Thanks so much. We got a tractor just like yours with our house that we bought last year. The first time we used it, the tires went flat. "Okay," so we replaced the tires. The 2nd time we mowed with it, it threw the belt. I guess the mechanic who went over it before we first used it didn't figure out what was missing. "Sigh. " Well, at least now we have a better idea of how much it may cost to get it running.
Great deal! I think your parents will be happy with it! We just scored a John Deere Lx255 with snow blower, for the ultimate price… free, and it has 250 hrs on it! I never was particularly fond of that style cart, however it does have its advantages, I prefer the more traditional “trailer styled” leaf collection cart similar to the “agfab” leaf collection system, larger capacity, centered hitch and articulation , however it too has its shortcomings of collection hose support and safety switches, but it also has its own vacuum motor, and can chip small branches! I would still say it was a decent deal, especially if you can weld up the other blower support!
That is awesome! You did score the ultimate deal. And the snow blower should be fun to use too! I have noticed that the MC519 cart seems to dig into the gravel a bit. I'll need to check and make sure the wheels are spinning and rotating properly. I do like the agrifab systems - except for the difficulty maneuvering around so many trees. Thanks for watching!
Remember to pull on the blade engagement knob before you backup so the blades dont shut off and you wont have to restart them, hard on the belt and clutch, excessive wear. Not sure you knew that. Great vid by the way.
I didn't discover the lifting the PTO knob until the first time it shut off. I was thinking this unit wouldn't have that shut off in reverse function. But I was glad there's a workaround. Thanks for watching!
Actually, the GX255 is in between the GT2X5 series and the GX3X5 series. It had some features of the lower GT line, plus some upgrades that were found in the GX line. The GX line grew out of the 3X5 series that the GX replaced. JDs line were as follows, the LT, then the LX then the GT, then the 3X5, and then the 4X5. In 2001, Deere replaced the 4X5 line with the X4X5 and the X4X5, and added the L-series below the GT line. Later Deere replaced the 3X5 line with the GX line and added the GX255 to augment the GT line. The LT and LX line got replaced by the X3XX line in 2006, the GX and GT lines got replaced with the X5XX line, and the X4X5 and X5X5 line got replaced by the X7XX series.
I'd say it's a good deal even if the bagger system doesn't you have a sweet little cart that would be super handy to use if you just remove the bag top. I'd love to find one and modify it to fit only my 78 JD 316K. Those wagons are a super cool addition.
I was thinking that MC519 cart might make a decent firewood hauler for small loads and short distances from the woodpile to the house. Thanks for watching!
Thanks! I agree this is a much heavier tractor than I see at the box stores in John Deere or Cub Cadet mowers there. As far as the hydraulic lift - I think the larger GX models have that. But this GX255 still has the foot pedal lift for the deck. We appreciate you watching and leaving a comment!
I have the 235gt bought it new 1999 still run great it has a lot of hours on it I have extra parts for everything on it.Ran it all the time until 2017 bought a new exmark 53 still run them both. I mow about 8 acres.
That's amazing! A John Deere 235GT with the original owner! Great job. Glad to hear that you're still using it and splitting the work between the John Deere GT and the Exmark 53. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!
Chad, I think it's fair to say you did overall good, if not quite as good as you had hoped. That appears to be a very nice tractor, the fact it needed some repair isn't bad and if you could have serviced it yourself, I would have been a little cheaper. Shame the power flow didn't work as intended, but if you could source a solid repair/rebuild, that would be cool. Every market is different but getting a VERY low hour and in exceptional condition tractor of that caliber is nice. Around here, you could get around that amount $2000-2500 for one in that condition. Working MC519, certainly a little more. Now, as a Deere purist, I must address your model series faux pas😂😂. So there were the LT and LX models, they were quality Lawn Tractors, lighter duty, but nice. The LT series was cheaper than the LX, LX had things like liquid cooled engines whereas the LT did not. Then you had the GT and GX, same story, GT's were good but frames were slightly less robust. Each came with the same decks, engines and transmissions....sort of. The GX went further with engines as they offered a liquid cooled and a diesel (355/GX355). The GX also had hydraulics whereas the GT was mechancial lift, your strong arms. This also allowed the GX to have power steering, except for the GX 325 I believe, it was the basic GX. Both models had a TuffTorq K70 series but the GX had the option for hydraulics and the transmission service was a bit more pricey for the GX because of that. Then there was the X series, which was X465 and up to X595 during that time period. These were the super GT's, shaft drive, most were liquid cooled, except the X465, some were EFI and one even had a diesel. The 400 series was 2WD and the 500 series was 4WD. They even offered a 4WS model. Having said that, the GT and GX never had a 4WS option, but the LX277 did have that option oddly enough. The X series was also capable of 3 point hitch equipment and could be optioned with a 540rpm PTO. So the GX was between the GT and X series, not the GT and LX. The LX was nice but was certainly inferior to the GX.
