John Deere X738 Lawn Tractor (Pricing Guide)

A John Deere X738 typically budgets at about $15,000–$19,000 new when available, or $8,000–$14,000 used in the U.S. These are planning ranges, not official quotes. Deck size, attachments, condition, freight, and dealer setup can change the total sharply. Confirm the tractor’s year and serial number before comparing equipment or committing to a price.

The X738 is a high-capability garden tractor, so its value depends on more than the tractor alone. A mower deck, bagger, snow equipment, or other attachment can make one listing far more useful, but only if it fits the specific machine.

Its adaptability is part of the appeal: the X738 combines four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering with a choice of mower-deck sizes and compatible X700-series attachments. I compare examples by package and condition, not just by asking price. That approach helps separate a fair deal from a low-priced tractor that needs expensive repairs.

X738 Pricing, Packages, and Equipment Compatibility

This section sets a practical U.S. budget for the X738 and explains what changes its price. The ranges below are guides rather than live dealer quotes or official MSRP. Compare the same model year, deck, attachments, and condition, then confirm the exact fit of equipment using the tractor’s serial number.

The X738 has a 25.5-hp, 726-cc Kawasaki FD791D two-cylinder, air-cooled gasoline engine. It uses hydrostatic drive, four-wheel drive (4WD), and four-wheel steering. Compatible mower-deck configurations include 48, 54, and 60 inches, but the deck supplied with a particular tractor affects both its usefulness and its asking price.

These ranges are broad because an X738 with a serviceable deck and useful attachments is not equivalent to a bare tractor with worn equipment. Attachments, sales tax, freight, and delivery can raise the final bill substantially. Ask the dealer or seller to list each included item and its condition.

The tractor’s fuel capacity is approximately 5.2 U.S. gallons. For gasoline requirements and maintenance intervals, use the operator’s manual for the model and year rather than relying on a general online description. A manual tied to the correct machine can also help identify service needs and operating limits.

Before shopping, write down the model year, serial number, deck width, and every attachment you need. Then ask a Deere dealer to verify deck, hitch, PTO, and attachment compatibility for that serial number. X700-series compatibility should not be assumed from appearance alone; configuration and model details matter.

For an attachment-fit example, imagine comparing two used tractors: one includes a 54-inch deck, while the other includes a 48-inch deck and a snow attachment. Neither package is automatically the better buy. First confirm that each piece fits that tractor, then compare condition and the cost of any missing equipment.

Next step: Compare complete, verified packages. A low base price is only useful if the included equipment fits and works.

Pre-Purchase Inspection and Safe Field Operation

An inspection helps show whether the asking price reflects a ready-to-work tractor or a repair project. Check the machine cold, test every drive and PTO function, and inspect the deck and attachments. An idle-only demonstration cannot reveal problems that appear when the tractor moves or the mower is working.

I start by asking the seller not to warm the tractor before I arrive. A cold start gives a better chance to observe how the engine starts and whether it produces smoke. I also check the hour meter and ask for maintenance records, but I treat records as supporting evidence, not a substitute for operating the machine.

Use a checklist and take notes:

• Engine: Start it cold. Listen for unusual noise and watch for smoke. Look for fuel or oil leaks.
• Hydrostatic drive: Test forward and reverse at a safe, controlled pace. Note delayed response, abnormal noise, or movement that seems uneven.
• 4WD: Test its operation as described in the operator’s manual. Do not rely on a seller’s verbal assurance alone.
• Steering: Check that four-wheel steering responds smoothly through turns, without binding or unexpected movement.
• PTO and deck: Engage the PTO according to the manual. Listen for unusual sound, then inspect belts, spindles, and the deck for wear or damage.
• Tires and frame: Look for uneven tire wear, visible damage, and signs of leaks beneath the tractor.
• Controls and safety: Confirm safety interlocks and guards are present and intact. Do not operate with a disabled interlock or missing guard.

Hydrostatic drive is a system that uses fluid power to transfer engine power to the wheels. A problem can be costly, so check its operation under load when it is safe and practical. Likewise, test the 4WD and PTO rather than deciding from an engine-only demonstration. Noise, leaks, or poor response deserve follow-up before you agree on a price.

A useful field comparison is not a claimed repair story but a buying scenario: if a tractor starts well while parked yet makes unusual noise when the deck is engaged, treat that as an unresolved defect. Ask for a qualified inspection or price the repair separately. Do not assume the deck is sound because the engine runs.

