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X738/58 or X739?

64K views 229 replies 39 participants last post by  Narrows 
#1 · (Edited)
I had an X758 and foolishly traded it two years ago. It's the one trade/decision that I regret. So I want it (or another x700) back!

I can't decide between an x758, an x738, and an x739.

758 pros: diesel, for all the various reasons, but this is also a con, because...
738 pros: gasoline...will run in any temperature, guaranteed. I've had problems with diesel gelling for the last two years in a row (lots of threads about this, no need to discuss here).
739 pros: above, plus 4WS.

Is there any reason not to get a x739? Are they worse on side slopes than 2WS machines?

Any thoughts?
 
#2 ·
With the problems you have had with diesel, I would go with a gaser.

I kept a Craftsman lawn tractor with the blower as my back-up just reading others having problems with diesel. I haven't had any problems, but nice to know that Craftsman will start. It just eats shear pins.
 
#3 ·
I had all diesels until 2016 when I got a gas gator. The first winter I was very impressed with how well the Gator started even in the coldest temps.
In 2017 I decided to get a garden tractor. Because I had lots of things to mow around I wanted an all wheel steer tractor. Also It was going to be my main snow plow tractor.
I got a x739. I have never regretted the purchase. Most of my property is slopes. I have not had any problems with the X739 on mu sloping property.
 
#4 ·
I've never once driven my x738 and thought to myself man I wish this thing turned tighter.

For me the AWS just doesn't provide enough of a benefit to justify it's cost, loss of ground clearance, and added complication of parts.

As for the diesel or gas thing, it seems like you have you mind set on the gas version. I don't think you can go wrong with either one.

As for cold weather starting just for kicks one morning I went out to my unheated shed where my tractor is and started it up. It was -5 that morning and all I did was sit down and turn the key. It turned over easy and fired right up. Not sure I could ask for more out of it ... well except for maybe an electric heated seat.
 
#7 ·
As for cold weather starting just for kicks one morning I went out to my unheated shed where my tractor is and started it up. It was -5 that morning and all I did was sit down and turn the key. It turned over easy and fired right up. Not sure I could ask for more out of it ... well except for maybe an electric heated seat.
I never had a problem starting in cold weather. The problem was keeping it running. The issues I had were, in the forum, narrowed down to two things: biodiesel or otherwise inferior fuel, and, much more importantly, the location of the first filter (under the floorboard where it gets no ambient heat from the engine). I solved this problem by adding a heater to both preheat and heat that filter while the tractor was running. My dealer also says that the initial filters on tractors with DPFs are finer than the ones on tractors without DPFs, so I'm sure that contributed also. All of the fuel issues I've ever had (first on the 1025 and now on the 2032) revolved around that under-the-floorboard-filter. Anyway, this has all been hashed out, so no need to discuss it further here.
 
#5 ·
I really like the AWS on the 739. My yard is almost all slopes and there are a lot of bushes, trees, and boulders to mow around. The AWS has cut mowing time down because of the tight turns. It will mow around a trashcan in one pass. Is it worth the extra $$$? I guess it depends on the individual, but for me, I'd hate to mow my place without it. This is the last (hopefully) mower I'll have to buy in my life. I think I got the right one.:bigthumb:
 
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#8 ·
I understand the issues with gelling fuel, just be happy you don't have algae in your diesel that is a nightmare to deal with. I spent a number of years on ships as an engineer working on a huge variety of engines both big and small. Contaminated and gelling fuel is just something that comes with diesel fuel.

You could just as easily have contamination or water issues in a gasoline engine. The fuel filter on the gasoline engines also sits out in the cold so it is just a prone to freezing if you have water in the tank. With an EFI engine most of the ethanol issues go away because you no longer have a carburetor but everybody is still overly paranoid about ethanol.

I like stating small gasoline engine in the winter because you don't have any of those pesky glow plugs to worry about. Just turn the key and go.