@FloridaDeere - I knew you'd have the right info about these models! That's why I was hoping you'd straighten me out. :) You really know your stuff. I've always been impressed with the 318 tractors - with the hydraulics, and their abilities! But around here, those 318s really demand a premium even if they're in pretty bad shape. The LX, GTs, and GX units are a bit easier to find at more reasonable prices. Those X series models you mentioned - I don't recall ever seeing for sale on marketplace. But it's entirely possible I confused them with today's X series models. I probably should have done that deck service work myself, it would have saved some of the money. In my initial inspection of the deck - I didn't notice that the spindle and idler needed replaced. I did learn that handle and spring were missing when I did some research. But I never would have guessed the price of that tension handle! I'm glad the professionals diagnosed the powerflow issue - because I had no idea where to start on that one. Thanks for watching and leaving such an informative comment! I truly appreciate it.
@@PurpleCollarLife The X465-495/X575-X595 were only available for 2002-2005 I believe, so really rare plus pricey. The older 300 series 318 and such are getting long in the tooth and aren't as ergonomic as the newer models and like you said, many are in rough shape because of age.
See if you can find a mulching kit for that lawn tractor, if so, scrap that power flow mess probably why the previous owner quit using it was because it was damaged and was lucky and inherited a better lawn tractor in a house purchase LOL. 450 hours isn't too bad for a lawn tractor, looks like the owner took pretty decent car of that part of it, but probably didn't so much with the power flow system. Not much of a fan of those systems anyways, hanging off the side of the deck in the way of everything and then you have that cart to contend with, even though its attached to the lawn tractor's frame, its still sticking out the back in the way. I just mulch the leaves every fall, no bagging or raking.
That's a good tip - the mulching kit for the 54 inch edge deck is probably easier to find than a powerflow kit. However - I really was hoping that it would help gather the leaves at my parent's house. I think they get WAY too many leaves to mulch. Even if they mulched every single day, I'm afraid their yard would just look like a yard full of mulched leaves. :)
@@PurpleCollarLife Another option maybe is one of those DR Power leaf collection systems, might be able to snag parts off one of those and adapt it so you can still use that cart? The DR Power version is similar, except it just uses a standard trailer/dump cart....might be cheaper in the long run if you wanna go that route, rather than trying to find parts for that weird power flow system. For many years, I would run the mower over the leaves and windrow them, then rake into piles and pick them up with the garden trailer. More of a chore than it was worth, so I started mulching them. I had several trees in the back yard for a while, a couple huge cottonwood trees, and 2 walnut trees....talk about a leaf mess that was....the last year the walnut trees were still there I just mulched them all. Took a couple passes but did fine, the key is to do it when they're not wet....plus have Gator G3 or G5 mulching blades....don't try it with those garbage 3 in 1 blades, those don't work very well for thick leaf cover....they work fine for grass clippings but not for lots of leaves...and they'll clog up your mower too.
Thanks! I am hoping we can get the Powerflow working properly - and that will make it a GREAT deal! I used the mower yesterday and mowed for about an hour - and it does an excellent job mowing. Turning with that power-assisted steering is great, the machine is quiet, and the cut is very nice. I appreciate you watching and letting me know your thoughts!
@@PurpleCollarLife There is little doubt that for what it is, you got a good deal, the issue, is if you want what it is, and not what it isn't. It is only a lawnmower, it is not a ZTR and it is not a series 1 tractor, in other words, ZTR are faster and easier to trim with, and tractors of the 1 series, have a rear PTO, a three point and a loader. So if you're happy with what it is not, you're good to go.
Check out our Tractors playlist here: th-cam.com/play/PLJy7cj0ut2cDcZW-8im2dYlUWdVcMHDDA.html
Thanks so much. We got a tractor just like yours with our house that we bought last year. The first time we used it, the tires went flat. "Okay," so we replaced the tires. The 2nd time we mowed with it, it threw the belt. I guess the mechanic who went over it before we first used it didn't figure out what was missing. "Sigh. " Well, at least now we have a better idea of how much it may cost to get it running.
Glad it was helpful! Even if it takes a bit of an investment - I still feel like these older John Deere machines are a good quality, that will last.
