X748SE after X540 - Awesome!

[CCL]

I'm a new registered user on TBN, but have been lurking around for a while...

Took delivery of a X748SE/62C today, replacing the X540/54 we've had for just about a year. The X540 was better than the JD185 we had previously, but I wasn't real happy with the 540's ride, the ergonomics and seat comfort, and especially the way it sucked gasoline like no tomorrow (not too surprising I guess - 27 hp from gasoline has to have a price). My wife mows about 7 acres including the pasture maintenance, and she'd burn through 5 - 7 gal each mowing.

Haven't had much time yet on the 748, but so far, I can't think of anything better for mowing the area we have. The air suspension seat is fully adjustable, comfortable, and great on our fairly rough terrain. The Yanmar's very quiet and smooth-running compared to the 540 v-twin, with a pleasant "thrum-thrum-thrum" sound with the 62C engaged. I'm expecting a big fuel consumption bonus over gas - plus, we get off-road diesel for about the same or less than regular gas. The hydraulic lift controls are much better than the 540's and the extra ports will allow a front blade hook-up this winter when the snow flies again.

Anyway, looking forward to updating you all as we (or Jan) puts in more seat time. On first impression though, this is an awesome machine!!

 

[two_bit_score]

Welcome to TBN as an owner and contributor instead of a lurker!

Looks like a great machine. What part of the world are you in?

 

[CCL]

Yeah, I should feel bad about sneaking around stealing everyone's input. It's been real helpful for me though

I'm in western Wisconsin, St Croix county, about 40 miles east of St Paul MN. (guess I should fill in some of my profile info....)

Thanks for the greeting!

 

[mjncad]

Welcome and that's a nice new toy you've got there.

 

[Runner]

CC,

Welcome to the party.

I am extremely jealous of your air-ride seat.....

Best of luck with your new machine!

 

[grohbrian]

Nice machine you have there!!

 

[LBrown59]

I'm a new registered user on TBN, but have been lurking around for a while...

Took delivery of a X748SE/62C today, replacing the X540/54 we've had for just about a year. The X540 was better than the JD185 we had previously, but I wasn't real happy with the 540's ride, the ergonomics and seat comfort, and especially the way it sucked gasoline like no tomorrow (not too surprising I guess - 27 hp from gasoline has to have a price). My wife mows about 7 acres including the pasture maintenance, and she'd burn through 5 - 7 gal each mowing.

Haven't had much time yet on the 748, but so far, I can't think of anything better for mowing the area we have. The air suspension seat is fully adjustable, comfortable, and great on our fairly rough terrain. The Yanmar's very quiet and smooth-running compared to the 540 v-twin, with a pleasant "thrum-thrum-thrum" sound with the 62C engaged.
*I'm expecting a big fuel consumption bonus over gas - plus, we get off-road diesel for about the same or less than regular gas. The hydraulic lift controls are much better than the 540's and the extra ports will allow a front blade hook-up this winter when the snow flies again.

Anyway, looking forward to updating you all as we (or Jan) puts in more seat time. On first impression though, this is an awesome machine!!

I experienced this when i switched from a CC gas to a BX1500 diesal

 

[manganos]

Nice PUMA's!!!!!

 

[CCL]

@ manganos - stylish, don'tcha think? Pants legs maybe a little short though.....

First long mowing session planned for tomorrow so I heard.

 

[CCL]

@ LB59 - how 'bout that diesel efficiency? Ya go to UK or most anywhere in EU and you'll have a bit of trouble finding a 'petrol' auto - a Brit friend drives a BMW 320D (not available in US), gets equivalent of 60 mpg every tank. And we're ecstatic to see 45 from our gas hybrids here. Bring on the low-sulphur diesel hybrids - soon!!!

Sorry, got off topic there....

 

[Scooby074]

Nice machine!!

Im a new owner of a x540. So far its been great.. I drooled over the x700's at the dealer.. Maybe next year ill upgrade too

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Nice machine and welcome to the forum.

 

[LBrown59]

And we're ecstatic to see 45 from our gas hybrids.
..

I'd like to see Diesel hybrids instead of gas hybrids.

 

[mjncad]

I'd like to see Diesel hybrids instead of gas hybrids.

I won't swear to it; but they might be available in Europe.

 

[CCL]

I won't swear to it; but they might be available in Europe.

