Buying Advice Small tractor advice

[jenkinsph]

OK everybody please get tunnel-vision for a second and just think about mowing. Would the x749 really be significantly better than the 1026R for just for that one task? Looks to me like the price for the 2 would not be much different after adding a mowing deck. I've been watching Utube videos (amazing how many there are) and the quick connect / disconnect feature on the 1026R looks better, and even with the 4-wheel steer it looks like I'm still going to need a weed-trimmer around trees after mowing with the x749. Again please just think about mowing - I was thinking the x749 would be alot better but now I'm beginning to wonder.

I can mow close enough around trees without rubbing the bark that I seldom have to use a string trimmer with the 749. The single range transmission has plenty of power and a speed from stop to 8.5 mph with the footpedal. I also have several rear implements and it works well with all of them. I mentioned in the beginning of this thread that the 749 is more manueverable than the 1026R and that really helps with mowing a lawn with obstacles and trees. The 1026R is a nice combination mower and small tractor but it is basically the same size as a 749 so what they can do is comparable for the most part. I really think you will be better off with a mower and separate larger tractor. Here are some pics of the implements I use with the 749. I also use a 60" Howard tiller, 5' rear blade, DR 3PH chipper, onerow cultivator, lawn roller, MC519 collection cart and a couple of carts. Most of these implements will work well with a 1026R or a 2x20 compact tractor so in most cases the implements would still work for you if you move up in size.

As an owner of the x749 with several implements I have a good idea of what it is capable of, as a landscaper I know you will need a larger tractor if your plans later include moving alot of dirt and/or heavy ground engagement.

 

[Beaglenut]

Thanks all for the advice. We take possession of the place next Wednesday so after that I'll be able to walk around and get a better feel for what we've got. I'm guessing the wife will be so busy getting her new kitchen organized that she'll want to get rid of me so I can hopefully hit the local JD dealer and start to get their side of the story. I'll let you know how things turn out.

 

[jdphan]

If you just want a mowing machine and maybe a tiller. Why not get a x500 series and save all the extra money for a larger tractor to do the chores you want to do down the road. In beaglenuts case a dedicated mowing machine maybe even a ztr and a 4105 for example would give him the best of both worlds for each machines intended purposes. Before anyone jumps on this. These are only examples I'm not pushing any particular machine. I just think a x749 is a lot of tractor if he also intends to buy a cut later.

 

[Beaglenut]

Thanks for the info, I didn't realize a tiller was an option on the 500 series because I saw no mention of PTO. I also don't see 4WD so I question the effectiveness but it gives me something else to talk to the dealer about. I should have stated up-front that I've driven a 4WD truck my entire life so I'd have a hard time getting any type of tractor or mower without it.

 

[jdphan]

you stated to use tunnel vision for now and only think of mowing. For most people 4wd isn't necessary for mowing but if they use their machine for multipurpose such as snow removal, grading, loader work and mowing yes 4wd may be the ticket. With your acreage a bigger machine to do all those other tasks in the future and having a seperate dedicated mowing machine that you could use now and in the future may be your best bet.