New Mower Advice

[sschradle]

I just bought some property that has some significant hills on it. My Craftsman mows it, but I know that K46 trans-axle isn't going to last. I've been looking at a lot of Deere's because they hold their value FOREVER, and power steering, hydro lift, etc is nice. I can't invest in a brand new one right now, so I'm looking used. I want something with either the K71 or K92 tans-axle so I don't have to worry about it hauling my fat carcass up those hills and being able to handle attachments would be nice. I've used my buddy's 445 and that is a sweet machine! So I've been looking at 345's, 445's, ect. and recently realized that you can get into the x series for about the same money. So I'm looking for some advice. If the money is close which would you choose, the 400 series or the X series? Are the new X's built as well as the old? Thanks.

 

[Nwatson99]

I just bought some property that has some significant hills on it. My Craftsman mows it, but I know that K46 trans-axle isn't going to last. I've been looking at a lot of Deere's because they hold their value FOREVER, and power steering, hydro lift, etc is nice. I can't invest in a brand new one right now, so I'm looking used. I want something with either the K71 or K92 tans-axle so I don't have to worry about it hauling my fat carcass up those hills and being able to handle attachments would be nice. I've used my buddy's 445 and that is a sweet machine! So I've been looking at 345's, 445's, ect. and recently realized that you can get into the x series for about the same money. So I'm looking for some advice. If the money is close which would you choose, the 400 series or the X series? Are the new X's built as well as the old? Thanks.

Listen for $2000 to $2500 more you can get a commercial ZT mower and yes personally with the comment of the significant hills I would be looking into the X 700 series.
Before I answer you more in depth, you say hills well tell us about them, can you post a photo of them, you being in MN I was in-visioning rolling knobs. LOL

 

[sschradle]

This is what I probably should have.
Ventrac - Advantages: Slope Mowing
Actually, I'd love one! They are spendy though. I think the one in the video with duals is about $23,000.

The hills are steep enough that I usually spin out if I try to go up them & over power the rear end if I go down. I can mow them sideways if I lean out on the up hill side. A co-worker of mine had the same type of terrain and he actually broke out the center of the rear wheel on his MTD mowing sideways. Granted, MTD.....

I'll either try to get some pictures tonight, or some measurements.

 

[Nwatson99]

This is what I probably should have.
Ventrac - Advantages: Slope Mowing
Actually, I'd love one! They are spendy though. I think the one in the video with duals is about $23,000.

The hills are steep enough that I usually spin out if I try to go up them & over power the rear end if I go down. I can mow them sideways if I lean out on the up hill side. A co-worker of mine had the same type of terrain and he actually broke out the center of the rear wheel on his MTD mowing sideways. Granted, MTD.....

I'll either try to get some pictures tonight, or some measurements.

Thanks for the info and if you are thinking you really need a ventrac then I am saying right now you DO NOT want to purchase a zero turn mower then, so take them off the table.
How much acreage do you have and mowing?

 

[sschradle]

Yeah, I like the idea of zero turns, but based on input from folks like yourself I've ruled them out. I don't have a ton of grass, probably 2 acres. I've got a 54" deck now and that's plenty big. I know some of the bigger tractors have 60" which would be fine too, but I don't think I need anything wider than that.

Do you know why the newer x series (used) don't go for much more than the older 400 series? That kinda surprised me. I figured they'd be considerably more.

Heres a 445 http://www.tractorhouse.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=8678639

and a x485 http://www.tractorhouse.com/list/li...x=exact&bcatid=464&Pref=0&scf=false&HDROR=asc

Pretty comparable from what I can see, but I'm pretty new to researching JD mowers. I was looking at 435s, 445s, etc. But based on this I've started looking into the X series more. What are your thoughts there?

 

[Nwatson99]

Well again from your response on the hills me personally if I was looking at the X series mower I would be looking into the AWD which I think it is the X738 and it might be the safest bet for you.
One more question, do you mow up and down or are you mowing horizontal on your hills?

 

[Shughes717]

Have you considered the husqvarna wad r322t? Should handle hills great and has a front mount deck.

 

[sschradle]

Well again from your response on the hills me personally if I was looking at the X series mower I would be looking into the AWD which I think it is the X738 and it might be the safest bet for you.
One more question, do you mow up and down or are you mowing horizontal on your hills?

A little of all three, but horizontal works the best. Though it probably isn't the safest.

 

[sschradle]

Have you considered the husqvarna wad r322t? Should handle hills great and has a front mount deck.

Oh, that thing is interesting. Thanks for point that out! I'll definitely check into those.

 

[Shughes717]

Let us know what you went with. Very interested to see how the brands handle different terrain. Just noticed I misspelled awd. I hate the auto spell check on these iPads lol.