Deck size = Pro's and Con's

[JDTank]

Is there a downside to going with a larger deck, say the 60 inch 7-Iron on the X740 tractor? I already know about deck leveling and how the wider deck will scalp more on uneven ground, but I am wondering if there is anything else to consider.

Narrow gates are not an issue for me, there is only one gate I would like to make it through, but that gate is a definite no with even the smallest deck on this machine. Luckily I have a larger entrance I can use around the back.

So what are the pro's and con's of say a 48 or 54 inch deck, vs the 60 inch deck? I am concerned that the 7-Iron might be to much deck for the X740? That's a huge deck they crammed under there, and when it get's filled up with thick grass, I don't want any bogging down issues.

How about the 7-iron vs the regular yellow decks?

I would say 50% of the time I will be bagging, and 50% of the time it will be side discharge. I will not be mulching at any time so that is not important to me. I know the deck will need to come off about twice a month, once for cleaning and once for hauling supplies out to the barn (narrow gates) with a utility cart. In that sense, I can see the drive over 7-Iron being the winner.

 

[mfreund]

I had a 62" yellow on a x495 and currently own a 72" seven iron on a 4310. If you have to move the deck after it is off, go with the yellow. You would have to abuse the yellow to wear it out and the weight difference/price difference is not worth it to me.

I bought the Gator blades Deere sells from Oregon. WORTH EVERY PENNY!! I bought a spare set. If you put those on you would likely never need the bagger. The yellow deck on the x495 was so easy to remove you would not believe it.

 

[zlock24]

My 445 (similar to the modern day x700) has never had a problem powering a 60" deck. With a x740 you have the torque of a yanmar diesel, so it should never even bog down with a 60" in thick wet grass.

 

[JDTank]

My 445 (similar to the modern day x700) has never had a problem powering a 60" deck. With a x740 you have the torque of a yanmar diesel, so it should never even bog down with a 60" in thick wet grass.

I know I just figured I would check and see. The 7-Iron is a huge deck and can process a heck of a lot of grass. Given I have never had the chance to drive one of the diesel X7xx series, I just wanted to be sure they have the oomph I would expect from a torquey diesel engine.

 

[zlock24]

Also IMO the 7iron deck processes the grass much better than the yellow deck

 

[XSKIER]

I like the good old middle of the road 54" deck myself. I only have experience with the 54", so did a quick search for the 7-iron and this is what I came up with:

- Does a bagger work on the 7iron deck? I really have no interest in ordering a tractor WITHOUT a 7iron deck, I have seen the difference they make and I feel it is a superior deck to the standard yellow decks.

and the 7-Iron deck seems to do a lot nicer job then the regular decks that tend to clump.

 

[JDTank]

I can be the first to admit I may have made up my mind per-maturely given my nature. I like to buy the best and say to **** with the rest.

In this case however, I worry about flipping the 7-iron over for regular cleanings. Then again, with the hose feature, maybe a good clean out with a putty knife isn't needed as often.

 

[Gonerafting]

I can be the first to admit I may have made up my mind per-maturely given my nature. I like to buy the best and say to **** with the rest.

In this case however, I worry about flipping the 7-iron over for regular cleanings. Then again, with the hose feature, maybe a good clean out with a putty knife isn't needed as often.

I have a 62 inch and like it alot. While it weighs a bit more than 200 lbs, I'm able to turn it over to clean and I'm not young at 61. The 7-iron is nice and I usually over buy. I do not know if it's a better deck in respects to cutting or just a beefier version. I think a guy should buy what he wants and not be criticized for his decisions, you can never go wrong with the best. I know my X744 is way more tractor than I need, but I also know it will meet my needs for pushing snow and I never will have to be concerned with underbuying or overwhelming it.

 

[jenkinsph]

My take on the decks is rolling them on a concrete floor is very easy, wouldn't matter whether it was a 48 or 62 inches. I am short so reaching beneath to hook up the pto is a stretch and more difficult. I would consider the 60" 7 iron deck if purchasing a 2ws model.

 

[Martian]

Go too big and cut quality decreases. Don't feel 60" is to big though. The main reason is for being able to fit through your obstacles. I have a 54" deck because I have some tight areas that a larger deck can't fit through - or I'd go larger.

