by playlist for 4X5 series tractors and 322 playlist. Thanks for watching.
Sometimes, i think about finding one of these and doing some rehabbing. Unfortunately, i think i need my 430 too much to have it laying around the shed in pieces.
Yeah, that's always the issue, that's why I have a couple of tractors I guess. I always figure I'll have at least one that can mow and drive🤣. I now use my mowers all year round, not really for mowing for for leaf pick up, so I always need one available with a mower deck. But if you have just one tractor...like regular normal people, well then, your options are limited. Thanks again for watching.
I had a GX 255 tractor it was like a hybrid between the 2 and 3 series pretty good machine
Yeah, they are cool too, I never understood Deere's concept about the GX255, it's like they felt there wasn't enough of a garden tractor buffet already, weird. They would definitely be on my recommended list. Thanks for watching.
@@FloridaDeere i think at the time i bought it for that rear locker
@@privateer9181 Yes, that is one thing I didn't have with the GT, which is a good feature.
I use to own a 316 with a single cylinder engine and a 46 inch deck. Sold it and bought an x720 Ultimate with a 54 inch deck. Kept it 12 years then downsized to an x590 with a 48 inch deck. John Deere is steps above Cub Cadet. Thanks for the video.
Yeah, you have owned some really nice tractors. Those are certainly some of the best on the market in their respective times. Thanks for watching.
I've been restoring a 2000 gt235 with an 18hp briggs vanguard on it. They used both the kawasaki and the briggs. But they stopped using the briggs in 2003
Yep, true, both were equally good motors, I've had both motors in some that I've had, I had a GT235 with the Kaw for my very first John Deere bought brand new and I've owned a few second or third hand ones that had a Vanguard. They ran very simialr to each other. Thanks for watching.
I have 2 gt 262 with the 6 speed and a 325 those 262 have been worth their weight in gold over the years the 325 has been kinda problematic as of late but still been decent although all that being said last year I mowed with a wheel horse 417-8 that I drug out of the barn to get goin and that even worked well after some tinkering 😅
How familiar are you with the older zero turn mowers that were 3 wheeled { did not use hydraulics for turning} , used a steering wheel and were front cut...like the DEERE F525 or ZIPPER or YAZOO mowers ? Do you know much about them and if so, which one do you feel is the best version ? Ty
I stay away from the Devil's creations, things like zero turn's, LOL, just kidding, but not really. I'm a tractor guy, 100% purist, so I know next to nothing about them. Just kidding about the Devil's creation...I think. I love my old school tractors, but no doubt, if all you ever do is mow, I could certainly understand getting a zero turn. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful on this one.
My 1993 445 is certainly a great acreage tractor. Has 1700 hours on it. Starting to need repair. Cam gear and power steering cylinder. Can be pricey. Have to decide how much I am prepared to put into it.
The cam gear is a bummer to have to replace, not terribly hard, just Kawasaki and John Deere thinking a plastic cam gear was a good idea and then us having to pay for it. The steering cylinder, well, those are definitely issues that are regular maintenance if very rare to have to replace. I guess it's part of the deal having a tractor with PS and many other hydraulic options. I don't know your situation, but moving to something different woudl probably be a letdown, the 445 is a beast and very capable. Thanks for watching.
I was expecting to see the LX series in the video. I have a LX188 but im thinking of selling and getting a 322.
Yes, I would like to do more videos on all these older ones, including the LT/LX and GT/GX tractors. All good quality stuff, but time is always a constraint. I think the LX188 has pedal hydrostatic which is really nice, the 322 is a great tractor, had two, still have one, but the hand control hydro is a little less desirable in my opinion, still a great tractor though. Thanks for watching.
262, 265, gt275 all great models aswell. All 3 were pretty much the same except 262 gear drive, 265 hydro on the fender, gt275 foot feed hydro. All had the Kawasaki 17hp single.
Yes they are good too, I haven't yet owned one. I did not know the GT275 came with foot pedal drive. I will have to be on the lookout for one someday. Thanks for watching.
