X748 PTO usefull?

[Builder]

Contemplating X748 purchase this week. There's a rear PTO option. I see myself using it for a 3 pont hitch spreader & small bush hog or (don't laugh) a small sickle bar mower or 4' bush hog in the future (if there's enough PTO HP) Also, not sure if a small sickle would be too heavy.

Has anyone opted for the PTO on the X7xx series? Is it a waste of money? I see that they have a hydraulically operated Tiller that is bigger than the PTO tiller anyway.

Advice?

 

[bp fick]

I wouldn't laugh. The Yanmar diesel has 24 hp, more than the Kubota BX1860 or even the BX2360 and nobody would give up their PTOs on those. I use mine for a RFM. I would think any or all of the attachments for a subcut would work just fine. I don't know for sure, but would guess the PTO hp on that unit to be 18 or 19 hp. Plenty good.

 

[Builder]

I wouldn't laugh. The Yanmar diesel has 24 hp, more than the Kubota BX1860 or even the BX2360 and nobody would give up their PTOs on those. I use mine for a RFM. I would think any or all of the attachments for a subcut would work just fine. I don't know for sure, but would guess the PTO hp on that unit to be 18 or 19 hp. Plenty good.

Yep, I agree. I was more concerned about the weight of the implements than the PTO HP being adequate (small sickle might make tractor tippy, BH is too heavy, etc.)

 

[MikeInEburg]

I think that sickle bar gets you the most "bang" for your PTO HP buck. Don't know how easy it is to find one small enough though... A small (4' or so) pull-behind rotary mower would work fine and would be easier to find.
Mike

 

[bp fick]

Hey Builder, there are awesome YouTube vids to watch of guys with the X7xx series who, for them, it is their tractor, their subcut. Darned if they don't use them for just about anything and everything. Pretty impressive.

All I'm saying is that if you think you'll use it, get it. If it just going to be the lawn mower extraordinaire, well, then ...... count the cost, I guess.

Best regards, and enjoy the studying, buying, arrival experience.

 

[Builder]

I think that sickle bar gets you the most "bang" for your PTO HP buck. Don't know how easy it is to find one small enough though... A small (4' or so) pull-behind rotary mower would work fine and would be easier to find.
Mike

I need to cut close to a ravine. Maybe a 7' sickle on my M7040 is more practical....I missed out on a Tonutti 7' with hydraulic lift at my local dealer for $900. Even had hydraulic lift for the cutterbar. That one still makes me mad.

I could use a small pull rotary to cut under trees.

 

[Builder]

Hey Builder, there are awesome YouTube vids to watch of guys with the X7xx series who, for them, it is their tractor, their subcut. Darned if they don't use them for just about anything and everything. Pretty impressive.

All I'm saying is that if you think you'll use it, get it. If it just going to be the lawn mower extraordinaire, well, then ...... count the cost, I guess.

Best regards, and enjoy the studying, buying, arrival experience.

yeah, it'll get used. For me, it's the cost. I know you gotta spend money to make money, but sheesh these things are outrageous money.

 

[jcmseven]

Builder, are you back?? Still have the GMC, runs great, 42,000 miles in a year.

With regard to your question, I had a 595 which I traded for something bigger, but loved the machine. Different people have differing opinions, but to me the 748 (the equivalent of the machine I had, just different numbering) is a true Cadillac. I had the rear PTO on mine, and while I did not rotary cut with mine, I did run a 648 tiller. It would really tear up some ground. No problem handling that at all. I do know someone who runs a 48" rotary cutter on his 748 and has no trouble at all either. They have plenty of power to handle that. I do recommend ballasting in the rear, and I personally ran liquid ballast (80# per tire) and a 72# starter and 50 pound second weight on each wheel, but the machine would have done fine without that much. The 648 tiller, for example, weighs nearly 300 pounds and the additional chassis weight did help to keep the tiller from trying to push the tractor in hard ground. I am sure it would be similar with the rotary cutter to keep everything stable on hills and such.

I am sure you have been told the 2305 is a better deal because it has ROPS, rear PTO, two ranges, etc standard and this is true. It is, however, just not as nice. The X series machines are just super. Smooth, quiet, comfortable to operate and they are very stout. With the HDAP tires, they get excellent traction and are I think a bit more stable on hills. They will easily turn any PTO attachment that a 2305 will without doubt. Where things begin favoring the 2305 is with loader work, as it does have better dedicated hydraulics. Unless this is in your equation I would say a 748 is a fine option for what you mention as your intent.

John M

 

[Kansas Slim]

Hey Builder,

I saw your post the other day regarding the drive-over 7 Iron. If you looked at my link for the pics, you'll find that I opted for the PTO as well. I figured if I was spending that much, I just as well get all! It was really more of an investment for the future, as I have my sights set on a 4' Bush Hog as well. I also want a PTO driven seed spreader, a sprayer and a tiller, too. I know a lot of folks use electric motors on their sprayers, but I figured if I got the PTO, well I'm gonna use it!

So far though, I ran out of funds for the rest. I actually need a box blade first. If you do the deed, I'd love to hear how it performs for you.

 

[Builder]

Guys,

Looks like I may be opting for a Kubota BX2360 because of Kubota's 0/60 financing. I really want the Deere, but the Kubota does have 2 ranges, ROPS, PTO & 3 pt lift arms included and it costs ~$500 less. Kind of bittersweet for me. I think I'm getting a better machine for cheaper in the Kubota, but the 7 series is sooo cool.

I'm trying to see if HDAP tires can be added to make it more like the 7XX :laughing: