Looking to Upgrade an L130 to either x500 or x700 Series - Need Advice

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

If your slopes are very steep I don't see why you would be looking at a 500 series, you should be looking at a 700 series 4x4 or similar type mower. Having free turning front wheels can be dangerous on downward facing slopes without brakes or engine/transmission braking. Using 4x4 to go down the hill is just as important as having it to get up the hill.

The k92 series transaxle uses a spin on filter about 2 cup size which is easy to reach and change.

Keep in mind this guy used a L130 on the same slopes for years and slopes don't have to be mountains to be dangerous on a zero turn.

If he buys a tractor with deff lock, that will be more than adequate, a K66, K72 or K92 transmission will last a very long time climbing hills.

 

[jenkinsph]

BrokeFarmerJohn,
Here are some pictures of cat 1 implements on my x749 before I added the I Match quick hitch. Soon after these pictures were taken I added another IMatch as shown with my home built land plane grader scraper. Note that there are no cat 0 pins on any of these implements as all are cat 1. I don't see any problems with lift height either. I have many other implements for this mower not shown and they all seem to work pretty well.

 

[jenkinsph]

Keep in mind this guy used a L130 on the same slopes for years and slopes don't have to be mountains to be dangerous on a zero turn.

If he buys a tractor with deff lock, that will be more than adequate, a K66, K72 or K92 transmission will last a very long time climbing hills.

I never worry about climbing the hills rather I get concerned about going down the hills too fast. I have never had to use the differential lock (DIFF lock) to get up and down hills but have used it a few times in slick spots pushing snow. Since getting the x749 traversing the hills and mountain sides in New Mexico have been a lot easier to do.

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

BrokeFarmerJohn,
Here are some pictures of cat 1 implements on my x749 before I added the I Match quick hitch. Soon after these pictures were taken I added another IMatch as shown with my home built land plane grader scraper. Note that there are no cat 0 pins on any of these implements as all are cat 1. I don't see any problems with lift height either. I have many other implements for this mower not shown and they all seem to work pretty well.

Really nice rig!

Have you had any issues with the rakes picking up too much dirt?

I don't own a rake but have heard guys mention they fill up with dirt too quickly unless you take tongs out, from your pic, looks like a successful pass.

Another thing that comes to mind is ballast, box blade weights quite a lot, are you running any front weights?

I have seen guys run the little suitcase weights on the front of there x7xx's and they think it helps with stability.

 

[Teachu2]

Going from a L130 to a machine with a manual differential lock has been amazing. It's a completely different animal. It is much more capable and surefooted on the slopes, both up and down. For my use, it's a great fit, as would be the x570.

Of course, everyone has different needs and wants. I even considered dropping $1k+ into upgrading the transaxle in my L130, because I really liked the Kohler Command engine that was in it, but SWMBO was beating the poor thing to death. I didn't need a tractor, as my current one does great and is about as big as I can justify for my property. The extra capabilities of the x738 or x739 were wasted on me - I needed a strong, surefooted riding mower that could handle pretty steep slopes and light brush. I have mud on occasion, but no need to wallow in it to mow. When it snows here, it's measured in inches. We own two 4x4 on-highway vehicles that can handle that with ease. No need for a snowplow or blower.

We also have a Rhino 660, a 5x8 trailer, a 7x16 trailer (both with sides), a 5' brush cutter, a 68" flail, and easy access to a cabbed 4x4 TLB. That left me needing a strong, surefooted riding mower that could handle pretty steep slopes and light brush - no more, no less. 4wd in my particular application was not needed, and adds weight, cost, complexity, and maintenance. Had I needed 4wd, the x739, x739, x749, 1025, Kubota B series, Kioti CK2510, Mahindra Max, and LS SCUTS would have all been in the running.

 

[jenkinsph]

Really nice rig!

Have you had any issues with the rakes picking up too much dirt?

I don't own a rake but have heard guys mention they fill up with dirt too quickly unless you take tongs out, from your pic, looks like a successful pass.

Another thing that comes to mind is ballast, box blade weights quite a lot, are you running any front weights?

I have seen guys run the little suitcase weights on the front of there x7xx's and they think it helps with stability.

The pine straw rake really does a great job, doesn't seem to hurt the grass but does a great job with the needles. I will add more pics of it so you can get a better idea. It does not gather dirt to speak of. Everything Attachments makes a nice PSR with replaceable tines I plan to order a new one soon.

