Might be going to look at an X749 Deere

JB2 · Mar 17, 2012

I already am running a 2007 Deere X744 AWS with 48" deck as part of my lawn care business, but just found out that my local Deere Dealer is getting in a 2009 John Deere X749 4WD, 4WS mower with 748hrs with a 48" deck. I also have a 1995 John Deere 455 AWS with 60" deck and a 2006 John Deere 2305 subcompact with 4X4.

I am looking for a tractor that can really manuver well for running a Rotary Broom in the spring time as well as having 4X4 for sweeping ditch banks. I know my 2305 can run a Rotary Broom, which is great for ditch banks, but I have a fair amount of lawns that need to be power swept, that are too small for a 2305. Some of these properties have trees, so I am thinking the AWS would be great for going around trees. I would put a Rotary Broom on the X744, however I am thinking about using an AWS mower for pushing snow in the winter time, to clear a few walkways. Some of these walkways are pretty tight to clear with the 2305, but with a 4X4 AWS mower I would be able to clear this pathways with ease. I know the one contract I have, has a lot sidewalks and paths that curve and bend, and figure the AWS unit would clear these with out much problems.
I would rather have the 4X4 then relying on the diff lock on my X744 or 455. I know with added weights and chains, The X744 could be up to the job.
As for cutting grass, even though the 2305 cuts pretty well, it can't cut as close to objects as a 4WS unit.
I am thinking about running my X744 AWS with 48" deck, and am considering an X749 AWS to run a 62" deck for the larger areas. I would be putting my 62" deck from the 2305 on the X749, if I trade something for it.
I am considering trading my 95 455 AWS Deere or my 2305 in on the X749, but at this momment, I am only considering it.

Jason B

rsewill · Mar 17, 2012

You will love an X749 for your uses.

I see it has 748 hours. You do realize they call it an X749 because it falls apart when it hits 749 hours. ;-)

Zebrafive · Mar 17, 2012

rsewill said:
You will love an X749 for your uses.

I see it has 748 hours. You do realize they call it an X749 because it falls apart when it hits 749 hours. ;-)

LOL! They traded it just in time!:laughing:

jenkinsph · Mar 18, 2012

I can't compare the x744 to the 749 as I have only used the x749 in my work. I can say that the traction of the x749 has been very good, and worked well for snow removal this winter. I think you will experience a very significant increase in traction over the x744 and should be similar to the 2305.

Good luck figuring it all out.

JB2 · Mar 18, 2012

Yeah, that is why I am considering the X749 for more traction with 4X4 for sweeping. I know that my 2305 could run a Rotary broom, but its a little big for some of the properties in town that I would be sweeping. Plus having the cab on the 2305 gets in the way of low tree branches and I really don't want to mess with taking the cab off and on my 2305 yearly for spring work. Don't have the room to store the cab off the tractor.

I may consider a NEW X749 Deere, but am waiting to see when Deere offers their spring "Green Tag" Event for the X700 series. Worst comes to worse, I could trade the 2007 X744 for a New 2012 X749 but we will see.

Jason B

jenkinsph · Mar 18, 2012

JB,
You might want to watch for my upcoming thread on building a landplane for the x749, trying to take the time to build it later this week if the weather permits.