X740 towing capacity

[MetalChicken]

Hi Guys,
Just wondering what a weight can safely be towed by a X740 - can't find the spec anywhere.

Any thoughts/knowledge?

 

[beenthere]

what a weight can safely be towed...

Not sure what the question is, but are you talking a rolling weight, a ground-engaged tool, a sliding weight, on the flat, or on an incline?

And what does "safely" mean ?

Maybe interpretation of culture here.

 

[MetalChicken]

Sorry.... rolling weight (i.e. trailer + contents) on the flat.
Safely = not damaging the transmission.

[bloody Brits!]

 

[Spindifferent]

A general guideline is to tow no more than the weight of the tractor itself. Your local JD dealer may be able to provide specifics.

 

[s219]

Not familiar with the transmission arrangement on an X740 (I know it's HST though), but if it has a belt anywhere that would most likely slip before damage could occur. I can tow about 1000 lbs on flat ground before the belt slips on my little Deere tractor. It has a manual transmission. I normally only use it to move trailers when my Kubota is occupied with other work, but found that the Deere could not move my large 7x16 trailer, about 1600# empty. It's fine with my smaller trailers.

 

[Gittyup]

per John Deere Answer center:

"The general "rule of thumb" is that towing capacity equals total tractor weight + maximum ballast + operator weight. Factory recommended towing capacity is generally determined by the total vehicle weight + operator weight + any additional factory approved ballast such as front weights, suitcase weights or wheel weights."

I recall reading somewhere that maximum ballast is 800 lbs. I know the 3PH spec is 450. So that's about 550 with hitch parts, and then you almost always need front ballast with that much 3PH load, say 250 or so. That would put you at 800 lbs, and is about what I have on it when using my 40 gallon sprayer rig (which it handles with ease).

Based on all this, for an X700 series, I'd guess around 2000 lbs more or less.

Tongue weight should also be considered. On a 3PH, up to about 450 lbs or so is OK. On sleeve hitch, much less.

 

[MetalChicken]

Great thanks guys.

 

[BBO]

Sorry.... rolling weight (i.e. trailer + contents) on the flat.
Safely = not damaging the transmission.

I can add to this thread that a heavy trailer will turn over a tractor with too much weight.
I use a 40HP Case tractor all the time to pull a 6' x 12' utility trailer.
With that trailer loaded down with wood from a tree that I had cut I started down my yard that is on an incline.
I was just puttering along but when I tried to stop I realized that that load behind me as in total control.
I basically had to ride the tractor like a bull, steering it to keep it from getting sideways and turning the tractor over.
The load was just slowly bulldozing me on down the yard towards the ditch...
My yard ended up with all kinds of weird tractor tire marks where I was skidding and steering sideways.

So, having the power/drivetrain to pull it is one thing, stopping the load is a different dynamic. :shocked:

 

[Agvg]

Yes, drive down steep hills or roads with a heavy trailer can be very dangerous, you need a very heavy tractor or have brakes on the trailer.

Even a small one like this can be hard to handle.