Deere new models

[JiminGa]

Gittyup, I can totally understand your reasoning, and I agree the subcuts are a go between of lawn mowers and utility tractors. If I didn't need the utility part of it, I would have definately bought aws. I guess some folks really can't see past their own needs and give good info based on others needs. and by the way I figured out the ignore thing...life is good

 

[turbo36]

These JDs are certainly decadent, especially for that kind of money. But, a 4WD 4WS machine like that, with the attachments that one can get for it, isn't matched by anyone else's product that I'm aware of. It'll store in a small space, cut grass almost as efficiently as a zero turn, plow deep snow in confined spaces, till and plow both small and large gardens, and run forever. What I like about it is 4WS AND 4WD, and has no roll bar to beat up my trees and shrubs. What I don't like (besides the price) is that with 4WS a loader isn't an option. I'm not sure what the ground clearance is with the 4WS, but I suspect it's not so good either. I'm still waiting on the 4WS/4WD with ground clearance that can take a loader.... Perhaps I should just give up and start looking at the articulated machines.

This above pretty much say's it.

I have a 455 AWS at my lake property but it could not make it up my drive in icy conditions at the new house without chains, running chains isn't for me as I'm pretty fussy about not having chain gouges on the concrete. Also I have a couple of steep hills in the back that I would spin the tires on when the grass is wet. I think this is exactly what I need (want).

 

[turbo36]

A Kubota GR is about the same thing for half the price.

Normally you know what you are talking about but this time you are just plain wrong. The GR Series compares to the 300 series Deere models not the 700 series, that's like saying a Prius compares to a Avalon!!

 

[Gittyup]

I didn't mention it, but I have to use chains for snow removal, and 2 suitcase weights. And that is where I would be hoping that the 4WD would eliminate the need to use chains. It is a pain to do every fall. I have asphalt, and they will scratch if you spin. I try to be careful and not spin. I also run my tires very soft to improve traction year round. I think the 455 uses a different tire, and is larger than on my 425. This might also play a role in traction performance.

The first winter I had the 425, we got over 30 inches of snow in 24 hours. Amazingly, the 425 plowed it, albeit with a great deal of effort. The first cut was the hardest. After that, I would just take half bites. And being able to plow sideways really helped to move the snow back away from the drive. My driveway is flat, but I also do my neighbors' steep drives, and if less than 6" I can push up hill. I usually just climb to the top and push downhill, or sideways. Couldn't do sideways without the AWS, though. Couldn't scoop in there close to cars and the garage without it either. I would have to back drag and hand shovel in those areas if I didn't have the AWS. AWS adds skid-steer-like manueverability to a garden tractor. And we all know that a skid-steer is way faster than a tractor for short-run tasks with lots of turning.

Honda used to make a garden tractor with AWS, 4WD, a loader, cat 0 3ph and rear PTO without limitation on use of attachments. So, I know it can be done. Not sure why JD has designed it so that the AWS option limits full utility.

 

[bontai_Joe]

I haven't had a chance to study up on the new Deere X700 models, but if it uses a version of the old reliable model 54 front blade, then there are at least 3 aftermarket suppliers of front bucket attachments. Yeah, I know they don't lift very high, and can't do the digging a real front loader can, but they may suit the average homeowner's need to move mulch, loose top soil, etc. at a greatly reduced cost.

 

[Gittyup]

I don't think you can put any loader, regardless of make, on the x700 with AWS. Same goes for a 400 or 500 series AWS. It's a shame too.

 

[Gittyup]

Oh, you are talking about the dozer blade "loader" attachment... Since I have the 54 blade, I looked at those. Not a real loader. Will work for mulch and light stuff, but not much else. And I would want to be able to get some height out of that attachment too. Better than nothing, but only slightly.

 

[unit40]

The Deere X700 series tractors can be equipped with a rear PTO and a Cat1 three point hitch. I have a fully equipped X744 parked out back in my shed. And they can run a tiller, either a PTO or a hydraulic one, as well as most other Cat1 attachments. There are several aftermarket loaders made for the X700 series as well as many who have modified the mounting brackets to operate a factory Deere loader on their AWS machines. Some people shim the valve to get increased PSI out of the hydraulics.The AWS X700s operate better on slopes because of the way that they can shift their weight and position while turning and/or steering. IMO, the X700 AWS machines are in a class all by themselves. I would look forward to see how the new AWD/AWS machines perform. Plus looks like Deere just upped the Warranty on the X700 series to 48 months/700 hours.

 

[LBrown59]

Honda used to make a garden tractor with AWS, 4WD, a loader, cat 0 3ph and rear PTO without limitation on use of attachments. So, I know it can be done. Not sure why JD has designed it so that the AWS option limits full utility.

Maybe it's the cost factor:
$14000 is already a pile of dough with out adding hundreds or thousand to add such features.
Who could afford 25 or 35 grand for such a set up?
You gotta stay in the ranges people can/will buy at.
What good would such a set up be if 90 or 95 percent of the folks
couldn't afford it?

 

[unit40]

Regardless of the cost, not every machine is made to do everything. Some machines are designed to fill a niche and perform certain tasks better and more comfortably. Many times the price is a factor of high quality and superior components.

