Just discovered this resurrected from the dead thread. There are some interesting view points here. I'll add mine for future viewers who find this and have a similar question.
I now have used an X300, X534, and X749 on my property which has some slope (some spots as much as 18-20 degrees). It also has some that has to be mowed side slope, due to obstacles. It also has a fair number of obstacles and tight areas.
The X300 was a decent mower, but I never really liked using it. Even after I upgraded the rear tires to bar tires and had them filled with beet juice, I would still get stuck at least once or twice a year.
A couple of years ago I got serious about upgrading. For the new price of an X584, I could get a used X729 or X739 (just not available locally). I studied and searched for a long time. Eventually, I found a used X534. It was about half the price of new. It had some issues, but it let me see that for mowing, the X700 series would probably be too big for my property.
This year I decided I wanted a baby tractor (I have a CUT) and didn't care if it was too big for mowing. I found an X749 after a long search. It too has issues that I am working on addressing. But, I have tried using it for my normal mowing tasks. I really don't like it for that. Here is why:
- It is heavier than all my other tractors. This really does make a noticable difference, in both good (traction) and bad (compaction) ways. For a baby tractor this is fine. For a mower, it is not.
- While the AWD and AWS is really nice, the combination really does leave marks in the grass and even in the gravel. But, so does my X534 and even my X300. It is possible that the front axle needs to be adjusted relative to the rear as well as the proportioning valve for left to right turning. If so, that might improve it some. But going around in a circle is going to put pressure on the ground. AWD makes it easier to get around faster. 2WS will just slide the front wheel, but that will also tear up the grass if you have stickier tires and go fast.
- The X749 is up higher and feels tippy. I really notice this on my 15-20 degree side slope. It does not feel safe to me. Going up and down is fine. My property has a lot of sloped areas and going side slope is necessary at some points. Funny thing is the X749 feels WAY more stable than my CUT. But, my CUT has about 8" more ground clearance than my X749.
I do like AWS and AWD for agility. They are great together. But, all that magic does come at a price.