All wheel steer tractors

[Joel B.]

I know the "big guys" don't like the tractors for mowing and I hope I don't catch too much heck for bringing this up.

One thing I didn't like about the Exmark was the tendency (sp) to tear up the grass if you aren't careful. I know there is a learning curve as far as operating ZTRs, but I've talked to some experienced ZTR operators who say they even sometimes tear up the grass if they are in a hurry or just not thinking. The scary thing for me is that it only takes a second of not thinking to tear up the grass. I can only imagine what some picky customers say about that.

This is where the AWS tractor might have an advantage since both drive wheels turn at the same time (Or at least I think they do on a AWS). I know on my JD LX 176 I never worry about tearing up the grass, I don't even have to think about it. Also, when winter comes, the tractor could be used for snow removal and as a possible back-up to a plow.

I know the ZTR would probably mow faster than a tractor but I would think the fact that the tractor would be easier on the grass would be an advantage.

Thanks for putting up with all of my questions,

Joel B.

[Richard Martin]

Come on man, you're telling people about some of my concepts for future projects. This winter's project is making a belt drive Exmark Metro have positive reverse using nothing but Exmark parts. That reverse assist sucks and has got to go. A companion project to the positive reverse is getting the mower into reverse without shifting.

[John Gamba]

Don't waist Your time they Call It a Hydro Walk Behined.

[chariot]

How about a mower like the Exmark Turf Ranger? Other companies make similar models also. As for the Z I have one and have ever since 1998. I do not find myself tearing the grass when I get in a hurry because I have become so use to the way that I turn I just do the same motion, but at a faster speed. As for tearing the grass when not paying attention, they should be glad this is all that they damaged. Operating a mower like a Z is not the time to start day dreaming.

[Richard Martin]

John Gamba wrote:

Don't waist Your time they Call It a Hydro Walk Behined.

Yeah, I know. What would be the sense of putting 30 bucks worth of parts on a gear drive and getting hydro performance when you can just spend $1500 to $2000 more and get a hydro.

BTW, if you want to see how my "Project Gravely" turned out go down to your local Gravely dealer and look at the new Pro G series.

[Joel B.]

Um, how did we get on the topic of belt drive vs. hydro walk behinds?? I was hoping for info on AWS tractors.

Thanks,

Joel B.

[Jusmowin]

Joel, I was thinking about the same thing last week as I was finishing up a clean up. How nice a Big Ole JD aws tractor with a cyclone rake behind it would make my solo operater self QUITE HAPPY about right now.
SO LETS HEAR IT FOLKS, What are the pros & cons of these AWS tractors. I am a solo operater who is not concerned about SPEED but only quality of the cut and versatility of the equipment . So here are my questions ;
Does anyone use one of these tractors on a day to day bases for mowing ?
How do you like the AWS system ?
Is the AWS system relieable (does it break alot or have lots of problems )
Are the parts (JD) much more expensive than say EXMARK or TORO ect....
Do you ever wish you bought a Z mower instead of a AWS JD X tractor ?

Thanks for the answers in advanced, but please keep the answers related to the topic at hand . THANKS

[Joel B.]

Jusmowin,

Thanks for bringing this back to the top.

Joel B.

[Brieldo]

I used a JD 425 AWS for 4 years. It is great for a trimming "TRACTOR" but if you want true trimmability, a AWS tractor isnt the answer. THey still have a turning radius and have their shortcomings. THe other thing is that with the AWS package, you cant have the bigger back and front tires so the ride is rougher and you lose ground speed. Yeah, they're kool, but I'd rahter have a Z...we had the AWS, then got a 2wheel steer and now will be getting an Exmark:D

[Jusmowin]

THANKS BRIELDO for the reply,I also heard that they are a little rough on the body but are far from slow at 8.5 mph thats not bad for a tractor ! Iwas wondering how reliable the AWS system was on the tractor or are they a PM nightmare? I would also be towing alot so that is also an issue . THANKS

[Brieldo]

They're plenty durable but yeah, the ride is rough. For a tractor, it's great, but you give up certain positive features for the AWS...that of ride quality, top speed...etc. JD makes sweet tractors, there's no doubt...it's jsut that after having one for 5 years, Im ready for an Ex...

[Jusmowin]

Thanks again for all the help Brieldo. I too have also looked at the Exmark & Toro Zs and have demoed both extinsively but have noticed that even with very seasoned operators they tend to leave unwanted marks on the lawns. This is why I am looking into this type of lawn tractor, and yes I know its not the fastest toy on the market but as I said before Im not concered about speed but only HIGH QUALITY WORK. I also like the fact that I can put a small fornt loader on the front of this tractor and use it for hauling mulch or put a front dethatcher on and tow a core aerator behind to get 2 jobs done at once as this is the versatility I was speaking of before. So If there is anymore info anyone else has on the AWS JD tractors please post it . THANKS.

