John Deere 3520 4.40 star(s) (40)

3520 Open Platform
Model Year: 2011

I am happy with the 3520. For the size of the tractor and the horsepower, it does everything I have asked of it. The brush hogging, grader blade and york rake are great. The Wood chipper and wood winch that I have work well. I would say that the down fall is two things: it is a little light and narrow for steep hilly terrain when brush hogging, and the open platform does not work well for the Maine cold, snowy, and windy winters. The e-hydro transmission does a great job with quick operation while using the bucket. This tractor has plenty of power.

Pros: Price, size for most all small farm/ home owner work
Cons: Open platform and narrow light frame on steep hilly terrian

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Wish I Had Known
Model Year: 2006

We purchased the 3520 with the front-end loader and back-hoe attachments new in 2006. We were pleased with the tractor. The back-hoe is inferior to the operation of any mini excavator but you get what you pay for and it met our needs. At around 700 hours, it seemed to be blowing off more black exhaust. We changed the filters and fuel with no effect. By 900 hours, it was obviously getting worse. We suspected injectors, so into the dealer it went. The injectors checked out fine. Off the head went to the machine shop. There was nothing wrong there, no cracks, the valves looked okay, and there were no signs of blowby. The replaced the seals while they had it off and put it back together. It is much improved but still not up to factory specifications. Of course, when we bought it we were told it was one tough little machine and with proper care we would see 5,000 plus hours before it would need any serious repair, and no one stands behind what they build or sell like John Deere and this dealer. So, when a critical engine failure occurs before 1,000 hours, they do stand behind it, as far back as they can with their mouths shut and their hands in their pockets. They gave us a big repair bill and told us, "Good Luck." They may all be bums, but these bums will not be getting any more of my money.

Pros: Easy to operate
Cons: Can have critical engine failure at under 700 hours

Perfect Size for General Light Work
Model Year: 2011

- Easy to get on and off. - Great engine and power. - Foot pedal forward and reverse is a must have. - Got top and tilt for 3 point. - Overall great tractor, but not a commercial tractor. Loader will drift down over short period of time. When mowing you will have to raise the loader after 15 to 20 minutes. More of an aggravation since other machines will hold overnight.

Pros: Power, size,steering, brakes, 4WD.
Cons: Hydraulic valve does not hold, loader drifts down/no fix available. A little narrow on width.

Trouble Mounting 485 Backhoe
Model Year: 2013

I just traded-in my JD 4400 tractor with a mod. 48 backhoe. So far I've had to switch to my 3-point set-up twice. Both times it was nightmare to re-mount the 485 which has the mechanical thumb. the arms just won't lift it enough to put in the pins. I ended up using a car jack to lift it high enough. Loading my old mod. 48 onto my 4400 was never a problem. Dealer is telling my that's how it is! Tractor is fine and backhoe works great once loaded, but don't get the 485 unless your dealer demos it on and off first.

Pros: Easy to operate, thumb on backhoe, fast reverse.
Cons: Mounting 485 backhoe.

Totally Impressed
Model Year: 2010

I always buy used JDs for the same reason you'd buy a new one. Long term value and reliability, ergonomic lay out of controls and ease of attaching accessories. The turbocharged Yanmar is smooth and much quieter than my 28 year old JD and has a wide toque band when running PTO powered equipment. The hydraulics seem smooth and responsive. Didn't think I'd like the eHydro but love it now especially when using the front loader or mowing. It's surprisingly nimble too even with a 72" mid mount mower around trees and really eats up open acreage of thick grass with no effort at all.

Pros: Power, comfort, ergonomic layout, quiet.
Cons: You'll need to add weight to transfer power to the ground.

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Problems with JD 3520 w/Cab
Model Year: 2011

Tractor is a great machine if it worked as intended. Had a complete failure with front wheel drive. Dealer said something inside pumpkin came apart causing complete failure. Damages were $4000.00 to rebuild. Covered by warranty. Also had problems with main frame bolts that hold on front end coming loose and breaking off. Bolts had to be drilled out and removed and new larger bolts had to be refitted and installed. It appears the 300CX loader may of caused the problem if used too much. All implements work well except bush hog came from dealer with no oil in gear box. I didn't catch this right away and now have a bad seal to replace.

