Best choice for 4x4 mower

[LBrown59]

LBrown,
1*The X748, for example, is only five inches longer, one inch wider and weighes about the same as the BX 1500.
Couple the four wheel drive, which most standard garden tractors do not offer, and it would be a great mowing machine for even really steep hills.
In my opinion it would be as stable as any standard mowing tractor out there, just not as stable as say a Steiner.
2*The implication I have seen is that our OP indicated he was looking at JD products.
In one of your earlier posts, you mentioned that JD was not always the best choice.
3*I do agree with this statement.
4* but I feel the general dimensions of either the 748 or 2305, appropriately ballasted would work as well as any combination available in any four wheel tractor standardly set up.
John M

1*But the 748 is still a garden tractor while the others are all S-cuts.
I'm saying go with the heavier built S-Cut especially if you can get it for within plus or minus $2000.oo of a 748.
2*He was till he suffered the $12K 748 sticker shock.
I can buy 2 BX1500s for 13500 which makes the 748 look more like sticker trauma than sticker shock.
3*So do I.
4*I might take a 748 on the spots here where I won't go on with the BX23 but a JD2305 no way.

 

[jcmseven]

LBrown,

Side by side the 2305 is no larger than the 700 series JD tractor. It weighes negligibly more and has the same size tires. I do not see how it would be a marked liability on hills. The 748 or any of the 700 series are not merely "garden tractors." The four wheel drive models offer far more capability than almost any other garden tractor on the market. I would stack their capability against any subcut except when it comes to hydraulic capacity. In this area they do fall short. That said, the loader works well and they can lift and handle any limited cat one implement handled by a subcut. True, they are expensive machines, but they offer abilities rarely if ever seen in this sized machine. I think a BX 1500 is a fine machine and should certainly be considered, but I cannot see where it offers a hillside mowing advantage over either the 700 series or the 2305.

John M

 

[skidoo]

Thanks for the interesting discussion...

But, keep in mind the following:

When my wife an I first saw an X728, the wife immediately said "that's too big". I don't think so.

There is no need to compare the X748 to the S-Cuts. I already have an S-Cut, the 2520 with FEL, rear blade, rake, and LX4. What I need is something for finish mowing the slopes.

I don't need it for any other duties that a Garden tractor or S-cut can do.

I need the 4x4 for the traction on the slopes. If there were a small rider mower with garden tractor size tires for clearance and a minimum 48" cut with 4x4, that would be sufficient.

I know I can use the 62D MMM with my 2520, but I kind of like the idea of a dedicated mower just for mowing. Sure, my 2520 and other S-cuts can do more than the X748 for utility, but the X748 specifies a significantly tighter turning radius than mine and most others. Yes, the price is quite high and I don't need some of its other capabilites. So, I am leaning towards something smaller such as the GR2100. Or, I just may go with a 62D MMM after all. I thought perhaps a BX1500 may be good too. But, the local dealer told me it is not made anymore and then again, I like the tighter turning radius of a dedicated mower...

 

[2deeskip]

I know it has already been suggested, but to reiterate, get a Stiener or Ventrac. They are designed as slope mowers.

 

[LBrown59]

LBrown,

Side by side the 2305 is no larger than the 700 series JD tractor. It weighes negligibly more and has the same size tires. I do not see how it would be a marked liability on hills. The 748 or any of the 700 series are not merely "garden tractors." The four wheel drive models offer far more capability than almost any other garden tractor on the market. I would stack their capability against any subcut except when it comes to hydraulic capacity. In this area they do fall short. That said, the loader works well and they can lift and handle any limited cat one implement handled by a subcut. True, they are expensive machines, but they offer abilities rarely if ever seen in this sized machine. I think a BX 1500 is a fine machine and should certainly be considered, but I cannot see where it offers a hillside mowing advantage over either the 700 series or the 2305.

John M

I have some slopes I will not get on with MY BX 23 which is comparable size wise to a JD 2305.
I am sure I would feel just as uneasy on those slopes with the 2305 as I would with the BX23.
That is why I have the smaller CC GT2554 for them slopes.
Since the BX 1500 is closer to the size of the CC than it is to the BX23 JDX700 or JD2305 It stands to reason it would feel better on those slopes just like the CC Does.
It seems to me that you're trying to tell me that the BX23 JD X700 & JD2305 tractors are just as stable as the CC GT2554 is on my slopes.
You might be rite but I'm not about to put the BX 23 on those slopes and find out you're wrong.

 

[LBrown59]

Thanks for the interesting discussion...

But, keep in mind the following:

When my wife an I first saw an X728, the wife immediately said "that's too big". I don't think so.

There is no need to compare the X748 to the S-Cuts. I already have an S-Cut, the 2520 with FEL, rear blade, rake, and LX4. What I need is something for finish mowing the slopes.

I don't need it for any other duties that a Garden tractor or S-cut can do.

I need the 4x4 for the traction on the slopes. If there were a small rider mower with garden tractor size tires for clearance and a minimum 48" cut with 4x4, that would be sufficient.

I know I can use the 62D MMM with my 2520, but I kind of like the idea of a dedicated mower just for mowing. Sure, my 2520 and other S-cuts can do more than the X748 for utility, but the X748 specifies a significantly tighter turning radius than mine and most others. Yes, the price is quite high and I don't need some of its other capabilites. So, I am leaning towards something smaller such as the GR2100. Or, I just may go with a 62D MMM after all. I thought perhaps a BX1500 may be good too. But, the local dealer told me it is not made anymore and then again, I like the tighter turning radius of a dedicated mower...

That don't mean you can't still get one.
I'm tryin to make a deal on a new one now.

 

[LBrown59]

I'm looking at The Gr2100 and a BX1500.

I lost interest in the GR2100 real quick when the dealer told me it wasn't as good of a tractor as the bx1850 and cost about the sames as the 1850.

 

[jcmseven]

LBrown,

Yes I am trying to say those machines mentioned are as stable as the Cub is. In fact, with four wheel drive, I would say they are likely more stable and will hold the hill better.

John M

 

[jimgerken]

I suppose that , by now, you have bought a mower. But if not, take a look at the JD X540. It is referred to as "all-terrain", and comes with ATV-type turf rear tires. The tractor is 25 hp Kawasaki, full-pressure lube, liquid cooled, hydro, TWO WHEEL DRIVE. And I am certain mine would mow what your pictures showed, with proper operation (up and down only on those steepest parts). Mine will not slip, even when mowing on hills (not as steep as yours) and while pulling a trailing mower at the same time, and it seems like our lawn has been wet everytime we mowed since July. I taught my wife to use the differential lock lever, but she has never needed it. It seems very stable on sidehills too. I have the 54 inch deck and love it.

 

[skidoo]

I have not purchased yet... I may wait until spring. I did initially look at the X500 series. I don't understand the marketing for All Terrain, but none available in 4 wheel drive. That is a must have for me... I am tired of sliding down a steep slope like a sled on a 2 wheel drive mower. The new area to mow is as steep or steeper but also longer from top to bottom. I'm not going to risk it on a 2WD.

I'm now re-considering the backhoe for the 2520. So, that may reduce my mower options as well...