Need Advice - Deere x748 or 1026R

37413 Views 81 Replies 31 Participants Last post by GADeereHunter, Mar 22, 2012

GADeereHunter

Discussion Starter · Feb 10, 2012

:howdy:

Hello MTF Members. This is my first post (other than the Introduction post). I have been researching GTs and SCUTs for a few months now and have spent many a night reading through forum thread after forum thread trying to soak up as much advice and first-hand experience as I could. I'm very close to pulling the trigger on my first tractor. I am sold on a diesel engine for ease of maintenance, resell value, and reliablity. I have narrowed my purchase decision down to two candidates: John Deere x748SE with 54C deck or John Deere 1026R with 54D MMM. The quotes I have received place these two machines within $1200.00 of each other. I am mainly looking for a machine to cut the grass but would like the ability to do other tasks as well. We don't get much snow in south Georgia

so no need for that equipment. I do not have an immediate need for a loader but I could see the need in the future. The D120/H120 loaders for the 1 Series SCUTs appear to be less expensive than the 45 loader for the X700 series GTs. I also like the fact that the 1 Series has the rear PTO and the 3PH standard instead of the $1500+ options required to get them on the x700 series. That really adds a ton of versatility to a machine that is not that much more expensive. Honestly, I have just about talked myself into the 1026R BUT I am a little concerned it will be too large a machine for my yard. I have 1.5 acres with about 1 acre of the yard that I mow. It is mostly flat with a few trees. I live in a residential neighborhood and do not want to be ":greendr:that crazy neighbor that likes to waste money on expensive toys.:greendr:" I have tried to find some side by side photos of the 1 Series SCUTs next to the x700 series GTs but Google has let me down so far. Most of my local dealers do not sell many x700 series machines which means I can't really compare them in person. So, any members out there with some advice and photos... :thanku:

See less See more

1 - 20 of 82 Posts

johndeere3720

· #2 · Feb 10, 2012

My vote is the 1026R all the way.

I don't think the 1026R will really make much of a difference on your lawn compared to the X748, plus you will be able to add a FEL (I highly recommend you get one packaged with the tractor, you will get a better deal, the dealer can get everything torqued on, you will save in the long run). I would defiantly look into the H120, much easier to remove and re-attach. You also get extra lighting, a Category 1 3 point hitch as standard equipment, the drive over deck, the foldable ROPS. You may not see the need for a FEL now but I can guarantee that if you get one you will find a use for it. :fing32:

See less See more

BLIND REF

· #3 · Feb 10, 2012

I sure have to ditto johndeere3720. The 1026R sure has more luxury features than the prior models that it replaced. In the past that seemed to be the deciding factor (tilt wheel and suspension seat) that led buyers to the X748 over the 2305. One plus on the X748 is the lighter weight on your lawn. Any paticular reason that you don't want to go with the 60" deck over the 54"? I have owned both decks and sure like the extra 6 inches to bring my tractor out futher from obstacles. Looks like either model will have you smiling. Let us know how you come out.:trink40:

See less See more

Larryboy

· #4 · Feb 10, 2012

I also agree, I have a 1026R 60"MMM,H120 FEL. I absolutely love it you will not be disappointed. I have found so many uses for my FEL I don't know what I did without it all these years.

ColonyPark

· #5 · Feb 10, 2012

I traded an X728 for my 1026R. Everything the great folks have said above I agree with. I unfortunately don't have a pic of them side by side as the X was picked up before the 1026R was delivered so the snow blower could be switched over. I think you will find them similar in size. They have the same size tires, the biggest visual difference being the ROPS. I don't think you will be the crazy neighbor after your neighbors see what you can do with either of the machines.:fing32: The 1026R was a better fit for me because I had a need to run a rotary cutter on the back. If you don't envision much 3 point hitch or rear PTO work, the X748SE would be sweet, and the FEL can be added easy enough. Check out member RoyRector's videos of his X748. If you want a 3 point hitch and/or rear PTO, then I would go for the 1026R. :goodl: and have fun, and oh, Keep us posted!:fing32:

See less See more

JDFANATIC

· #6 · Feb 10, 2012

Welcome to the forum! :Welcome1:

You have gotten good advice from the above posters. I second the recommendation to get the widest deck you can use; even if it means widening a gate or door. A wider deck will give you more overlap over the wheelbase making for better edging, especially while turning; reduce the uncut circle; and effectively push the ROPS away from trees etc.

