Can't decide X748 or 2305

[Builder]

Really stuck here. I have aquired a few small farm/estate properties to cut. I want the best built 60 or 72" mid mount mower/tractor I can get with a diesel, 4WD and some versatility to run a small spreader or maybe even a 4' rear cutter in the future or a front mount snowblower. I do not want a zero turn, although one would be able to cut faster.

I also need to cut my own lawn which is your 3 acres of basic grass with typical trees, shrubs etc.
My Customer's places range from 5 to 11 acres of grass/field cutting. Once place in particular has some pretty scary cutting. Lots of work along a gorge with a stream about 5' deep that twists along like a serpent. Go over the edge & serious injury could happen.

I narrowed it down to a X-748 with 7 iron drive over deck or a 2305 with a 60 or 72" drive over deck.

748 pros: Love the size, looks, HDAP tires, manueverability, attachments and features.
748 cons: deck is only 60". Really would like the fast coverage of a 72" deck. Cost of optional PTO is ~$800. Lift arms are another $400. Actually costs more than 2305.

2305 Pros: available 72" deck, ROPS, flashers, heavier built platform, comes with PTO & lift arms.
2305 cons: might be too big for smaller areas to be cut. Doesn't come with HDAP tires, might be heavy for lawns, not as nice looking (in my opinion)

Overall, I like the X748 more. I just wish it had a bigger mower deck. The 62C is too light-duty for cutting field grass, so I must have 7-iron 60" deck. The 2305 is actually cheaper because it includes PTO & lift arms. I just can't picture cutting my lawn with it.

HELP!

 

[RollingsFarms]

as a person who owns a commercial z-turn with the 7-iron deck...there's no comparrison to the two! in fact, i would put this deck up against any other commercial z-turn on the market for toughness and cut quality. i bought a z-turn because i didn't have any other uses for it like you've listed. i knew going in it was strictly for cutting grass, nothing else, and i needed something that was going to LAST. i would go with the x748 for the pros you listed, and you seem to favor it anyways. the x748 is a pretty heavy duty lawn mower, but i don't know the suggested acerage for it.

 

[TripleR]

I believe they are replacing the 2305 next year and would wait as there are some things that need improvement. Do a search on the mower deck problems. I had mine to the shop three times before I finally had to replace the hydraulic lift cylinder. The standard MMM lift incorporated with the 3-point doesn't work all that well according to my dealer so he recommends the optional hydraulic lift. The seat is uncomfortable to some who add a spacer to the back for a more upright position.

The 2305 uses 1/4 inching hitch if that is of importance to you.

My air intake continually clogs and over heats, but your conditions may vary.

We have found the hazard flashers susceptible to breakage and are going to weld brackets for protection. I accept operator error played a part since I wasn't one of those who broke them and in one case it was unavoidable.

On the positive side, it is very maneuverable. We kept our 425 to use for "trimming" and it hasn't left the shed. It is very stable on slopes and even with Industrial tires is easy on the grass. The 62" deck gives a really good cut.

I have no experience with the 7 Series and acknowledge my experience may well be out of the norm.

 

[Robert F.]

"The 2305 uses 1/4 inching hitch if that is of importance to you."
What does this mean? I don't know what this 1/4 inching hitch is, maybe I have overlooked something on my 2305.

 

[TripleR]

"The 2305 uses 1/4 inching hitch if that is of importance to you."
What does this mean? I don't know what this 1/4 inching hitch is, maybe I have overlooked something on my 2305.

There are several threads on the 1/4 inching valve. Essentially it will go up or down with little control in between such as you have with position control. You can, however raise/lower it in 1/4 inch increments by bumping it against the stops.

 

[Builder]

as a person who owns a commercial z-turn with the 7-iron deck...there's no comparrison to the two! in fact, i would put this deck up against any other commercial z-turn on the market for toughness and cut quality. i bought a z-turn because i didn't have any other uses for it like you've listed. i knew going in it was strictly for cutting grass, nothing else, and i needed something that was going to LAST. i would go with the x748 for the pros you listed, and you seem to favor it anyways. the x748 is a pretty heavy duty lawn mower, but i don't know the suggested acerage for it.

Can you cut 16-18" grass with your 7-iron? I may have to do that sometimes.

 

[jenkinsph]

Can you cut 16-18" grass with your 7-iron? I may have to do that sometimes.

I am curious about this too, just yesterday I had to mow a lawn that was similar to this. Somewhere between 15 to 24" tall amongst the trees. Hard to know whether to go for the 4ws for the trees or the 7 iron for durability and less clogging.

 

[RollingsFarms]

Can you cut 16-18" grass with your 7-iron? I may have to do that sometimes.

in all honesty i would think if you have enough power to turn the baldes, you should have no problem. i only have a 22hp Kawasaki on a 54" deck so i highly doubt i'd be able to cut in it, but with a diesel you just might be ok. the deck discharges clippings the best i've ever seen and i've never seen grass come out in clumps. i've cut some thick stuff too, but nothing like the height you're going to mow with it.

the toughness of the deck will never be an issue, it's if you have enough power to turn the blades. if you can turn the blades, it'll cut anything you want. it's honestly like having a bush hog under you with excellent cut quality. it's that good.

