Ads say "Mows up to x Acres"

[billbill1]

My guess is that each mower is recommended for that many acres, the smallest 3.5 and the largest 10. Not how fast but recommended for that size of field.

 

[thatguy]

I don't think it means acres per hour. For example, the X300 with a 38" deck and 17 HP lists the same 3.5 acres as the X340 with a 54" deck and 25 HP. I think the odds are quite high that the X340 can cut significantly more acreage per hour. So, why does JD list them as both up to 3.5 acres?

What i took it to mean is = For normal usage (weekly mowings lets say) this mower will give you good service mowing up to that many acres / wk..
Take a small hp mower and mow more acres the life span will be less.

If you notice the bigger hp (better built/more robust, etc) lists more acres..

Just my thoughts..

Brian

 

[ccsial]

My guess is that each mower is recommended for that many acres, the smallest 3.5 and the largest 10. Not how fast but recommended for that size of field.

That makes the most sense.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Some of the zero turn companies list their mowers capacity in acres per hour. Grasshopper is one of them that does and I think Exmark did but I can't remember for sure.

 

[jcmseven]

Skidoo,

As one previous poster said, the confusing thing here is some companies (such as those marketing commercial ZTR's or front cuts) talk about acres per hour. In this case, since you are buying an X 749, you are referring to the JD catalog which refers to different levels of residential tractor/mowers and their intended use. The way this is done is JD, for example, chooses a target hour lifespan of a given machine, such as the L100 series. They calculate based on testing of components and complete machines the average life expectancy of the machine in hours. They then correct that for amount of mowing time and then for lifespan expectation in years. They then do product research and fine how much the typical person who would buy, say, an L100 would mow and how else they would use the machine. This allows them to figure a "target audience" for a given level of tractor. They then go upward, with each increasing model (and price point) offering more capability as well as more lifespan due to better components. In the case of your new X749, it has a Kansaki hydro transaxle that is rating for triple the lifespan of the one in the X500 series machines. Once they have achieved a target for hour lifespan they can then complete the machine's componetry. Since these machines are likely going to be used for mainly mowing (in many cases) JD feels it easier to market the "numbers" by assessing acres. It is a simple way for the general public to target a certain tractor (and it helps the company also by getting people into generally more-expensive machines). For you or me, who own real compact utility tractors, calibrating hours is not an issue. But--for the general public it is speaking a foreign language--this is easier for most to understand and allows companies like JD to equate their target hour lifespan in layman's terms.

John M

 

[skidoo]

jcmseven,

You have presented some information I was not aware of and it is interesting. So, in essence, the ratings are ambiguous but can serve a relative measure of performance and satisfaction for acreages up to that rated.

So, I can assume that if one has 5 acres to mow, and he buys a mower rated for up to 1.5 acres, he is much more likely to be not satisfied with performance or lifespan even though it may be capable of mowing that acreage...

 

[Robert_in_NY]

John Deere replied to my question about their ratings. This is what was said

Dear Mr. Turk:

Thank you for contacting our Web site.

The acre recommendations are based on the mowing capacity of our machines (driven by speed, deck width, efficiency and design lives).

If we can be of further assistance, please call the Customer Contact Center at 1-800-537-8233. Our center is open 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. EST, Monday - Friday and 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. EST, Saturday. Please note: Our office will be closed Thursday November 22, Friday November 23, and Saturday November 24 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Thank you,
PattiSue
John Deere Customer Contact Center

So I don't really know what the rating is for, acres per hour seems out so maybe acres per day or week.

 

[ccsial]

That almost sounds like a computer generated response.

I think billbill1 is correct in saying that the acres is your property size.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

You would think they would spell things out a little better but

 

[2manyrocks]

What the ads really mean is the more money you spend, the longer you'll spend mowing because the Mrs. saw how much you spent.