Are you a serious lawn care devotee? Do you want to get your hands on one of the best lawn tractors in the market?
If your answer to both the questions is a big “YES,” then why not give the John Deere X350 lawn tractor a try?
This is a premium ride-on mower that has a lot to offer. It is perfect for people ready to spend that extra money to get the best product.
So, how does the John Deere X350 lawn tractor work? What are its specifications? Is it worth your money?
Moving on further, from the brief description earlier, let’s dig deep into the review of the John Deere X350 lawn tractor. Read it, and you will get answers to all your queries regarding the tractor. Hope you will be able to decide whether or not to buy this product by the end.
The Specifications of the John Deere X350
| Model: | John Deere X350 |
|---|---|
| Width: | 1,040 mm (41 in) |
| Length: | 1,730 mm (72 in) |
| Height: | 1,090 mm (43 in) |
| Weight (without mower deck): | 210 kg (464 lbs) |
| Wheelbase: | 1,250 mm (49.4 in) |
| Battery: | 12V |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 12.5 L (3.3 US gal.) |
| Engine model: | FS600V |
| Displacement: | 603cc (36.8cu.in.) |
| Fuel: | Gasoline |
| Bore x stroke: | 73.0 x 72.0 mm (2.87 x 2.83 in.) |
| Starter type: | Electric starter |
| Power output: | 18.8 PS (13.8 kW; 18.5 HP) at 3,600 rpm |
| Oil capacity: | 1.7 L (1.8 qt) |
| Oil type: | 10W-30 |
| Spark plug: | NGK-BPR4ES |
| Rated RPM: | 3600 |
| Air Cleaner: | Dry with foam precleaner |
| Rear tires: | Lawn/turf: 20×10.00-8 |
| Front tires: | Lawn/turf: 15×6.00-6 |
| Chassis: | 4×2 (2WD) |
| Gears: | Infinite forward and reverse |
| Transmission type: | Hydrostatic transmission (Kanzaki K46) |
| Ground speed: | Reverse: up to 6.4 km h (4.0 mph) and forward: up to 8.9 km h (5.5 mph) |
| Steering: | Manual (power shift transmission available) |
| Oil change: | Sealed unit |
| Brakes: | Wet disc |
The Features of the John Deere X350 Lawn Tractor
Let’s see how the features of the John Deere X350 are:
#1. Spade Power
Powered by the FS600V iTorqueTM 603-CC V-twin engine, the John Deere X350 runs smoothly. Made by Kawasaki, this engine produces 18.5hp. There is a flywheel alternator in the engine, and it delivers 15 amps. It is regulated, and it helps in keeping the battery fully charged. As a result, you don’t have to worry about overcharging. Also, it helps in providing power to electrical auxiliary equipment. This includes lights and sprayers.
There is a voltmeter in the digital dash display of this machine. When you are operating, it shows the charge of the battery.
Did I tell you that the John Deere X350 has full-pressure lubrication that comes with a dual-stage air cleaner and replaceable spin-on oil filter?
Also, the lawn tractor has overhead valves and cast-iron cylinders.
All these help in making the engine more durable than ever!
The hydrostatic drive has the Tuff Torq hydrostatic transaxle. It encloses the motor rotator groups and the hydrostatic pump in the same housing with the axle.
Why this design?
Well, it is not only efficient but also decreases the number of sealing surfaces. This, in turn, minimizes the chances of leakage.
#2. Easy Operation
The makers of the John Deere X350 have paid quite some attention to the usability of this lawn tractor.
It comes with dual foot controls, which have hydrostatic transmission. This means it works like the automatic transmission of a car. In addition, there is cruise control in the mower. Thus, you can set a speed and mow along with it. As a result, you can pay full attention to the task you are doing. Interesting. Isn’t it?
If you look under the seat, you will find the adjustment tool along with the deck-leveling gauge.
You need to place the gauge at the exact location to level the deck with it – under the right and left rear and in front of the mower deck.
Now, take out the adjusting tool and rotate the screws on both the rear sides of the deck and the front drag arm. Also, you need to adjust the nut so that the deck is fixed at the cutting level.
