John Deere X580

The X580 was a massive step up from the D105. I had no clue the size difference between this and the 100 series when I ordered it, even when I went to pick it up, this thing was beefy! the 24x12 rear tires were huge while the tractor maintained a narrow track. Under the hood was a 24 horse Kawasaki v-twin engine and this tractor featured a ground engaging capable transaxle, the Tuff Torq K72. A servicable axle that had no problem towing a loaded garden cart, pulling my ripper through the ground, and even grading gravel with the box blade.

This beefy machine even featured hydraulic power steering, differential lock, and twin touch pedals, something absent on the D105. You could move up to the X590, which would add EFI, as opposed to having a carbureted engine.