Mowing the lawn can feel like a never-ending task. With acres to cover and trees to ma­neuver around, a good mower is a must. John Deere’s X700 signature series was designed to provide operator comfort and easy adjustments. Team FIN tested the John Deere X734 lawn tractor with four-wheel pow­er steering and a 60-inch deck. The test focused on multiple capacities, including performance and handling, comfort, new features, and trimming ability, and rated it on a scale of 1 to 5.

Right away, Team FIN was impressed by the mower’s com­fortable ride. The 21-inch high-back seat has suspension, is adjustable and has premium cushioning. And the 25.5-hp gas engine offers smooth running. The new model also has a repositioned steering column, which allows arms to rest comfortably. The mower features electronic fuel injection for choke-less quick starts, smooth operation and good fuel economy. The four-wheel power steering gives the mower a tight turning radius and excellent trimming ability. Team FIN said the mower handles well. Especially when compared to two-wheel front-steer mowers, the X734 effortlessly trims around buildings, landscaping and trees, and makes a quick turnaround.

Finer features

Team FIN appreciated the mower’s added features, including cruise control, which works very well, and TwinTouch foot controls that allow the operator to easily select speed and direction of travel with a slight pressure on the pedal. The mower includes a reverse implement option (RIO) safety mechanism. To keep the blades engaged when backing up, the operator needs to press the RIO button before pushing the  reverse pedal. If the button is not pressed before backing, the blades disengage. For operators accustomed to backing often while mowing, this safety feature may be a nuisance until you get a little practice. The mower delivers even cutting and leaves a groomed finish, while the 25.5-hp engine provides plenty of power to cut through tall, dense grass with ease.

The mower is designed for convenience and easy servicing. It has good all-around clearance, giving the operator plenty of room to change oil, access the deck and get to grease fittings. Between the mower height control knob and its anti-scalping wheels with quick-release pin levers for adjustment on the mower deck, setting the cutting height is quick and easy.

Quick connect

The mower deck also features a drive-on-and-off system with AutoConnect technology. After a few easy steps to unattach the deck from the mower, the operator is able to drive over the top of the deck. The step-by-step process also makes reat­taching a simple task: When the mower backs up, the PTO shaft lines up directly and reconnects hands-free.

Compared to other mower models that require lining up a PTO shaft and dragging a deck out from below, AutoConnect is a slick, time-saver. Once the deck is locked-in, exact-adjust ports and an onboard deck-leveling gauge let the operator quickly make adjustments without getting out of the seat.

The X734 includes John Deere’s iTorqueTM for improved air management under the hood, offering cooler operating temps even in hot conditions. It has bright headlights and backing lights. The one-piece hood when raised offers a wide view of the engine. The mower also comes with a four-year, or 700-hour, bumper-to-bumper warranty. Overall, Team FIN was impressed. From its comfortable ride and easy ad­justments to its wide deck, the X734 is a good buy.

Rated: 5 out of 5

The John Deere X734 lawn tractor is priced at $11,599. For more about John Deere, visit johndeere.com.