JD 3000 or 4000 series

[JDTank]

Good day all!

I am new here and I am in the market for my first tractor. I have been lurking in the forums for the last few weeks trying to learn as much as possible, and so far I have gained a great bit of knowledge thanks to you folks here.

Well, first off I guess I should start by listing my needs.

- Once a year spreading about 3 or 4 truck loads of pole shavings in the 4 horse paddocks we have on our property.
- rough cut 5 acres of high grass, roughly 2 feet in length. Not especially hard grass, just picture normal lawn grass 2 feet high.
- Pull an attachment to turn the surface of a 1 acre grass field for horses.
- Level the turned surface, re-seed grass.
- Level a riding arena, 300 ft by 100 ft.
- Dig out tree stumps, flatten ground covered in weed trees, push over trees.
- Finish mow between 2 - 3 acres of grass on the home property, this cannot be torn up like the ditch grass can.

I was HOPING to find one tractor to do EVERYTHING with, instead of buying a riding mower, AND a loader tractor. However, the more research I do this seems it may have to be the case. I would love to have a backhoe, but they are SERIOUS extra dollars around here, add on a backhoe is adding $11,000 to the price tag.

Are mid mount mowers, say the 7 Iron series, capable of cutting 2 ft high ditch grass? I was hoping to avoid having to purchase a rear PTO driven cutter, as it is overkill for the situation I am in.

The current tractors I am looking at are:

-John Deere 3320, 300CX loader, mid PTO, 3rd valve, for $23,500, including tire ballasting.
-John Deere 4105, 300CX loader, 73'' bucket, basic model of the 4000 series, price of $24,500, tires ballasting included.
-John Deere 4520, 400CX loader, all the bells and whistles, for $38,500.

These prices ARE in Canadian dollars as I am from British Columbia.

Now, I have looked through Kubotas website, and it would seem to me you can get a substantially larger tractor from them, for the same money you would pay for a much smaller John Deere. I have not gone to look at any of them, or drive them, let alone research them much. I have always been a diehard green fan!

I used a older 30HP 790 for the last 4 days to move pole shavings and I have to say I was unimpressed. The only tractors I have driven were of the 100HP and up range, so I am very used to powering through any hill of any material and taking half of it in one bucket scoop. This thing took forever to move any large amounts of material. It was also a standard gearbox, so all the loader work the last 4 days has been drive in, shift, back out, shift, drive to dump area, dump, shift, back up, shift. I can't take that anymore!

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance folks!

 

[LD1]

sounds like you definatally want a HST, that is a given.

The 790 is smaller and lower lift capacities than any of the tractors you have mentioned.

But if you want something small enough not to tear up the yard, it is going to take you longer to do the larger tasks.

I have a Kubota l3400 (which is basically the same as the new l3700su). I am very pleased with it. It is very comparable to the 3320 JD, but cost less and has a few less features. I have AG tires and have no trouble at all driving into a pile of anything and comming out with a full bucket, wether it be loose like sand/mulch, or dense like dirt/clay.

The kubota is actually a few hundred lbs lighter than the 3320JD, and I mow my grass with a 61" RFM, and I can say that I dont think I would want any bigger of a tractor to mow only a few acres with.

So my suggestion to you would be to see if a dealer will let you "test drive" a tractor out at your place. If not, even in their lot if they have piles of dirt.
Test the kubota l3700 and the JD 3320. If a tractor that size will suit your needs for the larger tasks, then I'd say you can get by with only one machine. Get the tractor and a RFM and a bush hog. If those tractors are just too small for what you need, check out some of the bigger ones until you find the size you want, but expect to also be buying a seperate mower.

 

[JDGreenGrass]

Of the tractors you have listed....I be looking at the 4105.

I would also be looking at the Kubota L series.

 

[Rockgod]

Of the tractors you have listed....I be looking at the 4105.

I'd have to agree. The 4105 will take care of all those needs and more. The only down side is no cab option. Other than that it's the best bang for your buck IMO. :thumbsup:

 

[JDTank]

The only thing I did not like about the 4105 is that it is a basic tractor. There is no cruise control, no options, no 3rd valve, just a big tractor with a loader.

