John Deere 3520 Reviews
Review
Model Year: 2011
My full text may be found in "Snowblower attachment for tractor" where I mistakenly sent it.
Pros: Good power great hydraulics easy starting.
Cons: Seat firmness is questionable; lift and shift levers could be more easily reachable; emergency brake lever is too low for easy use.
Model Year: 2011
My full text may be found in "Snowblower attachment for tractor" where I mistakenly sent it.
Pros: Good power great hydraulics easy starting.
Cons: Seat firmness is questionable; lift and shift levers could be more easily reachable; emergency brake lever is too low for easy use.
3520 John Deere Compact Utility
Model Year: 2011
This has been a nightmare. I have had cavitation in the hydraulic system of my John Deere 3520 compatct utility tractor since the day I purchased it new. The tractor has been worked on three times within the first year and now the dealer and the area representative tell me there is no longer a problem, and to learn to live with it (since most 3X20 series tractors have this problem). However, there was a recent service bulletin issued to repair the hydraulic cavitation, but mine still cannot be repaired. I also have problems with the tilt steering, and the front axle has used two quarts of oil within the the first 126 hours but there is no sign of a leak. My dealer has given up and said to do whatever I want with tractor. It now has been up to myself to contact Deere to find a solution to my problem. It is almost impossible to contact anyone of importance at Deere, but after many phone calls and letters I did get some one to listen. There has been a lot of hope promised to resolve the issue, but I have not yet heard what is being done. What bothers me the most is the dealer wanted me to trade for a new tractor to alleviate the problem, which I would have to pay the difference to trade (I will not pay for some one elses errors). And now they are forcing me to find a solution to the problems, where is the customer support from the dealer...? There have also been several other issues with the tractor and dealer. I have always supported John Deere and my local dealer, but my views have changed. Jeff Everman, Celina, OH.
Pros: It is green.
Cons: Very little support from dealer or area service rep.
Model Year: 2011
This has been a nightmare. I have had cavitation in the hydraulic system of my John Deere 3520 compatct utility tractor since the day I purchased it new. The tractor has been worked on three times within the first year and now the dealer and the area representative tell me there is no longer a problem, and to learn to live with it (since most 3X20 series tractors have this problem). However, there was a recent service bulletin issued to repair the hydraulic cavitation, but mine still cannot be repaired. I also have problems with the tilt steering, and the front axle has used two quarts of oil within the the first 126 hours but there is no sign of a leak. My dealer has given up and said to do whatever I want with tractor. It now has been up to myself to contact Deere to find a solution to my problem. It is almost impossible to contact anyone of importance at Deere, but after many phone calls and letters I did get some one to listen. There has been a lot of hope promised to resolve the issue, but I have not yet heard what is being done. What bothers me the most is the dealer wanted me to trade for a new tractor to alleviate the problem, which I would have to pay the difference to trade (I will not pay for some one elses errors). And now they are forcing me to find a solution to the problems, where is the customer support from the dealer...? There have also been several other issues with the tractor and dealer. I have always supported John Deere and my local dealer, but my views have changed. Jeff Everman, Celina, OH.
Pros: It is green.
Cons: Very little support from dealer or area service rep.