MB E300, VW Golf, Porsche Cayenne(!) all available in EU next year; Nissan, Citreon, and a few more in the works. A diesel-hybrid Chevy Volt's rumored, but a long ways off. These will be SO expensive though, so doubt we'll see much here in US for awhile. But - if it raises awareness and acceptance of diesel non-hybrids here it's a good thing. 60 mpg in your Jetta TDI is a pretty good start for economy and lower c-footprint, and you can buy one today.

 

[mjncad]

A diesel-hybrid Chevy Volt's rumored, but a long ways off.

Heck the gas engine version of the Volt has been a GM wet-dream for years now, and it still isn't out; though GM says its close. Where have we heard that before from them?

 

[ChuckinNH]

To the original post, I am very curious about how this upgrade goes, and would like input, and updates from others with the X700 series.

 

[Retired Iron Peddler]

To the original post, I am very curious about how this upgrade goes, and would like input, and updates from others with the X700 series.

Yep, me too. I'm considering a JD X740. I'm not spending my money on another gasoline powered lawn tractor.

Bill

 

[CCL]

Ok sorry, back on topic......

Jan did the yard and one pasture last week between thunderstorms - finished in ~4.2 hrs and used ~1/2 tank (~3.2 gal) off-road diesel ($2.65/gal). The x540/54 would have taken at least 6 hrs, and used ~1 1/2 tanks (~7.5 gal) regular gas ($2.79/gal). She's very pleased with the x748's lack of vibration and smooth ride - the air seat and big tires really help out on neck & back strain.

Jan's comments: hydro pedals VERY stiff ('course we're spoiled by the 4720 e-Hydro), and it's BIG - taking some practice to get in & out of the barn. Otherwise, maneuverable, tight-turning, quiet, and she didn't have to mess with stopping to refill the tank (diesel smell on the hands might be a future complaint....)

Got my turn yesterday.....

After outwitting the seat interlock and RIO, spent ~2.5 hrs & ~1/3 tank off-road fuel along our gravel road plowing through weeds on steep, rough ditch slopes. Mowed these ditches a few times with the 4720/MX-5 - the slope tilt factor is really scary, and I didn't feel comfortable doing it again. The x748/62c took it down, all 18" - 32" tall of it, but needed two passes - deck lift up and then at normal 3" cut. Yeah I know, this is more than the Yanmar & mower are designed to handle - it labored a few times and engine temp crept up, but slowing down and backing up occasionally to clear grass out the chute helped. The cut ended up clean and uniform (for a ditch). The x748 was a breeze here - never felt any hint of instability, and was easy to shift weight uphill, though the armrest brackets poked the back a lot. AWD and the HDAP tires maintained traction at all travel orientations uphill, downhill, diagonally cross-slope. Did notice when starting up from stopped in a hole or with the front turned sharp to either side, the hydro surged a bit and seemed to hesitate to get moving (again, used to the 4720 MFWD that won't stop for anything). The x540/54 was a good machine, but couldn't do this job, even with shorter grass/weeds - it hung up repeatedly on ruts and had trouble with the steeper side-slopes, even with the diff locked.

Next ran the fence perimeters to clear weeds and grass from the lower wires. The x748/62c was great here - low deck profile, sharp turning radius and extended cut out to the very edge of the left side let me get under the low bottom wire without snagging anything. Even loaded up some fence tools and drove down to hook up the temp cow electric - my own one-person Gator!

My comments: hydro pedals ARE very stiff - like leg-cramping stiff. Have to look into if maybe there's a spring adjustment or something. Seems a perfect application for e-Hydro - too expensive probably, but this is a premium machine, and the pedal force is really annoying. Hydro pedals are too close together - my boots hang up between forward & reverse. The radiator air intake screens are low, at the base of the steering/engine cowl, so they get clogged up with grass real fast - easy enough to just brush off by hand, and the temp gauge tells you when you need to, but not the best arrangement.

Now, please don't think I'm a zealot here......I'll report any and all shortcomings as they come up. So far though, the 748SE's supremely comfortable ergonomically, fuel efficient, quiet, and does exactly the jobs we need it to do in superb fashion.

 

[KennedyDiesel]

I find it neat to refernce the hour meter to gallons used. I would expect around 1/2 gallon per hour for most light use once broken in. You'd reall have to lean on it to use a gallon per hour. This is based on my 1996 model 455. Finally changed the mower belt last week after 15 or so years. Bearing in the laternator has been the only other major repair aside from battery 2 or 3 times and general maintenance...

I've often considered trading up as that is my normal course of action, but my compact little 455 is so sweet. Sure I'd like to steer equally in both directions and a better mower cut would be nice, but the frame size and wheelbase make it such a nice machine.