The landscape rake will gather dirt as you mention above but is more aggressive than the PSR. Just depends on what is needed. Right now I have a 7' landscape rake with every other tine removed and the 5' pictured above with all of the tines in place.

I have the 42lb. weights for the front they make a big difference with heavy implements on the rear. Four weights adds 168 lbs. to the front and that is easy on and off.

 

[Smoothas]

Thanks Crazyal for the extra info on the differences between those two model transmissions - was trying to look for them online but no luck!

I really do like the X590.. looks to be a really nice machine and very close to the X730 (well - if you don't consider the K92).

Trying to be conservative as possible here and get the best bang for the buck and the best tractor for my needs.

People asked me if I'm going to spend that kind of money (4000-5000 maybe?), then why not get a zero turn? I asked them.. have you tried mowing my slopes/hilly terrain?? According to my research.. if you want to get a zero turn that can handle hills/slopes and side mowing slopes, you need to get those high dollar commercial grade ZTRs which are a ton of money. I'd prefer to not lose control going down hill nor flipping backwards while going up hill because I sure as heck cant afford a $12k zero turn. I'm not doubting ZTRs, and I usually see commercial businesses use them, but my terrain is a big dangerous and I would also prefer to have a transmission that can handle anything.

The X590 will handle any terrain you have. I've used my 590 on some steep hills and with HDAP tires did not even have to use Diff lock- although it nice to know its there. In fact only times I've had to use Diff lock is with snow. The EFi option is really nice; tractor starts with turn of key no matter how hot or cold outside. The constant speed governor is also nice, tractor does not bog down no matter how steep the hill or thick the grass is. You will also enjoy power steering- I never thought I needed Power steering (and I did not) but once you have it, I would never own a tractor without it again. Fairly easy to service transmission and change tranny oil and filter. Option to add more implements over time ( 2 stage snow blower. Tiller, hydraulic sleeve hitch etc etc ) - 4 years bumper to bumper warranty John Deere promise- a lot to like in that package. If you are considering going that way- get to John Deere dealer today- 500 dollar rebate expires at COB today

 

[farmbuilt]

If your slopes are very steep I don't see why you would be looking at a 500 series, you should be looking at a 700 series 4x4 or similar type mower. Having free turning front wheels can be dangerous on downward facing slopes without brakes or engine/transmission braking. Using 4x4 to go down the hill is just as important as having it to get up the hill.

The k92 series transaxle uses a spin on filter about 2 cup size which is easy to reach and change.

Very true - but I cant really afford a x700 series, even the used ones are out of my range unfortunately. Lowest one I saw was an X720 with 350 hours on it, asking for 6600.

Basically my entire property is on a slight angle, not really 100% flat until you get to the very bottom, but there are several trees and I have a couple of slopes that are pretty steep on both sides. While using my current L130, I have to be very careful how I turn while going upward on those slopes, and I also have to "lean" to the side when I cut at an angle - I usually cut them at an angle, and not sideways. If I try it sideways, I risk flipping the machine. Another big slope I have, I usually have to go up and down it, because its not really possible cutting it at an angle.

I'll have to take some pictures to better describe it.

 

[farmbuilt]

The X590 will handle any terrain you have. I've used my 590 on some steep hills and with HDAP tires did not even have to use Diff lock- although it nice to know its there. In fact only times I've had to use Diff lock is with snow. The EFi option is really nice; tractor starts with turn of key no matter how hot or cold outside. The constant speed governor is also nice, tractor does not bog down no matter how steep the hill or thick the grass is. You will also enjoy power steering- I never thought I needed Power steering (and I did not) but once you have it, I would never own a tractor without it again. Fairly easy to service transmission and change tranny oil and filter. Option to add more implements over time ( 2 stage snow blower. Tiller, hydraulic sleeve hitch etc etc ) - 4 years bumper to bumper warranty John Deere promise- a lot to like in that package. If you are considering going that way- get to John Deere dealer today- 500 dollar rebate expires at COB today

Good stuff Smoothas. The more I read up on the X570/590 the more I want to buy one. So currently, on my L130, sometimes when going down one of my steeper hills hill, the tractor will just roll down at FULL speed and I cannot control it with braking (foot is off the gas). Mind you yes they are steep, but ive seen much steeper hills which people can handle with bigger machines than my L130. When I try to brake, it actually makes it go faster down hill and doesnt slow. Does this also happen with the x590? I would think not.

