Things I hate about my John Deere X500

Just a few things I think John Deere should have done different.

[@9ZERO6]

While searching for some of info on my 2006 X520 (with 650+ hours on it) I stumbled upon this video. You must have been a nightmare for the service dept folks at the John Deere dealership you bought that from.

[@dannyhorton1128]

I'm in lawn care business for 27 years and had no problems with John Deere x 500 with a Thousand hours no problems, {but at the end of his video he said he had no problems ?

[@terryburke2587]

The reverse pedal can easily be adjust to give more speed. You can see in the video that the pedal sits too low which means it is not adjusted correctly.

[@trkk4]

some people are never satisfied...this is a good tractor. I've gotten 150 hours of use on my x500 over the past 4 years and mine runs very well.

[@edrobin5569]

I'm with you I've done 400 plus hrs and still going strong

[@Vanhornsby]

Did you not take a good look at this tractor before you bought it? Nothing you mentioned would not have been found with a proper demo.

[@healthyamerican]

allow the guy to vent a little,,gosh,,he paid up for it so whats wrong with him giving his opinion

[@mikeh3468]

​@healthyamerican he's complaining like he paid 100k for a Benz or BMW. It's a damn tractor, if he didn't like it he shouldn't have paid for something he felt was poor quality. If he bought it online, that's his own dumb fault right there for buying something that expensive unseen

[@averagejoeusername]

those hydro pedals connect to a fairly small connection on the hydro transmission. They could have made them beefier...but why? they are probably 50 times stronger than they need to be already.

[@shad951]

What a crybaby.

[@healthyamerican]

my guess is you dont own one or you would agree, get a job

[@cleophusfowler]

I have an x540 with 330 hours, hydraulic deck lift, power steering, liquid cooled engine and I love it. Same switches, same brake pedal etc.as the one shown here, and I've never had any problem with anything. I didn't buy my JD for the looks of the switches or anything else, I bought it for comfort, dependability and functionality. It meets all of those requirements and I get a good cut. So far it has been a great machine. I agree the headlights aren't fantastic but for me I don't care. I only use them for parking the tractor in the shed after use and they're fine for that. Overall I'm very happy with mine and if I needed a new lawn tractor I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one just like it. Just my 2 cents but I can't speak for anyone else.

[@edrobin5569]

💯% agree with you

[@daflotsam]

Most of the items he mentions on the X500 is the same on my X300. But the pedals are a non-issue. Forward and reverse material-wise hold up great so far, and I'm real glad of the size of them as it lets you real quickly step back and forth with just a shift of the ankle. And the headlights have been great for those early and late season cuts when I have to mow after getting home from work and the daylight is fading. The plastic switches have also held strong. I guess you name anything and someone is bound to have an issue with it, but if you're looking at videos trying to decide to go with one of these mowers I figured I'd throw in a bit of balance.

[@russlilley6640]

Mine is a 2003 and I think it’s great. Same size, 54 inch mower, mow 2 1/2 acres a clip, all original except for blades.

[@mytvbs4865]

9 years after the original "wine fest"...I've had mine since 2015. I mow about 5 acres in rotation and treat it like a rented jeep. Through water, mud, rocks. I haul a wagon full of crap all up and down my hills at up to 30° slant. I have a snow blower attachment and regularly clear 2' of snow from my 200' driveway. The headlights are absolutely sufficient for working at night, the thing has never failed me except getting stuck in the snow back when I had sub-standard chains. You need to remember that the weight on this thing is in the front, so if you are backing up a hill, you need to engage both tires and it's best to have weights added if you plan to do that often. Even a big farm tractor requires extra ballast on hills. I will grant you the point about the grass getting wedged in the pulley covers, and I needed to remove the plastic grass shoot because some of the thicker areas near the spring drainage would clog up the flow. Overall, great workhorse. I would also say the change from mower to blower is not a easy as the brochure implies.

