Garden tractor decisions!
- Thread starter Jimt76
- Start date
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jenkinsph
Super Star Member
If your place is in good shape the 540 should be just fine. If you have steep slopes, and have more difficult work to do the 748 would win out. If you have to manuever around lots of obstacles consider the 749. with a rear hitch and pto kit the 748 and 749 are handy compact and low slung.
Carl Bert
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2010
- Messages
- 832
- Location
- Rockland county, New York
- Tractor
- Kubota B26, John deere X595
I am looking at the same two tractors. I would obviously love to get the 7xx series, but do I need it, and would I get the job done just as well with the 540? I am also looking at the X585 which I believe is just an older 7xx series.
Right now I have a GX345. A beautiful tractor that I hate to give up. My problem is I have some hills on my property that are a bit of a problem for the 2WD tractor, especially without a differential lock.
There is really no comparison between the two tractors, it's just a matter of what you really need and how much you want to spend. Also the new 5xx series doesn't have a diesel option, at least I don't think it does.
Let me know what you decide on.
Right now I have a GX345. A beautiful tractor that I hate to give up. My problem is I have some hills on my property that are a bit of a problem for the 2WD tractor, especially without a differential lock.
There is really no comparison between the two tractors, it's just a matter of what you really need and how much you want to spend. Also the new 5xx series doesn't have a diesel option, at least I don't think it does.
Let me know what you decide on.
cooper99
Bronze Member
The X540 should be more than enough for mowing 2.5 acres, BUT if you're willing to spend $7k on a garden tractor, why not drop another $5k and get the very best- the X748 :laughing: :thumbsup:.
Seriously though, the way I see it: the X748 is a lot better value than the X540, even with the nearly $5000 increase in price. I was just at the dealer this past weekend picking up a few parts and browsed the mowers on the showroom floor (and the new Gators).
Like Carl Bert just said, you really can't compare the 2 tractors. The X748 has the 3 cyl Yanmar diesel, 4wd, differential lock, and is nearly 50% heavier than the X540. I'm guessing the X748 will also keep a higher resale/trade-in value if you ever wish to get something else in the future.
It would really come down to the financing options if I was in the market for a new premium garden tractor. I believe I've recently read on TBN that some dealers are still offering 0% for 36 months- looking at it from that perspective, the X540 is $200 a month and the X748 would be $330 a month- well worth the extra cost in my opinion.
The X585 is another very good alternative if you're looking at something used.
Seriously though, the way I see it: the X748 is a lot better value than the X540, even with the nearly $5000 increase in price. I was just at the dealer this past weekend picking up a few parts and browsed the mowers on the showroom floor (and the new Gators).
Like Carl Bert just said, you really can't compare the 2 tractors. The X748 has the 3 cyl Yanmar diesel, 4wd, differential lock, and is nearly 50% heavier than the X540. I'm guessing the X748 will also keep a higher resale/trade-in value if you ever wish to get something else in the future.
It would really come down to the financing options if I was in the market for a new premium garden tractor. I believe I've recently read on TBN that some dealers are still offering 0% for 36 months- looking at it from that perspective, the X540 is $200 a month and the X748 would be $330 a month- well worth the extra cost in my opinion.
The X585 is another very good alternative if you're looking at something used.
rubadub
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2011
- Messages
- 251
- Tractor
- John Deere garden tractor 111 john deer garden tractor model lt155 john deere garden tractor x728
I have a X728 and love it, I have videos of it and lots of pictures, the Kawasaki Twin has way more power then you will ever need, and this tractor is way more then what I expected, it will do anything.
I have videos rototilling virgin sod and this thing doesn't even grunt.
The fuel injected Kawaskis are fast starting in cold weather and clean running.
Anyway I have a lot of stuff on it on my website if anybody wants to check it out.
Rob
Heres the website
I have videos rototilling virgin sod and this thing doesn't even grunt.
The fuel injected Kawaskis are fast starting in cold weather and clean running.
Anyway I have a lot of stuff on it on my website if anybody wants to check it out.
Rob
Heres the website
Jimt76 said:
One, its an special edition. Paying a premium there.
2 3pt is a smaller price increase
3 pto is a more exspensive option
4 7iron deck is no comparion to a yellow deck.
5 4wd
6 diesel
The 748 has a lot of added features. Plus my state cpnsiders this a tractor and not a lawn mower. No tax on farm tractors.
I dont know about the 540 but the 534 with the air cooled engine is under powered for the 54inch deck. I wish i had the smaller deck.
I have both the 748 and 534. The 748 willeasily last fwice as long as the 534. My wife likes the aws and that is what matters to her, but todays 500 series is notthe same as the old 300 series.
The 748 is great with the snowblowe and rototiller also.
jenkinsph
Super Star Member
It is hard to justify but if you need the features of a x748 the x540 wont cut it. You have to decide what your needs and wants are first. Both are good mowers. The x748 with the 60" 7 iron deck is a great mowing machine capable of hilly terrain with a nice ride.
I will say I have been very satisfied with my x749 with TPH and 540 pto. It has reduced the amount of hand labor for cleaning up new yards tremendously.
In my own yard I can get by with a simple mower and still have an L130 that works. A smooth lawn in good shape doesn't require lots of bells and whistles in the mower.