Little Machine, Big Heart... Right Size
Model Year: 2007
The JD 3520 has proven to be just the right tractor for me. I seriously considered Kubota and New Holland, and also looked at Montana, Mahindra, and Branson, but I opted for JD. Familiarity with JD was a big factor. I had many hours on a JD 790 and quite frequently borrowed a friend's JD 4610 in the year before I bought my own tractor. I gave up on used quite early in my search as pickings were sparse, prices were close to new, and I couldn't find anything close to what I wanted. After using the 4610, I thought about the 4020 series, but settled for the 3520 for both budget and size tradeoffs. The smaller 3520 was definitely a better fit for my teenage daughter to learn on (though she had experience on both the 790 and 4610). I am seldom limited by the smaller tractor (I did opt for a larger bucket - a decision I have been very pleased with - with hooks welded on the top), and it handles all the implements that belong to the 4610 owner as well. So far, the only real limitation is that it's harder to pull trucks out of snow filled ditches than with the bigger tractor. My primary tasks are mowing, working the compost/muck pile, dragging the fields and arena, and snow removal. It also gets top billing in driveway maintenance and landscaping chores. I've also used it to clear out a couple of beaver dams in tight areas - where I really appreciated the small size! Major implements are a 6' rear deck field mower, drag harrow, 6' spring harrow/groomer, 50 bushel manure spreader, 6' rear blade, 6' (3-pt.) snow blower. I hire out my hay cutting and baling, but the 3520 handles just about everything else on the property. My wife and daughter have both put a number of hours behind the wheel harrowing (both the arena and turning the hay field for reseeding), mowing and moving rocks. The hydrostatic transmission makes it easy to operate and teach newbies. To date, the biggest problem was when one of the hydraulic lines wore against a bracket and started leaking last summer. I was down for a couple of days, but my salesman dropped by with the repaired part and helped replace it. I believe a good dealership is as important as a good tractor! The dealership is about 70 miles away, but my salesman lives a few miles from me and delivers parts and will even haul my tractor back for service when necessary. The only other issue I've had was killing my battery trying to start a frozen tractor a couple of winters ago. Keeping the heater plugged in before trying to start on -10 degree mornings has prevented a repeat performance. With more experience behind me, there have been occasions where a larger tractor would have been nice, but I do appreciate the maneuverability of the 3520. I did not opt for the mid-PTO (no loss), but I sometimes worry that I might someday regret not getting rear hydraulics.
Pros: Solid build, power in a small package, easy to operate, cost to own/operate, maneuverability.
Cons: Not big/powerful enough for the really big jobs.
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Model Year: 2007
The JD 3520 has proven to be just the right tractor for me. I seriously considered Kubota and New Holland, and also looked at Montana, Mahindra, and Branson, but I opted for JD. Familiarity with JD was a big factor. I had many hours on a JD 790 and quite frequently borrowed a friend's JD 4610 in the year before I bought my own tractor. I gave up on used quite early in my search as pickings were sparse, prices were close to new, and I couldn't find anything close to what I wanted. After using the 4610, I thought about the 4020 series, but settled for the 3520 for both budget and size tradeoffs. The smaller 3520 was definitely a better fit for my teenage daughter to learn on (though she had experience on both the 790 and 4610). I am seldom limited by the smaller tractor (I did opt for a larger bucket - a decision I have been very pleased with - with hooks welded on the top), and it handles all the implements that belong to the 4610 owner as well. So far, the only real limitation is that it's harder to pull trucks out of snow filled ditches than with the bigger tractor. My primary tasks are mowing, working the compost/muck pile, dragging the fields and arena, and snow removal. It also gets top billing in driveway maintenance and landscaping chores. I've also used it to clear out a couple of beaver dams in tight areas - where I really appreciated the small size! Major implements are a 6' rear deck field mower, drag harrow, 6' spring harrow/groomer, 50 bushel manure spreader, 6' rear blade, 6' (3-pt.) snow blower. I hire out my hay cutting and baling, but the 3520 handles just about everything else on the property. My wife and daughter have both put a number of hours behind the wheel harrowing (both the arena and turning the hay field for reseeding), mowing and moving rocks. The hydrostatic transmission makes it easy to operate and teach newbies. To date, the biggest problem was when one of the hydraulic lines wore against a bracket and started leaking last summer. I was down for a couple of days, but my salesman dropped by with the repaired part and helped replace it. I believe a good dealership is as important as a good tractor! The dealership is about 70 miles away, but my salesman lives a few miles from me and delivers parts and will even haul my tractor back for service when necessary. The only other issue I've had was killing my battery trying to start a frozen tractor a couple of winters ago. Keeping the heater plugged in before trying to start on -10 degree mornings has prevented a repeat performance. With more experience behind me, there have been occasions where a larger tractor would have been nice, but I do appreciate the maneuverability of the 3520. I did not opt for the mid-PTO (no loss), but I sometimes worry that I might someday regret not getting rear hydraulics.
Pros: Solid build, power in a small package, easy to operate, cost to own/operate, maneuverability.
Cons: Not big/powerful enough for the really big jobs.
