Thinking of a X739 what other brand's models compare?
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ruffdog
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There is not much that compares to the x7** garden tractors. Neighbor has a x700, I have a x744 diesel AWS, and dad has a x749 diesel AWS AWD. We all have the 60" decks and dad plows snow with his.
ruffdog
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Dec 31, 2011
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- 10,723
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- southern wisconsin
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- Bobcat Toolcat 5610G, Deere X744, Cub Cadet IH 982
I found a used x749 for my dad that had low hours and was set up like he wanted it. I also found my x744 used with low hours. The "old" diesel is something like 80lbs heavier than the new one. We have not had any issues yet with them.
not mine just thinking about it......
2011 John Deere X749 - farm & garden - by owner - sale
John Deere X749 3-Cylinder diesel All-Wheel Steer. Unit comes with Soft side cab, 54C Mower Deck, and 47" Snow Blower. Unit has 109 original hours and hours will go up as I will need to start mowing...
minneapolis.craigslist.org
BigBlue1
Veteran Member
Hard to beat the x7-series as a full function garden tractor. Large, powerful, capable, 3-pt hitch option, rear/mid/front PTO options, AWD, AWS. Couple of things to keep in mind as you look:
Somewhere in the prior 'generation' of x7-series (back when the models were x72x (gas) and x74x (diesel) they changed from mechanical four-wheel drive to hydraulic AWD which continues with the current x73x and x75x generation. The hydraulic AWD is very highly regarded as a system that just plain works well. Being full time with no need to turn it on or off and designed so it transparently assists as needed I highly recommend getting a tractor with this on it. It has essentially zero negatives, beyond initial costs and a bit more maintenance but I find it invaluable.
Seriously consider whether you need AWS. The non-AWS models already have a pretty tight turning circle and can mow pretty closely around trees, etc., especially with the 60" deck. Avoiding it will open you up to a lot more models, availability and price points, especially in the used market. And there are fewer moving parts to potentially cause issues.
Both diesel and gas models are very capable. Diesel tends to hold value a bit better, but has a higher initial cost. It does use less fuel though (0.8-0.9 gal/hr at WOT versus 1.2-1.3 gal/hr for gas). Not really a big cost factor, but for me I can mow my entire 7 acres on one tank of diesel but I'd have to stop and refill if I had a gas engine and that is meaningful to me.
The earlier generation can use a factory loader and is more compatible with the 7-iron decks, if that matters to you. The current generation can use an aftermarket loader and may be able to use a 7-iron deck but with restrictions (lift height reduced, not direct fit, deck warranty voided).
Yes, the current generation of x7 doesn't have a diesel AWD AWS model like the x749 because the weight would have caused it to require a ROPS.
Rob
Somewhere in the prior 'generation' of x7-series (back when the models were x72x (gas) and x74x (diesel) they changed from mechanical four-wheel drive to hydraulic AWD which continues with the current x73x and x75x generation. The hydraulic AWD is very highly regarded as a system that just plain works well. Being full time with no need to turn it on or off and designed so it transparently assists as needed I highly recommend getting a tractor with this on it. It has essentially zero negatives, beyond initial costs and a bit more maintenance but I find it invaluable.
Seriously consider whether you need AWS. The non-AWS models already have a pretty tight turning circle and can mow pretty closely around trees, etc., especially with the 60" deck. Avoiding it will open you up to a lot more models, availability and price points, especially in the used market. And there are fewer moving parts to potentially cause issues.
Both diesel and gas models are very capable. Diesel tends to hold value a bit better, but has a higher initial cost. It does use less fuel though (0.8-0.9 gal/hr at WOT versus 1.2-1.3 gal/hr for gas). Not really a big cost factor, but for me I can mow my entire 7 acres on one tank of diesel but I'd have to stop and refill if I had a gas engine and that is meaningful to me.
The earlier generation can use a factory loader and is more compatible with the 7-iron decks, if that matters to you. The current generation can use an aftermarket loader and may be able to use a 7-iron deck but with restrictions (lift height reduced, not direct fit, deck warranty voided).
Yes, the current generation of x7 doesn't have a diesel AWD AWS model like the x749 because the weight would have caused it to require a ROPS.
Rob
beenthere
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I would not go without the AWS.. shines on many occasions and can't think of any negatives.. had them on my lawn/garden Deere tractors for 25 years.. no breakdowns, many hours.
A real benefit when mowing sidehills, when stuck in a tight spot, when turning at corners, around, or around trees.