[@MrPizzapuppy]

TheFlmancave I know I'm late to the party, but here's how I solved the weak reverse problem: put new plastic bushings in the pedals (part # M152776, $8 at a dealer) and adjust the pedals so they are all the way up. You'll find it suddenly works a whole lot better.

[@jamesbecker3203]

I have already replaced 3 switches with only 400 hr on it I also had problems with the deck linkage disconnecting. the dealer sed is a factory problem but they wouldn't fix it under warranty they did fix it for $370 though

[@Machi74005]

Pedals for hydro are an uncoordinated pain. A single hand operated lever works much better. You probably need to adjust the linkage on the hydro for reverse. That's a fairly common problem that needs annual attention on most all hydro transmission tractors. Using an air hose to blow out the pulley guards is a common practice.

[@andrewanderson2388]

what made you buy it? most of the issues you mentioned you saw at the dealership

[@harryrex68]

So you think the plastic controls look cheap? Well looks aren't everything. Consider this if you will. When I mow I like to stripe to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing yard. I do this for all of my customers. Therefore I am constantly using the RIO function. I do not believe in disabling safety devices so I have not bypassed the RIO switch. That means I have pulled up on that plastic lever thousands of times. Guess what? Not a single mechanical issue and because the plastic part weighs so little I experience zero fatigue. Ultimately I chose to purchase JD products because they are innovative in design and function and they deliver excellent results. Plus they hold their value better than any other brand hands down. That's my two cents.

[@woodburner1727]

Why did you buy it then?

[@jeepncj]

You should buy a 1980's MTD!! LOL You can get them real cheap these days and they don't have any of those pesky safety guards or plastic switches. Plus I hear they have awesome headlights for all that snow you'll be plowing in Florida at night.

[@mfd2727]

I've had a gt225, gx255 and now a x740. My dad's had a 300 series, 400 series, x740 and now a x750. The directional pedals are more than adequate. Yes they are smaller, but we have had zero problems with them. Most cars have plastic headlights too, but they have alot more powerful bulbs as well. You mention other tractors having a dedicated PTO switch, well so does yours. In 15+ years of owning a John Deere I've not had to replace one. Kudos to Kevin Islam's post about hydrostatics and reverse. Your car doesn't go as fast in reverse as it does forward.

[@RhinoXpress]

go buy some led bulbs from ebay that fixes the illumination problem big time. I did on mine and everything got a hell of a lot brighter then those standard bulbs these come with.

[@brianwhitlow2985]

Everything you are complaining about can be fixed by buying a X700 series tractor. John Deere is trying to build a piece of equipment for all price ranges, but they are still a heck of a lot better than other brands for the money.

[@healthyamerican]

well obviously the next model or the more expensive version would be better...but the fact is he bought this one..allow him to vent a little for the amount he paid.. ok

[@karljacobson8521]

I agree with some of his complaints. The pedals are fine, however the plastic handles on the dashboard are terrible. I broke the hydraulic lift handle twice while plowing snow. Then I placed vise grips on the steel shaft that the plastic handle attached to and it is much better. I do agree with his comment on the reverse....very slow. John Deere cheapen down too much on this series.

[@Leon-Servant-of-Christ]

well if you want a perfect tractor for a low price then you should design one or simply design parts to fix the parts you "hate". personally I'm surprised you bought it with the turf tires on it instead of the HDAP tires, unless all you do is cut grass. every manufacturer has to have some place to save you money, if not these things would cost $20,000+ and not $4,900+. see, john deere saves you money on the not very important items while making the important items very high quality.

[@Leon-Servant-of-Christ]

thats supposed to be $5,900+ not $4,900+

[@RhinoXpress]

yes because the plastic crap they put on there that breaks eaiser and you have to go out and buy them to replace them really saves you money. I have a john deere 318 all medal all quality never had one single issue and that thing is 30 years old. the cheap shit they put on these mowers now will break in 4 to 5 years before you have to replace it again. my friend had a D110 biggest pile of crap deere you can buy he had engine issues all the time and plastic parts always raddling esp the compartment that sounded like it was going to break every time he mowed.