Pros: When tractor is working as intended it is a great for me.
Cons: It seems the tractor is not built to be a true farm tractor.

Impressive Little John Deere 3520
Model Year: 2013

I bought this tractor as a brand new unit to replace a 30+ yr. old Ford 1910 MFWD (32 HP) w/ FEL with 1500 hrs. I must say this tractor has exceeded all my expectations. The performance of the tractor compared to my older Ford is not even close. The 3 point hitch can lift 600 lbs more, the FEL is by far beefier/rigid and has over 50% more lift capacity. This tractor almost drives "car-like" with great, responsive steering impart due to an excellent operator station layout and the loader control level has a great ergonomic feel. I have the Powr Reverser tranny as I tested this and the e-Hydro but felt the Powr Reverser to be just as easy to use plus it is a true "geared" tranny. The turbo charged Yanmar powerplant is surprisingly quiet and "sips" fuel compared to my older Ford and it also has way more power than this tractor/weight ratio needs (I filled the rear tires to give it better traction). I run a 5' bushhog with ease along with a 6' disc harrow, 5' land plane, 5' box blade, and spreader. This tractor is a perfect size to keep up the 54 acres (mostly wooded) we have. I use it mostly to plant 3+ acres of food plots, maintain my 1600 ft driveway, and mow 3 acres of field. I also considered a Kubota L3540 but the dealers did not have any in stock to test drive plus the price was actually within $1000 of the JD 3520. Also, in talking with local framers in my area, John Deere seems to hold a higher resale value compared to Kubota-something I had to consider in case I needed to get rid of my tractor in an emergency. Due to this plus having a JD dealer 5 miles from my home, the JD 3520 was the practical choice. With 54 hours on her, I must say I'm a satisified John Deere owner!

Pros: Strong engine, build quality, operator station layout, drivability, JD resale value.
Cons: Narrow wheelbase-add rear weight.

John Deere 3520
Model Year: 2006

Replaced Bolens 1704.

Pros: Love it.
Cons: Do not use it enough.

JD 3520
Model Year: 2010

Great tractor, very reliable. Replaced a kubota B2400 with this one. CX300 loader is a bull dog.

Pros: Power, weight, strength of construction.
Cons: Loaded A4 tires tear up yard. Should have went with 72" mower.

Nothin' Runs Like a Deere
Model Year: 2007

Hi I just purchesed my 3rd John Deere tractor. I bought this one with a backhoe, 73" front end loader, 60" front mount snow blower, and 60" tiller, and I also have 48" brush hog and towable wood splitter. I really like this tractor it has a lot off room in the operating station (open station). I had 2520 tractor which was a good tractor but just a little small for me. On my new one 3520 I have used everything on it and it works great. I dug out a couple stumps with it and no issues. I would suggest this size tractor to any one who wants a John Deere.

Pros: Easy to change attachments lots of room in operating station has enough lift capacty.
Cons: Fuel gauge doesn't work right.

John Deere 3520 E Hydro w/ 300x Loader
Model Year: 2007

Great small acreage tractor with endless possibilities to make life a little easier around your property. The controls on the this tractor are very easy to use and anyone, whether they are familiar with operating a piece of equipment or not, can easily operate a tractor like this. I have just a little over 6 acres with a very long gravel drive that needs constant light grading. I used the loader for collecting wood, picking up heavy items or just to carry a bunch of stuff from one end to the property to another. The 3 point hitch is very easy to use for other attachments as well.

Pros: Comfortable operating station.
Cons: Can't think of any right now.