There is a rotary dial in the middle of the cockpit. It is used to set the deck’s cutting height.
The John Deere X350 comes with a foot-operated mechanism to lower or raise the deck. Again, this is something, which is found to be very easy to use. And if you compare it with a hand-lift lever, it is way easier to use.
There is a raised position lock on the left side of the dash. It is also easy to use. And it works somewhat similar to that of the park brake lock on the opposite side.
I quite like the location of the left foot pedal the manufacturers have placed. So when you mow, it will not come in your way or catch on tree limbs and bushes. Isn’t that great?
Adding more to your excitement, it has a heavy-duty electric PTO. And the switch is mounted on the dash.
#3. Attachments and Options
The John Deere X350 comes with many mower deck options to choose from. It ranges from 42 inches to 54 inches – you can choose any. You get other options, including mulching, side discharge, and bagging grass. And, in the 42 inches Accel Deep, there is a side-discharge cutting deck.
If you want to make quarter-inch increments, you can change the deck from 1 inch to 4 inches. And you can do it with ease and just a little foot effort when it is in standard configuration.
But, if you want to make it easier than this, you can go for the optional spring-assist kit with it. If you wish, you can minimize the lift effort too. All you need to do is turn the spring assist bolt that you can find on the front bumper of this tractor.
Now, you can get the optional Mulch Control attachment too. With that, you can quickly change between mulching and side discharging. This attachment comes in an easy-to-use, simple, easy-to-maintain, and innovative design that you will like for sure. You can even control the material flow under the deck with the help of a baffle.
If you look at the top of the deck, you will find a lever. It controls the attachment. If you open the Mulch Control baffle, almost all the material will freely flow from the discharge deflector. However, if you close the baffle, the material will remain within the deck. There, it is chopped into mulch and then thrown in the turf.
#4. Serviceability
The deck of the John Deere X350 is serviceable. And it is one of the best that I have come across.
You can grease the spindles. And for that, you don’t even need to remove the deck. The grease nipples of this tractor are on the top. This reduces the time of servicing to a large extent. I like it because this is not something that you get to see with other mowers, as in most cases, you need to remove the deck for greasing.
If ever you need to replace the belt, it will be an easy task. There is a belt diagram decal joined with the deck. It makes the installation process as easy as a breeze!
There is a lift-up safety cover on the left spindle. This makes it easy for you to clean the spindle area. And coming to the open right spindle, a mower frame protects it.
The deck comes with a garden hose connector too. So all you need is to attach a hose to it, and it will activate a high-pressure nozzle for washing. With this, you can quickly and easily clean all the mowing deck parts, including its underside.
Want to remove the deck?
Well, that is easy too, and it takes only a couple of minutes. First, find the two pins on both the rear sides of the deck and remove them.
There is a spin-on oil filter in the Kawasaki FS600V. And there is a quick-release oil drain on the left side of the mower.
While going through the handbook that comes with it – after using it for the first eight hours, it mentions that you should get the first service.
The regular service intervals that it recommends are every 12 months or 100 hours – whichever comes first.
Bonus Read: John Deere 650 Tractor Review & Specs
#5. Maneuverability
What I like the most about the steering of the John Deere X350 is its weight. Compared to other mowers of this size that you get to see in the market, this mower’s steering is more lightweight.
And for this, the credit goes to a large sector gear that doesn’t pivot on a bushing. Rather, it pivots on a shaft. It is attached to the large 14 inches steering wheel.
This prevents binding, ensures proper mesh, and offers a higher steering ratio that matches the lower steering effort.
That, along with the long drag links, assists in reducing steering error and equalizing steering load.
Does it have one of the tightest turning circles of 16 inches?
Yes. Indeed. This provides the machine with great control and excellent maneuverability.
The process of refueling this machine is very simple. On the left of the rear fender, there is a large 3 inches diameter of the filler opening. The electronic fuel gauge on the dash display makes it easy for you to keep track of the fuel. This way, it never happens that you run out of fuel when you are halfway down the rear paddock!