If the seller allows a test, choose a clear area and follow the manual. Keep people clear of the tractor and attachment, use guards and safety interlocks as designed, and stop if something behaves unexpectedly. The aim is to test the machine, not to push it beyond safe operation.

Next step: Record any fault and get a repair estimate before comparing the machine with a better-maintained example.

Maintenance, Mower-Deck Service, and Repair Costs

Maintenance affects both the purchase price and the cost of keeping an X738 dependable. A sound service history and a properly working deck support a stronger asking price; overdue work or damaged parts may reduce value. Price needed repairs separately, because the inspection alone cannot establish a repair cost.

A mower deck is the cutting assembly beneath the tractor. Its condition depends on more than the outer shell: belts, spindles, blades, and related parts also need attention. Check for damage, wear, unusual noise, and evidence of neglected service. Ask which deck is included, and verify it matches the tractor’s serial number before valuing it.

There is no reliable one-size repair price for a used X738 without knowing the failed part, local labor rate, and parts availability. Get an itemized estimate for each issue. Separate safety-related repairs from routine service, and avoid treating a seller’s estimate as confirmed unless it comes from a qualified service provider.

For a dealer purchase, request an itemized quote showing the tractor, deck, attachments, freight, setup, taxes, and any service included. For a private sale, make a comparable list and mark each item as verified, untested, or needing repair. That makes a comparison fairer than placing two total prices side by side.

Next step: Have questionable hydrostatic, 4WD, PTO, or spindle operation assessed before purchase. These are not details to dismiss because the tractor looks clean.

Storage, Seasonal Care, and Resale Value

Seasonal care helps protect the machine and makes its condition easier to assess later. Follow the operator’s manual for storage, fuel, cleaning, and service requirements. Keep service records and attachment details together; they can help a future buyer understand what is included and how the tractor has been maintained.

After mowing, clean the deck and tractor as the manual directs, and check for damage or leaks. Store the machine according to the manual’s guidance, especially if it will sit unused for an extended period. Do not guess at fuel or maintenance procedures based on a different model.

Keep a simple record of service dates, repairs, hours, and attachment changes. Save receipts and note the deck width and serial number. These records do not guarantee a particular resale value, but they give a buyer useful information and help you compare offers on an informed basis.

When preparing a resale listing, describe what is present rather than promising performance you have not verified. State the model year, hours shown, deck size, attachments, recent service, and known faults. Clear details help potential buyers judge whether the asking price matches the package.

Next step: Keep the manual and service history with the tractor, and update the equipment list whenever an attachment is added or removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

These answers cover common price and fit questions when comparing X738 listings. Actual costs and equipment compatibility depend on the tractor’s year, serial number, package, and condition. Use the manual and a Deere dealer’s confirmation for machine-specific details.

How much does a John Deere X738 cost?
As a U.S. planning range, expect about $15,000–$19,000 new when available and about $8,000–$14,000 used. These are not official prices or live quotes.

Does the price include a mower deck?
Not always. Confirm the deck size, condition, and whether it is included in the written quote or asking price.

Which mower-deck sizes are compatible with the X738?
Compatible configurations include 48-, 54-, and 60-inch decks. Verify fit for the tractor’s serial number before buying a deck.

Can I use any X700-series attachment?
No. Confirm the attachment’s fit, hitch, PTO, and other requirements against the tractor’s serial number and configuration.

What should I check first on a used X738?
Check a cold start, leaks, steering, hydrostatic drive, 4WD, PTO operation, deck condition, tires, hour meter, service records, and safety interlocks.

Is a low-hour X738 always the better buy?
No. Hours are only one part of condition. Service history, storage, deck wear, leaks, and operation of the drive and attachments also matter.

What is the X738’s fuel capacity?
It is approximately 5.2 U.S. gallons. Follow the operator’s manual for the correct fuel and maintenance guidance.

Can I price a used tractor by the asking price alone?
No. Compare year, hours, deck, attachments, service history, condition, and likely repairs. Request separate estimates for defects.

Should I buy an X738 that has not been tested under load?
Use caution. An idle-only demonstration does not test the drive and PTO as they work. Ask for a safe functional test or an inspection before purchase.

(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Harrison Croft. Visit our Meet the Team page.)