JD X500 vs X700?

[jcmseven]

One certainly can buy a 2305 for less than an equivalent diesel X series machine if one shops in the right circles. This, of course, does not include loader, etc. I am comparing equivalent powertrains. I can also say the X series is not given enough credit, it is a stout machine, but has only limited hydraulics. It will mow large volumes quickly.

John M

 

[farmboy12]

The JD x 500 and x 700 garden tractors are not enough tractor for 13 acres.
You need at least a 60'' MMM which means you would have to go with the more expensive X700 series.
The 60'' mower is quicker than a 54'' but the big plus for the 60 '' is it allows for closer mowing next to objects thus reducing time with the back breaking string trimmer.
You need a brush hog for that rather than a trail behind mower.
I'm not sure but I don't think a JD x700 will handle a brush hog so you see you do need a sub compact or a compact.
Going with a JD x700 is certainly not the way to do that.
I would not limit my options to JD and possibily miss out on a better solution that may be offered by Kubota or MF.
A new Kubota BX1850 or BX1860 would be a tuff nut to crack in your situation.
So would a used Kubota BX1500 or BX1830
I bought 2 Kubota BX1500 Sub Compacts for about the same money as 1 JDx700 a year ago last November.
They came with 2 Mid Mount Mowers. a 48'' tiller and a 60'' front blade.

Mr. Brown-

I would like to point out, that not only was he talking about a tow behind brush cutting mower, but an X700 series in the larger size could handle a three point 4ft bush hog with the proper front weights. I do agree larger is better, but an X700 (such as 748) would be fine.


Kyle

 

[CHDinCT]

Having come from an X485 JD (equivalent to about the current X720 - 2WD, gas) that I purchased a used FEL for and added a 3PH, to a Kubota BX, I can tell you that if you will EVER contemplate adding a FEL, rear PTO, or 3PH to an X7xx machine, you would come out ahead buying the 2305 or similar BX to start with. Once you start adding those types of options/functions to the X7xx series, you're quickly at about the price point of a sub-cut that comes standard with rear PTO, 3PH, has diesel standard, much better hydraulics and is just a heavier machine.

If you are sure you'll never need those types of features/attachments, etc., then the X7xx would be a great mowing machine and general purpose garden tractor.

 

[LBrown59]

I have 16 acres and mow about 4 on a regular basis. When I moved here, I had a Bolens G-14 with a 42" deck and it was nearly an all day job. Then I traded up to a JD 318 and 50" deck. What an improvement. Now I have a JD 455 with a 60" deck and can finish the job in a few hours. I almost went for an 855 with a 72" deck, but I couldn't carry over my weights, chains and front blade.

Moral of story - bigger is better. I'd go for the bigger deck, and yes....
*a CUT may be in your future.

I feel a sub cut or a cut would offer him a brighter future.

One certainly can buy a 2305 for less than an equivalent diesel X series machine if one shops in the right circles. This, of course, does not include loader, etc. I am comparing equivalent powertrains.
1*I can also say the X series is not given enough credit, it is a stout machine, but has only limited hydraulics.
2*It will mow large volumes quickly.

John M

1*You can only give it credit in situations where it fits.
I don't believe it fits the OPs circumstances.
2*but he wants to more than mow.and that involves 10 acres not 3 acres.

 

[lispro]

Thanks for all the input. It is very helpful.
My primary task will be mowing the 3 acres. I have great neighbors with a CUT and FEL. I am not opposed to hiring or renting for the occasional brush mowing. In my original post I was considering a pull behind brush mower like the DR brush mower for around $2500 or the swisher trailmower for around $1800 and pull it with a X700 or X500 (looks like they are about 400-500 lbs).

Currently I see my options as

X500 54" deck $5899
4 yr warranty

X700 62" deck $9999
4 yr warranty

2305 62" deck $12652
2 yr warranty

Kubota 2350 60"deck (60" N/A on the 1850) $11807
2 yr warranty

I am planning to buy in the next month so any more input would be great. I also realize it might be wise to consider a primary mowing tractor and then somthing bigger (and used) down the road.
Thanks

 

[jenkinsph]

I agree, get a nice mower then add a separate tractor later if you need one. I have never seen the point in mowing the lawn with a tractor fel combo. I use a separate mower (albeit cheaper than what you are planning on L130 23hp Kohler with 48" deck), utility tractor without fel and the 110 tlb. This makes it very convenient to manuever around trees and beds with a mower while the tractor and backhoe loader are big enough to do me some good.



Steve

 

[kennyd]

If all you want is a mower for 3 acres, then why not consider a ZTR?

 

[lispro]

I thought quite a bit about a ZTR, but after being on the property for several months I am not sure I would be comfortable with some of the hills and would like to occasionally pull a cart or maybe pull a trail mower. I also might have some light use of a front blade for snow.

 

[kennyd]

ZTR's are VERY stable on hills due to the low center-of-gravity, and most can also tow cart's with no trouble...the snowblade is a showstopper though.

 

[nmu98]

Thanks for all the input. It is very helpful.
My primary task will be mowing the 3 acres. I have great neighbors with a CUT and FEL. I am not opposed to hiring or renting for the occasional brush mowing. In my original post I was considering a pull behind brush mower like the DR brush mower for around $2500 or the swisher trailmower for around $1800 and pull it with a X700 or X500 (looks like they are about 400-500 lbs).

Currently I see my options as

X500 54" deck $5899
4 yr warranty

X700 62" deck $9999
4 yr warranty

2305 62" deck $12652
2 yr warranty

Kubota 2350 60"deck (60" N/A on the 1850) $11807
2 yr warranty

I am planning to buy in the next month so any more input would be great. I also realize it might be wise to consider a primary mowing tractor and then somthing bigger (and used) down the road.
Thanks

Lispro,
Those prices seem pretty high compared to my area. My buddy just priced out a 2305 with the 62" mower, 200CX, and ballast box and it came out to 13,500 plus 6% sales tax.

On Edit: it might have been a 200x. I don't know the 200 series loader well...