2014 X739, which deck for best cut?

[CinderSchnauzer]

When I did a look-up (this morning) here is what "Build Your Own" shows for the 60' HC deck in $US:

Auto Connect 3426 $247.00
60HC Mower Deck X700 for Signature Series (Model Year 2013 and Later) 9075M $2,100.00

Same for the 54" deck.

 

[Gittyup]

Whether $200 or $500, that shouldn't make a big difference. If you want or need it, get it. If not (like me), don't. Kinda like front fenders. And I don't want those either. I like simple sometimes, less to break.

 

[Eric102]

I'm seeing the $247 price now without adding a dealer location but when on the that same page there is a "customize product tab" which takes you to another page where there is a auto connect option PN BM23894 that lists for $492 after filling in my zip code and selecting a dealer. I guess I don't understand John Deere's "build your own" process, is the standard $247 auto connect option different than $492 one, or do you need both?

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

A check in JD parts shows the $492 BM23894 includes a Drive Shaft. The $247 Auto Connect - purchased at the same time as the deck excludes the Drive Shaft, which is in the base price of the mower deck. Notice the deck can be purchased without the Drive Shaft with a credit of $182. I have not taken time to research if they are different drive shafts. Granted they only add to $429, so you might want to check with your dealer.

I do know my auto Connect was not priced in the $500 range. It was as per #3426.

 

[Eric102]

Yes I would definitely let the dealer figure it out. My guess would be that the $492 kit is to retro fit an existing mower since it includes a shaft which I would assume needs to be shorter than the stock one on the non-quick connect deck.

At $247 I would definitely add it to my order, like you said its only a few bucks a month.

 

[markedman1132]

My X738 is on order, but until I have a chance to use it I could not speak from experience.

As some have mentioned, the 54 and 60 decks have an auto connect option. My understanding is that you cannot get the auto connect on the 48 deck.

There is a good youtube video that shows the auto connect feature and it looks dropdead simple. Having said that, the one review for an X738 on this site was from someone who stated they had a lot of issues getting the auto connect to work.

 

[Goin4forty]

I went from the 48 Extra to a 54HC. The 54HC is definitely a better cut and I have enjoyed the auto connect feature. I've heard of some folks struggling with it but I've not experienced that at all. The 54HC seems to be a 9 gauge copy of a 7 Iron deck. 9 gauge seems plenty heavy duty enough for all but the most demanding commercial uses.

 

[Eric102]

My X738 is on order, but until I have a chance to use it I could not speak from experience.

As some have mentioned, the 54 and 60 decks have an auto connect option. My understanding is that you cannot get the auto connect on the 48 deck.

There is a good youtube video that shows the auto connect feature and it looks dropdead simple. Having said that, the one review for an X738 on this site was from someone who stated they had a lot of issues getting the auto connect to work.

Yeah I didn't think the quick connect would be available on the 48" since its not a drive over.

 

[Eric102]

I went from the 48 Extra to a 54HC. The 54HC is definitely a better cut and I have enjoyed the auto connect feature. I've heard of some folks struggling with it but I've not experienced that at all. The 54HC seems to be a 9 gauge copy of a 7 Iron deck. 9 gauge seems plenty heavy duty enough for all but the most demanding commercial uses.

Thanks, exactly what I was looking for! Did you compare the 2 on the same tractor?

 

[Goin4forty]

Thanks, exactly what I was looking for! Did you compare the 2 on the same tractor?

No, the 48" was on my X324 and the 54HC is on my X739. I was always satisfied with the cut quality of the Edge Deck but the new HC Deck is noticeably better. Taller deck with more lift and I believe higher blade tip speed.