[@MilesPrower1992]

John Deere 318 fellas be like

[@bigdaddy4429]

Just got one of these. I agree 100%! For the price and name on it you would think things would be beefier. Plastic is the way of the future unfortunately.

[@nbookie]

That deck belt is very small. I thought the unit was comparable to the 425. Nope. Not with those little parts. Is the thing even greasable?

[@bobbyharvill4225]

I will be glad to take it off your hands. I'll even come get it! Lol

[@alw9329]

I can tell from the video at 2:23 that your forward, and reverse pedals are out of adjustment. The reverse peddle should be 2.2" off the footboard. The way it is now, the machine would struggle in reverse. Perhaps less complaining, and a little more routine maintenance.

[@jaysonv2720]

why did you buy it?

[@ddsandife4482]

He took the belt guards off so he could complain that the screws holding them on were rusty? What a fool!

[@themanshere74]

GREAT REVIEW !!! I wish they would make the mower turn tighter. Plus. I would go down to the store and pick up some stainless steel or hot dip galvanized and replace those rusted bolt before they eat thru the deck!!!

[@jasontyler4327]

OK first off you need the park brake to last...if it breaks off your out a mower Intel you get it fixed because you wont be able to start it. The gas pedal and reverse pedals you can just weld on a piece of steel. Now you aren't supposed to mow at night time. You don't want your reverse to be super jumpy...why not just drive up the hill going in forward? NEVER TAKE OFF THE GUARD TO A MOWER DECK ITS COMMON SENSE!!!! I had a John Deere mower exactly like that one i never had a problem with the switches. I live on a farm where we are strictly John Deere tractors! Are oldest one is a 2012 (its 2014 right now) the John Deere agricultural line-up is the best in my opinion. Just go out and by a god damn Craftsman or a mower you get at the Hardware store or something like that!

[@jasontyler4327]

***** We have that same mower and you have to push in the park brake to start it. Its a safety thing. And there is only one brake. I'm not trying to be a jerk or anything.

[@glenc6524]

From what I know about parking brakes on riding mowers, you have to push the regular brake pedal down and then push a lever that locks/holds it in place, which engages the starting circuitry where by the engine can be started.

[@ralphl5441]

Everything you are complaining about should have been noticed before you purchased, well maybe except the headlights. But the pedals, switched and the reverse speed. It is slower in reverse and that is listed online. If you wanted to go faster you should have purchased a X700 series. I have LA120 and trust me, you have nothing to complaint about lol. Hope yours is holding up well. I am debating on getting a leftover X540 right now.

[@ralphl5441]

+Ralph L Ended up buying a 2015 X590. I don't see any issues with mine. It is a great tractor

[@swimbait1]

I agree with you, switches look cheesy. My JD is 20 years old, still runs perfect

[@omergoktas7266]

WHAT

[@chrislaswell5572]

Why don't you simply put the bolts back in the holes from when you took the spindle guards off? Simple fix.

[@leopdion5976]

Those holes aren’t from the bolts, they are from where the plastic guards drop in.

[@gavinriddell2270]

If you can make a 5 minute video on how much you hate it. Then why did you buy it.

[@aurelius9226]

I've owned my x500 for just over 5 years now. Complaints? How about the vanishing oil that cost me a bundle to replace a head? Or the (54") deck that you have to remove entirely to change or sharpen blades, and is held on with huge springs that are just big enough to fit a single finger into to remove, and clog with dirt and grass in minutes of mowing. Or the iginition coil that went this year, and turns out the other coil wasn't installed correctly and was damaged. Or having to remove the steering wheel to change the power drive belt (also this year). Or the front wheel snapping off the steering bar (also this year). Or the $300 transport fee the dealer charges to get it to their shop to fix their defects. Will NOT be getting another JD.