There are a lot of members who swear by their X tractors and even some with loaders, but to me, if you are going to purchase a loader, you are much better off with a SCUT or CUT tractor.

Happy hunting!

See less See more

slkpk

· #7 · Feb 10, 2012

:MTF_wel: and enjoy the hunt. Get the one that makes you smile the most and don't look back. slkpk

JD GReg

· #8 · Feb 10, 2012

I'm with everyone else on this one. Get the 1026R.
I have the earlier version, the 2305, and I only have 3/4 acre.
I use my FEL all of the time. The mowing is very acceptable and
I have very few complaints on it. The standard equipment that
you get with the 1026R, 3pt hitch et....is well worth it.

Greg

See less See more

Shack

· #9 · Feb 10, 2012

welcome to the party!
I know what you mean about not finding an x7xx, I have yet to see one in person. I'd say go with the 1026r, or even the 2320, pricing is so darned close it may be worth a look.
Don't worry about the neighbors, if they think your nuts it may be a good thing!

Foxtrot08

· #10 · Feb 10, 2012

Your neighbors will think your nuts...

Until they ask you "Hey, can you help me out with this little project..."

GADeereHunter

Discussion Starter · #11 · Feb 11, 2012

BLIND REF said:
I sure have to ditto johndeere3720. The 1026R sure has more luxury features than the prior models that it replaced. In the past that seemed to be the deciding factor (tilt wheel and suspension seat) that led buyers to the X748 over the 2305. One plus on the X748 is the lighter weight on your lawn. Any paticular reason that you don't want to go with the 60" deck over the 54"? I have owned both decks and sure like the extra 6 inches to bring my tractor out futher from obstacles. Looks like either model will have you smiling. Let us know how you come out.:trink40:

Thanks everyone for your input. I was leaning toward the 54" deck based on input from a co-worker's experience. It seemed to him (my co-worker) that the larger the deck, the less quality of cut especially in areas where the lawn is not level. I've been quoted for 54" decks but it looks like the 60" is only $300 MSRP more than the 54" deck. I think I'll consider it some more. As far as the loader, if money was no object, I'd go ahead and get it now, but I've just about hit the limit of what my bride has agreed to let me spend. She helps keep me inline when comes to my "toy" purchases.:thThumbsU

See less See more

LouMG

· #12 · Feb 11, 2012

If I didnt have the 4410 I would have looked at the 1026 or 23XX, 25xx. The pic shows my X748 next to a SCUT of unknown model maybe a 23XX. Stepping up to a SCUT changes everything. Wheel size, capacity.
Mowing a lawn with it(4410) can be challenging the weight is not nice to my lawn unless it is dry, the 72MMM on the 4410 is for a 4 acre lawn I do. My residence is 0.8 acres I cant turn around with the 4410. So 2 Deeres Without the 4410 I would have a 1026R.:greendr::greendr:

See less See more

8086bruce

· #13 · Feb 11, 2012

I agree with CP, if you want the 3ph and rear pto then 100% my vote would be for the 1026R. If you don't need them or maybe just want the 3ph I would go with the X748SE as it is the nicest all around mower/gt you can buy. The comfort level and ergonomics are crazy nice. Good luck!

UrbanTractor

· #14 · Feb 11, 2012

Previously, for those married to Deere, the choice was usually between X748 and 2305. They had the same engines, so there was no difference there. Neither had position control for the 3PH. Hydraulic pump capacity was similar. The X had a 40 amp alt vs 20 amp in the 2305, and the X had a tranny oil cooler vs the vulnerable fan on the 2305.

But one was built in the U.S. by Deere, the other was built in Japan by Yanmar for Deere. For some, it came down to this, for others it came down to primary use -- mowing vs ground engaging, etc. For others it was the size/footprint of the machines. For some, it was the value/pricing.