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A Wonderful Workmate
Model Year: 2009
When my used Massey 35 diesel with FEL passed away after 13 years of hard work, I found it very difficult to replace it. The JD 3520 seemed to be the closest equivalent, hopefully even better. I use it almost every day to carry things about with the FEL or trailer, keep hedges tidy with the hydraulic cutter, split wood for the fireplace, or cut the grass and bushes. I've now had it for 2 1/2 years and never had the least problem. I have Ag tires. I read about stability problems but think they have been highly exaggerated. We do a great job together.
Pros: Efficient and reliable.
Cons: Expensive.
Model Year: 2009
When my used Massey 35 diesel with FEL passed away after 13 years of hard work, I found it very difficult to replace it. The JD 3520 seemed to be the closest equivalent, hopefully even better. I use it almost every day to carry things about with the FEL or trailer, keep hedges tidy with the hydraulic cutter, split wood for the fireplace, or cut the grass and bushes. I've now had it for 2 1/2 years and never had the least problem. I have Ag tires. I read about stability problems but think they have been highly exaggerated. We do a great job together.
Pros: Efficient and reliable.
Cons: Expensive.
Excellent Utility Tractor
Model Year: 2009
We've used this tractor for more jobs on our 140 acre "hobby ranch" than I would have ever imagined. It was purchased with front end loader, 5 foot cutter, box blade, and post hole digger... we've used them all, and the 3520 suits us perfectly. Absolutely no quality issues in two years of regular service.
Pros: Ease of use, excellent value.
Cons: I'm 68... maybe I should have bought a cab?
Model Year: 2009
We've used this tractor for more jobs on our 140 acre "hobby ranch" than I would have ever imagined. It was purchased with front end loader, 5 foot cutter, box blade, and post hole digger... we've used them all, and the 3520 suits us perfectly. Absolutely no quality issues in two years of regular service.
Pros: Ease of use, excellent value.
Cons: I'm 68... maybe I should have bought a cab?
Good Machine but Could Be Better
Model Year: 2007
Overall this machine has been very reliable. The one flaw is the tilt steering wheel which very quickly started dropping with very little pressure. After some research I found this seems to be a common problem. Dealer said it is due to people using the steering wheel to get on and off the tractor. Couldn't agree more but that just shows a design flaw. Have added stronger springs which helps but doesn't fix. Too costly to replace everything just to have it happen again. Only other issue is that when driving forward to pick up a load it will sometimes bog down and stall before I can back off the forward motion (hydrostatic). Have tried to compensate for that. Overall a good quality tractor but as I said in the title it could have been a great tractor with a few relatively minor changes.
Pros: Good quality and reliable.
Cons: Minor irritants which I did not expect from John Deere.
Model Year: 2007
Overall this machine has been very reliable. The one flaw is the tilt steering wheel which very quickly started dropping with very little pressure. After some research I found this seems to be a common problem. Dealer said it is due to people using the steering wheel to get on and off the tractor. Couldn't agree more but that just shows a design flaw. Have added stronger springs which helps but doesn't fix. Too costly to replace everything just to have it happen again. Only other issue is that when driving forward to pick up a load it will sometimes bog down and stall before I can back off the forward motion (hydrostatic). Have tried to compensate for that. Overall a good quality tractor but as I said in the title it could have been a great tractor with a few relatively minor changes.
Pros: Good quality and reliable.
Cons: Minor irritants which I did not expect from John Deere.
The Awesome JD 3520
Model Year: 2007
I knew I was going to buy a tractor prior to retirement, but I was torn between a Kubota and a John Deere. Then I happened to read an article in TractorByNet about a fellow in Vermont that had just bought a JD 3520 and was using it to clear his land to build a house. I was amazed at the amount of work he could do with that compact tractor and when I saw the versatility of the 3520 along with the Frontier Grapple Bucket, I was smitten. I knew then that was what I wanted to own. I went right down to Sumner Tractor and bought one just like it, except I opted for the E-Hydro version. I have never regretted it for a moment. My 3520 has exceeded all expectations and done everything I have ever asked of it effortlessly!
Pros: Size, power, reliability, and ease of operation.
Cons: None.
