Which to buy?- X534-X724

[Gonerafting]

Frankly, if I tremendously over buy, a X700 series with all the Bells and Whistles, I could'nt possibly then want another, no where to go, lol. Let's face it, we all like toys. I really like the control panel on the X700 series.

 

[captplaid]

I have a X748 and an X534. Traded in a 318. Still have the 314 and the old 112 needs an engine rebuild.


My wife wanted a zero turn but we convinced her the disadvantage of them. The mechanic set her on the 534 and she loved it. The air cooled engine is a very smooth running motor. This engine rungs just as smooth as most water cooled I've seen.

I have developed a lot of respect for the Kawasaki motors. It does have an oil filter and they have greatly improved the air flow around the motor. Deere has done a great job with that.

I can't tell ou haow it is in cold weather. Ask the Dealer.

I have a HPX gator with a liquid cooled Kawasaki motor. The dealer warned me these motors are cooled blooded. It will start in the winter but it is a challenge to keep it running until it warms up. The salesman said the newer ones are better. Fuel injected possibly.

I guess I am saying liquid cooled might not be that much of an answer.

The blower on the 534 is belt driven. I question how effective it is, but I've read positive reviews. I guess between belt driven and AWS I would think it is limited. For a blower to work good, I see it as you push forward. It is a challenge to drive forward with the 534. I've heard others say this is not the case.

Maybe I think too much but if the back wheel are pushing to the side, how is it on snow? You cannot do a ditch effectively with the 534. It tough to turn out of the ditch. You will find yourself at a 90 degree angle real fast. My wife knows the places she can't go and other spots in the ditch she just drives differently..

I call the 534 "Crazy Wheels" for a reason.

The 534 is also under powered for the 54" deck. I would highly recommend the 48" deck.

The 534 is a pain to pull a small rear tool like a fertilizer spreader or lawn sprayer. It's easy to jack knife. I'll use the 314 for that or a small 48 inch cultipacker.


Me? I love the 748. 4WD diesel with pto and 3pt. The snow blower on the front is awesome. I can move as much snow as the 4020 and a 148 loader. Get the weight box for the rear if you are using a blower. The tiller is great also. The torque on the diesel is great with the blower.

The 7-Iron deck in awesome. It is easy to take the deck off. 10 minutes and done. Another 10 to put the snow blower on.

Both have decks that spin much faster than the older Deere's. The 534 flies on open ground. Puts the 314 to shame. We will both mow sometimes.

Bottom line...either is a good choice.

 

[captplaid]

oh heck, just buy them both.

 

[Johndeere3720]

I would get the x534. It is more cost effective, and will do the same job as the x734. It will do what you want it to do and wont be as over kill as the x734. just my :2cents:

 

[mjncad]

You have a lot of obstacles; without me looking at the JD web site, are either of these tractors AWS? Personally I'd want AWS. Also a larger deck with AWS gives you a tighter turning radius.

Another thing is the X700 series has a Curtis cab as an option that the X300 & X500 series don't. As much as I think Curtis is overpriced considering their build quality, a cab would be nice in winter while getting rid of snow.

Personally I prefer liquid cooled, fuel injected, shaft drive over air cooled, carbureted, belt drive.

Choose wisely.

 

[ChuckinNH]

It is too darn bad that it seems you have to buy the X700 series these days to get a quality built tractor. It seems that each time JD comes out with a new series in their smaller tractors, they just find ways to make them cheaper without regard to how well they are built. I would really like to buy a well built garden tractor that will last more than 300 hours for less than 10K. It seems however that you end up at that price point no matter what color you look at. You can buy a Toyota Corolla for not much more than that, or certainly less than twice that and have no problems expecting it to last a long time.. I have a CUT, and really don't need an X700 for much besides mowing, and snow removal, and then you have to consider the 1026E, Kubota BX, Massey 2400, etc. that are the same price but certainly not immune to build issues. The last time I looked at the JD X540, JD had decided to even put the cheaper seat on it than they had...... Come on JD give us a break, and a reasonably priced tractor that will last. As far as I can tell the X500 series is an X300 with a heavier transaxle. Even Simplicity has gotten on the big bucks for mower wagon. True the Legacy XL uses the same transmission / transaxle as the JD X700 (they both outsource those to tufftorq), but you know the transaxle in a small Toyota takes a lot of strain too.
Sorry guys, and Gals, rant over.

 

[Gonerafting]

I agree totally with the above post, so what did I buy? Well, I purchased a used X744 with a 62 inch deck. I know it's overkill, but with the 62" deck, it has less than 70 hours on it. The 62" deck will cut 6 inch radius, 52" will cut 12 inch radius and the 48 will cut a 13 inch radius. I really am not looking that hard at the mowing aspect, but the snow removal. I can use it to plow some of my neighbors driveways.
Why the X744?
1) X700 have a higher resale value, especially the diesel
2) Diesel uses less fuel and the fuel tank is 6.5 gallons vs the 5 gallon on the gas
3) Diesels motors last longer, at 1000 hours look at rebuilding the gas motor
4) Tractor weighs more which is beneficial with snow removal and the diesels torque will be helpful.
5) It is a direct drive to the mower deck, granted the deck itself is belt driven
6) It's hydraulic all the way
7) It has a better frame, the X500 series shares same frame as the X300, so you are at the upper limits
8) Much nicer Driver Controls
9) I will have it forever, not need to even think about upgrading at 60 years of age
10) It's a Boy Toy and a nice one.

So, am I partially insane, maybe, but happy with the decision.

PS: I will not have it for awhile since I'm having it shipped in from a Dealer in the Midwest. I will report then on my likes and dislikes.

 

[ChuckinNH]

Well, good for you! I'm happy that you went with what you really wanted, and I'm sure you will be much happier in the end.

 

[Gonerafting]

While a X534 would have been adequate, I would have always wanted the X700 series. I just think they are a huge step above the X500 series. I think ChuckinNH stated it well in another post, " The X500 is the orphan child of the X series" and I agree with that assessment. And yes, there is a huge price jump to be considered along with pricer accessories.

 

[homepukes]

Congrats on the new tractor.:thumbsup: