X500 and X700 series Ground Clearance

[Engine66]

I'm considering a purchase of an x500 or x700 series and wonder if any of you have some input to share on their utility, value, and ground clearance. I am currently using a Craftsman GT5000...although it runs strong and cuts through some thick grass and brush, it gets stuck all the time on uneven terrain or when the deck gets hung up. I usually keep the deck up when I'm in the hilly areas of my property, but the ground clearance is about 4" and not enough to get around. So, my thought is a JD x500 or X700 with locking differential or 4x4 to get to places my GT5000 can't. Once the Craftsman hits something wet or uneven, one wheel starts spinning and it's eating my time and patience. Any thoughts from any of you who have the same issues? Thanks for the input. Lastly, I currently own a Kubota L3830 and like some of their smaller units, but the dealer is far and getting service has been difficult. There's a JD dealer close to me, so that's a big factor. Thanks again.

 

[cast_and_blast]

You're in the ballpark of a JD 2305 (money wise) when looking at the x700 series. The 2305 has locking differential and 4x4.

Good Luck!

Scott

 

[JDFANATIC]

Engine66,

Wow, Dana Point and Newbury, VT; talk about a study in contrasts! (For you guys out there, Dana Point is one of the most beautiful places in CA! I love the "Avenues of the Lanterns" street names, and the marina/waterfront is to die for. Newbury, VT is nice too, but it's north of even White River Junction (where there are 10 months of winter and two months of **** poor sledding!) Just kidding. Anyway, you must give your frequent flyer miles a workout!

As pointed out, the X7xx can get priced into the CUT/sub-CUT range, but since you already have a CUT, things that get pricey such as rear-PTO and 3PH probably aren't necessary. The X are deluxe all the way, and for cutting, they are superb. I'm not sure about the current series ground clearance, but I did have a tractor in the previous generation and it had better deck and implement clearance than my 2210, although I would bet either would be better than the Craftsman you currently use. I don't know a lot about the X5xx tractors. My dealer has a hard time selling them, most purchasers go down to the X3xx or up to the X7xx tractors.

 

[Steadite]

I also graduated from GT5000 to X585 mainly for the purpose of improved traction: both for rough terrain and snow plowing (I have areas where I plow uphill-and we get lots of snow here). I can say that the X585 has exceeded expectation in the area of traction. The only downsides of the X-series are high price and "just OK" hydraulics (1000 psi). The hydraulics will run a loader or snow plow fine, but don't expect to operate a logsplitter with it. I'm of the opinion there is an advantage in maneuverability over the bigger tractors. Also like not having to hassle with a diesel.

You might also check out Simplicity...I think they now have several 4x4 models. Some even smaller than the X-series if that's what you're after.
Simplicity - Yard & Garden Tractors

 

[Engine66]

Thanks for the info so far. JDFANATIC...sounds like you get around too! I'm actually from Bristol, CT believe it or not. Anyway, I looked into the Simplicity and Cub Cadet...all nice machines, but dealers are a distance away...so it's a toss-up...spend a bit more $$$ with a local JD dealer than go the distance with another brand. I did look at the cost of the JD2305, but you know how that goes...if I get the 2305 I'd be inclined to get a loader too and the thousands add up quick. Plus the weight is a consideration. I really want a machine that will get me to those areas where my Craftsman gets stuck. STEADITE, is that x5 worth it? Any regrets and you can you check to see what the ground clearence is with your deck in the raised position? Thanks again for the help...my JD knowledge is limited and I have a few brochures from last year that show a full line-up of L, LX, GT, etc. series...now it's LX, and x3-7 series, so I'm a little confused and the website does not show ground clearence. Thanks again.

 

[TimS]

Sounds like what you really need is an X748 - 4WD plus differential lock, and the ability to carry a great deal of weight, should be a significant improvement. However, deck clearance may still be an issue, depending on your situation - even with the deck all the way up, it's not going to be more than about 6" off the ground (a guess, I have not measured it).

A 2305 would be about the same price, I think, and is generally more capable - but it does have a higher center of gravity, so might be less suited if you have to mow sidehill, for example.

Tim

 

[orlo]

Hi:

I had a 6 speed GT5000 (50" deck) I used to pull a 60" swisher pull behind (Beside) with for about 6 acres. I upgraded to a 2305 (Then to a 3320) and kept the 2305 for a 2.6 acre lot.

You'd love the 2305 but as a note I still have the GT5000 and if you were to put tire chains on it you'll get great traction. I have the front scoop on mine and have actually used it to plow light snow with no wheel or rear weights. (This was before I got the 3320). The chains really help with the 1 wheel spinning syndrome.

I'm not sure if the chains would dig up your lawn but I have seen people use chains while mowing on Zero Radius Turn mowers.

Might be a cheap way out. But buying more tractors and stuff is always the better way...

 

[Steadite]

Looks like 4" height (see page 41 of attachment). I have more snow than grass rite now, so the deck isn't on for me to make a direct measurement.

You'll find that the deck actually has play to go up another 3" or so if it's fully raised and you drive over a big bump. What actually stops it is contact with the driveshaft (voice of experience). There's more than enough traction to drag the mower over a big bump.

No regrets for me....I still believe it was the best choice for my application (mostly mowing and snow-plowing with loader and towing stuff around as secondary uses).

If it's really that bumpy, maybe you need one of those 3pt hitch mowers? Never used one myself.

 

[JDFANATIC]

Thanks for the info so far. JDFANATIC...sounds like you get around too! I'm actually from Bristol, CT believe it or not. Anyway, I looked into the Simplicity and Cub Cadet...all nice machines, but dealers are a distance away...so it's a toss-up...spend a bit more $$$ with a local JD dealer than go the distance with another brand. I did look at the cost of the JD2305, but you know how that goes...if I get the 2305 I'd be inclined to get a loader too and the thousands add up quick. Plus the weight is a consideration. I really want a machine that will get me to those areas where my Craftsman gets stuck. STEADITE, is that x5 worth it? Any regrets and you can you check to see what the ground clearence is with your deck in the raised position? Thanks again for the help...my JD knowledge is limited and I have a few brochures from last year that show a full line-up of L, LX, GT, etc. series...now it's LX, and x3-7 series, so I'm a little confused and the website does not show ground clearence. Thanks again.

Engine66,

Grew up in Fairfield and now live in Southington. I keep finding out it's a small world! Sounds like the X7xx with 4WD will compliment your Kubota CUT just fine!