Model Year: 2007
I knew I was going to buy a tractor prior to retirement, but I was torn between a Kubota and a John Deere. Then I happened to read an article in TractorByNet about a fellow in Vermont that had just bought a JD 3520 and was using it to clear his land to build a house. I was amazed at the amount of work he could do with that compact tractor and when I saw the versatility of the 3520 along with the Frontier Grapple Bucket, I was smitten. I knew then that was what I wanted to own. I went right down to Sumner Tractor and bought one just like it, except I opted for the E-Hydro version. I have never regretted it for a moment. My 3520 has exceeded all expectations and done everything I have ever asked of it effortlessly!
Pros: Size, power, reliability, and ease of operation.
Cons: None.
Couldn't Be Happier
Model Year: 2010
With 140 acres of pasture, ponds, trees, etc., the 3520 is in use year-round. I have used it for chores I would never have imagined before purchase. I'm totally satisfied and believe the tractor will hold excellent value over the years. That last fact is very evident if you try to buy a used one!
Pros: Ease of use, excellent value.
Cons: I'm 68... maybe I should have bought a cab?
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Model Year: 2010
With 140 acres of pasture, ponds, trees, etc., the 3520 is in use year-round. I have used it for chores I would never have imagined before purchase. I'm totally satisfied and believe the tractor will hold excellent value over the years. That last fact is very evident if you try to buy a used one!
Pros: Ease of use, excellent value.
Cons: I'm 68... maybe I should have bought a cab?
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John Deer Shop Manual
Model Year: 2004
Hello tractor owners and friends, I own the John Deere 3520 compact utility. It has been a good tractor has a lot of power. The only problem that I have experienced would be the owners manual provided at time of sale is almost useless. When I ask about a service manual or shop manual. I don't get straight answers.Everything from John Deere did not make a shop manual for my tractor too. Yes, you buy a tech manual for $225.00 and I stiil don't know if a tech manual would be a full repair type shop manual. Any input would be appreciated. Don the haymaker Watkins........
Pros: I just picked up a New holland 275 square baler.
Cons: Waiting for a servive manaul for that one.
Model Year: 2004
Hello tractor owners and friends, I own the John Deere 3520 compact utility. It has been a good tractor has a lot of power. The only problem that I have experienced would be the owners manual provided at time of sale is almost useless. When I ask about a service manual or shop manual. I don't get straight answers.Everything from John Deere did not make a shop manual for my tractor too. Yes, you buy a tech manual for $225.00 and I stiil don't know if a tech manual would be a full repair type shop manual. Any input would be appreciated. Don the haymaker Watkins........
Pros: I just picked up a New holland 275 square baler.
Cons: Waiting for a servive manaul for that one.
2007 John Deere 3520
Model Year: 2007
This tractor is not the first CUT I've owned. I have a mostly wooded 10 acres and a 0.6 mile of graveled driveway to maintain. Overall, the JD 3250 has been a very reliable and strong fuel efficient unit. The only issue I've had has been the telescoping draft arms breaking twice. The first set broke after about 2 years use and was replaced by John Deere under warranty. The replacement set broke after the warranty expired, about two years after the replacement. John Deere wouldn't replace the second set of broken draft arms, although I've heard from other sources that JD knows they have problems with these arms breaking, because the arms have been "patched" up. At the time I bought this tractor, I had to choose between getting a backhoe or a cab, as the combination of both wasn't compatible at that time. I got the 448 backhoe and don't regret it all, (it's a great backhoe), but I do wish for having a cab in our cold snowy Vermont winters! I found that Top-n-Tilt option was also not compatible with the backhoe option. My dealer was the first to notify JD of this problem. JD subsequently issued a sales memo to dealers not to combine those two options.
Pros: Reliability, low fuel consumption.
Cons: Compatibility between JD options, "patched" draft arms.
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Model Year: 2007
This tractor is not the first CUT I've owned. I have a mostly wooded 10 acres and a 0.6 mile of graveled driveway to maintain. Overall, the JD 3250 has been a very reliable and strong fuel efficient unit. The only issue I've had has been the telescoping draft arms breaking twice. The first set broke after about 2 years use and was replaced by John Deere under warranty. The replacement set broke after the warranty expired, about two years after the replacement. John Deere wouldn't replace the second set of broken draft arms, although I've heard from other sources that JD knows they have problems with these arms breaking, because the arms have been "patched" up. At the time I bought this tractor, I had to choose between getting a backhoe or a cab, as the combination of both wasn't compatible at that time. I got the 448 backhoe and don't regret it all, (it's a great backhoe), but I do wish for having a cab in our cold snowy Vermont winters! I found that Top-n-Tilt option was also not compatible with the backhoe option. My dealer was the first to notify JD of this problem. JD subsequently issued a sales memo to dealers not to combine those two options.
