X748 PTO usefull?

[Builder]

I would strongly suggest looking at the 42" rotary cutters for any of these small tractors. You really lose no more than 3" in cutting width, and will lose over a foot in length making the mower much more manuverable, and easier to lift. I also very stongly suspect that the bolt pattern of the JD/Kubota/ etc. series tractors is all the same and so the HDAP tires, and wheels should work on any of them, and give good ride, and traction. The only weakness of those tires that I can see at all is weaker sidewalls for loader work. I have seen JD 2305's set up with the HDAP tires, and am sure I'll see a BX set up that way soon......... maybe on Builder's tractor?

Chuck, how do you figure a 42" deck loses only 3" to a 60" or 62" deck?

Heck I'd get a 72" deck if I could....:laughing:

Re the tires-the BX2360 & 748 take the same size tires, so HDAP's will fit both.

 

[ChuckinNH]

Most of the time when we mow we tend to keep the rear tire in the cut area so If the deck is a little tight on that side you don't really lose it. I was speaking to the rotary cutter because many have brought it up. I use mine where I don't want to use the mmm, and that often means backing in between rocks, and trees where manuverability means more than cut width. Big decks are much nicer for large open areas, and for trimming along banks, etc. Of course I should have considered that your use is going to be different than mine so my concerns really don't amount to much. The BX is a bit narrower 2"-3" so you will get more overhang with the same size deck on the BX. I did drive an X749 today quickly and found it to be an awesome machine. Comfortable quiet, and with amazing nimbleness..

 

[jenkinsph]

Chuck,

Care to elaborate on the X749? I would like to hear about the test drive.

 

[Builder]

Not to ruin Chuck's reply, but if I may say, I test drove a 729 (I know, it's not a diesel) but it was awesome. Truly a garden tractor designed from the ground up to be the best. It feels so stable and strong, yet nimble.

If it had an optional 72" mower, 2 range hydrostatic & foldable ROPS, it would be perfect. :laughing:

 

[jenkinsph]

Builder,
I have thought about the tranny and from what I have read on the forum about the 2xxx series it would seem that most are looking for gearing similar to the X700 anyway. So not sure whether it would help to have a two speed.



Are you any closer to deciding yet? I am thinking to go for the X749 for early spring '11.

 

[ChuckinNH]

Chuck,

Care to elaborate on the X749? I would like to hear about the test drive.

It wasn't much of a test drive, just one trip around the dealership with some tight turns on different surfaces. I found the tractor quiet, smooth, comfortable, and awesome in it's turning ability. The rear tires do mark a little on loose surfaces in tight turns, but I doubt it would bother much on established sod. I think the price tag was marked around $12,800 with a 54" deck mounted. Maybe I'll try an X728 soon for comparison since I know a dealer that has one in stock, or did have. The one I drove did have the HDAP tires as does the X728 I'm thinking about trying. Hard to beat that solid feel, and sound of the diesel though.

 

[etcallhome]

Sounds like you like Kubota , don't get me wrong they're a good machine. I almost bought one when I bought my first deere .
OK you been talking the xmachine of deere..
Have you tried the 2305 ,
High ,low range
rear PTO
3 pt hitch
heavier machine
and far as I'm concerned a better machine than the x
Brake on the left side compared to being above the hyd pedals on x machine
If your on a very steep hill and you need to use brake and maybe try to use forward or rev impossible to do on x machine.
You will pay I'm guessing 750-1500 less for a 2305 over a xmachine
I used a x585 this summer yea nice macine has the better seating option.. I still have not found a comfortable position ,even using the tilt wheel.
I see where you are coming from with the lower payment using 5 yr instead of 4 yr.
Again if you are looking at a bx compare apple to apple not apple to orange

just my 2 Cents

Best of luck on whatever you choose !!

 

[Builder]

I've actually pretty much eliminated the Kubota and I'm either going with X748 or a used Deere 4115 I just found.

Very tough choice for such a small tractor.....can't seem to get comfortable with my decision. The X is just too expensive because of lousy financing options from Deere on new.

Their used financing is better than the new financing!
I can get used financing 5 yrs for 4.5%
Best new financing is 4 yrs 4.9%

 

[RollTideRam]

Buy the Deere, take it back under the guarantee that you will like it, then finance it used. JC

 

[Builder]

Buy the Deere, take it back under the guarantee that you will like it, then finance it used. JC

Not my style......:laughing: