[StukaJU87]

Hello, not only am I new here but I am new to JD in general, as the x758 will be my first experience with JD.

I mow around 4 acres of varying terrain and occasionally push some snow. I have been nursing a Craftsman GT along for the past 8 years and last fall, after discovering cracks in the frame, I was finally able to convince the wife that we needed a bigger and better mower.

After about 3 hours of looking at a x738 and x758 at a dealer, I decided on the x758 with a 60” mowing deck and a 54” plow. I was told to try the plow without weights first before investing money into weights, (I like food).

Got home and started reading up on the x758 and discoverd JD makes a 60” snow blade for the x700 series. Called dealer back and switched to 60” plow. Dealer will call to setup delivery date when new plow arrives.

My question is, Would I need weights in the back with the 60” plow and if so, how much weight would I need?

Dealer said 54” plow weighs 50lbs and 60” weighs 137lbs. Anyone know if that is correct or why the extra 6” would almost triple the weight?

I am sure there will be more questions down the road but since I have no idea what I have gotten myself into, we will start here. Lol

 

[Gizmo2]

Welcome to GTT.
Where do you live and how much snow do you get/at one time.
Maybe you can add your location to your profile?

 

[X758]

Welcome. Every one here will tell you yes you need weights. I agree. If you are financing the tractor for zero percent include them in the order.

 

[CJadamec]

I plan on making a 300lbs ballast weight for the rear of my x738 this summer. You can get by with no added weight most times but in general it works better with something hanging on the rear for snow stuff.

Congrats on the x758 it's a great machine.

 

[etcallhome]

Welcome to GTT.
Where do you live and how much snow do you get/at one time.
Maybe you can add your location to your profile?

Showed Indiana, if you go over his username with your pointer using your pc.

 

[SulleyBear]

Welcome and congratulations on your purchase. The x758 is an outstanding machine and the premier lawn and garden tractor in it's class.

For years, I have plowed snow with the 455, which is the 2wd predecessor of the x7xx series. Personally, I found the rear weight bracket and 4 of the 42# suitcase weights dramatically improved the machines balance and ability to push nearly any amount of snow.

While the machine will push snow without the weights, its a much better steering and machine balance when using the rear counter weights. In times of very wet and heavy snow, I would hang an additional 2 of the 42# suitcase weights on the outside of the rear weight bracket.

Counter weight for rear ballast on the rear of the machine is different than weight on the seat of the machine. Just as the plow hangs ahead of the front axle, the rear counter weight hangs behind the rear axle. This provides machine balance which makes the entire operation improved. Better steering, better snow pushing, better traction and less wear and tear on the machine. Balance is very important in achieving the ideal performance of this and any small tractor.

Purchase the rear weight bracket and a minimum of 4 of the 42# weights. You shouldn't need more than 6 of the 42# suitcase weights. They should be about $60 to $65 per weight plus the cost of the rear weight bracket, which you need to safely and correctly carry the rear weight. I believe your x758 will offer a "Click N GO" rear weight bracket, which is designed for your machine. That's the weight bracket I would use knowing what I do about the machines.

Also, I would strongly suggest going with the rubber plow edge on the plow for snow clearing. It does a much better job, prevents wear on the plow and driveway damage and it cleans like a squeegee when used correctly. You can have the dealer upgrade the plow edge to the rubber, or you can do it once you get the plow home.

While you can make the rubber edge from a variety of material, personally, I don't like the horse mat material with the reinforcement threads in the rubber, which many use verses paying more for the correct rubber edge. I prefer the smooth rubber, intended to be used for the plow scraper edge.

Again, congratulations on a very wise purchase and welcome to GTT.

 

[SulleyBear]

Hello, not only am I new here but I am new to JD in general, as the x758 will be my first experience with JD.

I mow around 4 acres of varying terrain and occasionally push some snow. I have been nursing a Craftsman GT along for the past 8 years and last fall, after discovering cracks in the frame, I was finally able to convince the wife that we needed a bigger and better mower.

After about 3 hours of looking at a x738 and x758 at a dealer, I decided on the x758 with a 60” mowing deck and a 54” plow. I was told to try the plow without weights first before investing money into weights, (I like food).

Got home and started reading up on the x758 and discoverd JD makes a 60” snow blade for the x700 series. Called dealer back and switched to 60” plow. Dealer will call to setup delivery date when new plow arrives.

My question is, Would I need weights in the back with the 60” plow and if so, how much weight would I need?

Dealer said 54” plow weighs 50lbs and 60” weighs 137lbs. Anyone know if that is correct or why the extra 6” would almost triple the weight?

I am sure there will be more questions down the road but since I have no idea what I have gotten myself into, we will start here. Lol

The 54" plow weighs more than 50 pounds, I would put it closer to 65 pounds set up with the shoes, plow edge, etc. 137 for the 60" seems high to me, I would guess from use its probably 80 pounds at the most..............