Pros: Reliability, low fuel consumption.
Cons: Compatibility between JD options, "patched" draft arms.
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John Deere 3520
Model Year: 2010
I purchased the tractor with a loader and backhoe attached and added a tiller, seed spreader, and fork lift attachment for the loader. I did not select the cab, because I preferred the open air. I have no complaints with the tractor or the dealer. The John Deere costs a little more than other tractors, but the dealer was 20 miles away, and they have a very good reputation. When I blew a hydraulic hose, they came to my house and fixed it right away.
Pros: Good size loader and back hoe for a small tractor. Switching between the loader bucket and the fork lift is a simple 2 minute task.
Cons: Seperate seat for the back hoe, so it is a little cramped, but okay.
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Model Year: 2010
I purchased the tractor with a loader and backhoe attached and added a tiller, seed spreader, and fork lift attachment for the loader. I did not select the cab, because I preferred the open air. I have no complaints with the tractor or the dealer. The John Deere costs a little more than other tractors, but the dealer was 20 miles away, and they have a very good reputation. When I blew a hydraulic hose, they came to my house and fixed it right away.
Pros: Good size loader and back hoe for a small tractor. Switching between the loader bucket and the fork lift is a simple 2 minute task.
Cons: Seperate seat for the back hoe, so it is a little cramped, but okay.
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John Deere Loses My Business Forever
Model Year: 2005
I have had nothing, but trouble with this tractor. It breaks down constantly. I perform preventative maintenance unsuccessfully. I have appealed to John Deere HQ for help and got nothing but lip service. Their last two area reps were totally unhelpful and unresponsive. I will never buy their product again. Ever. Nor will my next two generations. Do you get that I'm bitter?
Pros: Good features.
Cons: Totally unreliable - breaks constantly.
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Model Year: 2005
I have had nothing, but trouble with this tractor. It breaks down constantly. I perform preventative maintenance unsuccessfully. I have appealed to John Deere HQ for help and got nothing but lip service. Their last two area reps were totally unhelpful and unresponsive. I will never buy their product again. Ever. Nor will my next two generations. Do you get that I'm bitter?
Pros: Good features.
Cons: Totally unreliable - breaks constantly.
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JD 3520
Model Year: 2005
I am very disappointed with my unit and with the John Deere company. I recently had a major shaft go out, and I was charged $3,500 before I even gave my permission to take the tractor apart. Some of the people were professional (the dealer), but the regional people on up were worthless. Didn't even return phone calls. I feel ripped off and will never buy another JD product.
Pros: It's easy to use. Good features.
Cons: It breaks EVERY weekend and is totally unreliable.
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Model Year: 2005
I am very disappointed with my unit and with the John Deere company. I recently had a major shaft go out, and I was charged $3,500 before I even gave my permission to take the tractor apart. Some of the people were professional (the dealer), but the regional people on up were worthless. Didn't even return phone calls. I feel ripped off and will never buy another JD product.
Pros: It's easy to use. Good features.
Cons: It breaks EVERY weekend and is totally unreliable.
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New JD 3520 cab w/eHydro replaced 850
Model Year: 2010
I love the new JD with the cab. I know this will be great through the winter. I have already enjoyed the AC when using the brush hog and the pressure sealed cab kept me clean even when the dust is flying. It feels a little tipsy when rolling at a full 17MPH down the road and you take your foot off the eHydro and it almost slams to a stop. The power in that small frame is incredible. It easily fit through a 6 foot gate to the lagoon. It was brand new when I was running a seeder up and down inside the new lagoon and it with the cab it felt like it would tip but stayed upright. I love it.
Pros: Great power in small frame; cab keeps you clean and cool.
Cons: Narrow footprint seems less stable.