It has always been a tricky choice. Some got it right and lived happily ever after. Some went one way, and later found they made a mistake and went the other way. And vice versa. (And then there's CP, who went EVERYWHERE!

)

Now, in some respects the final decision between X748 and 1026r is maybe easier than it used to be with the 2305. They no longer share a common engine, so there is a modest power spread. 1026r now has position control on the 3PH. The 1-Series has made a lot of effort to improve ease of use with mower decks and other attachments. Lift capacities and hydraulics are increased. Ergonomics have improved.

In other respects, the decision is harder. There is no longer a value/price advantage to going with the SCUT, since the package price has gone up on the 1026r compared to 2305 (although there might be an edge with the 1023e). They are both now built in USA. The 1-Series now has a 40 amp alt and a tranny oil cooler, just like the X.

But there's still that full-time all-wheel-drive on the X748, as opposed to on-demand 4WD. And the smaller size. The X748 is still the better pure mower. And the 1026r is the clear winner for ground engagement/lift capacity.

Both are good options to have.

See less See more

rrmccabe

· #15 · Feb 12, 2012

Tough decision.

I have a 2305 with 62MMM and 200cx loader. I have three acres and a lot of landscaping projects ahead at our new house.

If I did not have a weekly need for the FEL, I would have bought the x748. Truthfully in my case 90% of the time the x7 would be a better machine. It is easier to mow with and should be easier to blow snow because of ease of maneuverability.

In my case, I just liked how the FEL hooked up on the CUT better and as you have found out once you start adding 3-pt and rear PTO the x748 gets pricey.

That said for the amount of land you have if you are going to put the FEL and 3 point to use then the CUT is the way to go. If not, I would really look hard at the x7 series because its a beautiful machine.

I agree about the narrower decks mowing nicer and I would rather not have the 62 inch deck on my 2305 but I will say it allows you to keep the tractor away from things when you mow up against them. As an example you can mow further under a bush without scratching the tractor.

See less See more

home-boy

· #16 · Feb 12, 2012

Get the 1026 and skip the deck.

Use the money for a used 345 or a Z turn to mow the grass

PA318Guy

· #17 · Feb 12, 2012

Want something your wife will like and can change attachments, get the 1026R. Need 3 Pt and Lift and stronger FEL get the 1026R, need more maneuverable and lighter get the X748. The guys with the 7 iron decks swear the cut quality is everybit as good as the 54" and it will give you a smaller uncut circle on either machine. Good luck on your decision, I wish I had your problem!

See less See more

alexleblanc

· #18 · Feb 14, 2012

i had the same dilema and ultimately went with the 1023E, pricing was about the same but overall the 1023E just gave me a "real" small tractor vs a fantastic and large lawn tractor. 3PH, rear PTO aside, i just fit better on the 1 series.

St.Bernard

· #19 · Feb 15, 2012

Just thought I would add my two cents, I own a 2305, and I am planning on buying a X748SE this spring. I love the 2305 however narrow wheel base and a high gravity, makes moving on or around hills difficult at times. So if you have no hills I would go with 1026R, other wise the X748 shorter and wider makes it better to move on and around hills. I do not have mower deck for 2305 only backhoe and front loader, but have had some close calls on hills. Don't get me wrong I am keeping 2305, because I need digging attachments but as far as mowing in my area, need lower center of gravity.:greendr:

See less See more

Shack

· #20 · Feb 15, 2012

St.Bernard said:
Just thought I would add my two cents, I own a 2305, and I am planning on buying a X748SE this spring. I love the 2305 however narrow wheel base and a high gravity, makes moving on or around hills difficult at times. So if you have no hills I would go with 1026R, other wise the X748 shorter and wider makes it better to move on and around hills. I do not have mower deck for 2305 only backhoe and front loader, but have had some close calls on hills. Don't get me wrong I am keeping 2305, because I need digging attachments but as far as mowing in my area, need lower center of gravity.:greendr:

I think you'd find your 2305 is a completely different animal with the loader and hoe removed. I felt the same way with my bx, but I played with it on my hill without the loader and hoe and it felt as stable as any mower I've had.

See less See more

1 - 20 of 82 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.