John Deere X740 vs. X748

[JDrunner8]

Guys,
I am trying to figure out which is the better option to buy right now. We are looking at a new mower and can't seem to decide on the 740 vs the 748. The 4x4 is very attractive, but I am not too sure if completely necessary. We have some slopes on our property, but nothing super severe. It seems most people are satisfied with their choices with either, I just wanted somemore input.

I also forgot to mention. We are still considering a z-mower as well. The JD 997 and Kubota ZD-331. Since we aren't planning on doing any chores with this machine it will only be used for mowing... I just know the tractor series mowers are smoother riding and more useable. Any thoughts on these machines as well?


Thanks!

 

[Yellowfever440]

I know you didn't list the x744 in your post, but it is all wheel steer if you are wanting maneuverability. I do know a lot of people with 4x4 like the way they drive across the hills or slopes, I guess they don't dog walk as bad.

 

[JDTank]

I just did a thread on this about a month ago.

I strongly suggest you go with the X748. Since it is a full time AWD system, it is not mechanically linked to the drivetrain via a driveshaft, like a 4X4 system is. Because of this, there is no scrubbing in turns, you still get a tight 2WD turning radius, and all without even noticing it!

If you intend to keep the machine for a long time, or resell it, my suggestion remains the same. You don't know if you will need All Wheel Drive 5, maybe even 10 years down the road if your conditions or property changes. If you do decide to sell the machine, X748 machines sell faster then you can post them. They are extremely popular, and anyone who can swing the dollars wants one. X740 machines sell for less and tend to sit at dealers because lack of All Wheel Drive, which 90% of people want in a Garden Tractor.

I hummed and hawed over this same decision, and I chose the X748SE. There are very few parts in the X748 AWD system, compared to a shaft driven front axle, it's 100% better. You just have a couple of hydraulic hoses that send oil from the rear axle to the front, and one valve that determines the correct oil flow to each individual wheel motor on the front, so that the front tires are at the correct speed in turns, therefore, no scrubbing.

Having the AWD system opens up a lot more capabilities for you, should you ever choose to undertake any of those tasks.

Long and the short of it, the X748 all the way, hands down.

 

[rsewill]

If you are only going to use it for mowing then go with the zero-turn.

 

[JDTank]

If you are only going to use it for mowing then go with the zero-turn.

I suggest against this.

A lot of people think they won't do any chores, but once they get going, before you know it they wish they could pull a utility cart, or use a 3 PT tiller, or have a tow behind sprayer, just to name a few things.

Garden Tractors are infinite in there capabilities and uses, zero turns can do one thing, cut grass quickly.

 

[jenkinsph]

I like the x749 as it handles the slopes well, and is similar in price to the x748 and z997. If the z997 can handle your slopes it could mow a little faster.

 

[jenkinsph]

JD,
I think he is considering a 3320 to go with this mower purchase.

 

[psdx]

JD,
I think he is considering a 3320 to go with this mower purchase.

Then I would certainly recommend the zero turn mower. I have a ZD331 and a 30 hp tractor and FEL. There's no switching back & forth between mowing and "tractor" mode.

 

[jenkinsph]

Then I would certainly recommend the zero turn mower. I have a ZD331 and a 30 hp tractor and FEL. There's no switching back & forth between mowing and "tractor" mode.

I would too if it can handle the slopes easily. I would also want to feel the tractor chosen could handle the slopes too as you need to be able to run other implements from time to time. If not something like the x749 may be a better choice.

 

[JDrunner8]

Yes, we are considering a 3320 as well. The only reason we are looking again at a mowing tractor is the 3320 might tear up our yard more than mow it. We have tested them and absolutely love it, we are just mainly concerned that mowing with it might be an issue.
I did see all the posts on this issue earlier and definately glad I joined! Seems I am not the only one with the questions!

 

[jenkinsph]

I have the mowers and tractors but I don't mow with the tractors. You could get by with using a R4 tires a couple of times per year to spread fertilizer and such. I for the most part keep vehicles and the tractors off the grass. The good thing about the x749 is it can handle all of the lawn mowing and maintenance.

While the z997 can mow faster the x749 is fast enough for me. I think you should try them out to see how they feel on your lawn. The x749 will turn with a 6" uncut radius using the 62" deck. It can still pull a boxblade, landscape rake and one of my favorites the 6' pine straw rake. I have the 540 pto option and use it to run a DR chipper too.

Good luck figuring this all out.

 

[coobie]

Guys,
I am trying to figure out which is the better option to buy right now. We are looking at a new mower and can't seem to decide on the 740 vs the 748. The 4x4 is very attractive, but I am not too sure if completely necessary. We have some slopes on our property, but nothing super severe. It seems most people are satisfied with their choices with either, I just wanted somemore input.

I also forgot to mention. We are still considering a z-mower as well. The JD 997 and Kubota ZD-331. Since we aren't planning on doing any chores with this machine it will only be used for mowing... I just know the tractor series mowers are smoother riding and more useable. Any thoughts on these machines as well?


Thanks!

I have owned a Kubota ZD326 pro zero turn and now a John deere X740.My choice would be the JD 700 series.I had my rear tires loaded with rim guard,mows like a champ.You can do a heck of a lot more with the JD verses the kubota ZTR.coobie

 

[Deere Dude]

I have bought and traded 2 WD large JD garden tractors forever it seems. I have a 740 now and even after the 4WDs began 15 years ago or so, I never really considered them because the 740 is great on hills or with any 3 PT attachment I need. I have lived on hills and have fairly steep ditches to mow and with loaded tires and weights etc. I never had a problem with it as far a traction was concerned. The only time I have a minor concern is if I have to much weight in the rear and the front end is off the ground, but then 4 WD don't help much either.
I put about 50 hours on my current 740 when I got a 3720, and now all the 740 is used for is mowing and rototilling and works great for that. Since I got my 3720 I put on another 50 hours on the 740 and 250 on the 3720. If you get a bigger tractor, your 7XX will be sitting a lot more than you think.

 

[TimberXX]

If you want to see what a 2wd deere can do check out youtube. There are plenty of videos of 425, 445, 455, 475, 485, etc doing some good work.

 

[Gonerafting]

I just did a thread on this about a month ago.

I strongly suggest you go with the X. Since it is a full time WAD system, it is not mechanically linked to the drive train via a drive shaft, like a X system is. Because of this, there is no scrubbing in turns, you still get a tight FWD turning radius, and all without even noticing it!

If you intend to keep the machine for a long time, or resell it, my suggestion remains the same. You don't know if you will need All Wheel Drive 5, maybe even 10 years down the road if your conditions or property changes. If you do decide to sell the machine, X machines sell faster then you can post them. They are extremely popular, and anyone who can swing the dollars wants one. X machines sell for less and tend to sit at dealers because lack of All Wheel Drive, which 90% of people want in a Garden Tractor.

I hummed and hawed over this same decision, and I chose the XES. There are very few parts in the X WAD system, compared to a shaft driven front axle, it's 100% better. You just have a couple of hydraulic hoses that send oil from the rear axle to the front, and one valve that determines the correct oil flow to each individual wheel motor on the front, so that the front tires are at the correct speed in turns, therefore, no scrubbing.

Having the WAD system opens up a lot more capabilities for you, should you ever choose to undertake any of those tasks.

Long and the short of it, the X all the way, hands down.

You are so knowledgeable and wise! lol

 

[fairyfarm]

You are so knowledgeable and wise! lol

Your three days with a X740 vs the X748 is worth anyone's experiences in a lifetime.