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Model Year: 2010
I love the new JD with the cab. I know this will be great through the winter. I have already enjoyed the AC when using the brush hog and the pressure sealed cab kept me clean even when the dust is flying. It feels a little tipsy when rolling at a full 17MPH down the road and you take your foot off the eHydro and it almost slams to a stop. The power in that small frame is incredible. It easily fit through a 6 foot gate to the lagoon. It was brand new when I was running a seeder up and down inside the new lagoon and it with the cab it felt like it would tip but stayed upright. I love it.
Pros: Great power in small frame; cab keeps you clean and cool.
Cons: Narrow footprint seems less stable.
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I love it.
Model Year: 0
The 3520 I have is a replacement for a 3720 that was stolen from a job site this spring. My 3720 had over 3500hrs on it with ZERO problems. During the winter of 2008/2009 the tractor ran non stop for almost a week due to extreme cold temps, and round the clock work pushing snow with an 8ft bucket. I use my new 3520 almost every day doing loader work, grading, tilling, scarifying, bush hog mowing, seeding, raking, ect. and I couldn't be happier.
Pros: Too many to list.
Cons: A bit narrow track width makes them easy to tip over on steep hills.
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Model Year: 0
The 3520 I have is a replacement for a 3720 that was stolen from a job site this spring. My 3720 had over 3500hrs on it with ZERO problems. During the winter of 2008/2009 the tractor ran non stop for almost a week due to extreme cold temps, and round the clock work pushing snow with an 8ft bucket. I use my new 3520 almost every day doing loader work, grading, tilling, scarifying, bush hog mowing, seeding, raking, ect. and I couldn't be happier.
Pros: Too many to list.
Cons: A bit narrow track width makes them easy to tip over on steep hills.
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JD3520
Model Year: 2010
I own a lawn care business and I had rented this tractor a few times for overseeding, the last time being an 8 hour job. It's easy to operate and after 8 hrs. on it, I felt like I had been sitting back in a recliner. The forward/reverse pedals are smooth and effortless. The bucket/loader controls are right at your finger tips. Finally someone who has been on a tractor must have designed this one because it handles like a dream. I liked the one from the rental center so much that I decided it was time to get one. I got it for landscaping/overseeding and whatever needs to be done in a yard. Its just the right size. 37 hp is plenty to do everything I need. The fact that the rental center gets them was a good enough testimonial for me. I looked at other brands, but they couldn't come close to what the JD has in my opinion.
Pros: Everything.
Cons: None.
Model Year: 2010
I own a lawn care business and I had rented this tractor a few times for overseeding, the last time being an 8 hour job. It's easy to operate and after 8 hrs. on it, I felt like I had been sitting back in a recliner. The forward/reverse pedals are smooth and effortless. The bucket/loader controls are right at your finger tips. Finally someone who has been on a tractor must have designed this one because it handles like a dream. I liked the one from the rental center so much that I decided it was time to get one. I got it for landscaping/overseeding and whatever needs to be done in a yard. Its just the right size. 37 hp is plenty to do everything I need. The fact that the rental center gets them was a good enough testimonial for me. I looked at other brands, but they couldn't come close to what the JD has in my opinion.
Pros: Everything.
Cons: None.
Quality
Model Year: 2006
I must admit, the purchase of my JD, my first purchase, was more from the heart than from the mind. I always wanted a tractor and by God it was going to be a John Deere. In the years since I've had it, working the ranch, rescuing snow-bound out-of-staters who can't drive in inclement weather and putting every contraption I needed on the front and back end, while others were on the ground or in the shop, my 3520 was still plugging along. Now, admittedly, a smaller ranch with a few dozen cattle and a few head of horses shouldn't over-tax the 3520 tractor with, like all should have, good maintenance. But I knew the jobs it would be doing, I outfitted it for those jobs and have never looked back while others with different manufacturers do; the same people who chided me for buying a "name" and not a tractor". Well, the fact of the matter is, that "name" has given me more time to work on the farm and less time to work on the tractor and that should be the main job of any tractor.
Pros: Tough tractor, close tolerances, thick material, won't bend or give up attitude, with maintenance, nothing breaks down.
Cons: A bit more expensive, but worth it.
