Hello. I looked at a used JD mower last PM. Original owner, 2013, 500 series, 185 hours. The price is right and it is well taken care of. I looked at the hydraulic/trans fluid reservoir under the seat and it was almost empty/just a 1/4" in it. The guy is older and had no idea it was that low. It was supposed to be changed at 50 hours and then every 200 afterward. He thought the first time was 200. The power steering and hydraulic lift deck all ran fine. The price is $3750 so I don't want to gamble with a possible problem. Question: Would that be a reasonable loss of fluid over 5 years/185 hours to you? I can't see any leaks but it must be as it would not just disappear/evaporate. Thank you for your time.

Yes, at least for me it was. Last year I had the same issue and have no idea why.......just happened. I have an X360 (2012 model) and it's a good lawn tractor.

That's my take on your question. Sounds like a pretty fair price too.

Any other experiences? Thanks again.

Mine runs a 2000 450 with a Kawasaki water cooled. Have had it 6 years now and mow an acre or so at a time. On the low hydraulic fluid issue has he added any attachments? Broke a line and had to replace? Tires for it gives me more grief then anything. The mower itself has been trouble free other then a shut down solenoid that wouldn't allow fuel.

If it works good, i wouldn't worry too much. Sounds like a decent price for that one.

I have a 96 345 and it went dry one year, never saw it leak. Filled it up and still going strong.
When mine was low, it started to skip in and out from driveing.

From what I've read, that tractor doesn't have a good hydro system to start with.

My last 3 mowers have all been John Deere. Started off buying a new XL188 about 20 years ago. 48 in. deck & a Kowasaki liquid cooled mower. I gave it to my son a few years ago. It is still mowing strong. Had to replace 2 spindels & a few belts in the last 20 years. My son lives on a sand hill so replaces the blades aprox. every year.
Bought a GX345 with a 54 in. deck used. I still use it in a couple of places.
Last one I bought was a 930M 0 turn with a 60 in. deck. Really love the 0 turn. I mow aprox. 7 ac. almost every week. The 0 turn cut my time a bunch, almost half the time it took using a tractor type mower.
Have had no problems with the GX345 or the 930m.

have 3 and love them with little problems.mow about 8 acres here.

Thanks for the comments. I think I'll buy it.

here's where I go for any and all mower/tractor advice.

http://www.mytractorforum.com/45-backyard-round-table-l-g-tractor-related-topics/

hope this helps

If the hydro pump has a bad seal and is leaking into the crank case, I'd want that fixed right away.
Seen it on an old Farmall, don't know about the JD but something to chew on.

Don't have a JD, but my Ferris has a reservoir that would hold at least a pint. The normal full level is only about 1/4 of an inch. Don't know why they put such a large tank on it. Maybe that is the case for the JD.