I really like my X540 but I am in the process of increasing my lawn size again ( to about 2 1/2 acres). I have been thinking about selling the 540 and buying a 740 with a 7iron deck. I like the idea of a diesel with its efficiency and longevity. The local dealer who has been great to deal with has one in stock that I have been looking at.
My question is whether to go with the tried and true current style or hold off until the '13's come out. A new style is kind of appealing because, well, it is new. Autoconnect means nothing to me as the mower will stay on. Also the notion of first year bugs has occurred to me (ie 1 series growing pains).
The X is going to be a "dedicated mower"? Nice to have that option,but for how little the effort is to switch out your 2520 for grass cutting,I would think the cost of that X would get you a whole boatload of goodies for your CUT!:thumbup1gif:
Depending on the land the 2520 might be to much tractor for 2 1/2 acres. I would much rather have a X7 series for mowing my 3 acres as the 2305 is a little bigger than I like. It's just the other duties that make the 2305 worth having.
That said I wouldn't be afraid of the new model as JD usually has the tractors pretty close the first year out. Nothing they cant fix anyway. Course if you don't need the auto-connect then you might be able to save some $$$ going with a 2012.
Rich,you may have a point there,especially if there are "obstacles" and it's not a wide open 2-1/2 acres.
In my case, all the grass (about 2 acres) around the house is cut with the 316.
Owning a X728 I'm biased. My 728 is a workhorse and takes everything I throw at it. Even being a JD, I'm sure the "new" 2013s will have some bugs to work out...
Ron,
If you can make a deal you are satisfied with I would do it. I have had good luck so far with my x749 and recommend the 700 series. Since you have the 2305 I think the 740 would be an ideal choice.
Thanks for the input guys. To answer a few of the questions:
1) I originally decided against a MMM on the 2520 because of the type of lot (trees, shrubs, flower beds, etc). I tried my brother's B2920 with a MMM which solidified my decision. The X540 with its 54" deck is quicker at getting the job done and the cut is just as good.
2) I have R4s on the 2520 ... not the best for a lawn that is a bit wet in some spots.
3) My son may be moving into my general neighbourhood. If I had the X740, a blower on the front might help with his 400' driveway during the winter. Future thinking. :laugh:
I still haven't landed on a '12 or '13. Like I said before, the new style is desireable but the current model is bullet proof from what I hear. And maybe I should haul my horns in and be satisfied with the X540 as it is a real nice unit. But borrowing a line from Apocolypse Now ..."there is nothing like the smell of napalm in the morning" or in this case diesel fumes. :mocking:
Has anybody found any more info on the 2013s? I went to Deere's website and requested literature but nothing has arrived as yet. I have rumours that they are lighter, cheaper, etc but nothing factual.
Purchased a new JD zero turn this year and wish I had done a few years ago, was using a 445 before and the zero turn took at least 2 hours off the cutting time. Try one and you won't know how you got along without it.....just my 2 cents worth
If I was in a situation to purchase a new machine purely for mowing I'd look at a zero turn too. Had a loaner while my tractor was in the shop and absolutely loved it. It was the Z720 with a 7 Iron. What a machine.
Pretty well decided on a 2012. I like the idea of tried and true. I also like the fact that the 2012s are beefier. I do like the looks of the '13s but the '12s are nice as well.
Just about ready to pull the trigger on a 2012. Did some research and did not like what I was hearing on the 2013's. Got a price all agreed upon but now the salesman says that he can't put HDAPs on it although that is what we originally agreed to. Seems like he should be able to cover the tires.
Got home tonight to find the X740 delivered. I mowed for about 20 minutes just to try it out. First impressions: smooth ride, nice cut, quieter than I had expected and very little vibration. I am going to like this tractor. :thumbup1gif:
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