X748 PTO usefull?

   / X748 PTO usefull? #11  
I think I'm getting a better machine for cheaper in the Kubota, but the 7 series is sooo cool.
No, you're not. But its impossible to explain to a Kubota owner why not.
 
   / X748 PTO usefull? #13  
I'm gonna take a beating for this but here goes:

- The X is much closer to the ground and will go and mow places you won't take the BX. Up, down, and across hills particularly. This takes into account not having a ROPS; you'll still feel safer on the X!

- The X's hydraulics are geared towards effective steering. Considering both models are severely lacking in implement hydraulics, the steering comfort is a fantastic tradeoff of one implement gpm. This is particularly noticeable with a front mount snow blower or blade. And likely the loader too (never used a 45 loader on an X).

- The X doesn't have a stupid plastic tranny fan.

- If you use a bagger, the X bagger is easier to install and remove, easier to set aside for throwing grass temporarily, takes us less space, uses a belt for safety instead of shear bolts, and throws grass at the deck instead of at the bags (read less likely to clog).

- An X weighs less than a BX while having almost the exact same specs. So you can add the weight you need where you need it. And move or remove it as needs dictate.

- The X is built like a rock. The fit, finish, and NVH of the BX is a step down. Period.

- The JD Parts web site.

- The X749 is actually a little more powerful than the BX2360.

- Kubota doesn't make anything like the 7iron deck.

- The X is the best small-scale mowing and snowblowing platform you can buy. While the BX is a jack of all trades while master of none. Maxing out the options on an X still makes it the best small-scale mowing and snowblowing platform you can buy while also turning it into a jack of all trades.

- A fully decked out X like you're considering, is SO much awesomer than a BX.

Here is my thread comparing them on a specs basis. You can see how well they match up. Much better than you will ever hear from a Kubota dealer.

I'm sure all kinds of BX owners will argue with me. They should try a decked out X for twenty or so hours before chiming in. I've sat in a BX for a significant amount of time and I've had an X700 (== X475) for four years. And while I'm an unabashed fan of JD, its because of the above, not the other way around. You will also see me make the same argument for an X749 over a 2305 (the 2320 is actually a step up from both JDs and all BXs).

EDIT: I'd like to add that Kubota doesn't publish their torque specs. This is disconcerting to me. They claim the same HP, but torque is the most important number. I wonder if thats because their engines are smaller. Theres no substitute for displacement as they say. And the X wins that one too.
 
   / X748 PTO usefull?
  • Thread Starter
#14  
Well, I won't be giving you a beating, as long as you're not throwing me under the bus for being the "But its impossible to explain to a Kubota owner why not" guy. I'm objective and I own Kubota AND Deere. If I had the money, I'd have a Deere farm tractor and probably a Deere backhoe, too.

It is great to get info like what you just supplied. I REALLY want the X748 because I think it's just soooo nice, but the BX seems like more tractor for my money, which in times of lousy cash flow, means a lot.

I will take your suggestions seriously and consider them when making my decision. Thanks for posting them. :thumbsup:

I hope to test out an X728 thurs/fri (no 748's in stock at dealer).

It ain't over yet, but I'm leaning somewhat Kubota. Another reason I didn't mention is my Kubota dealer is excellent.
 
   / X748 PTO usefull? #15  
As you know, with business issues taking up the lionshare of time for most-even those who are handy--having a good dealer is essential. Having owned four X series tractors since they first came out, I can say they are amazing performers. I have had both gas and diesel and I prefer the diesel. There is not, nor likely will ever be, any additional definitive data that makes one choose this machine over say, a sub compact Kubota. What you mention in your post to which I and others responded is an inquiry into whether an X series could perform or operate the attachments you mention and whether it would struggle in those cited applications. Without any hesitation I would say an X series can do that which you want. That said, it now becomes a question of how much does one want to spend and whether having something like an X series would satisfy the job and current need. It sounds as though you are leaning toward the Kubota and there is no data to say that it would not do an excellent job and perform just as well--and you have a dealer you know and like. The X series machines were designed as mowing tractors first, with ground engagement ability. All the controls are in the right place, the frame is heavy duty and more intricate than most Sub C frames. The attachments are very easy to attach and remove. The powertrain is smooth and refined also and does not jerk or stick or have any bad habits. These machines have millions of hours hard use by millions of users and they now have been out for several years. Though the numbers have changed, the machines have remained unchanged save for updates along the way. It is highly likely that JD by this point has worked out any bugs in these machines. They are more stable on hills and very maneuverable v. a sub-compact machine. The only area where they would fall short of a sub-c is in loader work, so I recommend looking another way if that is in the future of the machine. I think you would be both happy and satisfied with an X series, but what I cannot answer is whether you would be better pleased with the slightly better price of the Kubota. Only you can answer that one; but the JD would do all you mention you would want to do and do so in style. They also seem to hold their resale quite well, something I cannot endorse either way in the Kubota Sub-Compacts.

