[Blade]

Hello.
I'm Blade, and I bought a 2014 X540 in early 2020, with about 470 hours on it.

I didn't want to buy a Deere. I wanted a Kubota or a Husky, but I did a lot of research, and found that a Deere was the best buy. Also, from my research, I realized that if I did buy what I wanted, I wouldn't like it once I owned it. I don't think the toggle pedal is a good idea. After two years with my Deere, I'm happy with my choice. A quieter muffler would be good though.

I joined so I could learn about my tractor, and John Deere in general. And from what I learned before I bought this, I have some questions.

 

[MiniHomesteader]

Welcome! Sorry I can’t be of assistance with your questions… my allegiance lies in the much older Deere.

 

[Blade]

Welcome! Sorry I can’t be of assistance with your questions… my allegiance lies in the much older Deere.

Do fans of the older models do restorations, like with classic cars, with new parts, new engines, etc.?

 

[MiniHomesteader]

Yes we do.

This is my ‘66 110. Restored.

This is my ‘66 60. It’s been in the testing phase for over a year now. The original 6 horsepower Tecumseh was gone, so I modified some things to install a 13.5 horsepower Briggs. And since it has extra power, it just felt right to add a PowerFlow bagger.

At some point (hopefully soon), this will get pulled apart and restored. I’m still deciding if I’m going to leave the homemade running boards on it or not.

 

[Kster526]

Yes we do. Its up to the owners and their idea's or what they are feeling. Some are left in their original green jeans and live the retired or semi retired life being enjoyed.
Please view the gallery and you will see many of those tractors owned by many of the members who have come and gone to this site. A lot of great people here who I am proud to call my friends or maybe even say extended family.

 

[Chaser]

Most guys on here deal with the old Deeres. I've got an X320 that I upgraded to the K62 transaxle. I use it for grass and snow duty. I will say it's not exactly quiet, but I've never been on a quiet tractor. I just wear ear muffs.

 

[tsb3]

Welcome to JD Fanatics Blade! I’m with the others here, my newest is a 1980.

 

[HD-JD110Fan]

Do fans of the older models do restorations, like with classic cars, with new parts, new engines, etc.?

I add my Welcome to JDFanatics to you too Blade. And yes many of us do enjoy doing restorations on older models. Like other members have suggested, check out the photos on our site. It'll be hard to find finer examples of older JD restorations than what members on this site have done. There are some really talented and fine craftsmen here doing their labors of love. Whether you'd like to just gather information, run what you have as is, want to do an upgrade, a spruce up, full restoration or anything in between it's up to you and your preference. I'm doing an older restoration myself and regret that I can't help you with info on your newer model but there's a ton of experienced members here. Hopefully a member will be able to help you with info or steer you toward someone who'll be able to. Enjoy the site and welcome aboard!

 

[Blade]

Thank you, to all of you!

I have to admit, just going by looks, I was never a fan of JD. Going back a few years, when I didn't have the money for a decent garden tractor, I drooled over Kubota models, and I've been a Husky fan for a while. But while doing research before buying my JD, I learned that just because my Husky lawn mower is the best I've ever had, and just because my gas trimmer is awesome, that doesn't mean they make a great garden tractor. Well, to be fair, I think the TS348 is a great tractor, I just think my X540 is better.

My only disappointment is that my machine is not 4WD, so I'll be interested in an upgrade when I'm able to. But also, if I have the money for that, I'll be doing upgrades to my property--patio, deck, driveway--which will reduce my grass cutting, and make a monster tractor harder to justify, but would still be too large for just a push mower. But for me, the transaxle is the #1 priority.