x748 or x749 - 7-iron or AWS

[jas67]

From what I see, you can't get an AWS tractor mated to a 7 Iron deck. Guess he'll just have to get one AWS tractor and one with a 7 Iron so that he can have a separate tractor for each task

Yeh, but they would be Green instead of Orange (and only two, instead of THREE )

 

[Gittyup]

I also have a 425 AWS and love it. Don't know how it might be different than a new 7-iron, but I'm getting ready to start on season 16 with my deck. Other than dirt and some paint wear, it looks and cuts greats. No repairs. I'm even on the original belt, which still looks good too. And, I've put mine through pretty rough usage every year. I only get 2 seaons out of a set of blades. Then they are so beat up that it's hard to sharpen and balance them without grinding for a long time. I would think the "standard" deck on an X700 series would still be one heck of a good deck. Should last for many many years.

The AWS is great on slopes, around trees, plowing snow, etc. Almost as fast at cutting as a zero turn. Excellent traction and stability. Here is the issue with AWS: can't add a loader. Not sure if it's still the case with the new x700s, but on mine you can't add wheel weights because the rims are inside out. You have to use suitcase weights, which I actually like. Also, to put chains on mine, you have buy spacers so that the chains clear the AWS mechanisms. Not a big deal, and actually gives you a wider stance.

Having used one now for 15 years, I can't see not using AWS on my property. If mine ever fails, I'll be looking for another to replace it. I'd love to have an X700. But, too expensive new. Maybe by the time I'm ready I can find a used one for "cheap".

If I were the OP, I'd be looking for a nice used 425 or 455 AWS and keep the $8000 in my pocket.

 

[kevin-kc]

thanks for all the comments so far guys. my initial thought was that AWS is a "nice-to-have", something that i am not used to currently and didn't need. if i went for power and durability, i'd go with the 748 with 7-iron and forgo AWS. but after thinking about some possible benefits of AWS - i.e. going around a tree, and not having to double back to get the other 2 sides, or when i have to mow a rectangle or triangle shaped piece of lawn, and not being able to keep the corners well and having to back up a lot to stay on path, i could see the AWS really improving the overall mowing experience and mowing time. it's a great point about being able to replace the deck, but not the AWS - but those deck prices ain't cheap!

 

[LBrown59]

From what I see, you can't get an AWS tractor mated to a 7 Iron deck. Guess he'll just have to get one AWS tractor and one with a 7 Iron so that he can have a separate tractor for each task

Sounds like a plan.

Yeh,* but they would be Green instead of Orange (and only two, instead of THREE )

But at least it's a start.

 

[LBrown59]

I also have a 425 AWS and love it. Don't know how it might be different than a new 7-iron, but I'm getting ready to start on season 16 with my deck. Other than dirt and some paint wear, it looks and cuts greats. No repairs. I'm even on the original belt, which still looks good too. And, I've put mine through pretty rough usage every year. I only get 2 seaons out of a set of blades. Then they are so beat up that it's hard to sharpen and balance them without grinding for a long time. I would think the "standard" deck on an X700 series would still be one heck of a good deck. Should last for many many years.

The AWS is great on slopes, around trees, plowing snow, etc. Almost as fast at cutting as a zero turn. Excellent traction and stability. Here is the issue with AWS: can't add a loader. Not sure if it's still the case with the new x700s, but on mine you can't add wheel weights because the rims are inside out. You have to use suitcase weights, which I actually like. Also, to put chains on mine, you have buy spacers so that the chains clear the AWS mechanisms. Not a big deal, and actually gives you a wider stance.

Having used one now for 15 years, I can't see not using AWS on my property. If mine ever fails, I'll be looking for another to replace it. I'd love to have an X700. But, too expensive new. Maybe by the time I'm ready I can find a used one for "cheap".

*If I were the OP, I'd be looking for a nice used 425 or 455 AWS and keep the $8000 in my pocket.

Another what could be a good option.

 

[RollTideRam]

I just bought a x744 about six weeks ago. I thought about the seven iron but I had the 62c on my x495 and it was trouble free and left a good cut on my rough yard. JC

 

[LBrown59]

Go for the 7 Iron. AWS is nice and all, but when your deck wears out, (not saying the standard deck will), AWS won't cut the grass. Then you would be right back to square one.

I have a 1967 Bolens 850 garden tractor with MMM that still works and isn't all rusted out.
That's 42 years on the mower.
If the X748/49 regular/standard MMM won't last at least half that long i can't say much for the JD deck.
I say get the AWS and the REgular MMM and enjoy both for Many Many Years.

 

[LBrown59]

I just bought a x744 about six weeks ago. I thought about the seven iron but I had the 62c on my x495 and it was trouble free and left a good cut on my rough yard. JC

I would get the AWS and the 62c.

 

[WH401]

I have a 1967 Bolens 850 garden tractor with MMM that still works and isn't all rusted out.
That's 42 years on the mower.
If the X748/49 regular/standard MMM won't last at least half that long i can't say much for the JD deck.
I say get the AWS and the REgular MMM and enjoy both for Many Many Years.

That's nice, I have a 1961 Wheel Horse 551 w/ the original mower deck that is still in full working conditon, but I have no intention to cut grass with it because it's a collectors item. Either way though, rust doesn't sound like the OP's problem. From the way he's worded himself, it sounds as though he's saying the old deck has just been beat apart from mowing. If that's the problem then I'd go with the best built deck you can get and you can't go much better than the 7 Iron. It's a 7 gauge, large baffled, commercial purpose built deck and it'll see way better care in the hands of a homeowner than a LCO which should help in extending it's life even longer.

AWS is nice and all, but if you really want a fast cutter with a tight turning radius and an HD commercial deck, then your better off getting a zero turn.

 

[Gittyup]

AWS is nice and all, but if you really want a fast cutter with a tight turning radius and an HD commercial deck, then your better off getting a zero turn.

Not if you need a tractor to plow snow or pull a tiller, small plow, or garden cart. Not if you are operating on hilly terrain either. ZTs are great at cutting grass, and little else. So, yeah if that's all you need it for, and terrain is amenable then that would be the way to go. But, when you need a tractor, then you need a tractor.

I would find it hard to believe that the standard deck on a $13,000 tractor would be any thing short of high quality. Yeah, maybe not up to the abuse that a commercial user might put one through. But, it should still last 20 - 30 years or longer for even a rough use home owner. Of course, anything will break if abused.

The key to deck longevity is:

keep it dry to control corosion
keep the blades balanced to prevent stress fractures and bearing failure
don't run into things with it
keep it lubricated

Do these things and even a cheapo will last a very very long time.