John M
 
   / X748 PTO usefull?
  • Thread Starter
#16  
That's a lot of great info, John. You and I both went through the process of buying GM DMAX's and we both analyzed our decisions to death. I believe you may have taken some of my advice on that purchase way back a few years ago.

Here's my BIGGEST concerns in my heart about the X:

1. Safety-I'll be mowing next to ditchbanks. The K has a seatbelt & rollbar. The X doesn't. However, the X is more stable in the first place, so less apt to roll over. Problem is, once the machine goes, I go with it and a roll bar would probably save me from being killed/mangled. Buying a sickle mower would help get me away from the ditchbanks and lower the danger and then make the safety issue less of a concern, but cost me yet another at least $1,000 or more for a sickle mower. So now the higher priced Deere becomes even more expensive.

2. Price-Still a BIG issue. With little in net profits coming in because of recession, K has a way to spread the pain out over a longer time period. 0/60 beats 4.9/48 by a LOT (~$1,300). Based on a 12K purchase price, payments come down to about $276 for 4 years on the Deere vesus $200 on the K over 5 years. I will be putting money down, but just wanted to keep the point simple.

My goal was to make this a $200/month or less purchase.

Basically, if Deere would offer some decent financing on the X, I'd be closer to buying. They offer 0/60 even 0/72 on larger tractors, but not the X. :(

I haven't bought yet. Heading to Deere dealer to test out a 728. Maybe he will soften a little if he knows I have commiserated with the enemy. My salesman from Deere wants to sell me a 2305, but I don't like that tractor all that much. I'd rather have a BX2360 than a 2305.

One thing I do like is that I know a grass collector is in my future and the Deere collection system is ~$1,000 cheaper than the K grass collector.
 
   / X748 PTO usefull? #17  
I really do not think you would be fully satisfied with a gasoline 728. They are great machines; just not as nice as the diesel. With your background in construction you are used to the power and efficiency of the diesel engine. The 24 HP Yanmar in the 748 is really great. I have also had the Kawasaki engines in the gas powered ones and while good they are no match for diesel power. Now, all the sudden that rotary cutter does not look so good. I would rather go with the Kubota in that case to retain the diesel engine which I believe to be an important part of the purchase whether green or orange.

John M
 
   / X748 PTO usefull?
  • Thread Starter
#18  
I really do not think you would be fully satisfied with a gasoline 728. They are great machines; just not as nice as the diesel. With your background in construction you are used to the power and efficiency of the diesel engine. The 24 HP Yanmar in the 748 is really great. I have also had the Kawasaki engines in the gas powered ones and while good they are no match for diesel power. Now, all the sudden that rotary cutter does not look so good. I would rather go with the Kubota in that case to retain the diesel engine which I believe to be an important part of the purchase whether green or orange.

John M

I'm only test driving the 728 to get a sense of the size/manueverability, etc.
No interest in a gas 728. Diesel all the way.
 
   / X748 PTO usefull? #19  
I would strongly suggest looking at the 42" rotary cutters for any of these small tractors. You really lose no more than 3" in cutting width, and will lose over a foot in length making the mower much more manuverable, and easier to lift. I also very stongly suspect that the bolt pattern of the JD/Kubota/ etc. series tractors is all the same and so the HDAP tires, and wheels should work on any of them, and give good ride, and traction. The only weakness of those tires that I can see at all is weaker sidewalls for loader work. I have seen JD 2305's set up with the HDAP tires, and am sure I'll see a BX set up that way soon......... maybe on Builder's tractor?
 
   / X748 PTO usefull? #20  
I would strongly suggest looking at the 42" rotary cutters for any of these small tractors. You really lose no more than 3" in cutting width, and will lose over a foot in length making the mower much more manuverable, and easier to lift. I also very stongly suspect that the bolt pattern of the JD/Kubota/ etc. series tractors is all the same and so the HDAP tires, and wheels should work on any of them, and give good ride, and traction. The only weakness of those tires that I can see at all is weaker sidewalls for loader work. I have seen JD 2305's set up with the HDAP tires, and am sure I'll see a BX set up that way soon......... maybe on Builder's tractor?

His whole point in the X748 is getting the 7 iron deck, if it were not for that he could go with the X749 and AWS with thre decks to choose from.
 

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