Can't decide X748 or 2305

[bill in ny]

sweet farm equipment has 7' 11" disc mowers for $6295.

 

[Builder]

sweet farm equipment has 7' 11" disc mowers for $6295.

Way out of my range. The BX will clean me out. I need a cheap sickle with hydraulic tilt like ~$1,000 is all I have to spend. Found a small 6' for $600, but it's a relic.

 

[ChuckinNH]

Builder, it sounds like you have made up your mind what you want to do, so I would go ahead, and do it. If you did that, I expect we would be looking at pictures of the JD X7XX you chose.

 

[Builder]

I'm probably going with the BX2360-still trying to sell it to myself, if you know what I mean. The financing is what's drawing me in. The K dealer is also selling me an Arctic plow. He can actually finance the plow at 0% 60 months, too.

I think the BX is the best of the 3. I'm just a little more sold on Deere quality and their warranty is unsurpassed.

 

[Builder]

Got some really interesting info today in my comparison that is very helpfull.
I didn't realize that when you buy an X-748 with a optional rear PTO, you also get a diverter lever that lets you chose between mid PTO, rear PTO or both PTO. This would be great if you need to leave the mower mounted and want to run something like a rear PTO spreader, little bush hog, etc. I was under the impression that since there was only an electric PTO "on/off" switch on the dash, that both PTO's ran at the same time, forcing the operator to have to disconnect the mower to run rear implements.

I also did not take into account the added feature of the 748 that it has an independent deck raise/lower system and the Kubota BX uses the 3 point system to raise lower the deck. I could have this totally wrong, but that means that if I want to have the MMM hooked up and a rear implement hooked up to the 3 pt arms at the same time, there would be a problem

I'm actually not sure how the 748 deck & optional 3pt would work. I know the deck goes up/down with the steering collar lever independently of the 3 pt hitch, but I don't know what controls the optional 3 pt hitch arms. Where is the lift lever for 3pt mounted..

 

[DmansPadge]

I could have this totally wrong, but that means that if I want to have the MMM hooked up and a rear implement hooked up to the 3 pt arms at the same time, there would be a problem

I really don't know either, but, surely you can lock the MMM in the up position or something similar and then use the 3pt hitch.

 

[TripleR]

I really don't know either, but, surely you can lock the MMM in the up position or something similar and then use the 3pt hitch.

Yes, you can lock the MMM in the "up/transport position" on most, but you can't lock the 3-point up and use the MMM deck independently.

On my 2305 the MMM is operated by the optional hydraulic cylinder and joy stick while the 3-point is controlled by the regular 3-point lever; don't know about the X7xxx Series though. I "assume" it would be similar to rear remotes that come withe lever kits.

 

[CHDinCT]

I think you better make sure you have the facts right on each as I recall my x485 (now x720) used one of the 2 FEL circuits to raise\lower the MMM and 3PH. The BX has 3 separate circuits vs 2 on the X. You can lock the deck up on either machine. I don't recall if Deere offered an independent lift option for the X series. I do recall having to get off the seat to turn the diverted valve from FEL to 3PH when I wanted to drop the deck or use a rear implement. Now if you're not getting a FEL, 2 circuits might be enough for you on the X.

 

[jenkinsph]

SO true! I dislike Kubota's pedals. Love the Deere hydro pedals.

This is going to be a regrettable decision-I can tell already. I don't want the 2305 because it's being discontinued. I really like the 748's HDAP tires, small size and green paint. I really like the 2360's price/financing and abundant features. The ROPS makes it safer for me, too.

I hate this......:confused2:

It is hard enough as it is, if I wasn't sure I wouldn't buy. Buy it once and buy it right, take the time to figure it out.

I should add that even if you have to pay a little more for the X748 and you are sure this is the machine for you then it is the one to get. I am about 90% sure that I will go with an X749, but won't buy until I am 100% sure. When payed for and the deed is done I don't want to say I should have bought something else.

 

[scoutcub]

Builder -

Not sure where you're located, but will you be mowing with winter coming on? If you could wait till spring, you could;

1. improve finances

2. check out the new Deere offering

3. really nail down what you want and need

just a thought....

 

[Builder]

Builder -

Not sure where you're located, but will you be mowing with winter coming on? If you could wait till spring, you could;

1. improve finances

2. check out the new Deere offering

3. really nail down what you want and need

just a thought....

