It's been a while since I last posted and I've created a new account. I currently own a 3720 (300CX, forks, rear remotes, mids) w/ 60 hours and I'm struggling with whether to go larger with the 4520. I have about 120 acres with about 20a in CRP and waterways to mow, 30 acres of timber to deal with, about 2-3a of food plots to plant/manage, and about 1/4 mile gravel drive to maintain. When I bought the 3720 I thought it would be plenty of tractor and I had some clearance issues with overhead openings in buildings that would've required I fold the ROPS on the larger tractor, so I went with the 3720. Originally I started out with an 855 and the attachments that I bought for it (5' BB, 6' rake, 5' cutter, 5' tiller) were probably too big for the 855 and are now probably on the small side for the 3720. I still have the 855. The issue is whether to move up to the 4520 with the larger/heavier frame and get a larger cutter and maybe a bigger BB to work the driveway. The dealer is offering a trade of the 3720 plus 10k for the 4520 (w/equal setup). Moving some large sections of cut timber recently with the forks made me wish I had the larger platform and I suppose I could handle the low door openings by folding the ROPS on the 4520. If I were to be really honest about things I like the looks of the 4520 better and maybe that's what is driving me to think about doing this. Could somebody help me sort through this because I'm starting to go crazy trying to figure this out! Sorry about the length of this post.
Upgrade to 4520?
- Thread starter TMH
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To me the 3000 series looks like a toy in comparison to the 4000 series. I never even considered the 3000 series and went with a 4120. It handles a 6 ft bush hog with ease and easily loads a tandem dump truck with the 400X loader. I have never felt the need for more power than the 43 hp, North-American JD engine of this tractor puts out coupled to a power-reverser transmission. With loaded rear tires, I can move dirt faster than my neighbor can with his 4720 (unloaded rears). Unless you go with a less efficient hydro transmission, I think 43 hp is plenty even on the 4000 frame size, and I heard that even the 4120 is rated higher in the current model year. No regrets at all after 4 years with this tractor and only needing to go back to the dealer for oil filters on scheduled changes. I can fit it into a standard height garage door by simply folding down the ROPs.
jenkinsph
Super Star Member
From what you have said so far you have 20 acres to mow and 30 acres of woods, what plans do you have for the other 70 acres? If these other 70 acres are something you can develop over time then maybe a 5000 series tractor along with the 955 would be a better combination.
To me a smaller older tractor along with a newer 60 to 75 hp cab tractor would be an ideal setup. I recently purchased a new 4520 cab tractor and have only put about 14 hours on it, so I can't tell you much about it yet. The one thing I can tell you is that it is alot more tractor than the 3000 series. A 4520 or 4720 with an 8' rear cutter would certainly speed up your mowing. I would keep the older smaller tractor for close quarters work and to use in the woods at least until you have it opened up enough that you don't damage the new tractor. Last, give the cab some consideration it would be tough to come back next time wishing you had bought the cab.
Steve
To me a smaller older tractor along with a newer 60 to 75 hp cab tractor would be an ideal setup. I recently purchased a new 4520 cab tractor and have only put about 14 hours on it, so I can't tell you much about it yet. The one thing I can tell you is that it is alot more tractor than the 3000 series. A 4520 or 4720 with an 8' rear cutter would certainly speed up your mowing. I would keep the older smaller tractor for close quarters work and to use in the woods at least until you have it opened up enough that you don't damage the new tractor. Last, give the cab some consideration it would be tough to come back next time wishing you had bought the cab.
Steve
muskyhunter7
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I'd want to hear from 3x20 owners that have moved up to the 4x20 to know how they felt about it. I hear the 4x20s are loud. Are they louder than the 3x20s? How about the Deere 4 cylinder vs. the 3 cylinder Yanmar? Is it harder to get into tight places?
