How does this deal sound on a trade of an X720 for and a X740, drove a 1026R

[Grateful11]

Local dealer has one X740 left on his lot and has it priced at $9900 with a 62" deck. He said he'd give us $6500 for our X720 with a 54" deck and little over 200 hours on it. That would give us a new unit with a another 4 years of warranty but that does seem like a lot just to get into a diesel with a slightly larger deck. We've already had some fuel problems with the X720 even though I've been using Stabil and Seafoam and frankly I'm tired of going to gas station to get gas for it, it's a thirsty little sucker, when she has a 500 gallon tank of farm diesel. I tried to get her to get the diesel to begin with but that's a different story.

He had an X730 on showroom floor and frankly I wasn't too impressed. First off that's going to be a heck of a climb to get a 2WD GT to get up on that deck for auto connect, it about 6" high where it's got get onto the deck, about half the tire diameter. Maybe it'll do it just fine but I can see it sliding across the concrete shop floor. The hood seemed way floppier when open than our X720. I agree with what some of the others have said that the hood design reminds me of the lower end D series, it'll probably grow on me but even our guy at the dealership said he didn't care for the hood design.

Drove the 1026R, the one I drove had a loader and box scrape on it so I figure that pretty much evened out the weight. It was ok but the ride quality wasn't there like on the X700 series. I like the idea of having an extra loader if they need it on the farm and would like to have a backhoe someday. Wife says if we're getting a backhoe get one for the L3940.

 

[jbgood]

You had quite a lot of info. The one part I can reply to (by word of my dealer) You have to have a 4 WD to " drive over". Other wise You have to " Back over" if it's a 2 WD. Like you said You'll just be pushing the deck all around the floor trying to get on it.

 

[Grateful11]

I was wondering if that was possible. I assume you back up as far as you can and then drive forward? Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. I'd like see how that works because it seems like something would have drag or hit once the rear tires started down the back of the mower deck. It's somewhat difficult to hook up the drive shaft with the condition my body is in but after reading about someone said they backed theirs up on a set ramps and used a creeper, that's not a bad idea or let our 23 yo son hook it up The deck only comes off of ours once or twice a year anyway. We have plenty of concrete and shed space to remove a deck regular style.

 

[Retired Iron Peddler]

If you plan to mow your yard with the 1026R, have you considered the turning raidus? The X720 series yard/garden tractors turning radius is around 24" while the turning radius on the 1026R is 7.5-ft. For me that's a big problem and why I didn't consider that size tractor in either a JD or a Kubota BX series. I too would like a diesel for some of the same reasons and have been talking with my local JD dealer on a X750, but so for we cannot get close enough on the $$. I don't need it and how much am I willing to pay for "nice to have"?

Bill

 

[Grateful11]

Wow that turning radius is huge. That means like a 15' uncut circle? It didn't seem that big when I turned the 1026R to lock position in a U-turn.

He said an X750 with a 60" deck would be somewhere around $12K. I'm definitely not paying that for "nice to have" as you say. Heck I was quoted a $13K for the newest biggest BX with a mower deck and loader a couple weeks ago. By the time I pay tax on the X740 I'm going to have a lot in it, this dealer won't run a lawn mower through for farm use which is probably the way it's suppose to be.

He quoted us $16K on the 1026R with the big mower deck and a loader but no tax on the tractor and loader but would have to pay tax on the mower deck. I said, "she just bought a 5065M with a cab last year for twice that, that's too much for that little tiny tractor". I gotta get ready for church before I'm late.

 

[JDTank]

Wow that turning radius is huge. That means like a 15' uncut circle? It didn't seem that big when I turned the 1026R to lock position in a U-turn.

He said an X750 with a 60" deck would be somewhere around $12K. I'm definitely not paying that for "nice to have" as you say. Heck I was quoted a $13K for the newest biggest BX with a mower deck and loader a couple weeks ago. By the time I pay tax on the X740 I'm going to have a lot in it, this dealer won't run a lawn mower through for farm use which is probably the way it's suppose to be.

He quoted us $16K on the 1026R with the big mower deck and a loader but no tax on the tractor and loader but would have to pay tax on the mower deck. I said, "she just bought a 5065M with a cab last year for twice that, that's too much for that little tiny tractor". I gotta get ready for church before I'm late.