Thank you for great information video. Help me out please, thinking of buying 445 tractor, they ask $3000, around 500 hrs, 54 inch deck, not sure of the year and if plastic or metal cam. Is this a good deal?
Sorry about not seeing this comment when you sent it, I hope you got the information you needed. The switch over to steel was done sometime in the middle of the 1998 model year if I'm not mistaken. Thanks again for watching.
Does the 425 and the 445 require an auxiliary hydraulic pump to run the tiller shown in the video or will the on board hydraulics work well enough.?
The 4X5 series does require a hydraulic pump that mounts on the belly and it driven by the mid-PTO. The flow rate is not nearly fast enough to drive a hydraulic tiller. One of my old, very old videos goes over what's involved with installing the hydro pump for that set-up. I hope that helps. Thanks for watching.
Bought my daughter a used GX345 for for her 1st mower with 1200 hours on it. You'll usually spend 400-800 in repairs on such a machine, but you come out with a heavy-duty machine that will last a long long time. I bought a used X485 for myself with 1100 hours on it. Did some repairs on that one, but made it into a great machine. Let someone else buy them new, buying used is a good way to go.
Yes for sure, there are many that have been poorly treated, but plenty with some TLC can go a long way and are fun and pleasent to drive and work with. Those two you mentioned are great examples, I have owned both as flippers and each time, I had wondered, should I keep this one? New is so pricey at the moment, used is the way to go. Thanks for watching.
@@FloridaDeere Thanks! I think another thing that should be mentioned is resale value as well. I bought a used 2008 X720 with 387 hours on it for $5,250 right before the 2013 mowing season began. I still have it and use it. Seemed like big money for a used mower back then, (it was my 1st Deere, I have a fleet of them now) but it's practically worth the same as what I paid for it over 10 years ago.
@@machone7580 Yes, that is very true, they do hold their value well and parts are still available, which between the two, helps owners keep them.
Will 300 tiller attachments fit a 400?
the holly grail the 455? They are awesome! Absolute beast! Love it!
The only tillers that will work on a 455 are teh 42" hydraulic tiller and the bascially any 42-48" mechanical tiller with a 540PTO. The 300 series and 400 series do share tiller opinions bu tnot with the John Deere 400 itself. The ones that share with the 300 series are the 420 and 430. I hope that helps you.
@@FloridaDeere yes very much. I just love my 455, 400 needs work has 3 point shredder. Would love a tiller and pto for my 455! Thank you!
I would like to buy one with a tiller and plows. How would I find them? I have a Sears 18 hp Onan with plows 48 deck front blade.
I find most of my stuff through either Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, but sometimes through the "network" of folks I have come to know over the years I have been into this cult..er, I mean hobby🤣🤣. However, if it's not Green and Yellow, it will always be harder to find. The Deere Club is just so much larger than any other collection of garden tractor folsk and equipment. Not being a homer, I've had some other equipment, but nothing compares to the dealer networks and the shear level of used parts you can find on these sites, along with eBay as well as the other two. Thanks for watching. David.
Wish you would have kinda gave a price range for each series giving us an idea of want would be a decent buy for a decent condition.
Well, that would be difficult to do simply because prices or value will vary greatly from one market in the country to the next. And condition is also pretty fluid. However, I am willing to help research and determine each potential purchase on a case by case sitaution should anyone contact me directly for my help. The GT/GX should go anywhere from $1000 to $3000 or more in good shape. 4X5 series are the best for teh money, expect $2000-5000, again, just depends on area. And the 300 and 400 series tractors will vary greatly as well because they are the oldest, maybe $1500 to $4000 for good ones and more if they have certain attachments. I mean it's kind of like pricing real estate, which is my main job. There are just many factors with each purchase. But seriously, if one comes up and you want a second opinion, text or email me and I'll see if I can help. Thanks for watching.
