Mowing deck height on the X500 is either up (transport position) or down to the mowing height setting preselected by the mowing height knob. I have uneven terrain and I find that the X500 mows great when mowing height, deck level, and anti-scalp wheels are properly adjusted. No on the fly adjustments seem necessary.

The X500 is a giant step up from the X3xx models based on transmission alone plus larger wheels. The X500 steers so easily that I never miss power steering.

The X3xx series is competent when asked to do what it is designed to do... mow. Uneven and hilly terrain is a large increase in work load. Some people never read the specs on their riding mower and then hook it up to their boat just to move it around the yard. Some people can break an anvil with a rubber hammer. Pulling one or two hundred pounds of mulch in a trailer often gets to pulling heavier things (with or without thinking) and then the trans pukes and then the nasty posts about junk JD transmissions start.

If you plan on snow removal there is a nifty power lift kit available for the X series non-hydraulic models that raises and lowers and allows minute adjustments for a snow blower or front blade, but it does not effect the mowing deck.

Based on what you said the X500 is a wiser choice and better long term investment. An X360 will do what you want but IMO it's not the best choice for your needs.

I own an X500 so here's one nonobjective vote in it's favor.

This post was edited by justalurker on Mon, May 26, 14 at 13:59