Looking for new John Deere Tractor with 4 Wheel Steerings, Mower, Snowblower + Loader

cwilliams2000 · Apr 27, 2015

So an injury has forced me to decide that I can't snowblow with my small machine any longer and I decided that I would buy one machine to do all the things I need:

Mow 1.5 acres
Loader for lifting things for me, and moving dirt/mulch around
Snowblower for about 800 feet driveway

I previously owners Kubota BX25 and while I loved the engine I felt getting the attachments off and on was a nightmare and removing the bagger almost destroyed me once before. After watching the JD videos with drive on decks and how the loader went on I decided to go Deere. Plus with 4 wheel steering that would be much better since primarily the machine will be for mowing. I also felt thw Kubota was a terrible mower for a smaller sized yard, tougher to turn and manuever, so I figured with 4 wheel steering that I would be all set!

My plan was that I would take advantage of 0% finance buy the 7 series with 4 wheel steering, a snowblower, loader and deck.

I called the dealer to see what they had, and I guess I have been out of it too long, they tell me that mowers no longer can be equipped with a loader! and that I need to move into a 1 or 2 tractor and I lose the 4 wheel steering.

I am really disappointed. Is there a chance the dealer is wrong, I am not opposed to used but I am not even sure what models have what.

Anyw advise is greatly appreciated.

Eric102 · Apr 27, 2015

That's correct, no more 7's with loaders from Deere. There are a couple aftermarket loader options such as CTC and Buford which seem to get praise from their owners.

jenkinsph · Apr 27, 2015

I don't think Deere offered the 4ws with a loader in the past either. I know when I bought the x749 in 2010 it wasn't optioned for a 45 fel. The concern is that a raised bucket with the sharp turning ability may cause people to roll the tractor over.
That said I suspect you can mount a 45 loader on the x749 but you would need to be careful using it. Beyond that the x749 has been a very handy machine for me and I am well satisfied with the purchase.

bigtiller · Apr 27, 2015

Would a Johnny Bucket do the work you want the loader to do?

Johnny Buckets For John Deere Sears Craftsman Cub Cadet Case Simplicity and Many More

AxleHub · May 3, 2015

Cwilliams2000

I'd like to offer an alternative to consider.

You said you used to have a kubota bx25 but there were some issues. You also mention an 800 foot driveway etc..

Have you considered a Massey Ferguson sub compact tractor . . Specifically a GC1705 or gc1715 ?

Here is why I ask: massey offers a true mulching deck. You don't need a bagger. It doesn't even have side exhaust . . But it does have 6 blades in a 54 inch deck. Like other sub compacts . . It has a front end loader and in addition to the bucket you can also have a forklift unit that works off the front end loader AND off the 3 pt. hitch.

You can cut grass with the loader on or off. Its turning radius is quite good and while you can have a snowblower attachment for front or for rear . . You can also have a snow blade for the front that works off the front end loader to allow quick switches between blade and bucket (again without taking the front end loader off and on.)

And while kubotas use the treadle pedal, the massey uses 2 up front pedals for forward and reverse for easier access.

In a couple weeks I'll be having one just as described above.

Did I mention the 5 year warranty and a floor that is flatter and less cluttered than you might remember in your past ownership (and easier on your knees and feet).