JD X729/X749 AWS?

[dieselscout80]

On the John Deere X729 and X749 All Wheel Steer (AWS) mowers can you select the AWS or is it always in AWS mode?

Can you select 2 wheel steering?

With AWS can you mow right next to an object (fence, water feature or building)?

Does the AWS make the deck go into/move towards the object as you turn away from said object?

How durable are all the steering linkages on the X729 and X749 AWS or other AWS mowers especially if the mowing surface is rough?

 

[dieselscout80]

Folks seem to love AWS, but I gave it a thumbs down when I got my 455.

Can you explain why?

I have not run anything small that is AWS.

 

[dieselscout80]

I didn't like the loss of clearance, extra linkage, smaller rear tires and spacers required to use rear chains for snow plowing. I really couldn't see an advantage that it offered over 2 wheel steering when the standard 455 could leave an uncut surface of only 24 inches.

Thanks

 

[MORRISONSTEEL]

aws is quite a bit different on a x700 vs 455, you might go check out the parts catalog to see some of it. One of the bigger differences is the front end is hydraulically driven. When a turn is made mechanical linkage controls inside and outside wheel speed of the front axle making it a pretty darn good 4wd system with aws, imao. You can trim next to something exactly the same as with a 2ws, the deck clearance on the non-discharge side will always stick out farther than the wheel tracks. The linkage is stout and heavy, but keep in mind the x700's are not technically a commercial machine, they are a high end residential machine.

 

[RyeThomas]

For what it’s worth I had a JD 425 with AWS, not apples to apples but I can tell you I miss the heck out of that machine. I’ve had a couple scuts, zero turns, etc but that machine by far was the most fun to operate and gave my grass the best cut. Not very scientific but that little machine was great.

 

[FortClatsop]

I stumbled on a four year old 324 with AWS about a month ago. I would never have sprung for a new one. The AWS is amazing and fun. I bought it to replace an old rear engine XRS 75 for the lawn around the house and augment my edge and tree work with the RFM I tow behind my 2305. My AWS has an uncut circle of 9". It's got a fun drifty feeling around corners. On a straight line it feels a little wiggly. It's great in postage stamp situations. The most impressive part so far has been mowing a steep cross slope on the side of the road. It's not four wheel drive. With AWS it crab walks along this steep edge with amazing traction for not being four wheel drive. I had scoffed at AWS as a ZTR wannabe gimmick. I'm impressed with what they've done on the 300 series.

 

[dieselscout80]

That’s great news that they are good on slopes.

We have a few spots the measure 20 degrees with a angle gauge setting on a a long board to get the measurement over like say six feet. One of the those slopes ends at our pond.