 

[Gonerafting]

My take on the decks is rolling them on a concrete floor is very easy, wouldn't matter whether it was a 48 or 62 inches. I am short so reaching beneath to hook up the pto is a stretch and more difficult. I would consider the 60" 7 iron deck if purchasing a 2ws model.

Agree, I wouldn't even considering taking off the deck without a hard surface, my tractor, came uses with a 62 inch. I'm six feet tall and it is a stretch disconnecting the PTO. Jim

 

[DIYr]

I have old 425 with 20HP and have no problems turning a yellow 60" deck while cutting up and down a sloping lawn. Only time I need to slow down on driving speed is the first cut of the spring when grass is very long and dense.

Deck is very heavy gauge metal with very sturdy blades. Goes through small branches like a shredder and doesn't stop when skimming over protruding roots. Never bend a blade yet.

Scalping is not really an issue once hydraulic lifts are balanced and deck wheels are set. The 60" deck is very wide and folks have a tendency to walk across the deck when mounting/ dismounting throwing out level after a period of time.

The bigger deck make short order of lawn work. The only time I run into a problem is when I mow a small drain swale in the lawn where cutting deck is wider than swale. I can't pick up the entering or exiting edges as I mow across the swale and I can't effectively drive down the center.

I also find that the larger deck allows me to get around trees and bush rows without getting too close with the tractor.... especially my black berry bushes.

 

[beenthere]

Agree, I wouldn't even considering taking off the deck without a hard surface, my tractor, came uses with a 62 inch. I'm six feet tall and it is a stretch disconnecting the PTO. Jim

On a Deere that isn't AWS, connecting and removing the PTO shaft can be much easier if reaching under the rear axle to the front of the tranny. Learned this trick while at the Horicon factory in WI. But alas, I've only had the AWS models.

But I usually lay a piece of corrugated cardboard or carpet piece over the deck and lay on that to reach the PTO connector. For me, beats hooking up a belt.

 

[AndyMA]

I've got a Deere X748SE with a 60" Seven Iron and love it. The Seven Iron deck has a very clean welded underside and does not plug up like the yellow decks. Coupled with a Power Flow it basically picks up everything. I think 60 inch is excellent even if you have to cut up close to things as it protrudes a little and allows you to cut close. Couple that with the 24" turning radius of the 748 and I'm not sure I'd ever need to turn more tightly.

 

[AndyMA]

In this case however, I worry about flipping the 7-iron over for regular cleanings. Then again, with the hose feature, maybe a good clean out with a putty knife isn't needed as often.

Knock wood, in it's first season I have never had to either flip it over or wash it out. Luck I guess, coupled with how smooth the deck is.

Andy

 

[JDTank]

Well, I think I am sold, it's the 7-iron for me!

 

[Martian]

Well, I think I am sold, it's the 7-iron for me!

You will not regret:thumbsup:

 

[CAgnoli]

Yup, 7 Iron for sure. I've got the x748 with 7 Iron and it's amazing. No windrows and the high tip speed helps keep it clean underneath.

As for flipping it over, I'm just a little guy, 5'7" 140 lbs and I have been able to stand it up and prop it on 4x4 posts for regular cleanings no problem. Didn't even herniate a disk

Course now I just use th Bota to pick it up for cleaning.

And as already mentioned wet grass doesn't phase it. I actually mow grass in the rain with it.

That belt sure us expensive though! I had a large snake find his way onto the running mower deck and he got wound up in the belt, shredding the belt and himself in the process. Easiest $106 I have ever spent ;(

Good luck, I know you will love it.

 

[TimS]

I have a 60" deck on my 455 - it originally came with a 48" but I swapped up. No bogging problems ever, cut quality is not noticably different from the 48". The biggest advantage is that the larger deck lets you trim much closer to obstacles as it sticks out beyond the tires more. The only downside is the 307 pounds the deck weighs - not easy to horse it around.

 

[Towmater]

My opinion 60" cut is the perfect size cut for almost any yard. All the pro's buy exmarks with 60" deck so I copied the pro's. 72" deck I feel is to big, scalping is an issue and power too. 60" is wnderful for striping and cutting down mowing time to save gas money.