[@kc62474]

I own a X500. I've owned it seven years. It gets showed no mercy. It mows great and I have a belt driven tiller that really does a good job in my garden. I hesitated buying a Deere, but It's really proven it's worth. The Kawasaki motor runs great. What I don't understand is why this guy bought this mower. Would I buy a X500 again? Yes.

[@wafflecon9120]

Can you tell me how much consumption John Deere x500?

[@lakedog3616]

You don't need a lawn mower, you need a pacifier. What a baby .

[@hightech346]

I like the 5 and 7 series John Deere tractors but could not justify the price of them because all I'm worried about is the engine and the transmission on a garden tractor.I got a Husqvarna GTH24K54 with a Kawasaki 24 horsepower engine and a Hydro gear transmission that goes 8MPH for $2882.00 out the door. I also noticed that my neighbors 495 John Deer does not mow as good as my tractor but it sure the hell is faster (11 MPH) but these mowers cost 10 grand. I can fix the cheap stuff that will break on my mower and put the $3000.00 buck in my front pocket..The 500 in forward but it is faster in reverse.

[@jaroslavklima4591]

I dont know how in US but here in EU is JD prestige brand and price is two level higher than same competitors. Thats just for amateur and semiprofi machines. In profi class are prizes same. This price difference is absoulutely without technical and racional reason. Just to have Green tractor and make your neighbor envy :D :D

[@glenc6524]

There is a big difference in the John Deere mower and the one you might buy at Walmart etc. One has to do with the gauge of metal used in building them. A John Deere will take a lot more abuse than the cheaper mowers.

[@TheFlmancave]

Why are you ready to upgrade?

[@lynnmichel6440]

I have this same mower, if he thinks these items are a problem wait until he has to remove and reattach the mower deck. Then let the real bitcnin' begin.

[@alw9329]

After you do it a few times it does get easier. Notice I said "easier". It will never be easy, just "easier".

[@2shoestoo]

😩 I’m so stupid I bought a John Deere. I knew I should of bought the MTD 🤣

[@johnw2167]

Backing up slow is a safety feature

[@1narow486]

did you buy it online,site unseen?

[@TheFlmancave]

Why did I buy it?? John Deere tends to not advertise about any possible short comings with there tractors . Once you buy one and use it for a while you can see then see where they could have made some changes. Believe me there are way more things that I like about my tractor, as there should be considering the price you pay for them.

[@Corkoth55]

Meh... A few points just seem like nonsense. But a few good points. Suffers the same problem as my little 100 series hydrostatic JD... Reverse is painfully slow up any kind of incline. Headlights are useless. And those stupid belt guards hold grass clippings. I'd be kinda ticked off that this big unit has the same problems as a little yard mower like mine.

[@AGMN23]

I've had one of these for years and nothing has ever broken on it. I have no problems with any part of the tractor. Why so much hate? Go use a shitty craftsman and you will never complain again.

[@wildbill23c]

Alex Grasdalen I agree, hell he can drop his JD X500 off at my house and he can gladly take my Craftsman YTS4000 if he thinks his X500 is junk wait till he tries my Craftsman.

[@gavinriddell2270]

I agree

[@healthyamerican]

what hate..he`s pointing out some weak points of the mower. give him some space

[@rogermurph101]

healthyamerican shut the fuck up. What are you, his mommy? You've commented on nearly every post on this thread. If every comment on here is negative toward his video, maybe they have a point? Yeah, this guy is a whiny bitch, and you are his bitch.

[@healthyamerican]

and you are wanting to stick up for john deere when the quality isnt there.

[@williamwallum1236]

It’s not a tractor. I don’t care what the manufacturer calls it. It’s a lawnmower.

[@nickfares2752]

I have a x300 it has the same seat and in 450 hours of use it got a whole in it.

