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.