[Evan528]

I beleave Brad From flex deck has a all wheel steer John Deere with a Flex deck. Maybe he will post some pictures.

[Jusmowin]

THANKS Evan , come too think of it I seem too remember a pitchure of his crew or him on one. Anyone have anymore info on the JD AWS tractors ? THANKS

[Joel B.]

Jusmowin,

I don't think you can put a loader on an AWS tractor.

Joel B.

[Brieldo]

Well, if quality of cut is what you want, consider this:

The tip speed ont he 60" JD deck is something like 4000 less fpm than an Exmark or any other commercial zeroturn mower...you cannot mow anywhere near full speed without missinng stuff. Also, the deck on the left side is very, very shallow and blows out when you get in the heavy stuff because there isnt enough room for the clippings to exit the deck. Let's see...parts are expensive...if you blow out a clutch, you're looking at 500-1000 dollars because it's an electric over hydraulic clutch that is buried inside the rear transaxle...so repairing it is next to impossible. What else...um...running doubles will result in a much better cut but not withiout the blades knicking the deck everyonce in awhile, along with the clutch being very bogged down upon starting the blades.

In summation, the slower tip speed along with all the areas i mentioned above are something to seriously consider....those reasons are why im getting rid of mine :angel:

[Jusmowin]

Joel, maybe I confused with the 4wd tractors. Thanks for the info I
I ll check the specks again. THANKS
Brieldo, Yes your right Ill have to consider all the short cummings you mentioned. Might be better off finding a used one as a back up/ thatcher&aerator tractor. Would still like to hear any other pros or cons about these tractors. Thanks

[Brieldo]

Wanna buy mine with less than 300 hrs, 47" snow blower, #10 trailer, all rear weights, rear weight bracket/bumper and 60" deck? I have a 445 EFI... :D The blower has less than 1 hour on it...

All synthetic fluids run from 25 hrs...whatcha think?

[Jusmowin]

Breildo, thanks but no thanks that is a long 3 day drive to MN. I have looked in our local equipment trader and found a few so Ill call tomorow and see what I come up with . Seems like around here they are going for 3k to 6k . Good luck Breildo in selling your JD and thanks for all the help.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

The common misconceptions is you can tear up a lawn with any mower.

[Jusmowin]

Lawngodfather, your right about that. I have tore up some hills with a lawn tractor in the past ,and Im sure if I get a Z Ill tear up some turf also until I get the hang of It. But time will tell! Thanks for all the replys and staying on the topic at hand.

[brian mon]

Justmowin, I've got a, '01 JD LX 277AWS 48" deck. Bought business last Aug. one of 2 mowers. I'm not real pleased with it, although I dont have any lawn tractor experiance to compare it to, I know a ZTR will spin circles around it. The time spent turning around is ridiculous. With a turning radius of 20" it is ok for trimming around small trees and things, it's just the turning at ends of runs and in tight spots.
As for the AWS features, I think it's just something else to go wrong. Mine (only one I've run) seem's to lock up when turned full lock, and takes a lot of effort to get it going straight again. I used it for all my fall clean ups, with a Agri-Fab chipper/vac, and could not turn more than half turns or the tongue for vac would catch the back steering rods, was a constant PITA.
As for tearing up grass....if your considering one and going to bag any grass....the JD bagging system is terrible, it sit's so low that any elevation change on the right side gets a nice big rut in it! So after my 4 months of use, I've talked with my dealer and I'm tradeing it in on a 54" ZTR, with I hope a Peco bagging system.
Hope some of this info helps, I'm not going to bash JD at all, I think the AWS must have a place in this world,just not on my trailer.

[Jusmowin]

Hey Brain Mon thanks for the reply. I starting too get the Idea that this type of tractor is better off as a back up or utility tractor as in using it with a cyclone rake, thatcher, aerator . It seems like a Z is my best bet for every day mowing. THANKS

[Flex-Deck]

JoelB - The AWS JD 455 or 445 or 425, or the new series 465-475-485 will mow around a pencil in continuous motion if you put a flex-deck on them. The left turn when angle mowing is a non-stop - pivot and go - I have animated pics on my web site

www.flex-deck.com

that show what the all wheel steer with the flex-deck can really dohttp://JD Tractor
Thanks, Brad