Need help selecting the right JD mower/tractor

zee007 · Apr 11, 2011

Hey folks

Long time lurker - first time poster...

I'm currently in the market for a new ride-on/tractor to be used on our new property. We've moved out to the sticks in Virginia and have 14 acres. The wife has horses which clearly helps control some of the land, but not all.

Being an ex-pat (from England), I have very little experience with the ins and outs of tractors and mowers. The previous owner of the farmhouse left me a Murray Ride-on (12.5 hp). Having got the thing running, I end up having to fix th thing every 2 weeks. Its old, tired and done it's time.

So, now comes my dilema. I have approximately 4 to 6 acres to cut. The land is fairly flat. No real bush-hogging. There are a couple of acres that need work. I may atempt that if I get the right tractor, if not, it will be comissioned out to someone else to do.

I have been researching tractors for a while, and narrowed it down to the X500 Series, X700 series or the 2000 Series.

But, to be honest, I'm bamboozled. I have no idea if the X500 will be too small, or the 2000 series will be too big. And the price differntial is substantial.

I'm really looking for guidance from some of you experts and owners. I want to make the right decision first time (if possible). This will be a long-term keeper.

No comments or questions or advice should be taken for granted - assume I know nothing (which I do!)!

Thanks in advance for the help...

davkir · Apr 11, 2011

If you have horses and all of the things that come with them, manure, hay bales, grading riding arenas, building fences, sheds, moving dirt, sand, bedding, you will get good use out of a small tractor.
The 2305 (replaced by the 1023??) with a loader is one of the handiest sizes around. I think they have deals on 2320's and implements these days also.

captplaid · Apr 11, 2011

I love the 748. It's the same engine as the 2305.

One thing I'd recommend is the 7-Iron deck. I you plan on keeping the mower or the next 15 or more years, get the best deck possible. That's the first to wear out.

jenkinsph · Apr 13, 2011

The Deere X748 and X749 are great mowers and can cut fast with large decks. I chose the X749 AWS for manueverability around trees and have been very satisfied with it.

But, for the person who doesn't have other tractors to work with something along the lines of a 2520 might be a better deal for you. I recommend you make a list of all the things you need to do with a tractor first. Then decide which implements you need to do this and then pick a tractor that matches these chores and implements.

hizoot · Apr 13, 2011

I think you need to look a little bigger. That is alot of mowing and will wear out a typical gas engine mower quick. With livestock/horses, you will definitely have a need for a full size tractor.I think a 2520/2720 would be minimum (i love my 2520) with at least the 72" deck, but you forego the ride over deck feature with that size....but man , that is alot of acreage to mow. If it was me, I would go with a 3320+ to get a 7 iron 72" deck with drive over quick connect deck,air ride seat, and the ability to handle smaller round bales of hay.

zee007 · Apr 13, 2011

Great advice. SO, I don;t think I'm going to be moving a lot of hay/land around if I'm honest. We are by no means farmers nor do we maintain livestock per se (she has 4 horses - all of which are retired and mooch around in their pastures).

It currently takes me the best part of an 8 hour day to mow the existing land on my poor Murray ride-on. I would like to reduce this significantly.

So, from what I'm hearing, most are suggesting the 2000 series. Couple of questions:

- Whats the difference between the 2000 series and the new upcoming 1 series?
- Whats the price differntial between a 748 (I see they're around $14k) and the 2000 series? And what do I sacrifice (other than size)?
- Is maintance of the two the same?
- Is cutting quality the same?

I really appreciate the guidance here. I am very much a novice playing in a large field and want to make sure I spend the family cash wisely...

jenkinsph · Apr 13, 2011

If all you wan't to do is mow then the X748-749 is a good choice. these mowers have a lower center of gravity than the 2320 and larger tractors. Share the same engine with the 2305 and 2320. One thing I prefer in the X749 is the single gear range, it provides gearing that is just right for mowing and is between the ranges of the 2x20 series tractors. In my testing the 2520 was too slow in low range and when in high range bogged down too much.

You need to test them to get a feel for them but for mowing I feel the X748 and X749 is a better choice. If I had to guess and depending on your ground conditions you can cut your time down to 3 or 4 hours . That is using a 60" 7 iron deck.

rubadub · Apr 15, 2011

Heres some stuff on my X728, and I really like this tractor a lot.

Its all on my website.

Videos and pictures, and check out the home made covers for my tractors and implements.

Its all on here.

crazyal · Apr 20, 2017

If the land is flat and smooth I think I would be looking at a zero turn. Then you can determine if you have a need for a tractor and if so what size. My personal opinion is to separate mower duties to a dedicated machine if you have lots to mow. Trying to make one machine do multiple jobs usually means compromise. With up to 6 acres to mow a compromise could mean adding an hour each time you mow. That being said I would favor an X series or small tractor if you think you'll need to pull a trailer (say to move hay bales for the horses). Otherwise a good quality commercial zero turn will last you for decades and get the mowing done the quickest.