2014 X739, which deck for best cut?

[Eric102]

Considering a new X739 for just mowing the lawn, have a JD3320 for all the other chores but its way to big for mowing in tight quarters and on side slopes. Has anyone had the chance to compare the 48" Edge Xtra Deck vs the 54" High Capacity Deck? For me the size doesn't really matter since my lawn area is less than an acre but I would like the best cut (least amount of scalping). Will also be getting a powerflow/bagging system if that would make any difference. I have an old 87 JD318 with a 46" deck now but its about time to upgrade toys .

 

[Gittyup]

I have the 54HC on my X739, but haven't used it yet. I've been using a 54" on a 425 for the past 19 years. The old gravely that the 425 replaced had a 38" deck. The gravely cut was the best I've ever experienced. I think for two reasons: width and speed. Smaller decks almost always give you a better cut. The gravely had 2 ranges, 4 gears - all of them slow, slow, slow. Made for a good cut, but took forever.

I don't know about the 48 Xtra edge. It might yield a slightly better cut just because it's smaller. But, JD and everyone else raves about the HC decks. I know one thing it sure has a deep pan. I've never seen one with such a deep pan before. It's much deeper than my 425 54" deck. And way heavier, not that the old deck is a lightweight by any means. The deck on my 425 has been awesome, and still is. So, I'm expecting the HC will be the last one I'll ever need.

I think the HC will give you longer service, if 20 vs 25 years or so really matters to you.

 

[Eric102]

Thanks for the input, I'm just starting my research so I don't really know much about the new decks and mowers, any suggestions are appreciated.

Is the HC the same or similar to the previous 7-iron decks?

 

[Gittyup]

I've read that the HCs are nearly identical to the 7-iron. I also like that the HC is drive over. No more rotating the gauge wheels to roll it from under the tractor. I've only taken it off; have yet to put it on. But, it sure was easy to remove. I like the drive shaft holder they have now.

My old deck does have a more robust lift mechanism though, using two heavy yokes welded to the deck. These new ones have what I'd characterize as a heavy wire lift thingy. Wire thingy is easier to engage/disengage though. I guess it's built to handle the mower deck weight and that is all that matters.

Don't know how much of this is common with the xtra edge.

I have read complaints about the cut quality of the previous mower deck designs (like on X729). But, no first-hand experience with these.

Thanks for the input, I'm just starting my research so I don't really know much about the new decks and mowers, any suggestions are appreciated.

Is the HC the same or similar to the previous 7-iron decks?

 

[Eric102]

Is the auto connect standard or optional?

 

[Gittyup]

It's optional, but affordable. I think it is less than $400. You can build your own on JD website and the price should show up. I did not get it. The difference is hooking up the driveshaft or not. I didn't see it as that big of a deal. But, if getting down on the ground is a challenge for someone, it's a nice feature.

Is the auto connect standard or optional?

 

[Eric102]

I'll probably pass on the auto connect as well, typically I only remove the deck once a year for maintenance and it looks like these new ones are easier to remove than my 318 deck is.

 

[Gittyup]

Yeah. Pretty easy.

I'll probably pass on the auto connect as well, typically I only remove the deck once a year for maintenance and it looks like these new ones are easier to remove than my 318 deck is.

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

I'd have to recheck MSRP, but I thought Auto Connect was about $250, less whatever discount (10% - 15%), so say $215 - $225 range and if purchased with 60 months 0% That's about $3.75 per month. Even if only once a year - to me that's worth it and probably a lot less expensive than finding out too late that it really would be handy and then having to add later.

 

[Eric102]

I'd have to recheck MSRP, but I thought Auto Connect was about $250, less whatever discount (10% - 15%), so say $215 - $225 range and if purchased with 60 months 0% That's about $3.75 per month. Even if only once a year - to me that's worth it and probably a lot less expensive than finding out too late that it really would be handy and then having to add later.

Its showing $492 when I do the build your own. I had to put in a zip code and select a dealer to get the options prices so it probably varies by dealer or region.

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

When I did a look-up (this morning) here is what "Build Your Own" shows for the 60' HC deck in $US:

Auto Connect 3426 $247.00
60HC Mower Deck X700 for Signature Series (Model Year 2013 and Later) 9075M $2,100.00

Same for the 54" deck.

 

[Gittyup]

Whether $200 or $500, that shouldn't make a big difference. If you want or need it, get it. If not (like me), don't. Kinda like front fenders. And I don't want those either. I like simple sometimes, less to break.

 

[Eric102]

I'm seeing the $247 price now without adding a dealer location but when on the that same page there is a "customize product tab" which takes you to another page where there is a auto connect option PN BM23894 that lists for $492 after filling in my zip code and selecting a dealer. I guess I don't understand John Deere's "build your own" process, is the standard $247 auto connect option different than $492 one, or do you need both?

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

A check in JD parts shows the $492 BM23894 includes a Drive Shaft. The $247 Auto Connect - purchased at the same time as the deck excludes the Drive Shaft, which is in the base price of the mower deck. Notice the deck can be purchased without the Drive Shaft with a credit of $182. I have not taken time to research if they are different drive shafts. Granted they only add to $429, so you might want to check with your dealer.

I do know my auto Connect was not priced in the $500 range. It was as per #3426.

 

[Eric102]

Yes I would definitely let the dealer figure it out. My guess would be that the $492 kit is to retro fit an existing mower since it includes a shaft which I would assume needs to be shorter than the stock one on the non-quick connect deck.

At $247 I would definitely add it to my order, like you said its only a few bucks a month.

 

[markedman1132]

My X738 is on order, but until I have a chance to use it I could not speak from experience.

As some have mentioned, the 54 and 60 decks have an auto connect option. My understanding is that you cannot get the auto connect on the 48 deck.

There is a good youtube video that shows the auto connect feature and it looks dropdead simple. Having said that, the one review for an X738 on this site was from someone who stated they had a lot of issues getting the auto connect to work.

 

[Goin4forty]

I went from the 48 Extra to a 54HC. The 54HC is definitely a better cut and I have enjoyed the auto connect feature. I've heard of some folks struggling with it but I've not experienced that at all. The 54HC seems to be a 9 gauge copy of a 7 Iron deck. 9 gauge seems plenty heavy duty enough for all but the most demanding commercial uses.

 

[Eric102]

My X738 is on order, but until I have a chance to use it I could not speak from experience.

As some have mentioned, the 54 and 60 decks have an auto connect option. My understanding is that you cannot get the auto connect on the 48 deck.

There is a good youtube video that shows the auto connect feature and it looks dropdead simple. Having said that, the one review for an X738 on this site was from someone who stated they had a lot of issues getting the auto connect to work.

Yeah I didn't think the quick connect would be available on the 48" since its not a drive over.

 

[Eric102]

I went from the 48 Extra to a 54HC. The 54HC is definitely a better cut and I have enjoyed the auto connect feature. I've heard of some folks struggling with it but I've not experienced that at all. The 54HC seems to be a 9 gauge copy of a 7 Iron deck. 9 gauge seems plenty heavy duty enough for all but the most demanding commercial uses.

Thanks, exactly what I was looking for! Did you compare the 2 on the same tractor?

 

[Goin4forty]

Thanks, exactly what I was looking for! Did you compare the 2 on the same tractor?

No, the 48" was on my X324 and the 54HC is on my X739. I was always satisfied with the cut quality of the Edge Deck but the new HC Deck is noticeably better. Taller deck with more lift and I believe higher blade tip speed.