Can someone please help me what do you look for when buying a johndeere 318 tractor
Sure, see if the engines smokes, Onans are good, but do have some age on them. See if the hydraulic couplers are frozen, any leaks, see if it has a belly screen. I prefer the electronic ignition ones over the ones with points. Another guy to check with is Kyle, he runs the Mrrbeef UA-cam channel. He is a wealth of information on the 300 and 400 series tractors. Thanks for watching, I hope that helps.
The 400 itself should have made your list 1975-1983. A lot of features were initially on the 400 first…
Totally agree, but I did mention in the description that this list was limited to ones I've had experience with. And I haven't had a 400 yet and since it's a bit of a red-headed step child, I've always passed on them. And you know what I mean by that, they can only use 400 attachments, nothing else as best I know, so they can be difficult to outfit. That aside they are every bit as useful and reliable as the ones mentioned. Thanks for watching.
1987 332 with 2100 hrs.
That is a good tractor my friend, but you don't need me to tell you that. Thanks for watching.
What about the 317?
I know, I know AJ, you could certainly throw in the 317 and it's related series as well. Of course, those units are becoming long in the tooth. A little harder to find and generally not quite as good as the newer 300 series. Plus with the KT17 in the 317, it could be problematic with folks on inclines in addition to it being older. Thanks for watching.
@@FloridaDeere I recently got my hands on a 317 with a KT17 series 1 engine, the starter motor is faulty but the rest looks to be in good shape.
You were missing one mower in the 300 series the 317
Yeah, I definitely could have covered more of the early 300 series tractors, will have to eventually shoot another video covering them if I happen upon another one some day. Thanks for watching.
I wish there was more info on an FD750D swap in a JD 425.
Yeah, Unfortunately, I don't have any experience there...at least not yet. Thanks for watching.
Give me an update on your minty 425 or X740 purchase. The X740 is very nice, what deck does it have on it? I wasn't able to reply directly to that post for some reason. I'm happy to know some of the videos helped. Thanks again for watching.
@@FloridaDeere I haven't reached out to the sellers yet for details but your stump grinder and 445 lifting videos were inspirational. A stock 425 wouldn't be happy so if I get one I'll likely try an FD750D swap. The X740 is my 1st choice but I'm holding my breath she doesn't sell before payday. She should just need a PTO and 3 pt to run the chipper and flail mower I have in mind.
@@feetpiece_704 Yeah, the way it works out the X740 has a larger and more powerful engine than my 1023E even has and the 1023 runs all that stuff just fine. If anything, these SuperGT's were overpowered not underpowered. And it is a little funny though, those 425 and 445 engines were pretty small in comparison to all the other engines they ran in tractors that size. But they did put out a lot of power for their size.
@@FloridaDeere I missed that 425 but scored an X740 this moonin which turned out to have a 62" deck and ~278hrs. She'd been on marketplace for two months as a "lawnmower" for just over $4K. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around it. She's is so smooth I bumped the PTO off with my knee and didn't notice until I turned around.
You were 100% correct about older JD's versus new box store mowers - I owe ya a bottle for the knowledge 👍
455 Diesel
That is definitely one of my favorites if not my favorite, love the 4X5 series and love the Yanmar. Thanks for watching.
I appreciate your follow up video. I was expecting you to talk about the X series and the D series. Are those to come, or are they not worthy restoration projects? Thanks.
So, the D series or anything from HD or Lowes, I would not recommend. I can't say you won't get good service out of the D, E, L, LA, etc, but they are what I would call low-rent, price point machines delivered to folks that want a John Deere but are unwilling to pay what a John Deere truly costs. They are consumer products, not capital goods....IMHO😂. Many folks will or may have a strong opinion about that but I am actually working on a video about the difference. The X series, are good. The X300 replaced the LT and LX series basically and the X500 replaced the GT and GX series essentially. And the X700 is your current 420, 445 and early X400/500 series. All good tractors. They were not included simply because of their age, they are all relatively new and most can not be had super cheap, other than mayeb the X300 series. But they are Lawn Tractors, not Garden Tractors, another distinction I will cover in a future video. If you found a cheap any of those, they could be a good project for sure. Thanks for watching and I'll have those video out soon.....hopefully...soon being relative of course.😁
@@FloridaDeere Wow. That was great information. I am very appreciative.