$32,000 for a 5065M with a cab? Must have been used, I have never heard of anyone paying $32,000 for a $50,000 tractor.

This is just my advice, but I would grab the X740 while you can. I purchased the last 2012 X740 within 500 miles of me back in early February. With the $1,000 off rebate, and dealerships wanting to move stale inventory, there was no way I could justify passing it up, or buying one of the new 2013 models. For $9,900 with the deck, I am not sure what your waiting for? Prices in Canada for John Deere are always quite a bit higher than the U.S. Even with the smoking deal I got, I still paid more than $9,900 for my X740, not by much, but still. I would sign those papers before it's gone.

If a true garden tractor is what you want, your going to have to lay out the cash, there is no way around it.

 

[JDTank]

I will add that the fuel consumption on my 2012 X740 is nothing short of amazing. Even at high RPM's under considerable load, I only use about 2L per hour. Sure, you may never get back the price it costs to purchase the X740 over the X720, but it sure is nice to go days, and days, and days, and days, without fueling up.

 

[Grateful11]

$32,000 for a 5065M with a cab? Must have been used, I have never heard of anyone paying $32,000 for a $50,000 tractor.

This is just my advice, but I would grab the X740 while you can. I purchased the last 2012 X740 within 500 miles of me back in early February. With the $1,000 off rebate, and dealerships wanting to move stale inventory, there was no way I could justify passing it up, or buying one of the new 2013 models. For $9,900 with the deck, I am not sure what your waiting for? Prices in Canada for John Deere are always quite a bit higher than the U.S. Even with the smoking deal I got, I still paid more than $9,900 for my X740, not by much, but still. I would sign those papers before it's gone.

If a true garden tractor is what you want, your going to have to lay out the cash, there is no way around it.

Here's the deal with the 5065M. We called the dealership owner out to help setup a new grain drill that had just been delivered and my wife mentioned she was in the market for a mid size utility with a cab. He said, "you need to get one of the one's I bought" and she said, "what is it" and he said, "we purchased 17 5065M's 2WD with cab, 16F/16R, 2 sets of hydraulic hook up, loader ready and Power Reverser at years end and they had them priced at $32K and had 3 left. Well she had already somewhat made a deal on a Kubota M7040 with another dealer. She went to check out the 5065M the next day because we couldn't believe the price either. Sure enough it was the real thing brand new, no faded paint, manf. date of Nov. 2011. She took delivery sometime last Summer. It was too good a deal to pass up.

That X740 is sounding better all the time ;-) One thing I'm wondering about is the 62" deck and clogging in sappy grass. I know it's been debated many times over the years.

This the 5065M before weights were added:

Questions about it before she bought it:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-buying-pricing/248312-looks-like-farm-getting-its.html

 

[Retired Iron Peddler]

I will add that the fuel consumption on my 2012 X740 is nothing short of amazing. Even at high RPM's under considerable load, I only use about 2L per hour. Sure, you may never get back the price it costs to purchase the X740 over the X720, but it sure is nice to go days, and days, and days, and days, without fueling up.

Thanks for the report on fuel consumption. It's one of the main reasons I want a diesel. I'm tired of hauling 5-gallon safety cans of gasoline to "feed" my hungry JD 655 Z-trak and JD 345 (trading both in). They do love gasoline! I keep bulk diesel fuel and it would be very convenient to have only a diesel powered mower. If I do come to an agreement with my local dealer on a X750, I'll never need to buy another one in my lifetime.

Also at my age, I prefer to have a steering wheel in my hands rather than levers and it's another reason I want to trade in the JD 655 Z-turn. The tractors are quieter and ride better.

Bill

 

[JDTank]

Thanks for the report on fuel consumption. It's one of the main reasons I want a diesel. I'm tired of hauling 5-gallon safety cans of gasoline to "feed" my hungry JD 655 Z-trak and JD 345 (trading both in). They do love gasoline! I keep bulk diesel fuel and it would be very convenient to have only a diesel powered mower. If I do come to an agreement with my local dealer on a X750, I'll never need to buy another one in my lifetime.

