X748 to replace IH Cub Lo-Boy

[tlj87]

Hello,

I own a 100-acre property of which I regularly mow roughly 10-12 acres on a bi-weekly basis. Tractor-wise, I currently have a 1970 Ford 3000 gas (2360 hrs) for which I have many 6' and 7' implements including a 7' Woods finish mower; a 1966 IH Cub Lo-Boy (Yellow and white, offset) with a 5' IH belly mower and 54" front blade; and finally a 2001 JD/Sabre 17.5hp/42" Hydro lawn tractor (110 hrs) (directly comparable to the current JD "L" series).

I have been weighing the pros and cons of upgrading the Cub to a newer machine. While it runs well (engine has been rebuilt and body painted in last 15 years), it is slow, and I am always tinkering and replace small parts (pulleys, belts, bearings, tires, clutch, and so on...)

I would like to begin migrating to diesel power for all of my machines (tractors, utility vehicles) as I replace them. Since I already have large implements (6' and 7') for the Ford, which I plan on keeping (and, if replacing, replacing with a tractor that would use that size implements), I don't know as if it a small compact (i.e. 2305, 2320, or 2520) would be the way to go, as they wouldn't effectively handle the 3pt implements I own.

The JD x748 seemed to be a slightly smaller-size replacement for the Lo-Boy and would also allow me to rid of the JD/Sabre as well. Since the Lo-Boy and JD/Sabre don't have 3pt hitches, I would not be loosing any functionality. I would be gaining speed, traction, hydraulic angling for snow plow (Lo-Boy has only hyd. up/down), diesel efficiency, and comfort. This would be a supplemental mower to the Ford 3000/Woods combo, used for mowing smaller areas and occasionally some larger. I am thinking either the 62D deck or 7-Iron, 54" blade for clearing the long driveway, weights and chains. May consider a cab a later date.

SO, do you think this is a good idea - consolidating 2 machines into one with the X748?

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

SO, do you think this is a good idea - consolidating 2 machines into one with the X748?

It only matters if you think it is a good idea. You will find there will be those who will agree and others who will feel you need to buy what they own.

 

[jdboy4410]

if your ground is'nt too rough or has big hills,a zero turn mower would be the way to go.they mow with incredible speed.a friend has two zero turns,they mow 12 acres in two hours or less.so for mowing,you could use one machine instead of three.snow removal could be left to the ford with a 3 pt snowthrower.myself,i like to get the stuff done fast and over with so i can move onto something else.i hate that it takes me 3 hours to mow as it is.unfortunately,i cannot use a zero turn mower on my property,everything is on hills and i have off camber slopes.i use my X320 to handle the mowing chores and wagon/cart duty.i used to use my 4410 to mow the back plot with,but i found i could do it all with the 320 faster.i use the 4410 for snow removal,log skidding,and general bucket duty.i bought it new in 04 and put most of the hours on it in the first year i had it.it still does'nt have 300 hours on it yet.just got a 3 pt snowthrower this past winter,glad i did,now all i need is to get some tire chains for it and i am set.the X748 is an expensive machine to buy new,more that the cost of a good zero turn,just a matter of what you need and how fast that you want to get it done ,,,,,,,

 

[jenkinsph]

Long term I think an X748 with the 62" mmm and front blower for the light work and a larger tractor such as the 4520 cab would be ideal. I am in a similar situation and don't wan't to have too many tractors that are so close in size. I plan to replace my older 820 and Deere L130 with a X748-749, the 4520 is able to use the older 6' and 7' equipment I have had for several years. Most new equipment I buy or build can be sized for the 4520 to start with.

My setup for next year would be my trimmer mower (JS45), X749 riding mower, 4520 cab with implements and the 110tlb. I can do most anything I want for landscaping with this combination.

Some of the zero turns are good mowers too but I need to do a variety of things other than mowing. These ztr mowers are great for wide area finish mowing and are really fast too.

 

[tlj87]

Thanks for the responses!

Unfortunetly, the ground is not that smooth and there are some pretty good hills, so the Z-turn is out. I also like having two machines for mowing, so if one is down, there is still a backup and the option to have two people mowing (I am lucky enough to have some volunteers). I would also like to stick with a snow plow and not a blower for additional functionality (pushing non-snow material) even though I have a back blade and box blade for the Ford 3000.

