I recently moved to a larger property (3 acres) and have found that my x590 is having a little trouble keeping up mowing with the hills and especially in the winters with the snowblower and a long hilly driveway (I live in MN).
From what I've read so far is that there are mixed opinions regarding the step up in snowblower performance between the x5 and x7 series? I am was actually hoping that the x7 would be a little beefier than what I've got now. My location gets some pretty bad drifting and it's not uncommon for a 3-5" of snow to develop into 2-3 foot drifts.
One of the issues I have had is the belt drive system, I think I mentioned that my first blower snapped the belt 3 times before the dealer actually warranted out the whole thing due to what they called a "misaligned weld that caused undue friction. Well my new one now started slipping the second time I used it, no mistaking the smell of burning belt. And it would intermittently drop power, only throwing the snow 3-5 feet before catching up and tossing it a normal 15-20 feet.
And I'm not abusing it by any means, going slow, only biting off 30% at a time.
Another question I had is that some of my shallower hills I can only traverse sideways due to a fence that rides along the top of the hill, will a 7 series tip easier than 5 series? Right now the 590 does pretty good with those, I don't have to hang off the side to keep upright and I'm hoping the 7's would have the same low center of gravity.
Thanks again for the advice and sorry for so many questions.
I am trying to get to the core of your problems, so I edited out anything other than a specific problem or question about the differences.
The x738 is a good machine, but if you are going to spend the money, spend a little more and get the diesel engine in the x758. The power and torque difference to handle the snow blowing duties is noticable. Not to mention the x758 Yanmar will burn about 1/3rd less fuel than the x738.
The x7xx machine is a dramatic increase over the x5xx. The x7xx has long been the gold standard in Lawn and Garden Tractors. It's power, design, weight and capabilities make it an
excellent machine. Clearly, the best in it's class. I own the 455 which is a predecessor to the x758, both diesel powered with the Yanmar. The diesel is worth the upgrade in price. It makes a great machine,
OUTSTANDING.
The x5xx is a good machine for smaller lawns and average tasks. Smaller lawns being probably 1.5 acres and under. Some mow 5 acres with one where others are unhappy mowing 1/2 acre so to each their own.
Reading your posts, I am not sure other than the snow duties and the belt drive blower difficulties and your comment about "little trouble keeping up mowing the hills" I am not sure what you are looking to gain, SPECIFICALLY.
Will the X738 or x758 be more stable on the hills than your current tractor? It's a heavier machine and the center of gravity is similar, so it should be a little better. If you have hills where you might need to sit on the fender well to provide the machine balance, that concerns me. One wrong move and you can have a major issue. Tractor rollover accidents are bad, if you aren't killed, you might be paralyzed and frankly, if the hills are that steep, I would be mowing them in a different direction or with a zero turn mower or paying someone else to mow them.
Personally, I am NOT a fan of belt drive snow blowers when compared to a properly set up shaft driven blower. I have used a 47" shaft driven blower for years and had very few issues. I have replaced the chain once or twice and I have broken shear pins and even bent the impeller auger blades and had to straighten those, but I also have used my snow blower for probably 700 to 900 hours of use, so the problems relative to the time used are minuscule. Yes, you have to grease them and keep the chain lubricated, but its no big deal. Screwing with ONE belt is more time than I have spent on repairs (other than bending my impeller auger blades and I have no idea how I did that).
Bottom line is for the money this change is costing you, I am not sure exactly if your concerns are being fully addressed.
- Is the x7xx heavier? Yes.
- Should it mow well on the side hills? Depends upon the turf conditions, the hill, the operator and a bunch of other stuff. I can't imagine the x7xx would be any LESS stable........
- Will it handle the snow better? I know the x758 will. The x738 isn't much of a change in engine / PTO torque compared to the x5xx.
- Will a shaft driven blower handle the snow better than a belt driven blower? It should. There is less chance for parasitic loss with belts slipping, etc.
- Wet, heavy snow, like that at the end of the driveway where the road snow is thrown is always tough to deal with. It's already been compacted and that makes it harder to blow through any blower.
- Personally, I own both a plow blade and the blower. There are times when one is better than the other and with the x7xx front quick hitch, the switching between the two is very easy. It really is best to have both to give you the most options. Plus you always have a back up if you have a problem with the blower, etc
As far as trading verses selling outright, no question the trade is going to take a hunk out of you. But dealing with idiots is also time consuming and frustrating and in the meantime, if you have a loan, you are going to have two payments. Plus some might not want to buy your entire equipment and you will end up piece mealing the entire matter.
I have to be honest, I am so sick of dealing with idiots and lazy people who don't show up, I wouldn't want to sell it myself.
I am not sure exactly what you feel you need to upgrade and what you are seeking to gain.
As far as considering the 1 series, as someone who owns one, I can say I wouldn't bother unless you want the FEL portion or the 3 point hitch. If your goal is to simply mow grass and blow snow, I would stay with the x758...........
I know more people who have traded from x5xx to x7xx and most were very happy in the end. I also know some who went from the x5xx to the 1 series and they were happy is getting the fEL and 3 point hitch was their goal.
The 1 series is a mediocre mower in my opinion. I didn't even bother to buy the MMM for my 1 series and I bought a commercial zero turn instead. I couldn't be happier. But the zero turn won't handle snow so I use my 1 series for that.
I would hate to see you lose $7,000 on a trade deal and not be happy. I would ask the dealer if they have an x7xx you could mow with before you buy one. Then you will know how it mows. If you are happy with how the x738 mows, you will be ecstatic how the x758 mows.
The final word about snow removal. Heavy wet snow is tough to deal with. It plows heavy, its tough to blow, its hard on parts. Will an x7xx blow snow better than the x5xx you have? I have NO DOUBT. Will it solve all the challenges of blowing wet heavy snow, I know it WON'T because wet heavy snow is just tough to deal with.
If I were in your position, I would start out mowing again this season with the x5xx you have. If you are still having trouble mowing the hills, then consider switching. If it goes better than you remember, maybe just keep what you have. I just hate to see people trading machines at such low hours. Its always a sure way to take it in the shorts financially............