I would really like to stick with the twenty series as they offer much more in terms of options.

What is the difference between a power reverser tranny and a eHydro tranny? I have heard the downside to the eHydros is the RPM never really goes up like stepping on a gas pedal, so for chewing into the side of a hill it does not work so well. I want something with no clutching, just flick the lever on the column for forward or reverse just like a forklift. I would say %65 of my work is loader work, so fast movement and direction changes is vital.

I am very seriously considering now a 3520 with a mid mount mower and getting a X540 for the finish grass on the home front.

Is it worth it to step up to a 4000 series tractor? The first twenty series 4000 here starts at $30,000, and for every model increase it goes up about $2,000.

 

[JDGreenGrass]

The only thing I did not like about the 4105 is that it is a basic tractor. There is no cruise control, no options, no 3rd valve, just a big tractor with a loader.

I would really like to stick with the twenty series as they offer much more in terms of options.

What is the difference between a power reverser tranny and a eHydro tranny? I have heard the downside to the eHydros is the RPM never really goes up like stepping on a gas pedal, so for chewing into the side of a hill it does not work so well. I want something with no clutching, just flick the lever on the column for forward or reverse just like a forklift. I would say %65 of my work is loader work, so fast movement and direction changes is vital.

I am very seriously considering now a 3520 with a mid mount mower and getting a X540 for the finish grass on the home front.

Is it worth it to step up to a 4000 series tractor? The first twenty series 4000 here starts at $30,000, and for every model increase it goes up about $2,000.

I sat on a 3320 this past weekend. Cadillac.:thumbsup:

 

[Pushing_Tin]

I sat on a 3320 this past weekend. Cadillac.:thumbsup:

LOVE my 3320! I just had one of those metal carports built today to put her in this winter.

 

[jenkinsph]

The only thing I did not like about the 4105 is that it is a basic tractor. There is no cruise control, no options, no 3rd valve, just a big tractor with a loader.

I would really like to stick with the twenty series as they offer much more in terms of options.

What is the difference between a power reverser tranny and a eHydro tranny? I have heard the downside to the eHydros is the RPM never really goes up like stepping on a gas pedal, so for chewing into the side of a hill it does not work so well. I want something with no clutching, just flick the lever on the column for forward or reverse just like a forklift. I would say %65 of my work is loader work, so fast movement and direction changes is vital.

I am very seriously considering now a 3520 with a mid mount mower and getting a X540 for the finish grass on the home front.

Is it worth it to step up to a 4000 series tractor? The first twenty series 4000 here starts at $30,000, and for every model increase it goes up about $2,000.

To answer one of your questions the ehydro with the upgraded cruise can operate the engine throttle with the forward and reverse pedals much like a car. I would try one out to see for yourself.

I use a 4520 cab currently and was at the dealer today checking on an X749 for finish mowing. I am hoping this is a good combination, while you may not need the extra size and power it is definately nice to have. I do recomend having a separate mower and larger tractor, it works much better to me.

 

[JDTank]

Are the mid mount mowers strong enough to cut 2 ft high grass? Basically right now that is the clincher.

I don't want to buy a rear PTO driven mower. Since the 4000 series tractor is to big for a mid mount mower, it kind of goes against what I want, yet it doesn't. The 3000 series can do a mid mount mower, but it is a smaller tractor then I would like. If a mid mount is capable of cutting high grass, I will go with a 3520, if either way I need the strength of a rear PTO driven cutter, I will step up to the 4520 open station.

What do you guys think?

 

[jenkinsph]

A 4520 with 400CX fel, MX6 rear mower and a good riding mower should do the trick. I am not familiar with the Canadian exchange rate but you should be able to buy a nice cabbed Deere 4520 with full wheel and front weights and other options for $33,000 to $34,000 less the fel.

 

[jgrreed]

Look used - kijiji, buysell, autotrader, and in the US on tractorhouse and ironsearch, etc. I got my 2005 4720 with 400x loader for 25k just outside of Edmonton. It had 350 hours on it at the time.

I like toys, so my opinion is definitely to step up to the 20 series - but that's totally dependent on your personality and needs.

