I pick up a new to me X758 this past weekend to replace my former 445. The big thing I was looking for was an AWD drive model, but it didn’t necessarily have to be such a new model. I was content with either an X728 or an X748, but it was hard to pass up the deal. It’s a 2017 model with about 150hrs, 54HC deck, 54” plow, wheel weights, suitcase weights, and click n’ go weight bracket. Still has 2 years of factory warranty remaining.
I got a chance to get it out and cut fields for about 3 hours on Saturday. The 445 I had was no slouch, I was very happy with that machine, but this x758 just blows it away in most ways. The biggest thing I noticed was the difference in power. While the 445 w/ the HD 60 had no problem cutting 1.5-2’ tall grass, you could definitely hear the pitch of the engine and the mower change as it was being worked, and you would have to decrease ground speed. With the X758 it just went right through 1.5’ tall grass without the engine ever sounding like it was working and with only a minimal decrease in ground speed. It felt like it was cutting 3” tall grass. The 54HC deck even left an excellent cut after 1 pass. Typically, with the HD60 I would have to make two passes to get it all level. Overall, I thought the 54HC deck left a beautiful cut, and I was satisfied with the cut the HD60 left. I did have to stop at least twice to clean the radiator screen out. I kept keeping an eye on the temp bar on the gauge and once it hit 4 bars I knew it was time to clean it. It’s amazing how much air that engine pulls compared to the 445. Fuel economy seems to be good, although the gauge seems pretty sensitive as at one point it was flashing that I was low on fuel after only about 2 hours of cutting and I had filled it full prior to starting. I’ll have to refill the tank and see how much it takes to see how accurate the gauge is. Once I got back on level ground then it showed there being more in the tank.
Thoughts...
I like the cut the 54HC gives but having the 60HC would be better because of the extra width. I’m almost hesitant to go with a 60HC though since I’m pretty happy with the cut on the 54HC, and I can also move a lot faster on this tractor than I could with the 445 and still achieve an excellent cut. The HC decks definitely cause more clippings to end up on the tractor though compared to the HD60. I noticed build up of small clippings on the right rear wheel, on the fender pan and under the floor boards of the X758 that wouldn’t easily come off with a leaf blower. I think if the deflector on the deck had a rear lip and wasn’t just open than that might solve the issue. It sure is nice though to be able to quickly uninstall/reinstall the deck to clean it out after mowing.
I like the new X series seat, I just need to order some arm rests for it. Any thoughts on the air ride seat upgrade? Armrests are two hundred. Without buying those and then selling my old seat, it would probably only cost me a couple hundred to upgrade to the air ride. I like the air ride in my 3039r, but it may not be worth it on the X758.
While I love diesels, I’ve never been a fan of how JD sets the exhaust up to exit on the lower front of the machines. This just makes exhaust blow back in your face and your constantly breathing it. I may seriously look at fabbing some sort of vertical exhaust. I’m going to install a 45 degree silicone elbow in the meantime to see if I can direct it right out to the side. We’ll see how that works.
I already went ahead and ordered the 3 point, and the conversion kit was delivered yesterday. It’s unfortunate how the install isn’t as simple as the old 445 was, but it doesn’t seem like it’s too terrible.
I've got a few other upgrades in mind like the front deck roller and front fenders.
I got a chance to get it out and cut fields for about 3 hours on Saturday. The 445 I had was no slouch, I was very happy with that machine, but this x758 just blows it away in most ways. The biggest thing I noticed was the difference in power. While the 445 w/ the HD 60 had no problem cutting 1.5-2’ tall grass, you could definitely hear the pitch of the engine and the mower change as it was being worked, and you would have to decrease ground speed. With the X758 it just went right through 1.5’ tall grass without the engine ever sounding like it was working and with only a minimal decrease in ground speed. It felt like it was cutting 3” tall grass. The 54HC deck even left an excellent cut after 1 pass. Typically, with the HD60 I would have to make two passes to get it all level. Overall, I thought the 54HC deck left a beautiful cut, and I was satisfied with the cut the HD60 left. I did have to stop at least twice to clean the radiator screen out. I kept keeping an eye on the temp bar on the gauge and once it hit 4 bars I knew it was time to clean it. It’s amazing how much air that engine pulls compared to the 445. Fuel economy seems to be good, although the gauge seems pretty sensitive as at one point it was flashing that I was low on fuel after only about 2 hours of cutting and I had filled it full prior to starting. I’ll have to refill the tank and see how much it takes to see how accurate the gauge is. Once I got back on level ground then it showed there being more in the tank.
Thoughts...
I like the cut the 54HC gives but having the 60HC would be better because of the extra width. I’m almost hesitant to go with a 60HC though since I’m pretty happy with the cut on the 54HC, and I can also move a lot faster on this tractor than I could with the 445 and still achieve an excellent cut. The HC decks definitely cause more clippings to end up on the tractor though compared to the HD60. I noticed build up of small clippings on the right rear wheel, on the fender pan and under the floor boards of the X758 that wouldn’t easily come off with a leaf blower. I think if the deflector on the deck had a rear lip and wasn’t just open than that might solve the issue. It sure is nice though to be able to quickly uninstall/reinstall the deck to clean it out after mowing.
I like the new X series seat, I just need to order some arm rests for it. Any thoughts on the air ride seat upgrade? Armrests are two hundred. Without buying those and then selling my old seat, it would probably only cost me a couple hundred to upgrade to the air ride. I like the air ride in my 3039r, but it may not be worth it on the X758.
While I love diesels, I’ve never been a fan of how JD sets the exhaust up to exit on the lower front of the machines. This just makes exhaust blow back in your face and your constantly breathing it. I may seriously look at fabbing some sort of vertical exhaust. I’m going to install a 45 degree silicone elbow in the meantime to see if I can direct it right out to the side. We’ll see how that works.
I already went ahead and ordered the 3 point, and the conversion kit was delivered yesterday. It’s unfortunate how the install isn’t as simple as the old 445 was, but it doesn’t seem like it’s too terrible.
I've got a few other upgrades in mind like the front deck roller and front fenders.