I purchased my X300 new in 2013. I've been through 3 seats. The current one split open after only 4 months. I finally purchased a cover to hide it.
Now I'm hearing an odd noise; sounds like it's coming from the transmission. After going through two of the 100 series way too soon (kept blowing head gaskets), I stepped up to the 300 series. I think the problem is simply John Deere quality. It charges a premium for quality that is not there. I shall not be purchasing anything else from John Deere, and that's a fact!