AWS/AWD Lawn Tractors

JDGREEN4ME · Nov 5, 2014

Thanks for the info, I am open to colors other than green I am just more familiar with JD at this point. I really think AWD is a need for this location.

beenthere · Nov 5, 2014

I have found the AWS on my Deere(s) 425, 455, X485 handle the steep slopes very, very well. Previous 2wd was much harder to keep from spinning a tire, but the same slopes with AWS present no problem at all. Nothing runs like a Deere. Stick with the best.

They are a good investment, give good performance, and hold their value where others just simply do not.

ruffdog · Nov 5, 2014

I have a x744 aws diesel and my dad has a x749 aws awd diesel. I find my 2wd to climb quite well without spinning and am happy with it. When mowing the steep side slope in the ditch, the aws feels scary because the rear wheels steer and feels like it is slipping. My Cub Cadet 982 just does the ditch better with my set-up. My wife LOVES to mow the lawn now with the Deere and I let her have all the fun she wants. My dad's x749 will nearly climb a wall and we will find out this winter how it plows snow.

My friend has a very steep part of the yard that he needed a good side hill mower. He had dealers come out and SHOW him how good their products are on the hill. One dealer took a trip over the hill, over the rocks, through the flower beds in his attempt with a ZTR and others would not even unload the unit from the trailer. He ended up with a Cub Cadet zero turn type with a steering wheel and steered front wheels. He says it has a longer wheel base and sits lower than a regular ZTR.
http://www.cubcadet.com/equipment/cubcadet/zero-turn-riding-mowers/z-force-sz-series
Personally, I would still want awd.

Gittyup · Nov 5, 2014

the JD X700 series has no peers. Superb in every way. powerful, nimble, versatile, excellent implement support and design, comfort, reliability, hydraulics, etc. etc., Go try them out, and the others to see for yourself.

Wolfy · Nov 5, 2014

I can see ruffdog's point in that rear wheel steer being a handful on hills. I think it would be usefull trimming around bushes though.

beenthere · Nov 5, 2014

And I find the rear wheels really are the feature of the AWS that causes the better performance on a side hill. If you need to turn up hill, the rear wheels move down a bit under the heavy side and cause more stability. Easy to just turn to go up the bank with the AWS but it is not that easy with just the rear wheel drive and front steering.

JDGREEN4ME · Nov 5, 2014

After reading up on the current AWS/AWD X739 I am wondering what the long term reliability of the hydraulic front wheel drive is? How long has Deere (or anybody for that matter) used this?

Yellowfever440 · Nov 5, 2014

I would think for the most part 4wd would be necessary for the steep hills. The 4ws for any tight turning. So of you were worried about hydro front axle drive, which I don't think would be a problem then go with the x575, x585, and x595 they are mechanical four wheel drive. You can engage or disengage the front axle on the go with a handle through the fender. I just got an x585 4wd and a brand new 54 in deere snowplow and I found a good used 45 loader with the click and go bracket for 2000 bucks. 410 hrs and runs really well. I haven't used it in snow yet but I hear they are very good with a plow in the winter. I may sell it and get a smaller mower and a skid steer for my snow removal.

Gittyup · Nov 6, 2014

AWS is actually an advantage on slopes when turning. On 2WS, the drive wheels push tangential to the turn direction, which adds resistance and causes sliding/tearing. On AWS, the drive force direction reinforces the turn direction, keeping the rear more in line with the direction you want to go. Also, going up hills, the front can become light affecting one's ability to steer. With AWS, you can steer with the rear wheels, even if the front is off the ground. This is huge when plowing snow. The tractor has less of a tendency to be steered by the snow pile pushing against the blade. And you can steer even if the front is off the ground or light to the ground.

AaronS · Nov 6, 2014

Xfaxman said:
TORO has one, the Groundsmaster 360 Quad Steer 4WD.
View attachment 397342 View attachment 397344
With cab.
View attachment 397343
Quad-Steer True All-Wheel Steering
All Season Permanent Safety Cab with AC/Heating
Kubotaｮ 36 hp (26.8 kW), 4-Cylinder, Liquid-Cooled Diesel Engine
183 cm Width of Cut in either Side Discharge, Rear Discharge, or Guardianｮ Recyclerｮ Configuration
Toro | Groundsmasterｮ 360 Quad-Steer