Now, when you include the front quick tach hitch with the angling cylinder and mounts, the weight is likely 130 to 135 for the 54" as that front hitch weighs 60 or 70 pounds as well.


I would estimate the plow and quik tach hitch mounted with the angling cylinder and hydraulic hoses, add 130 to 150 pounds to the front of the tractor when hanging on the front of the machine.

I do know it seems to get heavier each year........

 

[Gizmo2]

Showed Indiana, if you go over his username with your pointer using your pc.

I did that first thing. Either he added it or I missed it. It was early.

 

[kennell]

Welcome. Every one here will tell you yes you need weights. I agree. If you are financing the tractor for zero percent include them in the order. View attachment 780597

Welcome to GTT. Great bunch of Guys and Gals here to help you. You are going to find a huge difference between a Crapsman and a X758. I love wheel weights and loaded tires as they smooth out the ride mowing and lower your center of gravity. ( i have a lot of hills) But for plowing with my X748 i still add 6 42lb weights to the back. The weight means you don't need chains and you can back out of anywhere. Congrats on the new tractor. Your going to love it. Kent

 

[Mackford13]

Welcome from Wisconsin & as stated by the guys on here you will need some weight on the back. Congrats on your new toy.

 

[driveshaft]

Welcome from mid Michigan what they said

 

[Kbar]

Very nice rig you’re getting. Congrats and welcome to GTT

 

[x738]

I think the weight question depends on the amount and type o snow you get, and how patient you are pushing it.

I plow with 54" blade on a x738 (gas engine version of x758).
No weights. No chains. Sometimes take a partial blade width because the snow falls over the top of the blade ... not because the combo won't push through.

Otoh, better to have and not need than need and not have.

In my case I still have/use a walk behind blower for a sidewalk area that the tractor/blade won't fit into. We are at a new property/area that gets lake effect snow, and considered the walk behind to be a (at least temporary) backup plan if the unweighted tractor/blade combo couldn't get the job done.

After the first winter, no plans to change the equipment line-up.

I've plowed snow with a full-size TLB and with farm tractor/back blade combos. I'm quite impressed with what this GT/blade combo can do.

 

[SulleyBear]

The real benefit of the rear weight is when there is ice on the pavement, especially if your drive isn't flat. The added weight improves traction dramatically.

One thing is certain, while you can plow most snow conditions without the added weight, there will be some snow conditions which will be very difficult without the extra weight. Personally, I prefer to avoid problems and having the weight will avoid problems you will likely encounter at some point.

The heavier the snow, the more weight needed to push it easily and consistently. Add in icy conditions with heavy snow and you will wish you had the weight if you don't have it.

 

[robwheeler]

Welcome from NW SD.

rob

 

[glc]

Welcome to GTT

 

[StukaJU87]

Thanks for the warm welcome and advice.

I agree with the better to have it than not idea, unfortunately the x758 and plow is already 4 times more than I was planning to spend. The dealer quoted the rear weight bracket at $175 and the 42lb suitcase weights at $85 a piece. That would make the bracket with 6 weights around $700. I’d love to roll it all into the financing together but the x758/blade combo already has me maxed on a monthly payment.

I have tire weights for the Crapsman I never used, still in the boxes. If I can’t swing the bracket and weights before this winter, I might just get the bracket and try to hang those tire weights. Thoughts?

Also, does JD ever run deals or discounts on weights and brackets? Lol

 

[goforit]

Weight is weight, while the Deere bracket and weights may be the most elegant solution it certainly isn’t the cheapest. I’ve seen many pictures of guys using other brand weights, home gym weights, concrete, you name it, if it’s dense and is securely mounted it’ll serve the purpose. I have an x740 (2wd diesel) with the 54” plow and I use a fabricated bracket and 6 suitcase weights. I bought 2 of the weights this past winter from my local Deere dealer for $48 each, generic off brand but the same dimensions as my Deere 42 lb weights. The rear weight made a noticeable improvement in traction for me, but with mine being a 2wd machine the effect won’t be as much on yours.

 

[X758er]

Welcome from the Great Northwest...
Another x758er!
A great machine for sure ....great snow pusher....with or without weights!

 

[CJadamec]

Weight is weight, while the Deere bracket and weights may be the most elegant solution it certainly isn’t the cheapest. I’ve seen many pictures of guys using other brand weights, home gym weights, concrete, you name it, if it’s dense and is securely mounted it’ll serve the purpose. I have an x740 (2wd diesel) with the 54” plow and I use a fabricated bracket and 6 suitcase weights. I bought 2 of the weights this past winter from my local Deere dealer for $48 each, generic off brand but the same dimensions as my Deere 42 lb weights. The rear weight made a noticeable improvement in traction for me, but with mine being a 2wd machine the effect won’t be as much on yours.

I couldn't agree more. Ballast weight is just something that is heavy attached to the tractor. I never got any of the suitcase weights always figured I would just use what I had when I needed it. It's not always pretty looking but weight is weight.