X740 custom deck

[Bennet89]

Hi, two years ago I bought myself a used x740 (2008) in an excellent condition.
Unfortunately, it came with a rusty old deck from 455 (48” HD lawn deck). The
price was fantastic and I thought I could buy a new deck really easily if this one
fails. This was a huge mistake since I am from Europe. The deck is now probably
seeing its last moments since it has been soldered many times. Basically, I
thought I have two options. I can buy a bit less rusty version from a couple of decks
from 455 that are on sale in Germany or buy almost new 54HC for a ridiculous price
(3500 usd). I definitely envy your buying options on other side of Atlantic.
This is until I found about custom-made mower decks in Germany for high grass for x700s and
x900s. Those are very appealing to me since I mow almost exclusively high grass
(walnut orchard). What is your opinon on this option based on pictures? I don’t
pose technical knowledge to make that judgement.

 

[beenthere]

Welcome to TBN
Looks robust enough to do the job.
Sorry to say I have a 54C that I don't use just sitting for 10 years off my X485. Shipping would likely be prohibitive.

 

[Richard001]

Bennet - Welcome to TBN

Yep, looks like a lawn mower deck. You did mention the price of the custom deck.

Richard

 

[Bennet89]

I just got the pricing for a custom one - 3300usd + tax. So that is a no go for me since I don’t intend to use it for commercial purposes.
There is an option to opt for a used 54” from 455. I can see it was repainted but still looks to be in a way better condition than mine. Do you think I would be able to squezze another 5 years from it? I am doing less than 100h/year but it is mostly high grass that I am mowing.

 

[Deere Dude]

I have a 62" for 13 years with 3-4 hours per week for the last 10 years medium grass in Tennessee. All original except the belt. Repainted it for the fun of it 4 years ago and obviously new paint looks nice for one mowing. I would go for a 54" if not many hours on it.

 

[deezler]

For sure you could mow for 5 years with that deck, it looks great. Everything is serviceable, after all. I dont get why people get rusted out mower decks. Is it because they mow wet grass and leave it clumped up in the deck? Machine stored outside?

 

[Bennet89]

In my case I reckon it is an age (25+ years) and probably years of neglect from previous owner(s). There are literarily soldered holes in the deck. Will go for this 54 inch one.

 

[beenthere]

That 54" deck looks good. May take some repair here or there in the next 5 yrs, but if they are used any amount that comes with the territory. Keep sharp blades (I usually buy a new set once a year) and most damage is caused by trying to chuck out a large piece of limb wood (that I didn't see or thought would be rotten enough to digest).
I put a strap on the discharge side to keep the right front wheel spindle/socket from folding back.

 

[Richard001]

That 54" deck looks good. May take some repair here or there in the next 5 yrs, but if they are used any amount that comes with the territory. Keep sharp blades (I usually buy a new set once a year) and most damage is caused by trying to chuck out a large piece of limb wood (that I didn't see or thought would be rotten enough to digest).
I put a strap on the discharge side to keep the right front wheel spindle/socket from folding back.

I'm with beenthere, that deck looks good for it's age. I'm not sure what you mean by "There are literarily soldered holes in the deck" You Brits talk funny. Do you mean that it has been welded ?