buying x739

[bubbacuse77]

I'm pretty sure you can't put a loader on any of the AWS models including the X749. This has been the case dating way back to the 400 series.

There is a couple fellas on here that have modified the brackets a little on the 45 loader to make them work on the pre 2013 models. It looks to be an easy mod but I don't know if you can do it for the new models?

 

[bubbacuse77]

You're lucky you had that choice available at the time. New X749's were long gone by this fall when I made a decision. As it turned out, with the X739, I got the AWS / AWD and DW who likes to drive the lawn tractor around with a cart, but does not like diesel fumes - she is happy as well.

I know, when I found out they where discontinuing the x749 I tried to buy one from a couple local dealers but ended up traveling a ways to get the 2nd to last new one in the country. the used ones are still going for new prices because of the demand.

 

[jenkinsph]

I think I would buy an implement or make one instead of going with a weight bracket on the 3ph. I buy steel out of a friends scrap/drop pile for .15 /lb, those Deere weights are about 1.25/lb.

gittyup, congratulations on the new x739, that should be a nice powerful mower. I know you have wanted a new 4ws for a while. I use a cheap rear blade to clear snow on mine without chains. I thought about converting the MC519 cart to IMatch but thought better of it since the 3ph and mower deck are connected together. Since I only use the collection system about twice a year it is easier to drop the hitch and put the cart on with the standard arrangement (takes about 4 or 5 minutes).
Will be interested in seeing what you wind up with for rear implements.

 

[JDTank]

I've spent most of the day scheming and browsing the internet for ways to use the 3PH. I have thoughts of converting my leaf vac to 3pt (the 2 swivel wheels are hard on the lawn), and am considering the Omni Transformer with weight bracket and carry all basket. I think it will become a permanent fixture on the tractor.

JDTank, that is why "inferior" was in quotes. I'm sure the older decks work just fine. I just kept reading complaints about cut quality (from some) and how much better the new ones are w.r.t. cut quality as well as beef. I was torn between x749 (diesel and lesser deck) or wait to 2013 for the X739 (better deck and no diesel). Decided I didn't really need the diesel for mowing and snow removal (and timing wasn't ideal either). My current gasser has never left me wanting more power for those chores and with 5 more HP on the x739, it will do all that I need it to. Besides I have a diesel beast in my bigger tractor when I need it for work requiring serious torque/power.

As for running a cold diesel with a mower load, you can do what you want, but I wouldn't engage any PTO implement onto a cold diesel. I don't care what the owner's manual might say. And I probably won't be so quick to do it with my new fuel injected tractor either, even though they claim it's OK. I like to warm an engine before loading it, and in cold weather that can take a while with a diesel engine. I ran my Kioti on Saturday. It was about 34 degrees or so. It took a full 10 minutes to reach full warm up temperature. Of course, I did start out at idle and gradually increased RPMs over the 10 minute period. At idle, it probably would never reach full temperature. My 425 gasser warms in about 1-2 minutes at full throttle. That's probably how long I will wait with the new tractor too. I also "cool" my engines by running at idle for several seconds before shutting off. I've had good luck with this approach. The 425 is 20 years old, starts and runs like new, burns zero oil. May run for another 1000 hours.

I never said engage the PTO as soon as you start the engine. I was implying that it is ok to simply move the machine if you need/want to after it has run for 30 seconds or so. Obviously the time depends on how cold it gets. If your in a very cold climate, a small warm-up period is still good for the sake of lubrication.

 

[Gittyup]

I never said engage the PTO as soon as you start the engine. I was implying that it is ok to simply move the machine if you need/want to after it has run for 30 seconds or so. Obviously the time depends on how cold it gets. If your in a very cold climate, a small warm-up period is still good for the sake of lubrication.

That's the point though:

Time from cold start to safe pto loading - gas 1 to 2 minutes, diesel 5 - 10 minutes. Small thing, but matters sometimes.

Actually JD claims you can mow immediately with the X739 with zero warm up. But, I won't do that. I will wait until the temperature gauge reaches "normal".

 

[Gittyup]

I think I would buy an implement or make one instead of going with a weight bracket on the 3ph. I buy steel out of a friends scrap/drop pile for .15 /lb, those Deere weights are about 1.25/lb.

gittyup, congratulations on the new x739, that should be a nice powerful mower. I know you have wanted a new 4ws for a while. I use a cheap rear blade to clear snow on mine without chains. I thought about converting the MC519 cart to IMatch but thought better of it since the 3ph and mower deck are connected together. Since I only use the collection system about twice a year it is easier to drop the hitch and put the cart on with the standard arrangement (takes about 4 or 5 minutes).
Will be interested in seeing what you wind up with for rear implements.