@@kentpool7414 You bet Kent, feel free to reach out anytime if you have a question about Deere. Usually if I don't have an answer, I can at least point you in the right direction.
@@FloridaDeere I purchased 12:34 an X300 brand new $3000 about 7 yrs ago and 3 yrs ago a 2003 GT235 about 19 years old. I wouldn't even begin to compare them. The 235 is in a completely different class. The X300 series has a lightweight hydro transaxle (which I replaced eventually), a lighter deck, exploding hood, jinky starter, etc. The X300 engine (Kawasaki) is the best part. The used GT has been solid and is a step up.
@@boooshes Yeah, the X300 is at the bottom of the "good ones" but the GT235 would be more in line with the X570 of today. The GT and X500 series are garden tractors, whereas the X300 is a lawn tractor. All around the garden tractros will have more robust features. The GT235 was my first tractor bought back in 2003, for $4900. Thanks for watching.
Hi sir. I have a JD425. Date of manufacture 0199. Engine is 20hp(617cc) John Deere Engine. Family ID SKA617U1G2RA. Do you know where I can find a cylinder head, push rods, thermostat, intake and exhaust gasket for it. The head that's bad is located on the left side if you're sitting on the tractor. Thanks for any info.
Kelly, you should be able to order all those items from your JD dealer. The only item that you mentioned that “may” be iffy to buy would be the head.
My experience regarding parts through JD for my 425 is nothing but satisfaction. Good luck with your repair.🙏🏻
I apologize for not getting to you sooner, somehow I missed this comment. I'm hoping you found what you need. JD dealer or eBay, and dealer will have the gaskets. I hope that helps and thanks for watching.
Looking at newer x545 x739 x724 etc
You should look at my newest video, I go over the newer models, but just lightly. I may expand on details in a future video where I might cover each series X3, X5 and X7 separately which would allow me to go into great detail on each one. The new video was a 30,000 feet kind of video, sort of like this one. Thanks for watching.
Should I buy a GT 245 54 inch. if the reverse is not working?
Not sure, I mean it's probably a linkage issue and an easy fix, but since it's your money, not mine, I can't give you a solid recommendation. If it goes forward, it should technically go backwards too. I believe the pedals just change the flow of the hydraulic fluid, but I can't say 100% certain. Does the pedal go down at all? Is it stiff? Is it limp, like it's not connected? Thanks for watching, but if you can provide a little more info, I maybe can help.
Honestly, the person that has it doesn’t know anything about mowers. They said it runs good goes forward and cuts. What do you think it’s worth?
@@palmer198921 I think without knowing for sure, I wouldn't want to pay more than a $1000 and that's if everything else is in good shape. It should be an easy fix, but no telling for certain. Let me know what you do.
I bought the mower!! the pedals are froze and that’s why it won’t go into reverse.
@@palmer198921 Okay, if you haven't already, get yourself a can of PB Blaster and soak the joints/point of movement, let them sit and whip out a hammer and lightly tap. We often see this with the feeds into the hydraulic control valves on tractors like the 4X5 and X400/500 and 700 series. Usually one circuit gets well used (mower deck) and the other circuit doesn't and gets stuck shut. Probably changing the fluid won't hurt either. Hopefully that's all it needs.
What about the 300 or 312 or 317?
Yes I could have and maybe should have included those. I think the later 300 series was more sought after, but those are solid tractors and unlike the people wondering why I didn't include a 400, which was because I didn't own one, I don't have that excuse for any of the ones you listed above, as I have owned all three at one time or another. Having said that, it would have been hard to include the 317, at least early ones with their "kohler woes", but the tractor itself was great, if outdated. Thanks for watching and I apologize, I didn't see the comment sooner.
