QuestionI've read about everything I can from you from April on looking for any information about these but only found one item on an ignition problem I think. I hope this isn't off topic for the site but a no BS answer on this question is hard to find. I'm wondering if the AWS on JD tractors is more trouble than it's worth. Are they reliable or will I be asking you how to fix it if I buy one with all wheel steering, Paul?
AnswerIt isn't a big problem. I'm not sure if we have ever had a steering repair in our shop.
I wouldn't recommend the 4 wheel steer if you are gonna be mowing 4-5 hours a week. I also don't think it would be an advantage if you are mowing 4 acres of wide open land.
On the other hand, if you mow 2 acres, and have fifty trees, it would be a hell of an attractive feature.
Don't let reliability effect your judgement. What do you mow with now? Think about how many times you have to put your current tractor in reverse. Either because you can't make a turn or have to back up to trim. You will probably cut the reverse time by about 1/2.
Hell of a good tractor. Find out if it has ever had the camshaft and water pump replaced. It will need both at about 700 hours. Dealer cost to repair 500.00. Parts cost, 225.00, if you can do it yourself. New cam will be steel instead of plastic. Tractor life expectancy 3000 hours. Yearly maintenance cost (not including normal maintenance) after 1000 hrs, 200.00 annually.
