Anyone have any experience with one of these? Currently have a Scag 36" walk behind but as I'm getting older I'm tired of walking the hills in my yard. Sit down zero turn is out of consideration due to the hills so I'm looking at one with a 48" deck. Not interested in a bigger deck than a 48".

I have the 758 which is diesel powered but I think it is the same chassis. Mine is 4 wheel drive and I think the 738 is also. I have the 60" deck which reaches under tree limbs nicely and the horsepower on either of these models will handle a big deck. I'm not sure why you are opposed to a larger deck but that's certainly your call. I see no disadvantage to the bigger deck which cuts the time required for the job. Mine has been reliable although you have to keep the clippings from blocking the cooling system. I had a problem with the unit "bucking" while mowing fast but it turned out that when the machine was hitting rough ground and bouncing, my foot was pulsing the forward pedal causing the problem. You don't specify how much you are mowing but these machines are expensive and would certainly be overkill for a smaller yard. The four wheel drive is good on slick or hilly areas though it would be overkill on dry and mostly level lawns. I always wear ear protection and I think the diesel is slightly noisier than the gas model but would wear them on a gasser too. If you are considering a used unit I would avoid a high hours machine. Deere is pretty proud of all their stuff!

I got an X739 last year, and Gene is right. These things ain't cheap. Mine has the Kawasaki gas engine, 4WD, and 4WS. It's really cut down on my trimmer usage, and I'm very happy with it.

I got the 54 inch deck. I was thinking about a 48 inch deck, so I could get into some tight areas, but the width of the rear tires is more than 48 inches.

I bought a 738 this spring. It replaced a 445. It is by far, the best mower that i have ever used! I have the 54" deck. It is a cutting machine and it cuts beautifully. It does not leave the little feather of grass that most leave. It has plenty of leg room. I am 6'7". My only complaint is that it's a little hard on gas. But it has a 25.5 H.P. motor so I guess that it will eat more than most. It has power to spare!! The 4 wheel drive is stinking amazing, as well! I love the 738!!Do not hesitate!

Thanks, I may rethink the deck size. We have no trees to contend with, just the hills. I know the mower is overkill for my size yard but I tend to buy once, cry once, when making purchases like this. Just turned 50 so want it to be my last mower purchase.

I just measured my rear wheel spread and Muddflap is correct. It is 48". You need to go to at least the 54" deck. The 738 has the horsepower to easily power it. The smaller deck will be a fuel waster on an engine of this size.

quote:

Originally posted by mholmes:
Thanks, I may rethink the deck size. We have no trees to contend with, just the hills. I know the mower is overkill for my size yard but I tend to buy once, cry once, when making purchases like this. Just turned 50 so want it to be my last mower purchase.

Then go diesel. The Diesel engines will last a lot more hours than the gas engines.

quote:

Originally posted by jimmy123x:

quote:

Originally posted by mholmes:
Thanks, I may rethink the deck size. We have no trees to contend with, just the hills. I know the mower is overkill for my size yard but I tend to buy once, cry once, when making purchases like this. Just turned 50 so want it to be my last mower purchase.

Then go diesel. The Diesel engines will last a lot more hours than the gas engines.

Those Kawasaki engines will last a long time as well. I have one that's 25 years old and still going. The mower is on its second deck.

I would love to own an X738 someday, mostly for the full hydraulics to operate a snowblower and plow. I currently own a John Deere X530 with a 54” deck and even this is a great machine.

Took delivery of the X738 with a 54" deck today. Wondering why I waited so long to pull the trigger.

Congratulation! Make sure you keep the screens and radiator clean. These machines have a tendency to let the clippings clog the screens and radiator which raises engine temperature in a hurry. I blow mine off after every mowing including the radiator.

Thanks Gene, will remember that. I spent about 45 minutes cutting today and it climbs my steepest hill with nary a spin. Ear protection will be mandatory as this is my first mower that is this LOUD.

congrats. I wear hearing protection on the mower and on the tractor. I find it a great time to listen to podcasts.