I have one like that, one of my favorite lawn mowers of all time. The hood has cracked and ruined over time.
Yeah, those hoods were junk, but most of the other parts are good. Most of the replacement hoods I believe are made from better material now, if not great material, it does seem to be better. Thanks for watching.
@@FloridaDeere np, happy Easter btw Jesus loves you brother
@@IronsharkGaming4747 Yes sir he does, Amen to that. Happy Easter to you as well.
Chevy Pickup trucks and John Deere Tractors, you cant kill em.
Yeah I used to say that about Ford trucks, but my recent experience with my new Bronco tells me otherwise. But I do agree with the JD for sure. Thanks for watching.
Chevy like Dodges rust out quicker than Fords in Pa. salt I noticed.
@@FloridaDeere New ones not like old reliable Bronks we had in my day. Although old ones rusted out leaving you with a good engine and drive train lol.
@@stevedibiase728 Yes, decks were the most suspectible it seems, but with good care, even those woudl last long in the right conditions. Up north though, the weather was hard on tractors. And all are at risk for neglect over 30-40 years, by different owners. Thanks for watching.
You wouldn't spend "big" money on them today, but the 240/265/285 will all be more stout than the big box store mowers that cost more. Due to their age, hours will be an issue however. They have the same heavy frame as the later 300 series. Get a later 265 or 285; they came with better mower decks. My first 265 had the 42" deck, plenty stout ... except the cast iron spindles were more like the 1980s models, with smaller bearings (I would not regularly want to mow with a 318, for example.)
The 48" deck has large spindles that are greaseable. And it won't warp like cheap decks do and throw blades. And as great as the manual steering is on all these, they depend on a center axle pin which will wear closer to 1000 hrs and cost a minimum of $60 to buy ... and it still won't bring back tight steering necessarily.
I like my 265 for the old and rough yards I need to mow. Cheap enough that I won't cry if I break it, stout enough to tackle hard yards and such. My first I spent $400 but didn't keep it long (1200 hrs, and after spending many hours replacing the spindle bearings myself I sold it.) My second 265 was $600 (900 hrs) and well worth it. I pay about $60/yr to the local welder to fix something I broke on the deck from running over random yard hazards.
Yes, those are great tractors too, I just don't have personal experience with them. I liked the newer belt driven tractors, the GT and GX for their pedal hydro and the older 300/400 series shaft driven tractors. But you are very right about the older decks and spindles. While they are decent, I think not only the spindles are better/more serviceable, but the deck designs for shedding grass and better cut quality started to really change. On my 322, I have a 48" replacement deck and I'd say it's easily better than the 46" and 50" as well. Of couorse, with the greaseable zerks and just simply better cut quality. Thanks for watching.
@@FloridaDeereinteresting to compare the belt-driven tractors with their shaft-driven siblings. What's your take?
I almost kicked myself for getting myself a GX355 without knowing about the old 300's with a Class 0 hitch and PTO.
I saw one listed after I had bought my 355 and researched it, because it looked straight down my alley.
The larger tractors would have been way too much for my 1-acre plot.
@@daszieher The GX355 is an excellent tractor. Also very rare. The belt drives are the simpler very relaible alternative to big money tractors. They are much better ergonomically than an older 300 series tractor because of the pedal operated hydro over the hand control. However, they are limited to mowing, snow blowing, some dirt work and tilling with smaller tillers, like a 30" and a 42", which is actually all one would need for most homeowner chores. Where the shaft drive ones shine is their versatility. With rear PTO's adn 3 point hitches and even loaders, these 300 and 400 series and newer 4X5 and newer super GT's are basically like mini farm or utility tractors. Usually more capability than most of us will ever use them for. I like them all. It sounds like you should keep your GX355 and start saving for your "backup" tractor. Just my $.02😂. And thanks for watching.
@@FloridaDeere thank you for your take on this! I am slowly but surely becoming at ease with the thought that mowing and perhaps tilling is all that I really need to do with my own tools on a regular basis (it doesn't snow much around here). I can rent the other stuff.
