I got out my sales brochure for the old LT, LTR and LX series lawn tractors (yes they were all in one brochure). No matter the way you look at it, you are looking at completely different models (even if you were to make them into today's models, they are not the same). I still say the LX series is equivilant to the X300 series. However, the LX279 that you are looking at would be most similar to the x340 or x360.
The LX279 had 14 attachments available for it through John Deere. The current X304 that you are looking at has over 20 attachments available for it...a big plus is that the x304 will use all current attachments and there is no chance of an attachment not fitting it properly. The LX279 may have some compatability issues with the current attachments available through John Deere, they should be able to fit but may requre additional attaching parts.
While the liquid cooled engines are nice and do typically last longer, they require more maintenance and require more attention. Like stated above, those engines can be costly to repair when they break. They run quiet and smooth, but that does come at a price.
Overall, you are going to be getting the same power out of the machines. The only difference is one machine will have a 48" deck and one will have a 42" deck.
The decision will basically come down to whether you want a machine that is over 10 years old or one that is 5 years old. Personally, I'd take the 5 year old model, especially since it is a current model.
mowerbrad-
It appears that you didn't understand what I said. I said that there are a ton of nice
used attachments available for the LX, but not so much for the X300 series. That is a fact. I watch CL all over our state every day for just that type of stuff. Buying new attachments, for either one is cost prohibitive IMO. Deere likes to get top dollar for them. The fact that the X series has 20 attachments while the LX has 14 isn't important either since several of them are redundant, or are designed for same use senario's (like a snow blade, snow blower, etc).
Also, in your ealier post it read to me like you believed that the
LT was more similar to the X300 series, not the
LX. Maybe I misunderstood, if so I apologize. It is the LX series that the newer X 300 series replaced. Deere tried to streamline it's L&G tractor line and eliminated some models, while blending some others to come up with the newer series machines, but the X series is heavier built like the old LX was, and noticable more so than the LT's were.
It's true that an LC engine can be costly to repair, which is why it pays to now either the hours, or exactly what you are looking at. I have owned several of Deere's LC tractors, and never had the slightest hint of a problem with any of them, but then again, I take exceptional care of my equipment. I also blow out the radiator screen, pre screen, and engine after every use, and that helps.
Like I said, I have the grounds care catalogs that the dealers used to look up info for customers, and they have far more detail than the sales brochures which I also have going back for the last 12 years on most of their lawn care equipment.
. Mowerbrad gave you some good general info, but here is a little more.