Also at my age, I prefer to have a steering wheel in my hands rather than levers and it's another reason I want to trade in the JD 655 Z-turn. The tractors are quieter and ride better.

Bill

I agree, you need to look at longevity with a purchase like this. These Yanmar diesel engines will very likely outlast the life you will give the tractor. Even myself, at age 25, could keep this Yanmar diesel running for 50 years with the right maintenance. Yes, the diesel does cost about $800 more upfront, but it will last many times over what a gasoline engine can last.

I have 11 hours on my X740, and I have put fuel in it only ONE time so far. The diesel will last forever, and sip fuel while doing it. I have one 5 gallon diesel can, and I only need to fill that thing once a month, two times if I am running for hours everyday in good weather.

As far as tractor comfort, yes, they are much better than a zero-turn. When the deck is engaged on my X740 it sounds like a tornado, but only because the blade speed is in the commercial category. A good pair of radio earmuffs and your set. Also, as far as ride quality is concerned, keep the tires at the correct pressure, and you will swear these X700s have a suspension.

 

[JDTank]

Here's the deal with the 5065M. We called the dealership owner out to help setup a new grain drill that had just been delivered and my wife mentioned she was in the market for a mid size utility with a cab. He said, "you need to get one of the one's I bought" and she said, "what is it" and he said, "we purchased 17 5065M's 2WD with cab, 16F/16R, 2 sets of hydraulic hook up, loader ready and Power Reverser at years end and they had them priced at $32K and had 3 left. Well she had already somewhat made a deal on a Kubota M7040 with another dealer. She went to check out the 5065M the next day because we couldn't believe the price either. Sure enough it was the real thing brand new, no faded paint, manf. date of Nov. 2011. She took delivery sometime last Summer. It was too good a deal to pass up.

That X740 is sounding better all the time ;-) One thing I'm wondering about is the 62" deck and clogging in sappy grass. I know it's been debated many times over the years.

Questions about it before she bought it:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-buying-pricing/248312-looks-like-farm-getting-its.html

Ah I see now. I figured it must have been a 2WD model that wasn't fully loaded. Those 5M series tractors are very very nice machines, I hope to get one in about 5 years when all my other debt is paid off.

If your wondering about cutting grass with high moisture content, you really should opt for the 7-Iron deck. I briefly had a 7-Iron deck a little over a year ago, and it stayed clean underneath regardless of the moisture in the grass. I have the 54'' deck now on my X740, and it does a very good job. However, it will collect a significant amount of grass underneath if the grass is wet or even moist. For me, I had no choice. I have a lot of gates as my property is fenced off in multiple sections for horses. My gate openings are 60 inches. I can JUST squeak through with this setup. If I had purchased a wider deck, I would have had to drive all the way around my property to get to the other areas, or remove my deck every time I want to go through. Plus, my storage space is tight. For me, the 54 inch is the right choice, your needs likely differ. It looks to me like your on a big farm, so for you, I would get the 7-Iron. I should also mention the 7-Iron deck can cut grass 2 feet long, yes, 24 inch tall grass is no problem for a diesel X7 with the 7-iron deck.

 

[jbgood]

I too Thought the same thing about something catching while backing over. I have not yet seen a demonstration of the back over method. I'm also have a problem getting down on my hands and knees after a stroke close to a year ago. Thats why I chose a 2013 X738 with a 54" HC auto connect. No drive shaft to mess with. With the snowblower there will be a shaft, But this fairly easy as the tractor sits high and has plenty of clearence underneath when the mower is removed for the winter.

 

[JDTank]

I too Thought the same thing about something catching while backing over. I have not yet seen a demonstration of the back over method. I'm also have a problem getting down on my hands and knees after a stroke close to a year ago. Thats why I chose a 2013 X738 with a 54" HC auto connect. No drive shaft to mess with. With the snowblower there will be a shaft, But this fairly easy as the tractor sits high and has plenty of clearence underneath when the mower is removed for the winter.

I don't mean to burst your bubble, but so far I haven't heard one good thing about the new auto-connect.

