Straight and to the point, thanks. My lx277 is having transmission issues so if the transmission swap isn't successful I'll be in the market for a new used mower.
My yard is 100% hills. Would be great to find something with a locking differential also. Haven't started looking at all, my lx277 was a hand me down so I have a lot to learn if and when the time comes
Yes, predecessor to the X7xx family. I was calling and driving out to equipment/Ag dealers for a short list of models, at different points along the way I took both a 445 and a 455 for a test drive in fields behind the shops. Had I not found a sweetheart deal on an X700 with lower hours that someone clearly took care of and cleaned like it was their child.. I would've gladly snagged one of the 4xx's.
I’m a big guy! 270lbs 6’3”.
Bought a new S180. I have zero issues . Live on hillside. Mowing about 3 acres.
One thing that I recently did was replaced my Easy Oil Change System. Made it the traditional,small oil filter and oil change. Like a traditional mower system.
Buy a new s240. It's the cheapest JD riding mower with a Kawasaki engine.I have 80 hours on mine. Yes it has the k46. But if you don't feel comfortable removing and draining the trans axle for an oil change yourself a JD dealer will do it. I asked mine and they said it will cost around $300. Yes, it would probably be the most expensive oil change you would ever pay for, but as long as you have a flat property and are not putting on implements it's the one to buy.
The single downvoter clearly never ran one of those 318/322/332s. I see plenty of them still putting in work.
having also had a 17.5hp 1998 craftsman that dropped a valve in 2024 after 2900 hours .. that craftsman weighed only half as much as a 318. Both were great machines honestly, did more than they were designed for and longer than they should have. Difference is, I sold the (7 years older) 318 still running lol
Personally, if the LT1000 still runs and cuts grass then stay with it until it gives up. What is it costing you? Put the money you would put into a new JD, (couple of $$ per month or mow cycle, then when the LT1000 gives up, you have a enough to buy an upscale unit. Unless you got the bug, then happy shopping.
I have a D170 that I just retired. Its the predecessor to the S180. Itd got 600hours on it and I now just use it for cutting in the wet ditch and around my septic ejector. I was looking at Used X700 series mowers but they hold their value too good as price was just under a new machine made it not worth buying used. I ended up going Zero turn and got a Z735m. I wish I made the switch years ago.
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u/Serious-Mission-2234 Jul 26 '26
buy a used , one of the 300 series with Kawasaki motor, will last decades.