I'm planning to use the down stop adjust and the mower height adjust so that I can use (or not) them at the same time. We'll see how this works out.

 

[94BULLITT]

How much ground clearance does the deck have when it is raised all the way?

 

[Gittyup]

How much ground clearance does the deck have when it is raised all the way?

Roughly 5.25 inches. If doing chores that need ground clearance, take the deck off, which takes about 3 minutes. If looking to use an AWS like a subcut, just not enough ground clear

 

[94BULLITT]

Roughly 5.25 inches. If doing chores that need ground clearance, take the deck off, which takes about 3 minutes. If looking to use an AWS like a subcut, just not enough ground clear

You should be able to do some work with the deck on if you watch what you are doing.

 

[Gittyup]

Still waiting to take delivery on the X739. Sure could have used it today. I normally prepare my 425 for snow by removing the deck and putting the blade and chains on. Well, I didn't do that this year, thinking I'd just wait and use the new tractor and avoid the chain chore. Early snow storm got me. We got about 9". I had to use my Kioti with a 68" snow blower behind it. It worked pretty good, but won't fit into tight spaces the way the little JD's will. Anyway, dealer said new tractor to be delivered on or before 12/17. Hopefully we won't get any more snow until then.

 

[Gittyup]

Tractor delivered yesterday. Real nice! However, my old 54" snowblade from my 425 will not fit without hose extensions and right angle adapters. So, calling for more snow today and no parts to fix it.

I did try out the tractor in the snow. Outstanding traction. Went right up my snow covered steep road without slipping once. Of course, I had 250 lbs of weight on the back. But no blade on the front at least not yet.

 

[Yellowfever440]

The bracket for the 425 quick hitch fits a 739? They didn't fit the x720 and x740s.

 

[Gittyup]

Yes it does. And I think it'll fit the x720 and x740. But the new quick hitch specifically made for the X7 series won't fit a 400 series. Old hitch works with new tractor. New hitch doesn't work with old tractor. I'm not sure, but I think there are some issues with trying to use the old drive shafts for blowers with the X series (too long/short?). For the drive shaft, there is a solution, but I can't recall what it is.

I ordered a "kit" from JD. Several years back JD made this kit to retrofit a snowblade. This kit is now "obsolete", but all the part numbers can be bought separately to build the kit. So, that's what I did. Cost me a few dollars more than buying parts from several suppliers. But, I got lazy. I repositioned the existing hoses so they come off to the right in preparation for installation. Looks like 2 hoses are long enough and just need right angle adapters. The other two (angle) require extensions.

 

[Gittyup]

Well I got the parts I needed to fit the old style front hitch to my new tractor. Basically, it's two short M-to-F hoses, 4 right angle spindle adapters, and the 2 guide hook thingies. I'm posting this mainly to help others, as I could not find a detail of the retrofit. Attached are two photos of the retro.

Hardest part was attaching the front most guide. I could not find instructions that made it clear as to where to attach it. An old kit parts lists called for using a 1" bolt only (no nut). So this was a "clue" that it used an existing threaded hole or nut to mount. After searching around for several minutes, the only threaded location near where the guide is supposed to go was the clip nut used to hold the muffler shield. So I proceeded to try and attach it there. After much cussing, the recommended bolt is just slightly too short. So, back to the store I went for a bolt about 1/2" longer. Once I had this bolt, it went right onto the clip nut. I'm not 100% positive this is the right place for it, but I could find no other. Seems to work. Though I wish the hoses were further from the exhaust. I think they are OK anyway. Don't seem to get hot.

 

[rubadub]

I don't know if this help you any it shows my hoses.

 

[rubadub]

 

[Gittyup]

Thanks rubadub. I've visited your website photos. You sure have a nice setup there. But, I was looking for retrofits where an older hitch made for a 400 series is used with the new X-series. Never really found anything that showed in detail what was required. So, I thought I'd post to help the next person understand. Anyhow, it's done and working quite well. Next will be putting a set of rear remotes on with a 3PH (manually switched in). I took them off the 425 today and will install on the X739 later this year.

 

[Gittyup]

Installed 3PH and added a Omni transformer and basket.. More photos over in attachments. Total weight with suitcases and basket is about 500 lbs.

 

[Gittyup]

Action photo.

 

[murphy1244]

Wow, that really holds the ground!