AWS/AWD Lawn Tractors

[JDGREEN4ME]

We are looking to buy a home and property in upstate PA and there are some steep slopes and not really any level spots on the whole yard. Current owner uses a zero turn but stated he has gone for some slide rides that scared him. I was wondering if the 700 Series AWS/AWD model might be a better choice for this.

 

[Eric102]

I'm a believer, my X739 has never slipped or even scuffed the grass on some steep, damp slopes that have tight turns to get around trees and shrubs. Before that I had a 2 wheel drive JD318 that spun the tires often in those situations.

 

[k0ua]

I have never run one, but I don't see how it could do anything but help in your situation. I know on my tractor on many spots of my property, if it was not 4WD, it would be totally useless.

 

[mfreund]

I am not sure is you can get AWS ( all wheel steer) and AWD (all wheel drive) on the same tractor. Just letting you know there is a difference in the two.

I think it will work much better than a zero turn.

 

[Yellowfever440]

The x729, x739, x749 from deere are all wheel drive and all wheel steer.

 

[Gittyup]

I've owned a 2wd aws (425) and now an X739 (aws/awd). Both are excellent on hills. The combo u can't get is diesel, aws, and awd. Pick any two. Aws/awd together are only available on gassers.

 

[Xfaxman]

TORO has one, the Groundsmaster 360 Quad Steer 4WD.

With cab.

Quad-Steer™ True All-Wheel Steering
All Season Permanent Safety Cab with AC/Heating
Kubota® 36 hp (26.8 kW), 4-Cylinder, Liquid-Cooled Diesel Engine
183 cm Width of Cut in either Side Discharge, Rear Discharge, or Guardian® Recycler® Configuration
Toro | Groundsmaster® 360 Quad-Steer

 

[DHD]

I realize you folks are talking mostly John Deere here.
If you looking to save a little money, for $5300 Husqvarna has the R322T AWD articulating mower.
Very good on steep slopes and is very nimble around objects.
It also has an out front easy service mowing deck.

Husqvarna Rider Concept: Product Demonstration - YouTube

JDGreen4ME....Southeast PA ?
I use to live in Warminster, PA from 1978-1992
Got a little crowded so moved to Maine.
Upstate PA would be nice too.

 

[Wolfy]

There is an orange AWD mower as well.

 

[Wolfy]

Another thing that will help is to use wheel weights. Also, max out the psi in the front tires, and run the psi in the rear tires as low as you dare. Makes a big difference in my sloped back yard.

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

Thanks for the info, I am open to colors other than green I am just more familiar with JD at this point. I really think AWD is a need for this location.

 

[beenthere]

I have found the AWS on my Deere(s) 425, 455, X485 handle the steep slopes very, very well. Previous 2wd was much harder to keep from spinning a tire, but the same slopes with AWS present no problem at all. Nothing runs like a Deere. Stick with the best. They are a good investment, give good performance, and hold their value where others just simply do not.

 

[ruffdog]

I have a x744 aws diesel and my dad has a x749 aws awd diesel. I find my 2wd to climb quite well without spinning and am happy with it. When mowing the steep side slope in the ditch, the aws feels scary because the rear wheels steer and feels like it is slipping. My Cub Cadet 982 just does the ditch better with my set-up. My wife LOVES to mow the lawn now with the Deere and I let her have all the fun she wants. My dad's x749 will nearly climb a wall and we will find out this winter how it plows snow.

My friend has a very steep part of the yard that he needed a good side hill mower. He had dealers come out and SHOW him how good their products are on the hill. One dealer took a trip over the hill, over the rocks, through the flower beds in his attempt with a ZTR and others would not even unload the unit from the trailer. He ended up with a Cub Cadet zero turn type with a steering wheel and steered front wheels. He says it has a longer wheel base and sits lower than a regular ZTR.
http://www.cubcadet.com/equipment/cubcadet/zero-turn-riding-mowers/z-force-sz-series
Personally, I would still want awd.

 

[Gittyup]

the JD X700 series has no peers. Superb in every way. powerful, nimble, versatile, excellent implement support and design, comfort, reliability, hydraulics, etc. etc., Go try them out, and the others to see for yourself.

 

[Wolfy]

I can see ruffdog's point in that rear wheel steer being a handful on hills. I think it would be usefull trimming around bushes though.

 

[beenthere]

And I find the rear wheels really are the feature of the AWS that causes the better performance on a side hill. If you need to turn up hill, the rear wheels move down a bit under the heavy side and cause more stability. Easy to just turn to go up the bank with the AWS but it is not that easy with just the rear wheel drive and front steering.

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

After reading up on the current AWS/AWD X739 I am wondering what the long term reliability of the hydraulic front wheel drive is? How long has Deere (or anybody for that matter) used this?

 

[Yellowfever440]

I would think for the most part 4wd would be necessary for the steep hills. The 4ws for any tight turning. So of you were worried about hydro front axle drive, which I don't think would be a problem then go with the x575, x585, and x595 they are mechanical four wheel drive. You can engage or disengage the front axle on the go with a handle through the fender. I just got an x585 4wd and a brand new 54 in deere snowplow and I found a good used 45 loader with the click and go bracket for 2000 bucks. 410 hrs and runs really well. I haven't used it in snow yet but I hear they are very good with a plow in the winter. I may sell it and get a smaller mower and a skid steer for my snow removal.

 

[Gittyup]

AWS is actually an advantage on slopes when turning. On 2WS, the drive wheels push tangential to the turn direction, which adds resistance and causes sliding/tearing. On AWS, the drive force direction reinforces the turn direction, keeping the rear more in line with the direction you want to go. Also, going up hills, the front can become light affecting one's ability to steer. With AWS, you can steer with the rear wheels, even if the front is off the ground. This is huge when plowing snow. The tractor has less of a tendency to be steered by the snow pile pushing against the blade. And you can steer even if the front is off the ground or light to the ground.

 

[AaronS]

TORO has one, the Groundsmaster 360 Quad Steer 4WD.
View attachment 397342 View attachment 397344
With cab.
View attachment 397343
Quad-Steer True All-Wheel Steering
All Season Permanent Safety Cab with AC/Heating
Kubotaｮ 36 hp (26.8 kW), 4-Cylinder, Liquid-Cooled Diesel Engine
183 cm Width of Cut in either Side Discharge, Rear Discharge, or Guardianｮ Recyclerｮ Configuration
Toro | Groundsmasterｮ 360 Quad-Steer

I liked the looks of this so much that I just had to look up the price. OUCH!