Need help deciding: Z720A or X320

[jduke]

I am trying to decide between these units. I have a fair amount to mow, but the kicker is that it is somewhat rough terrain with slopes, hills and armadillo holes. I am not sure which would be a better machine for my purpose. I also have, on occasion, thick grass 6" or taller that needs to be mowed. I don't know which will handle that better either or be better with mowing over sticks, which I have a bit of since its a wooded area. Right now, the dealer is offering the Z720A for 6495, because they are trying to get them moved out. Not sure what the tractor would cost but much less. Not worried about the money, I need the better machine/tool for the job.

Thoughts? Help?

 

[jenkinsph]

I would recommend an x500 series or larger mower for rough terrain. I really like my x749 as it has never been stuck in a hole yet. Guess I just jinxed myself.

 

[AlexMarshall]

The Z720A is a pretty cool machine. Between this and the x749, which is faster?

 

[jduke]

The Z720A is a pretty cool machine. Between this and the x749, which is faster?

The Z720a is 6495. Not sure if thats a good price. Not sure if its enough machine. Im leaning towards it as what I want, but not sure if I should go to teh 900 series.

 

[Kubotafan]

I have a Z720A with the 54" deck, and a Kubota G1800 with a 54" deck. The Kubota is smoother on rough ground, but the Deere gives a better cut.

 

[BBO]

To say "not worried about the money" opens up a world of possibilities.
I think they say 15 degree max slope and this can be a real problem, especially if you mow next to a fence down in a sloping hole.
The mower wants to go down hill with you, so you have to fight it, or mow up/down the slope. Sometimes this is not possible.
The other problem I have with the zero turn mowers is the noise.
Sitting on top of the engine is not the quietest design.
Top speed is important to me but if you wait until the grass is high as you mention you will need to cut slow anyway.
I would think the 500 or 700 series would be a better choice.

However mowing over "sticks" is another deal. The sticks needs to be picked up or this will cause problems. You need a bush hog for this.

 

[Kubotafan]

The other problem I have with the zero turn mowers is the noise.
Sitting on top of the engine is not the quietest design.

I wear ear plugs to solve this problem with both the zero turn and tractor mower.

 

[BBO]

I wear ear plugs to solve this problem with both the zero turn and tractor mower.

With my LX188 I do not need any ear plugs. I can even hear my cell phone ring.
My 445 is louder, but still not bad. The 60" deck is almost too large for my preference.
Deck noise is there either way, but most zero turn mower owners I see wear plugs or ear muffs.

 

[JDTank]

Being an owner of a 2012 X740, I am biased, but nevertheless, I suggest an X500 or X700 as others have said.

Zero-turns are good at one thing, cutting grass. Zero-turns can not plow snow, accept a snow blower, pull a yard cart full of gravel, nothing like that. Tractors can do so much more, and if you buy the right tractor, still get awesome cut quality. Zero-turns ride rough by nature, tractors are much more comfortable.

My vote is an X500 or X700 series. Coming from an X700 series owner, I can say with 100% honesty that it is the best decision I have ever made. It is a truly enjoyable experience every time I use it.

 

[Kubotafan]

The 60" deck is almost too large for my preference.

I have a 54" deck and wouldn't want larger. I think the Z720A has a 54" deck and the Z725A a 60" deck. However, this should be double checked.

 

[JDTank]

I have a 54" deck and wouldn't want larger. I think the Z720A has a 54" deck and the Z725A a 60" deck. However, this should be double checked.

Actually, I would have to agree.

When I looked at my machine for the first time, it was being stored in a massive indoor showroom at my local john deere dealer. It already had a 62 inch edge deck installed on it. I opted to have them remove it and install the 54C on my X740. The only time I wish for extra deck width is when I am trimming around obstacles. After I signed the papers and was waiting on delivery, I was worried I made the wrong choice and maybe should have stayed with the 62 inch. Well, now that it is in my garage, and being used on my property, I am sure glad I didn't get the 62! As it is, it can be a little tight working around my tractor in the garage. Also, when you are getting on and off of the machine, you can't use the mower deck as a step. With the wider deck, you basically have to jump off to avoid putting your foot on the deck. That would get old fast.

54 inch is the perfect size 75% of the time I think.

If you have property that is uneven at all, or has a lot of small speed bump type curves to it, don't get anything over a 54. Every once and a while I end up doing some scalping. I learned fast that with a deck that is even slightly wider than I was used to, required a ton of learning. Spots where I never use to have scalp issues, I do now, if I don't approach it from the right angle.