My Right Hand
Model Year: 2006

After 1100 HRS I am ready to offer nothing but pride and satisfaction in owning this JD 3520. 95% of the time this is all the machine I need homesteading 17 uneven acres in this jungle on a riverbank. No problem other than a torn wire in the harness under the tractor while clearing brush. Easily found and repaired. Using the I-hitch with box blade, rotary mower, sub soiler, chipper, and single gang plow. Using the 447 backhoe and the FEL for the big stuff. I DO keep up the maintenance schedule, using a lot of grease and topping off the hydro levels. I also cetane boost the fuel, and that really keeps the exhaust pleasant.

Pros: Abundant power, reliability, low maintenance, build quality.
Cons: Purchase price.

Very Versatile Machine
Model Year: 2009

Bought the 3520 with a 72" mid mount mower deck, 60" rototiller, plow, bucket loader, orchard sprayer, sand spreader, and wood chipper. Handles all equip with no problem. Plenty of power and starts up easily even at 10°F. I did purchase the tire chains for winter plowing because I live on a hill and we get quite a few ice storms. I also added the "power beyond" to handle my PTO mounted wood chipper. Very happy with the machine and I would buy one again in a minute.

Pros: Well built, sturdy, versatile, has lots of attachments available.
Cons: Price---close to 40 grand with everything.

Use to Work on Food Plots
Model Year: 2013

Just the right size for working food plot and around the camp and yard.

Pros: Ease to work and easy on fuel.
Cons: Hard to to find equip. Boom mower.

My New John Deere 3520 with Cab
Model Year: 2013

I bleed GREEN for starters. I have had various John Deere lawn and garden tractors my whole adult lifetime. I mow about 7 acres of grass every week (even twice at times) and have never had a problem with any of them. Recently I purchased a 3520 with all the bells and whistles including a cab. I justified the cab to myself by saying I am sick and tired of freezing my tail end off blowing snow. Every time it snows I am out blowing the stuff for 3-4 hours and I am getting too old for this stuff. Also with my new tractor I bought a grapple bucket and a 72 inch drive over mower deck. Now I do not have to crawl around on the floor 3 hours while switching out my mower deck and snow blower like I used to do with my old 3120. This 3520 is a dream.

Pros: Easy on and off of attachments. More power with the turbo and solid workmanship.
Cons: The narrow wheel base. I think the cab makes it feel like it wants to tip even though the wheelbase is the same as my old 3120.

JD 3520 Horrible Assembly Plus
Model Year: 2012

I stepped up and spent 47 k all told on this 3520 John Deere enclosed cab (closed station) compact tractor. At the age of 59 I wanted the supposed best. However I found out that the Georgia factory should fire half the work force due to the horrible workmanship and many poorly thought out design ideas both small and large but important details that should have never occurred. I was greeted with duct tape holding wire harnesses in place, broken or missing cable ties, broken or non-existent wire harness anchor points. Factory Accessory Packages that an A.S.E. master tech such as myself (should have been easily able to install with the proper documentation) could not install many things. One of the best was no install of the trailer hitch plug due to missing fuse/relay block and no place to mount on the rear of the unit. The instructions said the relay block existed on the wire harness, but was not there. Literally no place to mount the back up alarm if the trailer hitch plug next to it could have been installed w/ the alarm option! Extremely poor documentation (they are trying to force you into their shops). Whoever designed the placement of the electrical system on this tractor had "0" zero common sense, heck my 14 year old daughter was looking at things and telling me "dad this is not right it's not installed or not designed correctly" (so it would have a reasonable life expectancy) and she is girly girl and does not hang out with me in the garage. I found most of the mistakes on this tractor when I tried to do what should have been easy add on options. The list is over 35 items to date of things I found wrong and climbing! The heat and a/c systems do not keep up with the cold or summer heat! Duh! The tractor has been back to the dealer several times as I keep finding assembly line build defects. I am close to my lawyer becoming involved. Do not buy John Deere they look good but the execution and crappy design quality are apparent only after you live with the 3000 series and get a chance to look under the veneer. Why would you power a front 3rd function from the rear to the front using rubber hose cable tied to various components instead of a two way electric selector valve plumbed with steel lines appropriately mounted to each end of the tractor? How about a hood latch that requires a 2 ft. step stool to crawl over the hood guard to reach the hood release to raise the hood and a hood prop that does not easily hook on the hood to accomplish its purpose? A rear wiper that does not contact the glass for the full sweep and does not have auto park? Best of all running the air conditioning lines exposed with no protection right above the right rear tire so a rock can destroy a or both front lines.... and the list goes on and on. If this is the best, God save all tractor owners! My neighbor has several hundred acres. I now am starting to understand why he bought a New Holland. This all of my problems are attributes of poor oversight and horrible management. Welcome to the next company that is bloated and going to fail in the 21st century.... unless they change!