I guess I am limiting myself to a four-wheeled tractor with mower and front blade, the question is, is the X748 the right way to go?

 

[om21braz]

Well there are similiar units in a couple different colors, but no machine matches up to the x700 series exactly for a brand-to-brand comparison. If it's what you're really interested in, you probably won't be satisfied with anything else - if possible get a demo just to make sure.

 

[Baucom]

The only other GT that matches up to the X700 series is the Simplicity Legacy XL & its MF/AGCO clones. Pricing may be a bit less than the X748 but it should be pretty close. I'd give JD the edge on ergonomics over the Simplicity built machines, but it isn't a huge difference.

 

[tlj87]

I am not necessarily dead-set on getting an X748 - it just seemed to be a good 'fit'. For my application of mowing, snow plowing, and towing - would a 2305 or 2320 offer any advantages other than 3pt and rear pto? These models seem to be roughly in the same price category (12-15k). Ultimate budget is 10k, figuring $2000 for the Cub and $500 for the Sabre on trade.

Also have been keeping my eyes open for used 7/8/955's and similar models.

 

[om21braz]

The 2305 or 2320 offer more capability, but sacrifice a little getting into tight spots when mowing. If I was pretty much set on the x748, but wanted to save some money - start looking for a x595 (the previous model, manual 4WD vs. full-time 4WD w/automatic detection on x748). You probably can save at minimum $3k and maybe as much as $5k.

 

[bp fick]

First, your property sounds wonderful!!!

The choice is yours entirely, but be sure you take the time to get the right machine the first time. Not just the regret and the expense of re-trading, but life is too short to muscle around trying to do your chores with an under sized or wrongly applied tractor.

Is there a finer Super lawn tractor in the world than the X7xx JD? I don't think so. Saying it is the Porshe of lawn tractors doesn't even do it justice.

That said, too many of your tasks and those which WILL COME later are tractor oriented. FEL, dirt, gardening, and all those future implements you will collect and use, tells me you need to give serious consideration to the 2320.

It may seem too large in the showroom, but on your property doing work, you might even wish you'd bought the 2520 or the 2720. I am not a bigger is always better guy. Your land and the described tasks just point my thoughts, based on my life experiences here on our relatively recent relocation to our property, to the tractor in the 20 series.

In a year, I suddenly have a 3 pt tow bar, a cultivator, a middle buster plow, a rear blade, a FEL, a rear finish mower, and so forth. While I could see much of it going in, I could not see how much I would need all these things, and more.

 

[tlj87]

Thanks, bp fick! The property truly is great. Aside from being my home, it is actually a weekend youth camp that I grew up maintaining and now own and operate. Website: http://www.zoominternet.net/~chickasaw

As om21braz stated, with the larger tractors, I would loose the capability to mow where I now use the JD/Sabre.

Of course, I could keep the JD/Sabre strictly for mowing those small areas and trimming...

The reservations I have about getting a larger 20 series tractor is 1) to a certain extent, cost, and 2) the fact that it would be too small to operate any of the 3pt implements I already have. Then, when I buy a new implement, do I get the 4' for the small tractor or the 6-7' for the Ford 3000?

A loader would be nice, but would it make sense to hold out and get a larger loader along with the larger tractor down the road when it is time to replace the Ford 3000? Something around the size of a 990/4005 seems to be a good match. I read about folks who aren't happy with the lift capacity of the smaller loaders.

 

[WH401]

I think the X748 would a perfect replacement for the two tractors you mention. I can completely understand your argument for replacing the cub. I cut 7 of my 10 acres for about 3 years with a "regular" height 72' Cub w/ the 59" Woods belly mower, and it was a less then pleasant experience. While yes, the tractor was a great little tractor that was paid for and simple to maintain, but it was showing it's age. The engine was still on the factory build and was becoming more worn with every use, and it was showing. On top of that, you had to keep the blades sharp and the deck free of clippings in order for it to even mow efficient with only an 11 hp engine. The tractor was very slow, when compared to today's machines, typically it would take me about 7 - 8 hours to cut the whole place. I was always replacing parts on it that were failing after almost 40 years. Over that 3 year period the tractor had more down time than cutting time. Simple put it was a PITA, so I decided to upgrade.

