Recommendations for a Machine - Considering 445, X485, X720 Possibly Larger?

superman22x · Jun 15, 2023

Hello all, I've read a lot of threads here, some older, some newer. Looking for some input and feedback. We recently purchased ~6 acres (previously cropland) and are planning to build a home. Currently live on 1 acre that I've been mowing with a really tired LT155 (paid $300 5 years ago expecting it to only last a short time). On our new property, we will plan to have at most 1/2-1 acre of mowed yard. In addition, a good portion we are trying to convert to prairie. Those 2-3 acres of prairie will require occasional mowing. There will be a long gravel driveway to maintain, snowplow/blow, etc. My thinking is, a brush cutter would be ideal, but for occasional prairie mowing, the deck on a good size machine should be able to handle it? Renting a walk behind brush cutter is a possibility if it's really bad, I've only seen 5ft PTO rental brush hogs nearby, nothing smaller. I'm thinking in the $4000 range is where I'd like to be, which puts me at older/higher hour machines.

Machines I've been considering - 445, X485, even some X720s in that price range. Bumping up to a 755 or 2210 would cost a bit more, but considering the cost of a PTO/3PT (if that were necessary) for the smaller tractors, maybe it's worthwhile. My thinking was that it would be too big for general mowing though. I know it's the Deere forum, but the Kubota B7100 and B1750 have crossed my mind as an affordable option. I'd like to start looking for the tractor now, use it to mow my current lawn until we start building.

Appreciate any input, thanks!

oldnslo · Jun 15, 2023

X485 was a good machine if maintained. Couple problem areas were fuel gauge and keeping radiator clean.

X720 being newer should have less hours but no clue on any known problem areas.

Belly mowers and long grass usually are not a good mix since all the clippings clog the discharge chute.

Older Kubota BX would have 3 point and rear PTO as standard equipment but may be a challenge to find in your price range.

superman22x · Jun 15, 2023

I do see those around, but not many. I guess at the size of a BX1800 or BX2200, I'm pretty similar to a 755. Few 755s under $5000 nearby, just not sure using a tractor that heavy will be useful for general mowing or not.

beenthere · Jun 15, 2023

Have about 8 acres I mow, with a lot of trees along with about 3/4 of it lawn. I have two 455 diesels now (same size/frame as the 445). Just moved my x485 as I did not like the mower decks on the X's compared to the 54" mower decks on the 4xx series. Also, wouldn't want to do without the AWS (all wheel steer). The recent purchase of the diesel 455 came with straight front wheel steer and already find too many places that I'd like it to be AWS. Also have the 425 which has been a trustworthy tractor and keep that harnessed up to the MC519 cart for grass and leaves when appropriate.

Deere in it's corporate wisdom to make changes when the X's came out in early 2000, decided to make the decks look "more robust", so increased the depth which resulted in a poorer cut. Hardly worked at all when mowing and trying to pick up leaves, because much of the debris was blown out from under the deck to the front. Engineers tried some fixes by adding baffle plates underneath, but with little improvement.

I dropped back to the trusty 54" decks under the 425, 445, and now the 455. Older but get the job done. Not sure what I will do when these decks wear out.

I'll change my profile to wipe off the X485 when I can finally figure it out.

Ah, hah!.. click user name upper right, then click account details. Done

superman22x · Jun 15, 2023

That's good to hear! I've hardly heard a bad thing about the 425/445/455 series. I think parts would be way more plentiful than the x485 variants. Both being older tractors, that's important.

oldnslo · Jun 15, 2023

I had a BX1850 and didn’t worry about lawn damage but then I live in the country so it is not a show case. The BX probably is not as nimble as X720 not sure about 445 suspect similar to X485 but don’t quote me on that.

BX was a nice little machine and the two speed range rear end is very helpful if doing any serious ground engagement work or pulling something. Son has X749 and that is big complaint he has on that unit.

al3 · Jun 17, 2023

Used an X485 for a few years to snow-blow exclusively. It did that well; road was flat, no slopes. Certainly liked to consume copious quantities of gas. Didn’t like being cold soaked below 10 degrees; had a start up surging issue (fuel map) that Deere never was able to resolve.

Components packed tightly under the hood. Burst hydraulic hose repair required a lot of disassembly/dexterity.

Currently have grass/field maintenance task similar to what you envision. Don’t believe serious long term gravel drive maintenance is a task any of the lawn tractors you mentioned are up to. If your meadows were flat, level, and didn't have obstacles (rocks, potholes, swails) and were kept up with it, i.e mowed often and routinely, it could be done with a lawn tractor. But if the goal is to mow 2 or so times a year (at least in this part of the country) for things like weed/invasive control, using a finish mower deck is going to be a struggle. Deere deck components aren’t exactly cheap so replacing bent jackshafts/smoked drive belts can be an eye watering experience.

And you mentioned these "prairies" have yet to be established. If they are like many untouched areas in rural America (you haven't mentioned where you're at) the ground will not be suitable for a lawn tractor, let alone a finished mower deck.

If your blowing/rough mowing tasks are on hilly/slopped terrain you might want to review the numerous discussions about 2 vs 4 wheel drive mowers, CUTs, and sub CUTs. Opinions about the utility of things like front end loaders and 3 point hitch attachments are numerous but worth evaluating.

Good luck

bigtiller · Jun 17, 2023

For a little tall grass mowing with a ruff cut mower, lawn mowing and snow blowing, I think a SCUT would be a better fit than a garden tractor, and they are about the same size. Look at the 2210, 2305 or 1026R. They all have 3pt and rear pto and optional front pto. for the snowblower.

When I made the switch to diesel, I was amazed by the increase of power and economy. So all my recommendations are diesel powered.