Pros: It's green and looks good from 30 feet away.
Cons: Very poor documents, critical design flaws, poor execution, rust, and bad paint prep.

Never Fails Me
Model Year: 2008

Had a JD 855 which is I beleive 23hp. Made the move to a slightly bigger machine which has all the power I need for yard work. I have front and rear aux hydraulics with a front quick-tach. Have never had a minute of regret. I run a lot of attachments and it handles everyone well.

Pros: Stout and strong.
Cons: Don't have any.

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My Right Hand
Model Year: 2006

Developing this 17 acres of riverbank homestead would not have been possible without this workhorse. FEL, box blade, rotary cutter, lift forks, subsoiler (as pipe/cable burier), and post hole auger tamed this briar ridden jungle into a fenced yard, pond, garden, sloping gravel road and woodlot. Just right for the job 95%/lacks hydraulic lift capacity 5%. Just routine service by owner, no down time ('cept one flat tire). I am still surprised at the capacity of this 3520. Don't forget the cetane booster.

Pros: Power, accuracy, manuverability, reliability.
Cons: An expensive investment.

3520 JD Replaces 4100 JD
Model Year: 2011

I replaced my 10 year old JD 4100 and 400 loader with a JD 3520 with cab and 300cx loader. I really liked the 4100 but I turned 65 this year and blowing snow without a cab was getting to be a real chore. The 4100 had only two hydro outlets for the loader. The 3520 has five outlets, two for loader, one for grapple fork, two in the back for snow blower spout. A switch changes the joy stick from operating the loader to operating the snow blower.

Pros: Cab, hydraulcis, three speed trans., air seat,.bigger loader, more hp.
Cons: Bigger tractor can not get around the yard as well. Harder to see bucket on the ground because of cab.

JD 3520
Model Year: 2010

I bought my 3520 after retiring my Kubota B2400 after 14 years. I loved my Kubota. I looked at both and decided that the JD was built a little more beefy. I tend to work my equipment hard. I also live on a hill and found that mowing with a 24hp tractor was underpowered. The 35hp seemed to be the right fit. My dealer gave me a great price which was $2500 less than Kubota. My initial impressions are that JD thought of a lot of issues with small tractors and solved them. With load match, cruise control and other great features. My only complaint is the ergonomics of the cockpit. I am rather short (5'6") and when you move the seat up all of the controls at the seat are too far back. I fixed this by making some pedal extensions to move the pedals back. JD really needs to look at this. Ford trucks figured this out with adjustable pedals. The 300cx loader is great with plenty of force. The quick attach mower deck is designed well. I use a 60" box blade and the tractor doesn't even slow down. The A4 tires I have are loaded in the rear. They do seem to be a bit much and can tear up the grass in the turns. I am looking at buying turf tires for mowing. Not sure if I want to switch back and forth to the A4 tires though. When I first got it I pushed a tree over and a 4" branch cam down on the hood. Not even a scratch. The mower deck mount underneath sticks down too far and I when I hit a stump I bent it pretty bad. I was able to straighten it in a shop press. Looking to add a rear chipper and I am curious how the power will handle it. Over all, it has been a great tractor and I would buy it again.

Pros: Power, features and built tough.
Cons: Ergonomics.