I contemplated a few different options, those being, a zero turn, a CUT with a loader and 6' finish mower, or an over sized lawn tractor, such as the x748. Ultimately the CUT won out because I really needed another loader tractor since my other one was spending so much time at my grandparents house. Being without a loader on a 10 acre farm is like bringing a knife to a gun fight, it's ridiculous. So far I have been happy with my decision. The only issue I have with cutting with the finish mower is that I unfortunately have to do more trimming around to obstacles than I did with the Cub, but it's still not that bad. My total cut time went from 7 - 8 hrs with the Cub, to 2.5 - 3 hrs with the 3320, which is absolutely awesome. Mowing isn't the only thing the tractor has been useful for though, it came in very, very handy in the few massive east coast snow storms that we had this year and last.

If I was able to just selected a dedicated mower and not the all-in-one CUT, I would be a hard decision between the zero turn or the lawn tractor. While the grass I cut is mostly open flat field, I do have one large hill that would really be the deciding factor in my decision. I could cut most of it with the zero turn, but the upper half I would definitely want the stability and traction of the x748 or the 3320. Who knows, maybe in the future I'll purchase a zero for my main cutting machine and keep the finish mower on the 3320 to cut the rest of the hill, (as I only cut that hill about once every 1 - 1.5 months during the season.)

Good luck with your purchase.

 

[jenkinsph]

First, your property sounds wonderful!!!

The choice is yours entirely, but be sure you take the time to get the right machine the first time. Not just the regret and the expense of re-trading, but life is too short to muscle around trying to do your chores with an under sized or wrongly applied tractor.

Is there a finer Super lawn tractor in the world than the X7xx JD? I don't think so. Saying it is the Porshe of lawn tractors doesn't even do it justice.

That said, too many of your tasks and those which WILL COME later are tractor oriented. FEL, dirt, gardening, and all those future implements you will collect and use, tells me you need to give serious consideration to the 2320.

It may seem too large in the showroom, but on your property doing work, you might even wish you'd bought the 2520 or the 2720. I am not a bigger is always better guy. Your land and the described tasks just point my thoughts, based on my life experiences here on our relatively recent relocation to our property, to the tractor in the 20 series.

In a year, I suddenly have a 3 pt tow bar, a cultivator, a middle buster plow, a rear blade, a FEL, a rear finish mower, and so forth. While I could see much of it going in, I could not see how much I would need all these things, and more.

BP,
The OP has a Ford 3000 for the 3pt work which is a small tractor already. On 100 acres I would think he could plan for a larger tractor in the future after buying the X748.

 

[Kansas Slim]

I've had the X748 for over a year now with the 7 Iron and the front blade. Works great! I nearly went with a Z-turn, but I have a 1/4 mile gravel lane to deal with as well. In SW Missouri, we don't get your snow, but last winter was pretty significant and the X748 didn't bat an eye. No weights, no chains. It just motored thru anything.

The drive-over 7 Iron is worth the extra expense. Cut is fantastic and I believe the extra blade speed really helps distribute long clippings well if you should wait too long between cuts. The ease of leaving the deck behind makes front blade work, or whatever else, less likely to be put off till later since it's no hassle and kinda fun to mount and dismount. It also makes it pretty easy to sharpen your blades more regularly, as long as you can lift it up from the front side after you have it off. It's a heavy duty mother!

I put on the 3 pt and the PTO with the intent of getting a tiller and a box blade. I have not done that yet. It is true. I believe they must use quite a bit of 24 karat gold in there somewhere. Therefore, I'm holding off for a good find on the implements.

Anybody have any idea how well this machine might handle a 4' Bush Hog (rotary cutter)? Of course the dealer says it wouldn't be a problem. Heck, how about a 5 footer? He says that would be too much.