#6. Safety
The Reverse Implement Option, commonly known as RIO, comes with the John Deere X350. With this, you get to operate even in reverse. All you need to do is press and hold the yellow RIO button.
However, if you read the handbook that it comes with, you will know that the makers of this machine have strongly discouraged reverse mowing.
In order to provide the machine with greater strength, the backbone of this tractor is made with a formed and welded 12 gauge steel frame. It is used in some special areas.
The hitch plate, as well as the front bumper, is made with nine-gauge steel. And the rear hitch plate can support two Quick-Tatch weights of 19kgs.
What if you want your tractor to support heavy rear-mounted equipment?
Well, in the John Deere X350 hitch plate, you get a combination of mounting holes.
#7. Controls and Comfort
With the 15 inches seat, it is very comfortable to sit and do the hard garden work for an hour or two without any discomfort.
And of course, if you want an extra level of comfort and protection, you could get the seat cover with it.
It has some handy pockets at the back where I can store hand tools and gloves. I can remove the cover for cleaning too. It takes just a few seconds to remove it.
The dash of the John Deere X350 is quite attractive and has a clean and contoured style. The controls are color-coded. They have clean and clear labels on them. This makes them easy to identify and use. For activation, there is an easy-to-use PTO switch.
On the foot-lift, you will find the latch control. This and the park-brake latch don’t need much effort – all thanks to the pivot levers. There is an automotive-style button. You need to use that in order to activate cruise control.
This tractor comes with a choke control and a separate engine speed lever. They make it easy for you to warm up and start the engine. So you don’t have to worry even if you live in cold areas or during the winter months. Also, it is less likely that this lawn tractor will run with the choke half-closed – all thanks to the spring-loaded choke lever.
Can you opt for a bumper brush guard with the John Deere X350?
Of course, you need to pay some extra money for that.
The bumper brush guard is meant to offer some extra protection at the front of your tractor. There is a locating bar on the bumper. It helps in folding it forward so that you can raise the bonnet for servicing.
Did you know that there is a fast connector of 12V on the John Deere X350?
You can find it under the fuse box. Use this if you want to make extra attachments quick and easy. It has four cavities, and with this, you get ground, battery, and key switch terminals. To activate it, you need to use the ignition switch.
Now, let me give you an example of using the John Deere X350. Well, you can use it to tow a wheelbarrow of 283 liters. And if you want to collect garden weeds and then transport them somewhere else, know that the tractor will be able to carry about 300kgs.
You can opt for a magnetic pin with this lawn tractor. With that, you can make the operation of coupling and uncoupling barrows and other elements simple and easy.
#8. Price
The John Deere X350 comes with a hefty price tag of around $5500.
Pros and Cons of John Deere X350
Pros:
Here are some pros of the John Deere X350:
- The John Deere X350 lawn tractor comes with cruise control. It means you can set a particular speed and then use it for your lawn work.
- It has a tight turning radius of 16 inches so that you can maneuver tight angles.
- The large steering of 14 inches enhances the steering ratio and makes it easy for you to handle it.
- It comes with two-pedal controls, just like an automatic car, to provide you with better control.
- The lawn tractor has a sleek and modern design that makes it pretty appealing.
cons:
I didn’t find many cons in the John Deere X350 even after using it for quite some time. The ones that I found are here:
- The John Deere x350 comes with an open operator station, and there is no Rollover Protection Structure (ROPS). This can make you injured when you roll over.
- It is costly. This means if you are on a budget, you will not be able to get it.
Also Read: 7 Best Retractable Garden Hoses of 2022
Verdict
The John Deere X350 is an excellent lawn tractor that makes grass cutting effortless. And when you use it with the additional attachments, it becomes all the more powerful. As a result, you get a neat and clean cut every time you use it.
Coming to performance, this tractor from John Deere is undoubtedly one of the best lawn tractors you can get. I liked the Kawasaki engine that it comes with – a lot!
Yes, they have priced it on the higher side. But if you look at the features you get with this tractor; it is definitely worth buying!
So, are you getting the John Deere X350 for your lawn?
Let me know in the comments below!