X495 AWS vs 737

[cpond325]

I'm wanting to get my mowing done quicker. Mowing 3 acres now with '97 JD 325, 48" deck. The 325 replaces '98 GT275 with worn transaxle. Had a great engine, though. That 17HP FC590V with about 1200 hours now powers my 325. This unit has the same transaxle but is much quicker, especially in reverse. Got this unit for a steal @ $300 with a blown engine. You know, connecting rod failure, hole in block behind starter. The guy just wanted it out of his yard.
Well, anyway, I've been wanting to upgrade again, to a faster mowing tractor or a zero-turn. Two choices so far are the X495 AWS and the 737. I don't have many trees to mow around on my place, so it takes me about 4 hours now.
Would the X495 AWS compare to mowing speed of the 737 knowing the 495 has other uses?

 

[Gittyup]

If you don't have much to mow around, go for the largest deck and HP. If it's nice and flat and smooth, then a ZTR will go faster. But, it won't be as versatile as a tractor.

 

[om21braz]

If you don't have much to mow around, go for the largest deck and HP. If it's nice and flat and smooth, then a ZTR will go faster. But, it won't be as versatile as a tractor.

+1 According to published specs the X495 has a top speed of 8.5mph vs. the 737's 9.5mph - unless your yard is very smooth, either machine will mow faster than is comfortable. IMHO, the X495 would be a good unit that could do more chores than just mow.

 

[DanD78]

I replaced my F525 with a 737. As said it is fast and will give a quality cut at full speed if the grass has not been let get out of hand. As far as the ride I bought one of those sping loaded kits for the seat and it makes a huge difference. If I were going to do it again I would go back to a front mount to avoid eating tree branches and bushes. I have never run an all wheel steer but I bet they work pretty good.

Dan

 

[jenkinsph]

+1 According to published specs the X495 has a top speed of 8.5mph vs. the 737's 9.5mph - unless your yard is very smooth, either machine will mow faster than is comfortable. IMHO, the X495 would be a good unit that could do more chores than just mow.

I agree, an aws at 8.5 mph with a 60" deck will cover the ground fast enough and still assist with other chores and needs. Big difference between the ground speed of my older L130 with worn transmission and the new x749.

Not mentioned here much and can make a difference in your choice of mowers is your method of cutting the lawn. If you make parallel passes back and forth across the lawn a ztr will manipulate the turns at the ends much easier than an aws mower. If you mow in circles outward to inward for example then they both will be closer in acres/hr. I would prefer to cut my lawn in parallel passes alternating directions each week and a ztr would be better for that use, but the aws is so handy to have for other tasks and the 4x4ws is much better suited for my terrain.

 

[cpond325]

Thanks for great ideas and suggestions everyone. Am leaning more towards the X495 AWS w/62" deck. Although my place is relatively flat, there are alot of bumps, and I've heard that tractor will ride better. Tractor would be more versatile for me, too. Only other option is 737 plus sub-compact tractor, but not in budget for both right now.
That engine on my current unit is the FC540V, not an FC590V as I stated in my original post. Anyone ever replaced the oil pan-to-engine block gasket on this motor?

 

[jenkinsph]

If your lawn has a lot of bumps consider a 3PH to allow you to use some tools to smooth it out.

 

[namering]

I recently got a X495 AWS and love it. I mow 2 1/2 acres and with the AWS it cut my mowing time by an hour. The ride is smooth and the AWS not only makes cutting around trees easier but it is much easier to mow around landscape edging.