Don't get me wrong, I am so happy that I went for this tractor rather than buying a brand new big box store version for slightly less than what I spent. (My "significant other" was about to declare me insane for spending "that much on a 20-year-old tractor" until her brother caught wind of the deal and congratulated me for the "steal deal" 😄
@@daszieher HAHA, if only people knew about the level of quality and capability of these tractors... They are great and while not maintenance free, will provide many years of good service and you will enjoy using them while you do it. People don't understand hydraulics and power steering and how nice they make these tractors.
what about the 200 series garden tractor. I have a 1989 John Deere 240 that is still running strong. i put about 50 hours a year on it. the 14 hp kawasaki uses no oil between oil changes. You can not find a heavy duty tractor anymore with a 38 0r 42 inch deck. I am looking at the JD x320 or x324 for my next tractor. The only downside is a 48'' deck. I need a 38'' or 42'' max.
I only wanted to cover the ones I was familiar with and unfortunately I am not familiar with the 200 series. I do know they are good, reliable units but I've never owned one, so don't have any personal experience. And I do agree with you, the issue with how these tractors are set up is kind of messed up. The more heavy duty you go, the larger deck they give you, so it's hard to find a good heavy duty tractor with smaller decks. Thanks for watching.
I have a 1990 jd 265
I bought off Facebook marketplace
I don't have experience with those, but they are supposed to be high quality units as well. How is your experience? Thanks for watching.
Well the only four things I had to do to it was get a new carburetor a throttle cable, tail, light, and gas cap now it runs like a brand new machine
I have a 1982 john deere 317
Now did that one come with either the Onan or the Full Pressure Lube Kohler, being a late model 317? I know the earlier ones had some issue with the KT17 if you lived or operated on hilly terrain. I know otherwise the tractors were solid. Thanks for watching.
@@FloridaDeere it has the kohler KT 17hp
I have been working on it a little still haven't got it fully fixed yet.
What’s with the toilet in a box?
I was gonna say you're killing me, people ask those questions and then I feel I need to watch the whole video, but there it was at the beginning🤣🤣. At the time of the making of this video, I was remodeling my master bath and wanted a new toilet. I would highly recommend that toilet, it has been a fantastic flusher if I say so myself. Not once has it backed up or splashed out waste product. See this is not just a tractor channel, you can get home improvement tips here too😉. Thanks for watching.
Seriously. I’ve never owned a riding mower and just bought a cottage with an acre of land, all grass. I typically buy used and want a heavy duty model, so I’m looking at x350. Have you heard anything bad other than the seat is poorly made?
@@RomSaw-je6oz The X300 series is a good lawn mower, won't do a lot else super good, but should cut grass really nicely for many years. Thanks for watching.
Is an old 317 worth $100?
Probably in almost every case yes, I mean $100 is very little money, worse case scenario, there is well over $100 of parts on any machine like that. If it runs and mows, easily worth that no matter what. The hydraulic pumps on them alone go for $150-200 and up. There are also many other parts that sell for decent money as well. But if you're not into that, then mayeb you pass and look for something more turn-key. Thanks for watching Matt.
The 317 was a good tractor..but the first series kohler kt17 was notorious for seizing from oil starvation..a kt17 series2 or the onan motor were great tractors
@@stephenpowell5773 True, but apparently if you didn't have much slope to your yard, the Series 1 wasn't bad, still many of them around. But yes, a little slope and they got starved and ended up as boat anchors and made a temporary bad name for John Deere. Thanks for watching.
X540
Those are good too, sort of the new version of a GX345, but I've never owned one, so on that basis only, it was left out. Thanks for watching and I apologize I didn't see the comment until now.
People might have already said this but why didn’t you include the John Deere 400 for the 400 series?