That is good info. However, Deere deales are saying they've never seen the X series finance better than 4.9% for 48 months. I'm also not sure if Deere is changing anything for next year. I do have to cut with it several more times this year.

All that said, it could get put off, but I'd love to do it now. I *think* the 748 is what I want, but I hate paying the extra ~$1,200 in finance costs over the Kubota to buy it.

 

[Builder]

It is hard enough as it is, if I wasn't sure I wouldn't buy. Buy it once and buy it right, take the time to figure it out.

I should add that even if you have to pay a little more for the X748 and you are sure this is the machine for you then it is the one to get. I am about 90% sure that I will go with an X749, but won't buy until I am 100% sure. When payed for and the deed is done I don't want to say I should have bought something else.

Agree. I'm getting too old for "buyer's remorse".

I'm still looking at used machines that I'd use at my Cutomer's properties and allow me to keep my GT235 for use at my house. I really don't want to do that because then I have 2 older machines in need of more extensive maintenance rather than 1 new machine with a warranty that does everything.

Decisions, decisions.

 

[Builder]

Well I went against what I said I wouldn't do and bought a used BX2200. I found it at the last minute.

It's an '03 or '04 BX 2200 4WD with a 60" MMM, no loader (don't want/need one). It's in great shape. Definately was stored inside, no big scratches, faded paint or rust whatsoever. All fluids changed & recently serviced. Got it for really cheap (under 6K), so I kind of caved-in. I was tired of looking and I need to get these customers cut ASAP. They will deliver it next week.

When times get better, I might trade the BX2200 & my GT235 in on a new X-748, but this BX ought to get the job done and leave me some extra cash for a flail or bigger bush hog for my 7040.

 

[TripleR]

I bought a BX2200 new in 03 and used the heck out of it. I sold it to my son in law in 08 and it is still going strong; good little tractors.

 

[jenkinsph]

Builder,
Seeing as it is about half the price of an X748 sounds like a reasonable purchase. I am sure it will be slower going in tall stuff but certainly a good unit with less monetary risk while we all wait to see what gonna happen in this economy.

Hope it performs well for you.:thumbsup:

 

[ChuckinNH]

Sometimes what we find isn't what we really want, but I have no doubts that the BX will do a good job mowing for you. Good choice, and good luck with your purchase.

 

[Builder]

Thanks, guys.

I really appreciate the help. Some of the issues/points you all raised were very helpful/educational. :thumbsup:

I have no doubt an X-7** is in my future when I actually start making money again. This BX should be a great stop-gap solution that I don't have to worry about "babying" while I use it.

We'll see how this thing does. I mowed about 1/4 acre of 10" grass at the dealer and it seemed to not even phase the tractor, even in high range.

 

[LBrown59]

1*Well , I bought a used BX2200.
2* It's an '03 or '04 BX 2200 4WD with a 60" MMM.
It's in great shape. Definately was stored inside, no big scratches, faded paint or rust whatsoever. All fluids changed & recently serviced.
3*Got it for really cheap (under 6K).
4*When times get better, I might trade the BX2200 & my GT235 in on a new X-748 but this BX ought to get the job done and leave me some extra cash for a flail or bigger bush hog for my 7040.

1*Congratulations.
2*I bought a new BX23 in 2004 .
The model line up for that year was
BX23
BX2230
and
BX1830.
Based on this I'd say your BX2200 is a 2003 .
3*You stole it.
4*You will probably like your BX so well you won't to ever give it up for a x748.
I was just at my local JD dealer today and and saw a New jd x748 and commented to my wife how smal it looked compared to my BX1500s .
She said yeah it does .
I stated it looked like a toy in comparrison and she agreed .

Builder,
5*Seeing as it is about half the price of a X748 sounds like a reasonable purchase.
6*I am sure it will be slower going in tall stuff .

5*more than reasonable
6*I don't see how you get that :confused2:

Thanks, guys.
I really appreciate the help. Some of the issues/points you all raised were very helpful/educational. :thumbsup:
7*I have no doubt an X-7** is in my future .
8*We'll see how this thing does. I mowed about 1/4 acre of 10" grass at the dealer and it seemed to not even phase the tractor, even in high range.

7*I doubt that.
8*Why wouldn't it?

 

[Builder]

Would be real nice with the Carlisle HDAP tires on it :thumbsup:

 

[hawkeye08]

Would be real nice with the Carlisle HDAP tires on it :thumbsup:

Is that something you can add with the savings you got?