I am def interested in the implements, especially the tiller, cab, plow, blower, etc. I really like the fact it has the hydro lift on it. Part of the reason why I dont want a zero turn - because I can do much more with a tractor.

 

[buickanddeere]

I just pointed out the mower, it's other people that want to defend the deere name all the time. Seems the only bickering I get myself into involves someone who bleeds orange or green blood.

I don't purposely get on JD threads, I search on the trending page on my app and it pops up.

540rpm pto makes those a handy outfit to drive a standby generator.

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

540rpm pto makes those a handy outfit to drive a standby generator.

Very good point, how many PTO HP would a 5xx put out? Or x7xx?

I don't have much knowledge on PTO generators, how many PTO HP do they need?

Last question that comes to mind is what kind of hour meter is on the x5 and x7 tractors? Is it time or RPM based?

My lawn mower and 4320 are both time based meaning it counts every second the key is turned on and not the load on the engine. So an hour at 1000 RPM is the same as an hour at 2400 RPM.

Both count in 1/10th scale.

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

The pine straw rake really does a great job, doesn't seem to hurt the grass but does a great job with the needles. I will add more pics of it so you can get a better idea. It does not gather dirt to speak of. Everything Attachments makes a nice PSR with replaceable tines I plan to order a new one soon.

The landscape rake will gather dirt as you mention above but is more aggressive than the PSR. Just depends on what is needed. Right now I have a 7' landscape rake with every other tine removed and the 5' pictured above with all of the tines in place.

I have the 42lb. weights for the front they make a big difference with heavy implements on the rear. Four weights adds 168 lbs. to the front and that is easy on and off.

I guess I never put much thought into diff rakes, the landscape rake was the one people were complaining about, some people go as far to say it was a complete waste of money to buy one.

There's a thread on attachments people regret buying and landscape rake is normally up there.

I like to see someone actually work there garden tractor, seems I see a lot of people buy the x5xx and x7xx for status reasons and end up just mowing an acre of relatively flat ground with it.

If I had my choice between the 1R and x7xx I would prob go with the signature series, I would prefer the lower machine with Turfs for mowing.

Edit: here the link Implements you regret buying

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=380178

 

[Smoothas]

Good stuff Smoothas. The more I read up on the X570/590 the more I want to buy one. So currently, on my L130, sometimes when going down one of my steeper hills hill, the tractor will just roll down at FULL speed and I cannot control it with braking (foot is off the gas). Mind you yes they are steep, but ive seen much steeper hills which people can handle with bigger machines than my L130. When I try to brake, it actually makes it go faster down hill and doesnt slow. Does this also happen with the x590? I would think not.

I am def interested in the implements, especially the tiller, cab, plow, blower, etc. I really like the fact it has the hydro lift on it. Part of the reason why I dont want a zero turn - because I can do much more with a tractor.

I've had that problem with smaller tranny's also- so far its never happened to my X590- the 500 series is called the Multi-Terrain Tractor for a reason, they are like billy goats on side of hill. Talk to your John Deere dealer- he can either let you demo one- or you can always buy with John Deere Promise- something no other manufacturer does to my knowledge- 30 days you can trade up or return for your money back

 

[jenkinsph]

I guess I never put much thought into diff rakes, the landscape rake was the one people were complaining about, some people go as far to say it was a complete waste of money to buy one.

There's a thread on attachments people regret buying and landscape rake is normally up there.

I like to see someone actually work there garden tractor, seems I see a lot of people buy the x5xx and x7xx for status reasons and end up just mowing an acre of relatively flat ground with it.

If I had my choice between the 1R and x7xx I would prob go with the signature series, I would prefer the lower machine with Turfs for mowing.

Edit: here the link Implements you regret buying

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/380178-implements-you-regret-buying.html

I use my x749 to do all sorts of jobs on customer lawns as well as close quarters work along pipelines in my irrigation projects. I now only have time for a few customer lawns, people that have really helped me in various ways and are great to work with. Mowing is no more than about 25 to 35% of my use for it. Most of the time is spent smoothing ground in areas the larger tractor can't fit easily or is too heavy. This saves me a tremendous amount of hand labor raking and grading and means I don't need as many people on the jobs.