Yes and easy, I simply went over the ones I have owned. Sure the 400 would certainly fit in this group, but I don't have any personal experience with one so I didn't mention it. Having said that, it was a bit of a red-headed step child in reference to it's ability to interchange attachments and spare parts. So while the unit is great by itself, it does suffer as a "by-itself" kind of beast as parts are not as readily available as many of the others on the list. But that is not why it was excluded. In fact, I'd like to say it wasn't "excluded", it just wasn't "included" if that makes any sense. If I ever own one, I will give it some love in a video for sure. Thanks for watching.
@@FloridaDeere Thanks for the information, I’m planning on buying one and needed it. Another reason why parts are hard to get for them is because their parts were specifically made for them (Or so I’m told.)
@@ThatMowerMan Yes sir, that was my reference to the red headed step child, 400 parts can only be sourced from other 400's, same with attachments. Unlike say a 420, of which many parts are the same as a 318 or 322 or even a 316. Although to be fair many of those parts are specific to each model, I believe there is no compatiability with 400's on anything. Good luck and let me know how it goes.
Those aren’t old. My 1989 JD 170 still jugs along just fine.
All relative my friend all relative, I mean I still have a 1971 140, so it will be up for sale as soon as I replace the engine with another K321. Thanks for watching.
I wou
Can’t find a deer 445 for less than $3,000
Every market is different for sure, they are hard to find, but if you are searching religiously and are patient, decent examples can be found. At under $3K, they will be few and far between. I have picked up a 445, 425AWS and a 455AWS, for $2800, $1300 and $1900 respectively, but they were rare examples and all needed a little TLC, but not much...under $500 worth. Thanks for watching and good luck in hunting Deere.😉
I would take the first run of the Craftsman Turn Tight Series T240 T260 T310 2019 to 2021 over any deere and costs only $3,000 with the Kohler 7000 Series engines with a 3 year unlimited hours warranty..
Not a bad tractor for the money, but I'd still spend that money on an older Deere. But warranties are nice to have for sure and an old Deere won't come with one, that's for sure. Thanks for watching.
Why did you mention "Lowes" and "Home Depot"? Please tell me you are not one of THOSE who actually think the Tractors sold at those two places are somehow junk and not REAL Deere tractors?
They are "real" John Deeres in the sense that John Deere makes them, but they are built at a lower quality price point, far more a consumer product than a capital good. They won't last nearly as long as a unit exclusively sold at a dealership. Thanks for watching.
You forgot the GT 275.
Well, I didn't forget, but one of my qualifiers was that I was familiar with it. Also a general video, not comprehensive. But yes the GT275 and the like, GT262, 240, 260, etc would be the pioneers of the later GT and GX series. I may need to search out one of those and do some more videos if opportunity knocks and fund allow. Isn't the GT275 a hand control hydro? Thanks for watching.
@@FloridaDeere No its automatic that's the difference.
You missed the 317 which was between the 316 and 318 same series....17hp Great Tractors
I know, I actually missed quite a few, but yes I have had a few 317's myself they are good tractors as well. Thanks for watching.
Stay far away from JD 332 money-pit diesel parts very expensive only for a showpiece not for daily use or guaranty to break down somewhere in the field.
I've had several 322's, but no 332's yet, that is not surprising I guess since diesel stuff can be pricey. Thanks for watching and sorry I missed the comment until now.
My 332 was giving to me for free. Still I was out $1900 for body work,paint, new belts & refurbished radiator. Sometimes the hydraulic system freezes up & water pump started to leak 😗Sold for $2500 with mower deck & plow. I’m not a vintage type of guy lesson learned.
@@HB-yq8gy I would say often times the idea of vintage stuff is usually far better than the actual vintage experience. I own (and have owned many more) older tractors and I am happy to have the 1023E (2018) to fall back on when my older stuff is being repaired or serviced (by me of course, but I don't always have the time). Still love the old stuff, but having something new does provide a safety net of sorts.
Yeah I was a noob getting excited about the old 332. Then reality hits. I did learn a lot about the 332 it was my first restore. I appreciated the educational journey I had with it.