AWS or Zero turn

[jeepinator]

I have most of a season on an x324. I use a powerflo bagger. I previously had an L130.
The L130 mostly suited my needs, but I have lots of obstacles.
New shiny things entertain me, so I bought the x324.
Conservatively, I'd say mowing times are 25% shorter. The x324 turns ridiculously sharp. You can ALMOST whip a 180 and get all the grass. Close enough where I do a perimeter pass to catch all the little circles at the end.
I'm not sure if the x324 can mulch? My L130 came with a plug. The x324 didn't.
I don't have much to add, but I do marvel at how nimble and fast you can cut very complicated lawns with the x324. And the finish is quite nice.
And its cheap enough that you might still be able to get the pool

 

[captplaid]

I have an X534 (aws) and X748 (4wd 2ws). My original plan was to buy 1 x700 series and mow three places with it plus keep the 314 at ne place and the 314 at the other. My wife and I got into a bog arguement becasue once she saw an AWS, she wanted it. She didn't care if it was a 700 or 500 series. She just wanted AWS.

Finally, I said fine, we'll get both and a used gator. The salesman didn't think I was serious when I said I wanted to deal on all three together.

She loves the X534. They have sped up the deck finally. (Please remember the newest thing we had was a 318 and most of the mowing was done with a 112!) Deere's biggest fualt was always the deck was too slow.

With a faster blade speed, we can mow much faster than before. Of course, if you hit something, there's a good chance you're gonna bend the deck!.

The X534 is fun to drive. I'll give it that. It has an air cooled engine. I would have rather had liquid coolded, but there was no way explaining that to my wife, she wouldn't understand. For an air cooled engine, I do like the engineering for the air flow.

The X534 is underpowered for the 54 inch deck. It doesn't handle tall grass as well a I like. Unlike the compulsive mower, I don't always get to the grass as soon as I should. A 48 inch deck would handle taller grass better.

The AWS is useless in ditches. You have to turn very very slowly or you will find yourself at a 90 degree angle real fast.

You cannot drive a straight line down the road at high speed with an AWS. For this, I call it CRAZYWHEELS"

Originally, she wanted a zero turn. She knows I was only going to accept a John Deere. The Deere mechanics said stay away from the 800 series and the 700 series looked to light. The 900's were the only option. Plus, everyone said if you have a rough lawn, you do not want to bounce on a zero turn. We have some very rough lawns.

My FIL bought a Kubota zero turn just before we bought the AWS. He said if he had tried out this AWS first, he woiuld have bought it instead. I've never mowed with his Kubota, but I do think Kubota makes a very good lawn mower also.


That all said, I like the X748 much more any day. It has the 7 iron deck and is one great mowing machine.

 

[Kansas Slim]

...I like the X748 much more any day. It has the 7 iron deck and is one great mowing machine.

I concur!:thumbsup:

 

[gjsnow]

I have to chime in on this one. People's advise above is very valuable.

I too am a mowing fanatic, though I currently collect my clippings. I used to mulch but my lawn is too shady and I cannot get to it in time to mulch it perfectly. I just get thatch.

I have owned a deere 525 front mower with a 38 inch deck, a Kubota 1900 AWS with a 48 inch deck, a toro classic WB with, I think, a 48 inch deck, a Bunton 17 hp wb with a 52 inch floating deck, and a deere 1435 commercial mower with a 60 inch deck.

I won't bore you with all the details. However, if you want an outstanding cut, cut the grass first before driving over it with the front wheels of a tractor! Nothing will give you the appearance of a front cutting machine. For what it is worth, like my former 525, the three wheeled Walker puts an extra wheel mark down the middle of the stripe and you may not like this feature.

You will get outstanding stripes with a high quality deck like a deere or bunton/bobcat, or exmark. I personally love my 7-iron deck. I have one of the earliest models and it has been outstanding.

If you feel the need to get a tractor, the AWS may inhibit your ability to buy a loader or have certain attachments. Ask before you buy. Most machines have a small enough turning radius that AWS is not essential and may leave you with $$ for more toys.

Finally, buy the most hp for the deck size you are buying, especially if you are mulching. A clean deck with sharp blades and a dry lawn will give you a
superior mulch.

Good Luck,
GJSnow.

 

[Leroy454]

The new Deere EZTrak might fit your needs. The Z645 is a 48" and the Z655 is 54".
John Deere products for homeowners: Features for EZtrak Z645

 

[JiminGa]

I have a z910 with mulch kit and can honestly say it cuts bermuda grass as good as my twin blade honda push mower. It's way faster than any lawn tractor I have ever cut with while maintaining high quality as well. As far as tearing up the lawn, you can make three point turns at first until you get used to the machine...but it won't take long to get the feel for quik turns.