Should I buy the JD X729 ? help..

[8086bruce]

Do you have any thing else thats burns deisel? If not it might be better to stick with gas if everything else you have uses gas.

 

[Gittyup]

I've always wondered if the consumption savings of a diesel offsets the higher fuel cost. Of course there is the benefit of fewer fill-ups. But, my gasser doesn't appear to use all that much fuel (425). I can cut about 6 acres on a tank (~5.5 Gal). Maybe for heavy users that use a lot of fuel, the difference is more significant. Also, the gassers are quieter (at least mine is), which I like.

I do understand the torque/power that a diesel has over a gasser, and that alone is reason enough sometimes.

Not everyone can justify the diesel. But, my next one will be a diesel even though I can't justify it. I just want the most power I can get.

 

[DoubleL]

I've always wondered if the consumption savings of a diesel offsets the higher fuel cost.

Maybe or maybe not depends on your financial situation. Here's a rough estimate I come up with.

Fuel Cost (for me in PA today):
Off road Diesel Fuel $/gallon $2.95
On road gas $3.25
Diff ($0.30)

Fuel Consumption per hour (gallons):
Diesel 0.80
Gas 1.00

Hours per year run 100.00

Annual Fuel Cost Diesel $236.00
Annual Fuel Cost Gas $325.00
Annual savings Diesel tractor $89.00

Cost Diesel Tractor $13,529
Cost Gas Tractor $12,449
Additional cost diesel tractor $1,080

ROI = 8.24%

 

[ctlguy]

Here is a devils advocate on fuel savings comparisons

diesel starter $675
gas starter $465


diesel alternator (40a) $405
gas alternator (20a) $221

There can be some advantages that start to outweigh the fuel savings on a diesel when you have a gas unit. Don't get me wrong I agree with the posters that talk about the higher torque levels of the diesel and I don't expect that you will annually be buying major electrical components but the potential exists to spend your fuel savings later on down the road. Whatever you do if spending this kind of denaro stay away from carb units at least IMO. I also prefer the diesel myself as it is a WorkHorse, not everyone is suited to own a diesel unit, it's kind of nice on gas FI units to just get on the seat any time of year or temp, turn the key and go.

 

[Gittyup]

Maybe or maybe not depends on your financial situation. Here's a rough estimate I come up with.

Fuel Cost (for me in PA today):
Off road Diesel Fuel $/gallon $2.95
On road gas $3.25
Diff ($0.30)

Fuel Consumption per hour (gallons):
Diesel 0.80
Gas 1.00

Hours per year run 100.00

Annual Fuel Cost Diesel $236.00
Annual Fuel Cost Gas $325.00
Annual savings Diesel tractor $89.00

Cost Diesel Tractor $13,529
Cost Gas Tractor $12,449
Additional cost diesel tractor $1,080

ROI = 8.24%

Most don't have access to off-road diesel, and retail diesel fuel cost more than gasoline. The difference is 30 -35 cents more for diesel around here. That makes the annual fuel savings closer to $36 per year. So it'll take 30 years or so to make back the $1080.

 

[Deadman]

My dad bought his X475 with the Gas Kawi engine, because he knew he would be using it for alot of short trips around the yard and idling around, so he didn't want a Diesel as they don't like short trips and such.

He wishes he had the Diesel for the power only on the snowblower, so for him the gas was the right choice.

Ultimate power is hands down the diesels.

 

[rubadub]

Diesel fuel here in Two rivers Wisconsin is 35 cents a gallon higher then unleaded gas.

Then you need an additive because of the cold to keep it from jelling, I know Auto Zone sells the additives for diesels by the pallet load around here.

Then you have the glow plugs, block heaters and water separators and diesel is not as easy to store as gasoline on a several month turnaround.

The diesels will give you more power but that is pretty much a mute point with the Kawasaki twins and fuel injection, the Kaws start instantly.

Will you save money buying a diesel, I don't think you will on a garden tractor, a large farm tractor you probably would.

If you want braggin rights get the diesel, if you want a clean machine with more power then the tractor is designed for, get the Kawasaki 27 horse in the X728 or X729.

I till virgin sod with my X728, that thing doesn't even grunt just drop the tiller right to bottom of where you want your tilling done one pass it won't spin a wheel or lurch forward like some others I have had, this thing just goes.

I have a bunch of tilling and snowblowing videos on my website, I'll tell you what that X728 is a serious garden tractor.

Rob

 

[blackknightjester]

Well I am glad I posted my question as I got back some nice information. Thanks for everyone's views and contributions. it does need to be the general concensus that the diesel is the way to go so I think I will opt for that motor instead as I know the bigger HP gas motors do drink fuel pretty good. I will check into the BX series just to see what I can see. I will definately post what I bought and post my reviews in the future so that everyone else can benefit like i did here. thanks guys.

 

[Gittyup]

Huh? I think the fuels savings has pretty much been refuted.

If you are going to look at BXs, then you should also look at JD2305 or the new 1026. Same size/capabilities. And then there are other makes in this class that are just as good.

 

[jenkinsph]

Gittyup,
The 2305 and 1026R models are not four wheel steer which can make a huge difference in a lawn mower. I for one much prefer the X749 over the 2305.