There is a member on another tractor forum who took delivery of one of the very first X738 models about 2 weeks ago. His auto-connect takes 2 people to line up and get it hooked up. Once you do get it hooked up, it will not come off, it jams itself onto the shaft. He has had the tractor back numerous times with no fixes, and is going to return the machine on John Deere's 30 day guarantee. He said he plans to buy the last X728 they have left and go back to the tried and true models. He assumed the newer machines would be so much better, but for at least 2 members on other forums, they have been a disaster.

 

[Retired Iron Peddler]

I don't mean to burst your bubble, but so far I haven't heard one good thing about the new auto-connect.

There is a member on another tractor forum who took delivery of one of the very first X738 models about 2 weeks ago. His auto-connect takes 2 people to line up and get it hooked up. Once you do get it hooked up, it will not come off, it jams itself onto the shaft. He has had the tractor back numerous times with no fixes, and is going to return the machine on John Deere's 30 day guarantee. He said he plans to buy the last X728 they have left and go back to the tried and true models. He assumed the newer machines would be so much better, but for at least 2 members on other forums, they have been a disaster.

The JD 1000-series tractors have the same type drive-on auto-connect mid-mount mower since they were introduced. Have they not had trouble? I'm not too worried obout driving forward over the mower on my concrete shop floor or driveway. If necessary, either I can use a couple of 2x4 blocks next to the mower deck to assist the tractor "climbing" over the deck inside my shop or I can roll the mower off the concrete apron in front of my shop door to the grass and drive over it there.

Bill

 

[Oldoak]

I would suggest to anyone contemplating purchasing a new Signature Series X700 with the Auto Connect option to at least get a dealer demo and try it out for yourself. Not saying some people are not having problems, but just what is causing the problem. There is a great deal of biased opinions here on the internet to get a true understanding. Nothing better than getting a hands on demonstration and seeing for yourself.

 

[jbgood]

Oldoak, Yes I think thats a great idea and would say the same thing. That's what I did right there on on the dealers shinny smooth shop floor. I could not be happier with the operation. If anyone is having problems it may just be the alignment of the PTO yolk and this is a simple adjustment and should be done by the dealer for the price of the tractor.

 

[Retired Iron Peddler]

I would suggest to anyone contemplating purchasing a new Signature Series X700 with the Auto Connect option to at least get a dealer demo and try it out for yourself. Not saying some people are not having problems, but just what is causing the problem. There is a great deal of biased opinions here on the internet to get a true understanding.

I plan to have the dealer to demonstate auto-connect several times on their slick concrete shop floor if I make the deal. Yep, you are correct about biased opinions on the internet.

Bill

 

[Gator6x4]

I don't know what the turning radius is on a 1026r, never driven one. I do have a 2305 with a 54 inch deck. I also have a x495. The turning radius is much smaller on the 2305 than it is on the x495. The only problem I have with the 2305 is with the r4 tires. It turns so short and tight it will scuff the grass if the soil is wet.

My advise would be draw a circle on the ground at the dealers and see which one will turn the tightest. A mower turning in 24 inches, two feet !! Will be some serious competition for a zero turn.

 

[Retired Iron Peddler]

According to the John Deere specification sheets on their web site on the different tractors: 1026r is 7.4-ft, 2305 presuming it's the same as a 2320 is 7.7-ft, and the X750 is 25-inches and is almost the same as my JD 345. No, the X750 won't compete with a Z-turn since a Z-turn will turn around in its own tracks... I own a JD 655 Z-trak.

Bill

 

[CHDinCT]

According to the John Deere specification sheets on their web site on the different tractors: 1026r is 7.4-ft, 2305 presuming it's the same as a 2320 is 7.7-ft, and the X750 is 25-inches and is almost the same as my JD 345. No, the X750 won't compete with a Z-turn since a Z-turn will turn around in its own tracks... I own a JD 655 Z-trak.

Bill

Pretty sure lawn and garden tractor turning radius' are measured differently than SCUTs/CUTs. I believe the L&G tractors are measured with a mower deck while SCUTs/CUTs are measured without the deck as the later tractors while used for mowing are used for a lot of other chores so knowing the turning radius sans deck is more appropriate. In any case, I've owned an X485 and currently own a BX and older Wheel Horse garden tractor and there's not that much difference in turning radius. In fact, I'm pretty sure the BX turns sharper than my old WH.