Caroni flails are a great mower option (can't stop ranting about them!!) that would cut 2' grass no problem.

I'm in SK, so I can advise you on importing, etc of tractor or implements.

-Jer.

 

[jgrreed]

If you need to mow really nice grass, it's best to keep your big equipment off of it - 3000 or 4000 series. I had the same 'all in one' dream too, and I've ended up finding a used deere 737 zero turn for 4k, and it's fantastic. They're out there is you search for them.

I did a rough search for you for 4000 series used and didn't come up with much, but I'll keep an eye out.

-Jer.

 

[jgrreed]

Check this out, just an example....

2008 JOHN DEERE 4720 40 HP to 99 HP For Sale At TractorHouse.com

Also, beware of scammers on trader.ca, etc. If someone is offering a 2009 4000 series with a loader for 7900$, they're trying to fund terrorists with your money. Friend of mine got taken for 5k on an RV couple years back (no, it wasn't me that got suckered).

-Jer.

 

[Interlaux]

Check this out, just an example....

I agree - If you got cash look for used.
If your bored this winter and need to get to some warmer clime come on down and shop - stay with me and get some seat time mowing not blowing:laughing
There are some "good" deals here like the 4720 with 300hrs with cab,400cx and MMM for $29k that sold a few weeks ago - watched it load up with very green eyes
Once you sit on a 4000 series I could not think a 3000 would ever suit you(me)

 

[doall]

I would definitely go with the 4000 series, since you want the extra loading capability. The 3000 is much lighter and smaller; I'm afraid you would be feeling underpowered again, as you were on your friends tractor.

 

[JDTank]

jgrreed - Where did you buy your tractor from?

I was originally from Saskatoon until I recently moved out to BC. Have you ever brought a tractor up here from the US?

I think your right and I am just going to have to buy 2 machines. Anything bigger then a 2000 series is to big for the lawn in my opinion.

I think a X540 is a good one for the 2 acres on the home front.

 

[jgrreed]

jgrreed - Where did you buy your tractor from?

I was originally from Saskatoon until I recently moved out to BC. Have you ever brought a tractor up here from the US?

I think your right and I am just going to have to buy 2 machines. Anything bigger then a 2000 series is to big for the lawn in my opinion.

I think a X540 is a good one for the 2 acres on the home front.

I bought my machine in a private deal I found on buysell.com, near Stony Plain.

I haven't brought a tractor up. I've brought up vehicles and trailers, and Seadoo's!! My friends have brought up tractors, bobcats, minihoes, boats, etc, etc, etc. It's not hard, just need to have your ducks in a row.

Look at zero turns, mine is fantastic. Unless you have another 'little tractor' use - tiller, blower, etc - I'd get a ZTR. They're also out there used for good prices.

Lemme know if you have anymore Q's.

-Jeremy.

 

[jgrreed]

I'd take interlaux up on his offer!!! My friends 4520 came from FLA. He had it shipped most of the way (ND or Montana) and he picked it up from there.

-Jer.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Size is a hard thing to decide about. It seems like one tractor is often too big for one job and too small for another. Go with the one that will do about 70% of what you want well.

Digging up trees and pushing trees over is more demanding than mowing 24" grass.

 

[JDTank]

I think I have made my final choice.

I am going to wait until next year and save up a very nice down payment, and then it is going to be a 4520 open station with a backhoe on the back! I know it will be costly but, I can use it for absolutely every single thing out here, except for cutting grass on the home front, otherwise it meets every single one of my needs and wants. I feel overall it is smarter to buy just above what you think you will ever need. Stepping up to a 4520 is a no brainer, turbo power and a nice HP jump. The extra money to jump to a 4720, for 6 extra HP, now thats a waste of a few thousand dollars I think. This tractor is beyond what I need, but I would be willing to wager within 5 years, it will be perfect for what I need.

I might have to bite the bullet and buy brand new. If I get a good enough deal I don't mind, but I just want to put down a bigger chunk of change first for smaller payments.

Really not to keen on the cab. I would love to have one, but the majority of my work is performed in the summer, and very little in the winter time, so to spend an extra $6,000 for a cab...seems unjustified.

Now, if I could just win the lottery, I would buy all of us new tractors!