I'm very happy with the Kawasaki engines in these tractors. I am also very aware of all the things that the small diesels bring to the table. Much like the AWS, I don't think the diesel is worth the extra cost in the x700 series. These gas engines are powerful, have plenty of torque, quiet, low in vibration, easy to start, and surprisingly good on fuel.
 
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#11 · (Edited)
With out chains and 4x4 my 4044M would have a hard time pushing much snow around here. Glad my dogs respect the fence line and yes it is still winter where I live. Snow Winter Freezing Sky Tree
Snow Winter Freezing Sky Geological phenomenon
Our Garden in the last picture is not ready to Rotor-Till yet waiting on the drifts to go away first. Those are our outside rabbit pens in the fenced garden area they are also under snow yet they do real good and have more rabbits all winter long. They have tunnels on the outside pen and inside places to go to. We have other rabbits at the other end of the garden. Snow Winter Bovine Canidae Freezing
Domestic rabbit Hare Rabbits and Hares Rabbit Snowshoe hare
The Camper Shell makes a good underground shelter in the winter when it is covered in snow. We probley have 50-100 rabbits at anyone time. Big or small these tractors are great with 4x4 running gear!
 
#13 ·
I bought a 2013 X739 with 90 hours on it to use as my lawn mower. It came with front and rear pto and 3pt hitch which I thought I would never use as I have a different brand compact tractor to do the "heavy" stuff. Lo and behold in -28 temps this winter my compact tractor's 56" snowblower suffered major failure. Ordered a new green compact with 59" snowblower and am still waiting for delivery (it's been 4 weeks but that's another story). So dealer, in attempting to calm me down says I can use a used 47" snowblower on my X739 til new one comes in. Long story short- I have a 900 ft gravel winding and hilly driveway. We have had 31" of snow since I put that 47" snowblower on my X739 3 weeks ago. Works like a champ! No chains needed with AWS and 4WD and HDAP tires. I am amazed how this thing performs. And it starts immediately in subzero weather unlike my diesel compact that takes a Herculean effort to start when the temps fall below 20 degrees. And I love it for mowing my lawn.
 
#14 ·
I have a 2016 x738 I bought new. At times I wish I had I diesel for better fuel economy when mowing in the summer but don't want to deal with the headache of cold starts in the winter to push snow. Now since I have been planting several trees the last few years I wish I have bought the AWS model. If I plant more trees in the future I may buy a zero turn mower. I will still need the x738 to mow the areas where I can't go with the zero turn (ditches and waste lagoon)
 
#15 ·
I've been using an AWS for better than 25 years now. First a 425 and now an X739. For technical properties (lots of trees, shrubs, acute angles, steep slopes with fences) it can't be beat. And for snow plowing, it is flat out awesome. The HDAPs are incredible in the snow and won't load up (wish they made them for bigger tractors). You can plow sideways if you wish, and won't lose steering when the front end gets light on the snow because you can steer with the rears.

It mows almost as fast as a zero turn too. And far far less trimming with a weed eater.

Towing a trailer; turning it in a tight spot, backing into THE perfect spot for loading/unloading. The AWS is outstanding.

I'm not sure, but I don't think you give up any ground clearance the X739, unless it's due to tire/wheel size. On my ol' faithful 425, the rear turning linkage was down low, which did reduce ground clearance. On the X739 it's above the rear axle. And if you aren't plowing/tilling a garden, it problem doesn't matter anyway.

If you have a straight-line yard with little landscaping to negotiate, maybe it's of little value.

As for diesel, I wanted an X749 to get AWS, AWD, and diesel. But they don't make that combination any more. The diesel thing was mostly just man macho nonsense. The advatages of diesel are torque and fuel consumption . The extra torque might be useful for rototilling or other "heavey pto load" things. Fuel savings will never let you recoup the cost of the engine. It would be valuable to a commercial user or someone with many acres to mow, just to minimizes stopping for refueling. I own a diesel tractor too. It starts good even in the cold because I use Power Service in the fuel and the glow plugs work. It's powerful and has it's place as an earth mover/loader. But diesel for lawn functions - it's not needed. If you need a loader/mower, move up to the 1-series. But, it won't mow like the X739!
 