Great deal! I think your parents will be happy with it!
We just scored a John Deere Lx255 with snow blower, for the ultimate price… free, and it has 250 hrs on it!
I never was particularly fond of that style cart, however it does have its advantages, I prefer the more traditional “trailer styled” leaf collection cart similar to the “agfab” leaf collection system, larger capacity, centered hitch and articulation , however it too has its shortcomings of collection hose support and safety switches, but it also has its own vacuum motor, and can chip small branches!
I would still say it was a decent deal, especially if you can weld up the other blower support!
That is awesome! You did score the ultimate deal. And the snow blower should be fun to use too!
I have noticed that the MC519 cart seems to dig into the gravel a bit. I'll need to check and make sure the wheels are spinning and rotating properly.
I do like the agrifab systems - except for the difficulty maneuvering around so many trees.
Thanks for watching!
Good Morning Sir, Yes, You had a Very Nice Deal 🧐👍I'm pretty sure that you will find and repair it Sir 🙏🙏😇 Be Well Sir Cheers 🍻🍻
Thanks, Dave! You were 100% correct with your video talking about this being Mowvember! :)
Remember to pull on the blade engagement knob before you backup so the blades dont shut off and you wont have to restart them, hard on the belt and clutch, excessive wear. Not sure you knew that. Great vid by the way.
I didn't discover the lifting the PTO knob until the first time it shut off. I was thinking this unit wouldn't have that shut off in reverse function. But I was glad there's a workaround.
Thanks for watching!
Actually, the GX255 is in between the GT2X5 series and the GX3X5 series. It had some features of the lower GT line, plus some upgrades that were found in the GX line. The GX line grew out of the 3X5 series that the GX replaced. JDs line were as follows, the LT, then the LX then the GT, then the 3X5, and then the 4X5. In 2001, Deere replaced the 4X5 line with the X4X5 and the X4X5, and added the L-series below the GT line. Later Deere replaced the 3X5 line with the GX line and added the GX255 to augment the GT line. The LT and LX line got replaced by the X3XX line in 2006, the GX and GT lines got replaced with the X5XX line, and the X4X5 and X5X5 line got replaced by the X7XX series.
Thanks for this great explanation of the different models! This is super helpful to understanding how these machines sit in the lineup!
I'd say it's a good deal even if the bagger system doesn't you have a sweet little cart that would be super handy to use if you just remove the bag top. I'd love to find one and modify it to fit only my 78 JD 316K. Those wagons are a super cool addition.
I was thinking that MC519 cart might make a decent firewood hauler for small loads and short distances from the woodpile to the house. Thanks for watching!
The GX models have hydraulic lift as well as having heavier frames than the GTs. Both are way more durable than the lawn tractors sold today.
Thanks! I agree this is a much heavier tractor than I see at the box stores in John Deere or Cub Cadet mowers there. As far as the hydraulic lift - I think the larger GX models have that. But this GX255 still has the foot pedal lift for the deck. We appreciate you watching and leaving a comment!
Great show brother, keep cuttin'!
Thanks! Will do!
I have the 235gt bought it new 1999 still run great it has a lot of hours on it I have extra parts for everything on it.Ran it all the time until 2017 bought a new exmark 53 still run them both. I mow about 8 acres.
That's amazing! A John Deere 235GT with the original owner! Great job. Glad to hear that you're still using it and splitting the work between the John Deere GT and the Exmark 53. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!
Chad, I think it's fair to say you did overall good, if not quite as good as you had hoped. That appears to be a very nice tractor, the fact it needed some repair isn't bad and if you could have serviced it yourself, I would have been a little cheaper. Shame the power flow didn't work as intended, but if you could source a solid repair/rebuild, that would be cool. Every market is different but getting a VERY low hour and in exceptional condition tractor of that caliber is nice. Around here, you could get around that amount $2000-2500 for one in that condition. Working MC519, certainly a little more. Now, as a Deere purist, I must address your model series faux pas😂😂. So there were the LT and LX models, they were quality Lawn Tractors, lighter duty, but nice. The LT series was cheaper than the LX, LX had things like liquid cooled engines whereas the LT did not. Then you had the GT and GX, same story, GT's were good but frames were slightly less robust. Each came with the same decks, engines and transmissions....sort of. The GX went further with engines as they offered a liquid cooled and a diesel (355/GX355). The GX also had hydraulics whereas the GT was mechancial lift, your strong arms. This also allowed the GX to have power steering, except for the GX 325 I believe, it was the basic GX. Both models had a TuffTorq K70 series but the GX had the option for hydraulics and the transmission service was a bit more pricey for the GX because of that. Then there was the X series, which was X465 and up to X595 during that time period. These were the super GT's, shaft drive, most were liquid cooled, except the X465, some were EFI and one even had a diesel. The 400 series was 2WD and the 500 series was 4WD. They even offered a 4WS model. Having said that, the GT and GX never had a 4WS option, but the LX277 did have that option oddly enough. The X series was also capable of 3 point hitch equipment and could be optioned with a 540rpm PTO. So the GX was between the GT and X series, not the GT and LX. The LX was nice but was certainly inferior to the GX.