 

[jcmseven]

I have had the 595, which is exactly the same machine as the new-numbered 748. I loved the machine. In all honesty, having used a ZTR for large volume mowing, there is not a HUGE difference in mowing speed between the two. I have posted in the past that my 757 ZTR JD (I now have a 950) was a faster mowing machine than my 595 was, but not by a tremendous amount and less if the terrain was rough or challenging. With the new 7-iron deck, this is likely even more the case. I love mowing with a ZTR and yes they are faster, but for someone who mows non-commercially a few acres and then mows a larger volume every two-three weeks with others tasks such as snow removal, the 748 is the better choice. It is a nice machine, a true Cadillac.

With regard to the 2305, unless one has a need to run a little loader, backhoe, or consistent three point implements, it is NOT a more capable machine than a 748. In fact, having used them both, the 748 is the far nicer machine to use for mowing and snow removal. It has a better ride, better ergonomics and a more-sophisticated frame design. The thought about the 2320 is a good one, and worth considering. I have a 2320 and just put a 62d mower deck on it for my dad to use when I cannot get to his yard. That is a really nice mowing set up. I personally think the 2320 mows BETTER than an X series with the 62D mower and can remove snow. They are a little more expensive, but not much, and come with some big tractor features in case you would want to add some smaller three point attachments in the future. This is generally a more capable machine than a 2305. My 2320 has no problem powering a 62D mower deck through about any type finished grass. I mow in A range, which is pretty fast and it is one smooth machine. One other small but notable advantage is the lack of a RIO switch. One can thusly mow in reverse without holding up a lever each time or disabling the safety device. To me the RIO is the single most-annoying safety devices ever devised. One caveat: if you look this direction, invest in the dedicated mower lift rather than the three point actuated lift. It makes it much easier to control deck height and such v. the other and is much more convenient.

John M

 

[KB9UDE]

Weight of a 5ft cutter is going to be the main problem. I would think with enough weight on the front end it would handle a 4ft great...

I've had the X748 for over a year now with the 7 Iron and the front blade. Works great! I nearly went with a Z-turn, but I have a 1/4 mile gravel lane to deal with as well. In SW Missouri, we don't get your snow, but last winter was pretty significant and the X748 didn't bat an eye. No weights, no chains. It just motored thru anything.

The drive-over 7 Iron is worth the extra expense. Cut is fantastic and I believe the extra blade speed really helps distribute long clippings well if you should wait too long between cuts. The ease of leaving the deck behind makes front blade work, or whatever else, less likely to be put off till later since it's no hassle and kinda fun to mount and dismount. It also makes it pretty easy to sharpen your blades more regularly, as long as you can lift it up from the front side after you have it off. It's a heavy duty mother!

I put on the 3 pt and the PTO with the intent of getting a tiller and a box blade. I have not done that yet. It is true. I believe they must use quite a bit of 24 karat gold in there somewhere. Therefore, I'm holding off for a good find on the implements.

Anybody have any idea how well this machine might handle a 4' Bush Hog (rotary cutter)? Of course the dealer says it wouldn't be a problem. Heck, how about a 5 footer? He says that would be too much.

 

[ChuckinNH]

Actually, the 42" rotary cutters made for the sub cuts would be the best. They are enough smaller to make a difference in weight. The state here uses many rotary cutters that are smaller than the width of their tractors, and they do miles, and miles of tough cutting. I often wish that is what I bought for size, weight, and the ability to trim a lot more places than I can squeeze my 48" cutter into........ between trees, etc.

 

[arrabil]

To me the RIO is the single most-annoying safety devices ever devised.

I jumpered two wires and never touched it again. I posted it here a few months ago.

 

[LBrown59]

Well there are similiar units in a couple different colors, but
1*no machine matches up to the x700 series exactly for a brand-to-brand comparison. .

1* But it's still just a garden tractor.

The only other GT that matches up to the X700 series is the Simplicity Legacy 2*I'd give JD the edge on ergonomics over the Simplicity built machines, but it isn't a huge difference.

2*Same here.

 

[arrabil]

1* But it's still just a garden tractor.

Did you forget the thread I made that showed it was in the same league as a BX (particularly the lower BXs like the BX15* and BX18*)? Or do you just not want to believe it?