#16 ·
. If you need a loader/mower, move up to the 1-series. But, it won't mow like the X739!
I made that mistake one too many times. Never again. :)
 
#17 ·
X739 here. If you saw my hillside and where I go you wouldn't worry about slopes. I had a 455AWS and I did like the diesel but I wanted the AWD and AWS so I ended up with the x739. Mine does like it's gas but with the extra upfront cost and diesel being more per gallon it would take quite awhile to start coming out ahead cost wise. No regrets here with the X739.
 
#18 ·
x739 is the clear winner for me. I giggle when ever someone asks what tractor. Everybody immediately weighs in on why their tractor is best. It is great to see so many people happy with their decision.

Why the x739? I started with a one series. I have a very manicured lawn with difficult landscaping to maintain. The 1 series beat the life out of everything. Yes I am particular about scuffs and tire damage. Next I borrowed a 759 for two days. It was significantly better but I did have a lot of back and forth maneuvering. The 739 loaner solved those very small complaints I was having with the 759.

So I ordered a 739. What I love most about the AWS is two things. Snow removal has never been so easy. I didn't take it into consideration how much easier its would be to blow around the curved bolder walls and make adjustments. I never had a complaint with my Deere mounted blowers before. Now that I have 40" of snow under my belt with the 739 I couldn't go back. The other benefit I realized was traction. The AWD version have amazing traction. In snow and ice having the rear wheels articulate really helps with icy scenarios.

I get it. It costs way more. I can't testify that it is worth the money. I can say that if that isn't a constraint it is an amazing feature.

Enjoy your machine.
 
#19 ·
I think the fuel gelling thing is easily dealt with. To me, deciding on diesel vs. gas is personal preference and really comes down to what elements matter to you. Gas is cheaper and somewhat less messy (diesel leaves residue if spilled). The x758 has more torque than the gas engines but not a huge difference. If you have other diesel equipment it might be nice to have consistency. If no other diesel stuff then gas may be better. The main reason for my choice to go with the x758 is that I mow about 7 acres and with the diesel I can get the whole thing done in 4.5 hours on a single tank (~0.85 gal/hr). With the gas engine I'd need to fill up during each mowing (~1.1 gal/hr). The torque for running my powerflow bagger and turning the 54" snowblower was also a factor, though I'm sure a x738 does both happily.

I would never buy the x739 AWS model. Also personal preference. To me the slightly smaller turning radius isn't meaningful, the extra complexity of the steering mechanism is a place for possible failures and I really dislike the look of AWS models when they are turning. But some people love them.

Rob
 
#20 ·
I think the fuel gelling thing is easily dealt with.
That's because on your 2520, all of your fuel related stuff (tank, filters, lines, etc.) are near your engine, where they receive ambient heat. :)
 
#26 ·
Does the X739 have narrower tires than the other X700s? The specs say they are the same (26x12x12) but they look narrower for some reason.
 
#28 ·
I am a fan of my X758. My brother has a X738 and it a great tractor as well. I went with the diesel since I already have other equipment that is diesel and wanted to keep them the same. When its going to be cold, I will cut my regular fuel 50/50 with kerosene and a healthy dose of Power service. I have used more kerosene in the past, just have to add extra ps for lubrication of the fuel pump.

Adam
 
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#35 ·
If I remember right the X739 is 1" wider than the others which would translate to the rear wheels being offset 1/2" out on each side to accommodate the rear wheel steering. That might make the tires look slightly different because of the additional gap between the frame and tire although I doubt I would notice it if not told.
 
