A few questions on 700 series JD machines

[tkrotchko]

For the x700-series tractors, do people perceive the value of 4WD for marshy ground? If you intend on putting a blade on the front, are there advantages in the snow? I assume you'd still need weights

In looking at the specs of the 700 series, how is the transmission(s) driven? From a belt? Drive shaft? Hydraulic pressure?. Also, does the 700 series have a PTO for accessories , or do they all use hydraulic pressure??

 

[beenthere]

Everything you might want...
X7 Signature Series Tractors | Lawn Tractors | John Deere US

Don't see rear PTO for tiller, but there is a mid PTO for connecting mower deck, front broom, front snow blower. The hydraulics is there for the blade and the blower or broom.

On marshy ground, the 4WD will get you further in deeper before getting stuck.

Tranny driven direct from engine (no belt in the drive system). Belt on the deck. PTO powers the accessories.

 

[tkrotchko]

Thanks, I saw the link, but it's very vague on the mechanics of the tractor, it's more of a feature list. I purchased an x540 11 years ago and I didn't realize the transmission was driven by a belt, nor did I realize there wasn't a genuine PTO anywhere on it. Don't get me wrong, it's been a solid garden tractor, but there is not a way to effectively extend it to do light tractor work without crazy belts and such.

Based on the 4WD comment, do you have an opinion as to whether it's a worthwhile option?

 

[Eric102]

For the x700-series tractors, do people perceive the value of 4WD for marshy ground? If you intend on putting a blade on the front, are there advantages in the snow? I assume you'd still need weights

In looking at the specs of the 700 series, how is the transmission(s) driven? From a belt? Drive shaft? Hydraulic pressure?. Also, does the 700 series have a PTO for accessories , or do they all use hydraulic pressure??

I've had a X739 which has all wheel drive and 4 wheel steer for 6 years now. The rear transaxle is connected to the motor by a drive shaft. The stock setup is a front facing PTO on the transaxle that drives the mower deck with a drive shaft but can also be used for optional shaft driven implements on the front of the tractor (snow blower, broom). A rear facing PTO on the transaxle is optional for about a $1,000 that can be used for 3pt tillers, cutters etc. An optional 3pt hitch ($600) would be required to use those implements. The front wheels are full time hydraulically driven and work great on all surfaces, I normally plow snow without weights or chains. The mower deck has one belt that drives the 3 blades from the deck gearbox and the motor has one belt that drives a fan to cool the radiator, thats it for belts!

 

[tkrotchko]

That's exactly the info I was looking for. On the x540 the hydraulic system for power steering quite reliable for 11 years (and transmission), and I assume your x739 has similar reliability.

 

[Eric102]

That's exactly the info I was looking for. On the x540 the hydraulic system for power steering quite reliable for 11 years (and transmission), and I assume your x739 has similar reliability.

Zero issues with the hydraulics, I even added a set of rear outlets for a 3pt hydraulic top link. I had a JD 318 for 26 years and the hydraulics on it were rock solid as well.

The only problem I've had with the X739 was a small coolant leak on the intake manifold gasket which was covered by my extended warranty. It was only a few drops a week and I probably would have lived with it if it hadn't been covered.