Can't decide between a X 734 or a X 739

[yod67]

Looking to purchase new machine for moving snow and also use it for mowing. I know the x 739 is aws and 4wd while the x 734 is just aws. If I get the x 734 I would have to run chains. The x 739 is 4wd would one need to run chains with this? Difference in price is $ 1,700.00 between the two machines.


thanks yod

 

[Eric102]

It hasn't snowed here since I bought my X739 a year and a half ago but from what I've read most folks don't use chains on the X739's. Just add 6 quick attach weights to the rear and you should be good to go for the winter.

They are amazing machines for mowing or playing in the dirt also!

 

[Mach One]

Most definitely go for the X739. The 4wd is nice for moving snow, and you can get by without chains for most stuff. Also, the X734 has skinnier tires on it all the way around, and it just looks weird when you're used to the big meats on the other machines.

 

[jenkinsph]

I would go with the 4x4ws on the x739. I have been well pleased with my x749 4x4ws diesel. The hdap tires are great in snow.

 

[Gittyup]

I would definitely go X739. For years I used a 425 AWS, 2WD to push snow. Every fall I had to put chains on. I hated that chore because you had to make sure they were tight so as to protect the AWS mechanics. That is the only reason I upgraded to the X739.

Also, with AWS you need spacers for chain clearance. I bought spacers when I got my X739 thinking I just liked the wider stance. Come to find out that you can't use spacers with the 54" mower deck. I would have to remove them during mowing season. That's about as bad as having to use chains. So, I returned the spacers. I don't know if this same limitation applies to the X734. Maybe that is why they have narrower tires.

BTW, the HDAP tires on the X739 are kick butt in the snow. They won't load up. I climb a very steep drive in snows as deep as a foot without chains. I do use eight suitcase weights though.

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

At the time of purchase I wanted both AWS and AWD - the standard HDAP tires were a bonus. Since I have the 3320 for snow work I cannot comment on practicality of X739 for that task. While I really like the AWS, if I had to make a choice between AWS and AWD, for my use I would pick the AWD. Probably would have preferred diesel, but at the time the X748 had been discontinued and since diesel version would have required choice between AWD / AWS I decided to go with X739. The gas version may be a bit more thirsty, but for the approx $1,200 difference I can buy a lot of gas and my hours per year are not that high.

Long way of saying, if you have the $$$ available go with the X739 - you will never regret the choice. And for a very few $$$ more get the Auto Connect.

 

[bigtiller]

If you have a lot of snow days, get the 4wd. Even though it is just front-wheel-assist, it makes an amassing difference in traction on snow. But for ice, you also need chains. Forget the wheel spacers, get a second set of smaller (IIRC) 24-8.50-10 tire/rim assemblies for the rear, put the chains on them and just put the "snow" tires on/off like we did before radial tires were invented for the cars. That is what I did when I had the X-series mowers.

Every fall I tried going without chains and every year, by the 3rd snowfall, I had the chains on.

 

[ruffdog]

A big part of working with snow is being able to steer where you need to be. Get the 4x4 so you are not just pushing the front tires.

 

[Gittyup]

If you have a lot of snow days, get the 4wd. Even though it is just front-wheel-assist, it makes an amassing difference in traction on snow. But for ice, you also need chains. Forget the wheel spacers, get a second set of smaller (IIRC) 24-8.50-10 tire/rim assemblies for the rear, put the chains on them and just put the "snow" tires on/off like we did before radial tires were invented for the cars. That is what I did when I had the X-series mowers.

Every fall I tried going without chains and every year, by the 3rd snowfall, I had the chains on.

If you live in the snow belt, this seems like sound advice.

 

[yod67]

You made up my mind, going with the x739. Now for another question. John Deere cab or cozy cab?

thanks for all the inputs

yod