Buying Advice 2008 JD 3120 for 18,500

[Dave McIntire]

I've got a line on a "never sold" 2008 3120 for 18,500. Its got about 200 hours (he says used at the fairs and as a demo) and I could get it from a dealer with a full 2 year warranty and the 1800 hours remaining too (time will expire before I put on that many hours). The tractor comes with a standard X loader and R4 tires...possibly wheel weights.

We've got 5 newly acquired acres and I'd be using it for grading the gravel drive (with a rear blade I'd hafta buy), clearing snow with the rear blade or bucket if its deep and perhaps doing a little dirt excavation/moving to create a small R/C car track. I've got a Z mower for mowing the yard and the rest of the property.

What do you guys think about the price? Will the tractor suit my usage? Ideally I'd get more hp and Ag tires for better traction in the snow, but this being my first tractor, I like the warranty aspect vs just getting a used one about which I know next to nothing.

Any comments about putting the saltwater in the tires for increased stability and more traction?

Thanks for any help!
Dave

 

[Dave McIntire]

Hmmm....didn't know my name was going to be my username.... Ooops!

Actually its not...it just seems that way!!!

Anyone know how to change it?

 

[foggy1111]

Dave....From the uses you describe this tractor (and price / warranty) may work out very well. The price is in the right area....IMO. As I like to say....nobody is gonna give you one.

But you should also know that this model has been discontinued as most people feel they had just too many tractors in this same series (3x20 or twenty series). I think the 3320 and up were outselling this model due to the small price gap for a little more power. But the few less HP wont be a big issue for your needs (?).

I think if you were specing out a new one.....some folks would tell you to upgrade this and that....but that WILL runt the price up.....and for the needs you say (and lots of other peoples needs too) those few horsepower will not matter to you.

You can check prices for this same model on tractorhouse.com

Another FWIW......I just bought a 200 hour used 3320 (2006 model) with big tires and cx loader and some hyraulic options for about $1000 less. No warranty.

OH...and I'm not sure where your from....but I would reccommend Rim Guard (beet juice) to prevent feezing. You will gain about 700 lbs in your tire size (I think). You wont need tubes or rust your rims. You WILL need to add tire / wheel ballast and have an implement on the back for ballast when using the loader or for winter use! Tire chains may be in your future....depending on your roads and needs.

 

[JCB]

Dave,

For me that 3120 would be about the right sized tractor for that property.

Joe

 

[kennyd]

Hmmm....didn't know my name was going to be my username.... Ooops!

Actually its not...it just seems that way!!!

Anyone know how to change it?

You can't really, unless you sent a PM to the site admin and explain that you made a mistake...but it's not often done. You can get him here: http://www.tractorbynet.com//forums/member.php?u=4

And welcome to TBN

 

[RoyJackson]

Hmmm....didn't know my name was going to be my username.... Ooops!

Nothing wrong with your real name being your user nick.
Been using my name for almost 10 years now...

As far as the tractor...price is ok, not great...what's he going to do to sweeten the deal? Powerwise, the 3120's weren't so hot, considering the original MSRP.
However....main thing is if you like the tractor...then that's the machine for you.

By "saltwater", I assume you mean calium chloride. It's been used for many many years, but I'd suggest something less corrosive.

 

[beppington]

Nothing wrong with your real name being your user nick.
Been using my name for almost 10 years now...

I kinda always figured your real name was Jack Royson, just to throw off the internet bandits & identity thievers

 

[Dmac1]

OH...and I'm not sure where your from....but I would reccommend Rim Guard (beet juice) to prevent feezing. You will gain about 700 lbs in your tire size (I think).

Our new place is in Elizabeth, Colorado. Will hafta check on the Rim Guard.

Roy...you are right....calcium chloride. Not sure I want that stuff in my tires but one dealer tells me the improvement in traction is substantial.

Any opinions on how much better R2 tires perform for snow plowing vs ag tires? I'm told the latter are much better, but nearly every used 3000 series I find has R2. :mur:

Thanks for all the tips! Going to see her now. Another dealer is trying to get me to buy one of the econo tractors that I think replaced the 3120. I'm not sure I want to go that way....thinking resale might be harder down the road.

Thoughts on that?? ie....3120/3320 (even 3720) vs one of the E versions?

Thanks again!
Dave

 

[RoyJackson]

I kinda always figured your real name was Jack Royson, just to throw off the internet bandits & identity thievers

It's actually Barack Obama, but I changed it for political purposes...

 

[kennyd]

It's actually Barack Obama, but I changed it for political purposes...

Wow, this thread will go downhill fast now