 

[Johndeere3720]

with that scary property you mentioned, i would rather use the 2305 since it has ROPS. I have seen someone on here put the X748 tires on a 2210 before so why couldnt you request it from your dealer? The deere has a standard PTO and 3 point hitch so you could run a brush hog with ease. I guess i would say the 2305 would better suit your needs. But there are other brands/colors out there, have you looked at the Kubota BX seriers or the Masseys? Kubota's BX1860-BX2660 are all great machines. Give one a test drive, who knows, you may like it better than the Deere. They offer R1, R3, and R4 tires too. Today i saw a BX1860 with R3s and a MMM that looked like a nice machine for mowing. I have never mowed with a BX so i have no experience in how it handels, etc.

 

[TripleR]

with that scary property you mentioned, i would rather use the 2305 since it has ROPS. I have seen someone on here put the X748 tires on a 2210 before so why couldnt you request it from your dealer? The deere has a standard PTO and 3 point hitch so you could run a brush hog with ease. I guess i would say the 2305 would better suit your needs. But there are other brands/colors out there, have you looked at the Kubota BX seriers or the Masseys? Kubota's BX1860-BX2660 are all great machines. Give one a test drive, who knows, you may like it better than the Deere. They offer R1, R3, and R4 tires too. Today i saw a BX1860 with R3s and a MMM that looked like a nice machine for mowing. I have never mowed with a BX so i have no experience in how it handels, etc.

I have a BX2660 and a JD2305 and everyone in my family prefers the BX hands down. I bought the BX after owning the 2305 for a year.

 

[Builder]

As you guys know, I have a M-7040, so I definately considered Kubota. I have an excellent local K dealer. However, I don't think Kubota makes a diesel 4WD "garden tractor" that compares with the X748. AFAIK, They don't offer the HDAP tires and they don't offer a 60" deck. Looks like the 7-iron 60" may be the best MMM out there.

I could get the 60" deck on a Kubota if I go to a compact, but I still can't picture cutting my lawn with it. Just seems like too much tractor, but I could be wrong. I think I need to cut some grass with a 2305 or a K 2320 and see if it feels right. I have to drive through a few small fence openings. Gotta watch my overall width.

Just seems like the biggest, baddest diesel garden tractor is my best bet. I do wish it had a ROPS, just in case while mowing along that ravine. I wish they made an optional ROPS for the 748. I haven't found another garden tractor that compares with it so far.

 

[CompactTractorFan]

I believe they are replacing the 2305 next year and would wait as there are some things that need improvement. Do a search on the mower deck problems. I had mine to the shop three times before I finally had to replace the hydraulic lift cylinder. The standard MMM lift incorporated with the 3-point doesn't work all that well according to my dealer so he recommends the optional hydraulic lift. The seat is uncomfortable to some who add a spacer to the back for a more upright position.

The 2305 uses 1/4 inching hitch if that is of importance to you.

My air intake continually clogs and over heats, but your conditions may vary.

We have found the hazard flashers susceptible to breakage and are going to weld brackets for protection. I accept operator error played a part since I wasn't one of those who broke them and in one case it was unavoidable.

On the positive side, it is very maneuverable. We kept our 425 to use for "trimming" and it hasn't left the shed. It is very stable on slopes and even with Industrial tires is easy on the grass. The 62" deck gives a really good cut.

I have no experience with the 7 Series and acknowledge my experience may well be out of the norm.

OK, I know this may be a dumb question, but why is there a tree laying across your seat?

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Can you cut 16-18" grass with your 7-iron? I may have to do that sometimes.

Am I reading this right? You are going to be cutting 18" grass on 11 acres to get it looking like a lawn or park setting? I would think that you might want to shred it initially, then after the grass decays a bit, mow it with a mower. I think the heavy duty deck is the one you need. It will probably cut the tall stuff too. Just a matter of slowing down to let it shoot it out the chute.

Also, I have a small ravine tributary on my land that, if I get too close, it would be a roll over for sure. I would highly recommend a sickle bar to trim the edges so your tractor can stay at least 2 feet from the edge or more. I've had "cave ins" where a foot or so just gives and almost rolled me over.

 

[Builder]

Am I reading this right? You are going to be cutting 18" grass on 11 acres to get it looking like a lawn or park setting? I would think that you might want to shred it initially, then after the grass decays a bit, mow it with a mower. I think the heavy duty deck is the one you need. It will probably cut the tall stuff too. Just a matter of slowing down to let it shoot it out the chute.