 

[Gittyup]

Maybe it's the cost factor:
$14000 is already a pile of dough with out adding hundreds or thousand to add such features.
Who could afford 25 or 35 grand for such a set up?
You gotta stay in the ranges people can/will buy at.
What good would such a set up be if 90 or 95 percent of the folks
couldn't afford it?

I don't think it's about cost, at least not recurring material costs. The re-engineering cost might come into play. As I understand it, the problem with AWS and the loader is interference at the mounting points. This could be redesigned without a real material cost impact to the machine.

You'd have to buy a tremendous amount of attachments to get to $25K+ .

 

[Gittyup]

The Deere X700 series tractors can be equipped with a rear PTO and a Cat1 three point hitch. I have a fully equipped X744 parked out back in my shed. And they can run a tiller, either a PTO or a hydraulic one, as well as most other Cat1 attachments. There are several aftermarket loaders made for the X700 series as well as many who have modified the mounting brackets to operate a factory Deere loader on their AWS machines. Some people shim the valve to get increased PSI out of the hydraulics.The AWS X700s operate better on slopes because of the way that they can shift their weight and position while turning and/or steering. IMO, the X700 AWS machines are in a class all by themselves. I would look forward to see how the new AWD/AWS machines perform. Plus looks like Deere just upped the Warranty on the X700 series to 48 months/700 hours.

I'm glad someone with a 700 series finally chimed in. It's good to know that there are ways to get a loader on an AWS. I'd like to know more about that. Is yours AWS? What have you used on the rear PTO? How did they perform? Do you have a loader? How's the loader with only 2WD?

 

[LBrown59]

I don't think you can put any loader, regardless of make, on the x700 with AWS. Same goes for a 400 or 500 series AWS. It's a shame too.

Can't put a tiller on an AWS either.
There was a member on here that tried to get the tiller on an x500 but couldn't get it.

 

[unit40]

The ground clearance on the X744, which is the diesel AWS version, is real tight. The linkages for the rear steering look only to be a couple of inches from the ground, although I haven't measured it. I have a JohnnyBucket Sr. with a bucket doubler and a removable toothbar. I have done many big projects with it and am totally impressed. Installation is wicked easy and quick. I was able to get in some snow removal jobs before it all melted last spring and had a lot of fun. I have a Landpride FS500 spreader for the rear hitch and PTO, and am in the process of purchasing a Timberwolf TW-3 logsplitter. You should check out weekendfreedommachines.com for more info regarding the Deere loader modifications for the X series tractors, as well as other useful tidbits. I twice have borrowed a 50 gal. PTO powered Demco sprayer to do a poison-ivy and a deer-tick control job. Great thing about the X700 series is that you can run the rear PTO from off of the seat. Next purchase will be a PTO generator.

 

[Gittyup]

Can't put a tiller on an AWS either.
There was a member on here that tried to get the tiller on an x500 but couldn't get it.

According to JD website, tillers are compatible with the x700 AWS models. The website is clear on those attachments that will not work with AWS. I don't see any reason why any 3 pt implement would not work with the AWS. Now the AWS control linkage does sit very low, and it might drag if driving through a deeply tilled garden. Low ground clearance is one of its draw-backs. But, it could be designed differently to alleviate this problem... hopefully by the time I'm ready for a new machine (they still have years of time)

Thanks Unit, I'll check out that site for more info on the loader mod.

 

[LBrown59]

Many times the price is a factor of high quality and superior components.

Low volume can causes higher prices :
In that case high quality and superior components may not be there..

 

[JiminGa]

during my purchase process, I tried to get an x540 with 3 pt. hitch and rear pto so I could get a pto driven tiller, can't be done, so that's how I ended up with the 2305. you can however get a hydro 42" tiller for the x540. I just wanted the flexibility of 3 pt hitch and pto.

 

[skidoo]

I am seriously considering this X749. Which would be better, one with the 54" deck or the 62" deck? Pros/Cons of each?

 

[viking65]

But 13000 and 14000 dollars is still way to much money
for a garden tractor especially when you can step up the ladder to more capable tractors for hundreds or thousands less

If someone wants a $14k garden tractor and has the wallet for it then why the heck not. I have an X485 which is one excellent machine. The JD X series beats all the other garden tractors in the market by a wide margin. And now they have one with AWS AND AWD with a 4 year warranty...unbelievable! I may have to trade mine in....

If you want the best garden tractor, you gotta pay for it LB.

 

[LBrown59]

************************
1*Just cause it cost 14K that don't make it a 14k GT. Could be a 10K GT with a 14K price tag.
2*Probably so however it don't automatically follow that it's a better choice than a less costly Sub Compact.
3*I could go to the local JD dealer and write them a $25000 check for one. But does that mean I should do it or it's worth it?
I don't want the best Garden Tractor - I prefer a Better Sub Compact.

1*If someone wants a $14k garden tractor and has the wallet for it then why the heck not.
2**The JD X series beats all the other garden tractors in the market by a wide margin.
3*If you want the best gard
If someone wants a $14k garden tractor and has the wallet for it then why the heck not. I have an X485 which is one excellent machine. The JD X series beats all the other garden tractors in the market by a wide margin. And now they have one with AWS AND AWD with a 4 year warranty...unbelievable! I may have to trade mine in....

If you want the best garden tractor, you gotta pay for it LB.