JD X729 alternatives???

[ddodge68]

I am currently mowing 6-7 acres at my home. Included in this area are about 50 oak trees, and one VERY steep hill in the front yard. The hill is steep enough that my JD 445 AWS will lose traction (even with the differential locked), and will end up sliding to the bottom. When you're lucky, it does not end up going down sideways. So, I am looking at a different tractor. I would like something that is 4wd, to handle the trees better, but I know that I will miss the AWS, if my new unit does not have it. This has led me to the JD x729. But they want a lot of money for that unit!!! Are there any good alternatives out there? Any suggestions?

Thanks a lot for your help,
Dan

 

[ChuckinNH]

Simplicity offers 4wd in both the Prestige, and Legacy lines though you won't find msrp on the Legacies much different than the JD X700 series. Actual price at the dealers may be better.

 

[ddodge68]

Simplicity offers 4wd in both the Prestige, and Legacy lines though you won't find msrp on the Legacies much different than the JD X700 series. Actual price at the dealers may be better.

Looks like the Legacy msrp is over $13k, with a 60" deck. Now I know this is not comparing apples to apples, but I have a quote from a dealer of $11k for the JD X729 with a 60" deck, and it adds aws.

 

[bx24d]

I recently launched a search for a heavy duty garden tractor with 4wd and low center of gravity for a hilly 4 acres of grass and a few trees and stone walls. IMHO, you should definitely be looking for uints with drive shafts to the mower and wheels and considering diesels primarily. So, to add to your search list, consider the following: Kubota BX series (1850, 2350) max out at 60" deck on the 2350 which can feel a bit tippy. Or you might check out the kubota GR2110 but that has less heft. It is awd all the time until you turn (when the inside front wheel goes free to reduce the turning radius to near zero). Also, the ACGO/Simplicity Legacy XL 2027. It has the best of all worlds (low center of gravity, heft, 3 pt hitch, 27 diesel horses and relatively small turning radius in 2wd). Comes with a foldable rops option. Its pricey compared to the GR2110 and even the BX 1850 but, if you're looking at JD 700 series, you're in the pricey neighborhood.

 

[skidoo]

I did my first serious mowing today. Wow! Handling is great, and it hugs those hills. I did a similar search for a long time and could not find anything suitable, until the X729, X749 came along.

If you are used to the 445, you probably will not be satisfied except for an upgrade. If you can find a way to swing the funds, you won't go wrong with the X729.

I went with the X749 and haven't looked back...

 

[ddodge68]

snip... Kubota BX series (1850, 2350) max out at 60" deck on the 2350 which can feel a bit tippy. Or you might check out the kubota GR2110 but that has less heft. It is awd all the time until you turn (when the inside front wheel goes free to reduce the turning radius to near zero). Also, the ACGO/Simplicity Legacy XL 2027. It has the best of all worlds (low center of gravity, heft, 3 pt hitch, 27 diesel horses and relatively small turning radius in 2wd). Comes with a foldable rops option. Its pricey compared to the GR2110 and even the BX 1850 but, if you're looking at JD 700 series, you're in the pricey neighborhood.

bx24d, I appreciate the info. I think that I'd steer clear of the Kubota units that you mentioned. "a bit tippy" would be VERY bad on this hill. The Legacy XL looks interesting, mostly because of the diesel engine. When you say "relatively small turning radius", do you know how small? I am told that the x729 leaves a 6" diameter "un-mowed" area.

 

[ddodge68]

snip...
I went with the X749 and haven't looked back...

Correct me if I'm wrong, the only difference between the x729 and the x749 is that the 749 is diesel, correct? I'd love to have the diesel, but I don't have the extra 2 grand to spend.

 

[Gittyup]

what about just adding weight and chains to your 445? They really make a difference. If you don't already have them, you'll need spacers for the chains with the aws. Weights would be suitcase with the aws. I also run my back tires really soft with the fronts pretty hard.

Another option would be an articulated machined, like a powertrac or ventrac.

 

[ddodge68]

what about just adding weight and chains to your 445? They really make a difference. If you don't already have them, you'll need spacers for the chains with the aws. Weights would be suitcase with the aws. I also run my back tires really soft with the fronts pretty hard.

Another option would be an articulated machined, like a powertrac or ventrac.

Wouldn't chains tear the @#$% our of my lawn? I'll check out the articulated. Never seen them. Thanks.

 

[TimS]

what about just adding weight and chains to your 445? They really make a difference. If you don't already have them, you'll need spacers for the chains with the aws. Weights would be suitcase with the aws. I also run my back tires really soft with the fronts pretty hard.

Good point - maybe go to HDAP tires and more weight on your 445? I run front and rear wheel weights year 'round on my 455, just to reduce the pucker factor on a sidehill mow I have.

I think you can put wheel weights on an AWS 4x5, you just need to be careful the bolts don't stick out the back and interfere with the steering mechanism. Or you could get the tires filled.

Might be worth a try, vs. over $10K for a new tractor.

Tim