I probably should have been more clear. I will be cutting the open parts of the "field" with my 7040 and flail mower. The rest has to be cut with a smaller tractor because there's so many trees and small areas that are unaccessible to a large tractor. Probably 4 acres worth of smaller trapped areas like paddocks & lawns. Customer wants it cut every 3 weeks, so grass is real high.

Also, I have a small ravine tributary on my land that, if I get too close, it would be a roll over for sure. I would highly recommend a sickle bar to trim the edges so your tractor can stay at least 2 feet from the edge or more. I've had "cave ins" where a foot or so just gives and almost rolled me over.

I have thought of this, too. I actually envisioned a sub compact with a small sickle bar just for that part. I'm currently using a big weedeater.
Another reason to consider a compact over a X748!!

 

[TripleR]

As you guys know, I have a M-7040, so I definately considered Kubota. I have an excellent local K dealer. However, I don't think Kubota makes a diesel 4WD "garden tractor" that compares with the X748. AFAIK, They don't offer the HDAP tires and they don't offer a 60" deck. Looks like the 7-iron 60" may be the best MMM out there.

I could get the 60" deck on a Kubota if I go to a compact, but I still can't picture cutting my lawn with it. Just seems like too much tractor, but I could be wrong. I think I need to cut some grass with a 2305 or a K 2320 and see if it feels right. I have to drive through a few small fence openings. Gotta watch my overall width.

Just seems like the biggest, baddest diesel garden tractor is my best bet. I do wish it had a ROPS, just in case while mowing along that ravine. I wish they made an optional ROPS for the 748. I haven't found another garden tractor that compares with it so far.

My BX2660 has a 60" MMM, but I am only comparing it to the 2305, not the 748.

OK, I know this may be a dumb question, but why is there a tree laying across your seat?

That is how one of the Hazard Flashers got broken, so it was kind of a joke. The limb fell on it while my daughter in law was mowing. We can kind of laugh about it now, but it scared the heck out of us when it happened.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/168712-no-serious-injuries.html

 

[Gittyup]

I'd go with the X748 with AWS. It'll mow circles around the 2305 without AWS, even with the bigger deck. It'll fit into the tight spaces and tow easier too. And get the PTO and 3PH for it. Pricey, but let's you do the other things you need to. It'll also be a great snow plowing machine. With the AWS you can still steer with the front lightened by a blade or blower.

 

[Builder]

I'd go with the X748 with AWS. It'll mow circles around the 2305 without AWS, even with the bigger deck. It'll fit into the tight spaces and tow easier too. And get the PTO and 3PH for it. Pricey, but let's you do the other things you need to. It'll also be a great snow plowing machine. With the AWS you can still steer with the front lightened by a blade or blower.

4WS version is the X749. can't get it with the 7-iron deck because the front tires rub the larger 7 iron deck up front. I would have to go with 748. Still turns pretty tight, though.

If I knew the 62C deck was better, I'd go with the 749 in a heartbeat.

 

[jenkinsph]

4WS version is the X749. can't get it with the 7-iron deck because the front tires rub the larger 7 iron deck up front. I would have to go with 748. Still turns pretty tight, though.

If I knew the 62C deck was better, I'd go with the 749 in a heartbeat.

That is where I am at as I envision it, I want to try out a 62C deck to see what it will do on a X749. With lots of pine trees to manuever thru this may be my best bet and your's too. Builder have you had a chance to do a direct comparison of the two decks?

Builder,
You may want to consider a chat with the customer where both of you can pick a grass height that is more optimal for cutting quickly.

 

[Builder]

That is where I am at as I envision it, I want to try out a 62C deck to see what it will do on a X749. With lots of pine trees to manuever thru this may be my best bet and your's too. Builder have you had a chance to do a direct comparison of the two decks?

Not really, but from what everyone tells me, the 62C deck is only suited for light/moderate mowing duty. Although I will say my 48C deck (same thickness as 62C) has held up excellent over the last 9 years, but it was only used to mow a residential lawn. I think the yellow decks are 10 gauge. The 7 iron is a different league. I need to be able to mow "lawn gone wild" with the new tractor. If I could get a 749 with 7-iron & ROPS, I'd be a real happy camper. I can never seem to "get it all" no matter what pc of equipment I want.

Builder,
You may want to consider a chat with the customer where both of you can pick a grass height that is more optimal for cutting quickly.

You're right, but she doesn't have the money to cut it more often than every 3-4 weeks. If I don't agree, she has someone else who would be happy to do it.

I have 2 other similar customers.

 

[bp fick]

The word that has leaked out so far is that the 2305 of yore is gone. The vastly improved and re-numbered version is due at the New Year.

Word at the tractor shows is that the 7 series will be staying. Don't know if these matters effect your decision making or not.

Builder, your comment that Kubota doesn't make a Garden tractor class machine is true. There isn't a direct comparison, just as Deere doesn't make a true comparison to the Kubota BX1860. Each finds niches and each finds directly competitive models.