@FloridaDeere - I knew you'd have the right info about these models! That's why I was hoping you'd straighten me out. :) You really know your stuff.
I've always been impressed with the 318 tractors - with the hydraulics, and their abilities! But around here, those 318s really demand a premium even if they're in pretty bad shape.
The LX, GTs, and GX units are a bit easier to find at more reasonable prices. Those X series models you mentioned - I don't recall ever seeing for sale on marketplace. But it's entirely possible I confused them with today's X series models.
I probably should have done that deck service work myself, it would have saved some of the money. In my initial inspection of the deck - I didn't notice that the spindle and idler needed replaced. I did learn that handle and spring were missing when I did some research. But I never would have guessed the price of that tension handle!
I'm glad the professionals diagnosed the powerflow issue - because I had no idea where to start on that one.
Thanks for watching and leaving such an informative comment! I truly appreciate it.
@@PurpleCollarLife The X465-495/X575-X595 were only available for 2002-2005 I believe, so really rare plus pricey. The older 300 series 318 and such are getting long in the tooth and aren't as ergonomic as the newer models and like you said, many are in rough shape because of age.
See if you can find a mulching kit for that lawn tractor, if so, scrap that power flow mess probably why the previous owner quit using it was because it was damaged and was lucky and inherited a better lawn tractor in a house purchase LOL.
450 hours isn't too bad for a lawn tractor, looks like the owner took pretty decent car of that part of it, but probably didn't so much with the power flow system. Not much of a fan of those systems anyways, hanging off the side of the deck in the way of everything and then you have that cart to contend with, even though its attached to the lawn tractor's frame, its still sticking out the back in the way.
I just mulch the leaves every fall, no bagging or raking.
That's a good tip - the mulching kit for the 54 inch edge deck is probably easier to find than a powerflow kit. However - I really was hoping that it would help gather the leaves at my parent's house. I think they get WAY too many leaves to mulch. Even if they mulched every single day, I'm afraid their yard would just look like a yard full of mulched leaves. :)
@@PurpleCollarLife Another option maybe is one of those DR Power leaf collection systems, might be able to snag parts off one of those and adapt it so you can still use that cart? The DR Power version is similar, except it just uses a standard trailer/dump cart....might be cheaper in the long run if you wanna go that route, rather than trying to find parts for that weird power flow system.
For many years, I would run the mower over the leaves and windrow them, then rake into piles and pick them up with the garden trailer. More of a chore than it was worth, so I started mulching them. I had several trees in the back yard for a while, a couple huge cottonwood trees, and 2 walnut trees....talk about a leaf mess that was....the last year the walnut trees were still there I just mulched them all. Took a couple passes but did fine, the key is to do it when they're not wet....plus have Gator G3 or G5 mulching blades....don't try it with those garbage 3 in 1 blades, those don't work very well for thick leaf cover....they work fine for grass clippings but not for lots of leaves...and they'll clog up your mower too.
I'm going with a fair deal hope you find the parts you need.
I agree. I do think it was a fair deal. It would have been a sweet deal if it all had worked perfectly for $1500! :) Thanks for watching!
yes, it was a good deal.
Thanks! I am hoping we can get the Powerflow working properly - and that will make it a GREAT deal! I used the mower yesterday and mowed for about an hour - and it does an excellent job mowing. Turning with that power-assisted steering is great, the machine is quiet, and the cut is very nice. I appreciate you watching and letting me know your thoughts!
@@PurpleCollarLife
There is little doubt that for what it is, you got a good deal, the issue, is if you want what it is, and not what it isn't. It is only a lawnmower, it is not a ZTR and it is not a series 1 tractor, in other words, ZTR are faster and easier to trim with, and tractors of the 1 series, have a rear PTO, a three point and a loader. So if you're happy with what it is not, you're good to go.
We've got a 1984 John Deere 316 with an Onan B43E engine.
@@rodgerneeb301 We've got the ztr and sub-compact tractor, so this is just intended to be a fall mowing machine. :)