[@kevinisam]

If you would understand hydros, you would know why it bogs down in reverse

[@928frogman]

A lot of dissatisfaction for a $5,000 garden tractor...good video.

[@piranhabait]

Why don't you just get another brand. You saw what you was getting when you bought the shit. Get over yourself and get something else.

[@kendrickminchew1855]

The baggers suck I had a JD 425 at my old house the bagger never gave me problems the x500 bagger almost always slings the belt off and the way the belt is setup it's a pain in the ass to put back on

[@marksme]

Quick video? Big Cry Baby! Go get you nice 12K-20K Kubota or trade up to X700 Series..

[@jamessteele6216]

I'll have that and you can have my 8hp 1970 snapper rear engine mower

[@randyashcraft9539]

I have over 800 hours on my X series and no problem with the plastic switches Its not an issue! the switch will wear out before the plastic breaks unless you use a hammer to turn it on and off. Its a good machine you are a whiner Go buy an MTD built tractor ans see what a low quality tractor is.

[@TheFlmancave]

I agree. How did you didn't the less in the rearttaillights?

[@metalmech583]

I'm thinking of getting a good reliable tractor for my lawn. I was thinking either john deere or farmall; anyone got a suggestion. Also, I wanted one with four wheel steering but does it really matter that much?

[@radiantserver]

The 4 wheel steering does not really matter unless you have a lot of trees and stuff. Definitely go with the John Deere, it will last longer and will barely any problems.

[@4gauge10]

John Deere is the ONLY manufacture to offer 4 wheel steering.Farmall is a antiquated International Harvester.(Junk)The 4 wheel steering system dramatically lowers turning radius.These tractors come in three sizes.300(lawn only)-500(light duty garden tractor)-700 series(heavy duty shaft-driven garden tractor)

[@dupnorth]

why you buy?

[@garyholbrook9951]

You have issue not so much the tractor.

[@mlr06121974]

It’s not a garden tractor. Garden tractor is a Wheel Horse or “REAL” John Deere 300-400 series or Old Cub Cadet

[@sweatinthedetails375]

that's why you should have bought a Cub Cadet zero turn with the steering wheel

[@noahsell9792]

If you hate it so much just give it to me I would appreciate a 10,000$ piece of machinery like that

[@harmonicamikestuff3245]

Looks like someone didn't do his home work. Take it back if you don't like it.

[@christianjolly8611]

Haters gonna hate, im a hardcore john deere fan, i hate seeing vids like this, it will last you an lifetime, quit complaining!

[@gcaps7973]

Dude chill every deere has its problems. Just like every machine. Whether its fact or just personal opinion.

[@steve4988]

There’s always the guy that could do better.

[@bigdaddy9864]

something is wrong with your tractor, my x500 goes fast backing up the thing i hate is that deck pedal it is to heavy to push and to long away !

[@healthyamerican]

wow, i have to respond to the amount of negative comments that are directed to this guy because he pointed out some weak points on this mower which he paid alot of money for. why bash him? he didnt say one thing that was out of line or unfair. i am getting the impression john deere followers are mean spirited haters who will attack anyone who doesnt completely adore their machines. very biased people from what i`m quickly learning. has me thinking twice about getting a john deere because i dont want to be lumped in with a negative hate filled crowd.

[@victorvaughn4128]

Cheaply built.....I am not happy with the John Deere D130. Most of is built to look good but ALL accessories are EXPENSIVE....$16 OIL FILTER, $189 FOR AN OIL CHANGE...PHEW!!!!

[@kjacoby]

Victor Vaughn that’s because you bought a Home Depot John Deere

[@Coldheartedmanong]

Should’ve bought an X series model from the dealer

[@ddsandife4482]

I bet he mows wearing flip-flops. Can't wait to see his review on bloody toes getting caught in the belt@

[@healthyamerican]

fair criticism in my opinion

[@jodimartindale5881]

What you need is a simplicity

[@TheFlmancave]

Thanks for your in depth explanation

[@robmclain122]

you have to be the dumbest person to buy a product and then cry about it later. its funny to see your tractor falling apart considering I have the same tractor with not a single problem. maybe think about the using the warranty that came with the tractor.