Model Year: 2006
I must admit, the purchase of my JD, my first purchase, was more from the heart than from the mind. I always wanted a tractor and by God it was going to be a John Deere. In the years since I've had it, working the ranch, rescuing snow-bound out-of-staters who can't drive in inclement weather and putting every contraption I needed on the front and back end, while others were on the ground or in the shop, my 3520 was still plugging along. Now, admittedly, a smaller ranch with a few dozen cattle and a few head of horses shouldn't over-tax the 3520 tractor with, like all should have, good maintenance. But I knew the jobs it would be doing, I outfitted it for those jobs and have never looked back while others with different manufacturers do; the same people who chided me for buying a "name" and not a tractor". Well, the fact of the matter is, that "name" has given me more time to work on the farm and less time to work on the tractor and that should be the main job of any tractor.
Pros: Tough tractor, close tolerances, thick material, won't bend or give up attitude, with maintenance, nothing breaks down.
Cons: A bit more expensive, but worth it.
Good tractor
Model Year: 2005
It has been a good tractor so far. For the first two years I had it I did a lot of mowing and some landscape work. Now it is mostly landscape work and very little mowing. I have over a dozen attachments that I use with the tractor and it runs all of them with no trouble. A good percentage of the hours on my 3520 are hard use but I keep up the service regularly. I have had two things break. One was one of the three point lift arms. The other was the seat suspension. My only regret is that I didn't buy the bigger front loader. I have forks and have needed more lifting power several times. I don't have any pic's of the tractor itself but I did include an action shot of it running a power rake.
Pros: Very reliable and easy to use.
Cons: The belly mower just barely lifts off the ground. Don't buy it.
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Model Year: 2005
It has been a good tractor so far. For the first two years I had it I did a lot of mowing and some landscape work. Now it is mostly landscape work and very little mowing. I have over a dozen attachments that I use with the tractor and it runs all of them with no trouble. A good percentage of the hours on my 3520 are hard use but I keep up the service regularly. I have had two things break. One was one of the three point lift arms. The other was the seat suspension. My only regret is that I didn't buy the bigger front loader. I have forks and have needed more lifting power several times. I don't have any pic's of the tractor itself but I did include an action shot of it running a power rake.
Pros: Very reliable and easy to use.
Cons: The belly mower just barely lifts off the ground. Don't buy it.
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3520 Review
Model Year: 2007
I purchased a new 3520 in 2007. It has been a very good investment in my opinion. Its a good all around tractor. I mow 3+ acres of lawn and I tend a few cows. I used a post driver to install 200 fenceposts and never had a problem. My neighbor borrowed it and installed 3 or 4 hundred posts with a post hole auger. He wore out one auger and bought me a new one to replace it. The only problem I had was the dealer I purchased the tractor from. Barnhill Equipment in Durham N.C. was a joke. All they wanted was my deposit money. After they got that they stopped taking my calls as to when my tractor would be delivered. Their salesman finally called and promised delivery on a Monday afternoon. Monday came and went and no delivery. I had to threaten to get my attorney involved to get them to honor their agreement. I made them take all reference of their dealership off my tractor. Needless to say I will never do business with them and will urge others to do the same.
Pros: Ehydro,Power steering,Good horsepower
Cons: Very heavy deck to manuever, Bad fuel tank location
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Model Year: 2007
I purchased a new 3520 in 2007. It has been a very good investment in my opinion. Its a good all around tractor. I mow 3+ acres of lawn and I tend a few cows. I used a post driver to install 200 fenceposts and never had a problem. My neighbor borrowed it and installed 3 or 4 hundred posts with a post hole auger. He wore out one auger and bought me a new one to replace it. The only problem I had was the dealer I purchased the tractor from. Barnhill Equipment in Durham N.C. was a joke. All they wanted was my deposit money. After they got that they stopped taking my calls as to when my tractor would be delivered. Their salesman finally called and promised delivery on a Monday afternoon. Monday came and went and no delivery. I had to threaten to get my attorney involved to get them to honor their agreement. I made them take all reference of their dealership off my tractor. Needless to say I will never do business with them and will urge others to do the same.
Pros: Ehydro,Power steering,Good horsepower
Cons: Very heavy deck to manuever, Bad fuel tank location
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