“Isn’t the John Deere 1025r just a big garden tractor?” asked a customer recently. Frankly, it’s a very common question and one that is understandable at first glance. However, there’s many differences between a John Deere x700 Series garden tractor and a John Deere 1 Series machine like the 1025r model. We’ll hit the highlights between a x700 and 1025r below to help you decide which is the right type of tractor for you.
I had a John Deere x7 Series garden tractor and John Deere 1 Series sub compact tractor in stock recently and took the opportunity to do a side by side comparison video. This gives a great visual walk-around of the two Series of tractors. If you haven’t watched it yet, you can do so by clicking here. Then, come back here to review the highlights. There are some variances even within the X7 Series as well as within the 1 Series, but in this article I’ll be comparing specs of two of the most popular models being the x730 vs the 1025r.
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You may have noticed in the picture above, that these two tractors look quite similar to one another in size, especially if you “imagine” the loader being removed from the 1025r. I would agree as well that the “shell” or outline of the tractors do look fairly close in stature. However, weight accounts for one of the largest differences between these two machines with the X730 base weight of about 840 pounds and the 1025r Series base weight of 1,440 pounds. That’s almost a 70% weight difference which is huge! Please note that a x758 will weigh in around 1,250 pounds.
Weight is important for several reasons. First, it’s an indicator of how robust or heavy duty a piece of equipment is built and an idea of the type of work it is designed to tackle. The frame, axles, transmission housing, etc contribute significantly to this weight difference. The more robust something is built, generally the more difficult task it can handle without causing harm to the machine. Additionally, for tasks such as plowing or discing, you need as much weight as possible going to your drive tires. More often than not, your engine can handle a task even though your tires are sitting there and spinning in circles. Weight also helps with stability as a low, heavy center of gravity will assist in keeping you and the machine in place on hilly terrain.
Now, let’s talk about the difference in standard features. Keep in mind the starting MSRP for the x730 is approximately $10,800 while the 1025r is $13,800. What do you get on the 1025r that doesn’t come standard on the x730? A diesel engine (more torque, better fuel economy, longevity). Four wheel drive. Three point hitch. Rear PTO. Fender mounted work lights. A tool box. High and low range hydrostatic transmission. Upgraded suspension seat with arm rests. Folding ROPS (roll over protection system). Loader prep package. Again, these are standard features, not anything you need to add that will drive the cost up further. Yes, $3,000 is a lot of money, but if you have the machine for 10 years, then we’re talking about $25 a month for a machine designed to safely handle a much wider array of projects. You may find that you could justify the difference in fuel savings along with the diesel engine as those gas Kawasaki engines have been known to go through a tank in 3 hours while a Yanmar diesel may last 8!
A John Deere x7 Series tractor is as good of a lawn mowing machine as you can find. I’ve used a loader with them and used a tiller as well. I will say that it will handle a 42″ tiller very well and 48″ in many cases. You must add the rear PTO and three point hitch for approximately $1,400 in materials plus labor. You can run a hydraulic tiller and forgo the rear PTO. The loaders are much better than a wheel barrow, but are quite limited in capability especially considering their cost. However, these loaders aren’t manufactured by Deere any longer so you must go to the aftermarket or used market.
I probably sound like I’m discouraging the purchase of a X7 Series tractor, and to be honest, I am. If you’re considering a 1025r, then I’m guessing the reason is because of other non-mowing activities you have planned for the tractor. A tractor shouldn’t be pushed to it’s limits and buying the right piece of equipment the first time will save you money down the road. This could be because you decide to upgrade machines or because you push the garden tractor beyond its means and damage it. You will get a fantastic quality of cut with either a 54″ or 60″ mower deck on a 1025r as well so don’t let that hold you back.
At Good Works Tractors, we want to make sure you find the right machine. We always try to understand our customer’s needs and help in narrowing down the options to the right tractor models to choose from. Typically, you’ll find an excellent selection of tractors from 25HP sub-compacts for 50HP+ compact tractors with many in between. Take a look at our inventory to get an idea of what’s currently in stock. If we don’t have it now, we can most likely get it for you. You’ll also find a great selection of John Deere tractor comparisons on our YouTube channel to give you a good visual idea of the many models John Deere has to offer. We’re here to help, so if you have any questions, feel free to email, text, or call. Also, we’d love to have you stop by and test drive any machine you’d like as getting hands on is the best way to familiarize yourself. Thanks for reading and have a great day!