[@healthyamerican]

no one said he had problems with it..he`s simply pointing things out that he learned after he bought it that he thinks should be different. stop being an ass

[@sparsparkster]

Yeah he's crying, but he's also saying things that someone who's all into John Deere may not mention. It's' not all bad that he's doing this review.

[@nludd]

definitely not the kind of guy i would on my fishing boat.

[@Stuff4Guys]

Well I sure the hell hope that you havent have any problems @ $11,199.00

[@rockriver15]

i have a x500 no problems man if you hate it that much get rid of it. look at the new trucks and cars now there made like shit cheap

[@edwilliams8789]

Very expensive junk in my opinion. I own one. Last JD that I will ever buy.

[@jonrfreeman]

Don't complain u bought it

[@benross3812]

who tf fuck goes up a hill in reverse anyway

[@MrCedarflats]

Had mine 16 yrs and this yr is my first 2 big problems. Had to clean out the gas tank and buy a new carburetor. I agree you shouldn't have bought it, but hind sight is 20-20. Get your head out of your a$$.

[@timbarbee9421]

WHY DID YOU BUY IF YOU THINK ITS A PIECE OF JUNK? DUH

[@ballinoutdoors]

hey, just so you know it weighs 647 to 809 pounds according to tractor data .com

[@2bellaterra]

dude..... why did you buy it then? its not safe to back up hills . ever read a manual? has anything broke? like the "Chinsey" parts lol. now your just making up words. im sure jd is just praying that you will come and work for them with your extensive back-round in tractor design . please keep your complaints to yourself or buy a scag.

[@tsekoaII]

I suggest that you get a walk behind mower

[@ericbaldon8566]

I'll take it, most over engineered lawn mower out there. MTD? Lolololol. How the fuck you can compare the two are beyond me. Ill trade ya?

[@gclaytony]

Just a whiner. If you really feel that badly about it, get rid of it. Pay $20K for a regular tractor with a mower attachment, then complain about not being able to get it into your yard. Please, spare me your faux grief. If these issues are the things that you find most outrageous, then you didn't want this tractor to start with.

[@kimmie71]

great video..your a good narrator

[@marksme]

You're .....

[@Shoot_and_Scoot]

Lol...go buy a cub cadet if you want cheap. Or anything else that is in the same “market” as this mower

[@North2019]

Did you look at the thing before you bought it?! hahaha

[@ragingmonkey3947]

He doesn’t even know what a tractor is

[@js-wq6zy]

Lots of plastic junk for the price, old 300s or 400s were much nicer

[@dennispriddy4193]

If you're not happy with it, sell it!!!!

[@chazp6632]

Did you cry when Hillary lost?

[@donkoch8010]

Oh man. What did you have to say that for? Watch..... He's going to make a cry baby video of that as well. Lol

[@donrech4822]

you are a baby and you have to adjust the petal it comes slow for safety...

[@pgmorse]

Glad you posted a few things you didn't like. Screw all the people who have a problem with your thoughts. They seem like the whiny little haters. Anyway, these are issues for someone like to think about before I drop $6500. Thanks.

[@ethanhenneberry2625]

Get a x729 it will back up a hill like no body's business 4wheeldrive and 4 wheel steer

[@tatsngrass]

HID retrofit lol

[@jamikal5]

You shouldn't be a baby with a growm mans toy. U cried about a bolt looking rusty? news flash buddy that bold isn't stainless. Get ir lazy buyt off amd blow ot clean or dont complain. Ive had the same model for years n never took it to a shop or repaired a switch.

[@jamesdickson7510]

6 minutes of complaining about a well built machine, 😪😪