Go to the bottom of the tractors forum, where it says "search." Type X300. You'll get 149 threads of thoughts on this tractor.

But I suppose it is easier to just expect people to write the same thing, again and again, to people who don't take the time to dig a little themselves.

In a nutshell, it's a higher quality lawn mower than anything you'll find in a big-box / department store, but it's not a garden tractor.

sorry, sir I am new to sight and didn't know to do that. way to be a tough guy on the garden forum.

no doubt, what an ahole

Right, I'm actually 5' tall, 120 lbs, glued to my computer in my Mom's basement, living out my fantasies of being a "tough guy" on gardenweb.com. Also, my 12 year old niece just gave me a wedgie. You guys are good.

If you seek information that isn't readily available on www.deere.com, maybe people will feel inclined to share some knowledge.

Here is a link that might be useful: x300

Ignore marineguy. Not sure what's got him so impatient. Welcome to the forum. The tractor you are considering is a very good machine for basic lawn care (mowing, sweeping, areating, etc). It is not designed for ground enganging work.

I just recently went through the tractor research/puchase process and seriously considered the X300. It bascially came down to that machine, and a Simplicity Regent. I ultimately choose the Simplicity which I do highly recommend you check out) due to it's better price, identical transmission, and comparable quality.

From what you described for your property, either the X300 or Regent would be a good choice. They are both a significant step up in terms of longevity of their components (IMO) vs. the box store tractors. Let us know what how you make out.

Thanks guys. I appreciate the input. I am going to look at the simplicity regent and x300 this weekend. I will let you know how i make out.

Have fun comparing the tractors. If you want to know more about the Regent, read my recent posts in the forum under "x300, Regent, or LA series?". I think you'll find that it is a nice tractor. I've been putting it through it's paces and have been very happy so far. Enjoy.

The X300 will do the job. So will a lot of other tractors.

1. Define your criteria... what the tractor will be doing.
2. Find models that meet those criteria. There will be "a bunch".
3. Go look at them, sit on them, and drive them.
4. Find the ones that meet your criteria for things like comfort, use of controls, aesthetics, perceived quality, etc.
5. Research the snot out of your choices using the web.
6. Come back and ask specific questions to help you choose between the models on your short list and get answers to anything you couldn't find in step 5.

Since quality has been brought up, I'll help you with step 5. This is how Consumer Reports ranks the most popular brands (not specific tractors) when it comes to repairs. Starting with the best...

John Deere
Kubota
Craftsman (Sears)
Husqvarna
Simplicity
Cub Cadet
Yard Machines/Yard-Man
Troy-Bilt

Mind you, I don't think CR is the all-knowing authority on the subject, but it's a start. From my own personal perspective, I was surprised to see Simplicity rated mid-pack. I looked at their machines twice and came away with a favorable impression of the durability of them. They ain't fancy, but I thought they seemed durable.

My thoughts on X300;
Very nice lawn tractor - will get Oh's and Ah's from neighbors.
Will do what you are saying you are going to use it for.
Will last a long time with proper care.
Will be one of the most expensive to buy in this catagory of LT's.
The service you receive from John Deere is some of the best, but as with the tractor, you will pay for it.
Most JD dealers treat you very well - and give good warranty service.
Leaf pickup, Bagger or Sweeper? I prefer the bagger, In my opinion there are better baggers than John Deere, but they may be improved since I last looked at them.

The worst part of this forum's format is the placement of the search engine icons. Marineguy is correct, you must go to the bottom of the forum's list of messages (BUT not all the way to the bottom of the page) and do a search for what your are interested in. The link below is what you get if you enter "review" in the search engine. Most of these posts are about the X300 size of mowers. If you "accidently" enter the search engine at any other point on this forum you will get 1000's of screwy results. You must use Search at the end of the list topics for the forum you want to search.

Here is a link that might be useful: Search results for review

I see marineguy is back...wonder why he didn't start off by puttin down the JD LA series ? , oh well I'm sure it's coming. By the way my LA120 is working just great...doing exactly what it was made for...mowing the lawn.

abfromnj,
I apologize for my earlier disparagement. I'm just in a bad mood because I have a physical fitness test on Monday and running three miles in 18-20 minutes isn't as enjoyable (or easy) as it once was.

jam4eva,
I am an a-hole, but usually a more considerate a-hole.

duke,
Why would I mention the LA series? He's looking for a real John Deere.

I just wanted to welcome you back marineguy.

x300 is a good machine but as marine guy and others have stated in past posts unless you are dead set on brand new get a used gt 225 or 235,and you will not need a machine for 20 years if cared for and given some tlc. I found a used 2005 gt 235 for 2300.00 with 25 hours on it. It is more machine than I need but use of tiller , heavy duty transmission , blading ect.. it is so worth having more than you need than having not enough . I went from lt 155 which some have said is a close comparison to x 300 i dont completely agree with that but boy what a huuuge differance between the lt and gt I can only imagine the 300 is a better machine than an lt though twin cyl. heavier frame, smoother, quiter ride. either way you go enjoy your new deere !!! maintain it and it will run forever. p.s. marine guy might have an attitude but he knows his s#@t every post I have read has been dead on.
GT's rule !!!!!!!!!

Welcome to the Forum!! (Im new too!)
Read posts.. good info!
Unless I missed something.. (still drinkin my coffee ;) )
U mentioned 'lots of trees' .. we have the 304 (4-wheel-turn).. we love it! Sharp turning - excellent to 'go around things'. It's a few hundred more than the 300 (which we'd 1st considered) but we felt well worth it! We are extremely impressed. Just thought u may wanna check it out if checking others out anyway...
I dont know much about 'mowers'.. dont know for sure if 304 has bagger/mulcher option (wasnt important to us)... others here may know so def check before buyin b/c may not work for your needs!

Again Welcome! & Best of Luck!

Make sure to negotiate on your X300. I was able to save 15% on my mower.

jmeitz- you were able to negotiate 15% off? New or used?

I am trying to work with my JD dealer on an X304 but he won't move off of MSRP. I have been searching this site and others to see what sort of discount is typically achieved.

Off new, i know a friend of a friend who was gave me a deal. I asked him even with this deal are they making money and he said, i wouldn't sell it at this price if i wasn't. so there is margin no matter what Deere says. I believe they do what they do so people don't shop around. I went to two other dealers prior to knowing my friend new some one and could not even get 1 buck taken off. One place balked over free delivery when i asked to deliver 20 miles.

If you have a friend, family member, or associate in the business, then by all means... try to deal. Otherwise I doubt you'll get very far.

The JD units sold at big box stores (the orange flea market) are pegged to a specific price. This is to protect the dealers. Big boxes cannot sell an LA165 for less than JD tells them. I am willing to bet the deal works in reverse. JD dealers cannot undermine the big boxes.

With the low-priced models sold at a fixed price, there is little reason for a dealer to start selling higher profit models like the X300s for prices closer to the LA100s.

I think you're better off paying MSRP for the tractor then asking for something like a free set of gator blades, a free oil change, or some other service the dealer provides. Asking for services suggests you are a loyal consumer who will back to do more business.

I agree with you on that. i was willing to pay MSRP if they took care of me. one thing though. I was looking at an LA125 at first and they were going to give me 10% off if i opened a HD CC up.