#36 ·
My wife accuses me of spending too much time on my iPad looking at Tractor Porn. I don’t dare tell her that the guys are now requesting and swapping Butt Pics of X700 series machines. I surely would enjoy getting my hands and butt on a 739 of my own some day. Day dreaming is free and really doesn’t hurt anything? She did ban me from Craigslist though.
 
#37 ·
JD sells wheel spacers that add a few inches to the stance. However, they cannot be used with the 54HC deck. Dealer didn't even know this.....until I ordered them and they wouldn't work. Had to return them. On my old 425 AWS the spacers were necessary if using chains. Good thing I need don't need chains anymore :)
 
#38 ·
For 5 years I used an x728 with a 54” plow and 54” mower deck, it did a great job on grass and was also great in the winter with 2-4 suitcase weights on the back. I wanted a heated cab so I sold the x728 and went with a 1025r and Mauser cab

I have a FEL mounted plow on the 1025r and the one thing it can do that the x728 can’t do is push snow off the top of a 5’ pile. I was always able to do everything necessary with the x728 but the 1025r with an FEL plow does it easier.
 
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#39 ·
Late to the party but I've had my X595 for 5 years now and never had a problem with fuel.I do use the Power service additive in the winter and the summer blend in warm temps but that's mainly do to it's an older diesel that was to use the high sulfur back in the day.After having a diesel I would never go to a gas.If I was to get an AWS I'd look for a X749 first.If I could find a 355D I'd replace my 345.
 
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#40 · (Edited)
Mike you better be grabbing a x758!

More torque, additional weight, better fuel economy, and it sounds and smells better. Only time I've ever seen anyone have issues with diesel is lack of treatment, fuel station had a bad delivery, or they already had water in the fuel and don't realize it. My FIL who is a long time diesel guy (trucks, equipment, tractors) had his own fuel filter freeze up in his truck when we were in Vt two weekends ago. That's even after he added treatment at the fill up the evening before. Truck sat for 18hrs-ish and then wouldn't start. Had to drop the filter, let it thaw a little and then installed and primed. **** happens sometimes don't give up on a diesel tractor.
 
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#41 ·
You know, you say get a diesel tractor, then you provide a pretty compelling example of why I shouldn't get a diesel tractor. :)

Besides, I already have a diesel tractor and it's not going anywhere (until I inevitably trade it in for something bigger! :) )
 
#42 ·
I vote for the x739. I’ve owned mine for about two weeks and I love it so far. Bought it with the quick attach 54” plow, rear 3 point, and a 54” HC mower deck. I used it to plow 6-7” of heavy wet snow the other day and it did great. No tire slippage even on the snow before plowing. Between the HDAP’s and all wheel steering, it can’t be beat.

I originally owned a 1025r followed by a 2032r when I lived at my old property which had a longer road. The 2032r was essential for maintenance on that road. My new property is a paved driveway to a main road and requires much less maintenance. I spent months trying to decide between a 1025r and a x739. I opted for the x739 since I will be doing more mowing and snow removal than anything. Plus is I can always purchase a CTC loader for this tractor if I decide I want a loader.

I have a 3pt hitch on my x739 and the quick hitch I had from my 2032r fits it. I don’t have PTO at the moment, but I can easily add it down the road if I choose.
 
#43 ·
Do you know about the 54" tractor shovel kit? I think it's about 800 dollars, and it turns your plow into a mini-loader. Can't lift high but you can move a lot of dirt around. And I highly recommend a boom pole. It lets you move heavy stuff around. It's not a loader, but it is really handy. And it's under 200 bucks.

Between the tractor shovel and the boom pole, the X7xx becomes a really bad utility tractor. :) But a utility tractor nonetheless.
 
#44 ·
X758 and only that. AWS leaves you susceptible to new issues. Besides the stability of a AWS has to be less than that of a conventional, especially when loading up the ass end with a few hundred pounds of counter weight for plowing.
 
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