When i got my X738 last year i had asked for a 48" deck as I have lots of sharp elevation changes, and they are often hit at an angle, so I felt a smaller deck would help follow terrain better and minimize scalping. Dealer told me that while, yes you could get a 48", he did not recommend anything smaller than 54" on this series as it would not stick out beyond the wheels, making it near impossible to mow close to anything. I got the 54", and he's right. Even the 54" does not leave you a lot of extra to get close. i could care less about the 6", in either direction, given how little grass i have to mow. My problem is steep slopes requiring 4wd.