For manicured lawns I definitely prefer the x7xx series over the 1xxxR series. I prefer to keep the weight as low as possible and do not want filled tires or weights on when mowing. No interest in a fel on a lawn tractor for my uses. Others can do as they please. Having the 110tlb and the 4520 for building up landscapes certainly makes a difference. For maintaining the lawns the wide variety of attachments for the x749 from drop seeders, spin spreaders, collection system, rakes and blades means I can keep the heavy stuff off the lawn areas in most cases.

I can easily remember my grandfather and his employees working hard all day to mow and maintain his 3 acre lawn in the deep south with push mowers fifty plus years ago. Everyone was covered in sweat and worked their azzes off. My grandfather had an IH super A for his garden and did have lots of implements for that time period. Today with all the equipment and tools available one person can do the same job by lunch time without near as much grief. It amazes me sometimes how much tools have improved how we work, if the pioneers had chainsaws there would not be a tree left in sight.

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

.

I can easily remember my grandfather and his employees working hard all day to mow and maintain his 3 acre lawn in the deep south with push mowers fifty plus years ago. Everyone was covered in sweat and worked their azzes off. My grandfather had an IH super A for his garden and did have lots of implements for that time period. Today with all the equipment and tools available one person can do the same job by lunch time without near as much grief. It amazes me sometimes how much tools have improved how we work, if the pioneers had chainsaws there would not be a tree left in sight.

Those were deff different times, they relied on the backs of young boys more than the machines, in a way technology is killing America, I read and have seen that young couples aren't having as many kids, there getting married at older ages ext.

America is actually in a decline in population.

As you said, one man today can do what many men before could do, having a bunch of kids in this day and age seems not necessary.

I'm towards the end the millennial generation.

 

[KEYBEAR]

I don't have much knowledge on PTO generators, how many PTO HP do they need?

Years I bought a PTO generator on an auction sale I made a bid thinking it would get it started .
It was a good size generator on wheels and I put in the barn thinking what have I done .
Two years later we had an ice storm and no power for 10 days or more .
I put a 4020 diesel on that generator it was not over powered but ran it well .
A good size generator would need 60 HP or more to run a small set of farm building .

 

[buickanddeere]

Very good point, how many PTO HP would a 5xx put out? Or x7xx?

I don't have much knowledge on PTO generators, how many PTO HP do they need?

Last question that comes to mind is what kind of hour meter is on the x5 and x7 tractors? Is it time or RPM based?

My lawn mower and 4320 are both time based meaning it counts every second the key is turned on and not the load on the engine. So an hour at 1000 RPM is the same as an hour at 2400 RPM.

Both count in 1/10th scale.

Depends if your buildings are all electric, gas and what your expectations are.
The 5xx and 7xx seem to run from 22 to 25Hp measured at the flywheel. This would be approx 11 to 13Kw of electrical power . Either enough to operate a modest backup supply 24/7 . Or some folk have a large generator and run it with a small tractor such as 5x or 7x at night and use a larger tractor by day.

 

[farmbuilt]

I'm going to check out a X590 tomorrow morning. I think that may be the right tractor for my needs. Will keep you all updated on whether or not I purchase it this weekend. I just hope I'm getting the right tractor for my hilly terrain. Something still lingers in my gut about looking more into zero turns but I was informed that is not what I want to get for hilly terrain. Plus not sure if I can foot the bill for a commercial zero turn.

The only thing I wish the x590 had was 4 wheel steering because I do have quite a few trees but I'm sure the turn radius will be fine with the assistance of power steering.

 

[Jay26]

I'm going to check out a X590 tomorrow morning. I think that may be the right tractor for my needs. Will keep you all updated on whether or not I purchase it this weekend. I just hope I'm getting the right tractor for my hilly terrain. Something still lingers in my gut about looking more into zero turns but I was informed that is not what I want to get for hilly terrain. Plus not sure if I can foot the bill for a commercial zero turn.

The only thing I wish the x590 had was 4 wheel steering because I do have quite a few trees but I'm sure the turn radius will be fine with the assistance of power steering.

Hi farmbuilt -

I recently purchased a new 2017 x590 and have about 7 hours on it. I have a couple fairly steep hills in my back yard as well as some trees to navigate around. The x590 does a great job at going up the hills, even with the 17P cart attached with wood, brush, etc. The power steering makes going around the trees very effortless. I hope you find the tractor that's right for you!

 

[farmbuilt]

Thanks jay! Good to know about pulling weight up hill with no problems. Others have told me the same thing and is building my confidence that this is the one. I can't wait to check it out