My 4120 seems a little on the loud side at idle but does not get much louder at PTO rpm. In fact, I can bushhog with this tractor without the use of hearing protection, but If I have a lot of heavy cutting to do, I wear it. The Ford 2000 diesel I had previously was quieter at idle but much louder at pto speed, and there was no way I could brushhog without hearing protection on that one. I think these JD engines get a bad wrap on noise mostly because they are louder than many others at idle, and that is all most folks hear when they test drive. They are very likely just as quite as most Japanese engines when operated at PTO speed. I actually kind of like the sound of these engines, especially the turbo noise.
muskyhunter7
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If you have the HP already (and the 3720 seems to have plenty for a 6' cutter and a 6' BB) why spend the extra $$ to upgrade? Wouldn't you be better off spending the money on attachments? Seems like a pricey move just to get a bigger tractor.
He is probably thinking of things like the huge improvement in reach, and hydraulic capacity that enable the 4000 series to easily accomplish some tasks that the 3000 series cant touch (moving large round bales with loader & 3 pt spear, loading tandem dumptruck, lifting heavy pallets, etc.) HP is just part of the deal when it comes to what jobs can be accomplished with a tractor.
nmu98
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- Tractor
- JD 5203, JD 3720, JD 4110, JD 445, IH 1586, IH 886, IH 404......
In reading your statement I don't see anything that stands out that the 3720 cannot do. Yes the 4720 could do most of it faster, but is that what you are after.
I see 2 things.
1. you state that honestly you like the looks of the 4720 better, and that why you want to upgrade. Save your money. Looks are no reason to upgrade a tractor.
2. You only have 60 hours on your machine. You still are getting used to it. I doubt you have found all of its capabilities.
If going to the 4x20 series is in your cards, look and drive the 4320 or 4520 and save a little money. Don't expect these tractors to be the sheet when you get it. Most people including myself would choose a 5000 series to mow 20 acres, just because a 8' cutter would do it faster.. But is it worth it?
IMHO, you have a perfect sized tractor to work your acreage, And do work around your home. Its going to take longer to cut your CRP land, that you can only cut maybe twice a year due to their restrictions, and you might make an extra trip or two when hauling wood on the forks. But the forks don't get any larger on the 4x20 series, only a little stability is added.
It all comes down to time and money. What one do you have more of. In this economy, there are many stocks that are under valued and "on sale" and I would rather see my money making money than sitting in a tractor.
Neither a 3x20 or 4x20 series tractor is going to make you much money in agriculture.
Good luck with your decision!
I see 2 things.
1. you state that honestly you like the looks of the 4720 better, and that why you want to upgrade. Save your money. Looks are no reason to upgrade a tractor.
2. You only have 60 hours on your machine. You still are getting used to it. I doubt you have found all of its capabilities.
If going to the 4x20 series is in your cards, look and drive the 4320 or 4520 and save a little money. Don't expect these tractors to be the sheet when you get it. Most people including myself would choose a 5000 series to mow 20 acres, just because a 8' cutter would do it faster.. But is it worth it?
IMHO, you have a perfect sized tractor to work your acreage, And do work around your home. Its going to take longer to cut your CRP land, that you can only cut maybe twice a year due to their restrictions, and you might make an extra trip or two when hauling wood on the forks. But the forks don't get any larger on the 4x20 series, only a little stability is added.
It all comes down to time and money. What one do you have more of. In this economy, there are many stocks that are under valued and "on sale" and I would rather see my money making money than sitting in a tractor.
Neither a 3x20 or 4x20 series tractor is going to make you much money in agriculture.
Good luck with your decision!
Thanks for the responses. Your thoughts reflect my conflict. I too would be interested to know the thoughts of previous 3x20 owners who went up to the 4x20 series. I have had a couple of pucker moments when transporting some larger chunks of wood and I thought the larger frame tractor would have handled the load better. However, nmu98's message rings true that I really haven't gotten comfortable yet maybe with the 3720. Maybe it will do everything the 4520 would do and allow me to invest in a couple of other attachments (a chipper and a disc would be nice). Also, could I handle a 6' cutter (MX6) with the 3720 for rough stuff and then have a 7' rear discharge mower for maintaining the mowed trails and waterways? I've also considered the drive over 6' MMM. More questions but your responses have helped a lot.
