Which Deere to purchase?

[smalltown]

Roy I asume that was a photo taken when you were buying your 4400. That was well taken care of by the previous owner.

 

[RoyJackson]

Roy I asume that was a photo taken when you were buying your 4400. That was well taken care of by the previous owner.

Yes, pic was taken at the dealer before delivery.
The previous owner used it for mowing 4 acres...that's all. The only thing I've found wrong was the hydraulic Quick Disconnects will not disconnect (This is the 3rd Deere I've owned...all had loaders and I know most of the tricks on dropping a loader since I do remove the loader for the mowing season).
So, let's concentrate on the OP, MoreBoostPlease, thread.

 

[jamesa]

buy the bigger tractor, if you have that much drive way you will want the extra power and lb. it will do all a smaller one will only faster!

 

[MoreBoostPlease]

I am interested to hear what you decided on. Me, I have 2 acres also and I want a 3720. Of course, I have some pretty big plans for the 3720 just around the house and if I ever get a hunting property like I want it will have plenty to do. Plus, I prefer to have more tool/machine/truck than I will need in the first place. That is one reason I bought the F350 crew cab. Most of the time, I am not pushing it to its limit, but on the few times I had to haul something that an F150 would have struggled with, I was happy that I had the F350 with a diesel engine. I have seen my dad struggle with his F150 way too many times.

I haven't yet decided. Im still thinking a 2520 is my best option however, for a short term solution, I may pick up a used 455 for mowing. I usually buy more than I need also, but appreciate the power/capability/etc when needed. Im concerned I really don't need a loader though, but im sure I "could" find uses for it.

 

[RoyJackson]

Im concerned I really don't need a loader though, but im sure I "could" find uses for it.

You'd regret not buying the loader...better deal if you get it when you buy the tractor.
And Deere loaders are so easy to dismount!!

 

[MoreBoostPlease]

You'd regret not buying the loader...better deal if you get it when you buy the tractor.
And Deere loaders are so easy to dismount!!

You're probably right. We get a lot of snow drifting out here and maybe the fel could be used for digging out when things get deep (over a foot or two).

What area of pa are you in?

 

[revitupfaster]

I have about 5 acres, of which I mow about 3. I have an X495 and a 2520, both with 62" decks.

Prior to getting the 2520, I used the 495 to plow the snow, and I must admit, it did a decent job, but I did have to use chains. One of the main reasons I got the 2520 was to plow snow, and hopefully not have to put the @#% chains on each winter. Well in my case, the plan worked. It does a great job without the chains. The added weight is very noticeabe when plowing, and it simply does a much better job.

That being said, the X495 is a nicer unit for grass cutting. Less weight, easier on the grass, more manouverable around obstacles, and all around quicker for the lawn mowing duties.

I guess what I'm saying is that the 2520 is a bit of an overkill for simple lawn mowing duties, even for my 3+ acres which I keep cut, but it certainly has more capeabilities for other jobs I have around my place, that a tractor in the X495 class just couldn't handle. With only 2 acres, and only mowing 1 acre, I would think the 2305/1026 series would be the best "All Around" choice. Not too big, but with the capeability to outperform the "Garden/Lawn tractor group.

When I first bought my property, I bought a Yanmar CUT, with a 72" RFM, mainly to keep the vacant land looking decent. That old Yanmar was a great machine for her day. (Back then, it was virtually the same machine as a JD 950) Never gave me a stitch of problems, and I got what I paid for it 25 years later, on the trade-in for the 2520.

After the house was built, and the lawn all in and growing, I bought my first riding mower (JD STX38) more or less as a "Trim" mower. Well over the years, that STX 38, by way of about 4 other JD's has morphed it's way up to the X495, as I learned over the years, the smaller unit simply works & handles nicer for the lawn duties, than the Yanmar did, which was pretty much the same size as my 2520.

I know the current "Deals" on the 2520 make it hard to pass up, and I'm sure it will do a decent job for you, but IMHO, it's a lot more tractor than you really need, for your current situation as you describe it.

Just read your last few comments, and would say to definetely get the loader, no matter what size tractor you get. Thats pretty much the reason I traded my Yanmar in. It would have cost me almost half the price of the new 2520, just to add a loader to the old girl.......GET THE LOADER. You may not think you will need/want it but trust me you will find many uses for it.

REV

 

[RoyJackson]

You're probably right. We get a lot of snow drifting out here and maybe the fel could be used for digging out when things get deep (over a foot or two).

What area of pa are you in?

About 10 miles SE of York (which is 25 miles south of Harrisburg).

I did a lot of loader work years ago (with an old Deere 670) so most of the use now is just occasional lifting and snow removal. But when you need to move or lift something, they can't be beat.
And when we do get a Nor'Easter (like the double whammy of Feb 2010), the loader really pays for itself...even if it sets in your garage most of the time. Also, when you negotiate with the dealer, see if he'll throw in a ballast box as part of the deal.

BTW, have you thought about what tires you're going to go for? For the mowing, you'd probably want turfs. That's what I have...but I do prefer R-4 Industrials. If you do go with turfs, ask the dealer to reverse them for more clearance for chains. (see the before and afterpics attached).

 

[MoreBoostPlease]

About 10 miles SE of York (which is 25 miles south of Harrisburg).

I did a lot of loader work years ago (with an old Deere 670) so most of the use now is just occasional lifting and snow removal. But when you need to move or lift something, they can't be beat.
And when we do get a Nor'Easter (like the double whammy of Feb 2010), the loader really pays for itself...even if it sets in your garage most of the time. Also, when you negotiate with the dealer, see if he'll throw in a ballast box as part of the deal.

BTW, have you thought about what tires you're going to go for? For the mowing, you'd probably want turfs. That's what I have...but I do prefer R-4 Industrials. If you do go with turfs, ask the dealer to reverse them for more clearance for chains. (see the before and afterpics attached).

Yea, i know exactly where York is. Nice area out there. I'm about 15 miles southwest of Allentown. I almost assumed I would need turf tires so as not to tear up the lawn.

Of course the wife thinks I don't need a loader,...she keeps telling me to put a plow on the Excursion.

 

[RoyJackson]

Yea, i know exactly where York is. Nice area out there. I'm about 15 miles southwest of Allentown. I almost assumed I would need turf tires so as not to tear up the lawn.

Of course the wife thinks I don't need a loader,...she keeps telling me to put a plow on the Excursion.

Well, that is an option and I considered getting a plow for my pick up. But I have no desire to drive all over the place with a plow on the truck. And a truck plow isn't going to work when (not if) we get another major Nor'Easter. Plowing can also really beat up a truck...
One BIG advantage of the truck plow though is you're in a cab.
Me, I prefer being out in the snow (just need the proper clothing), so the tractor is the way I prefer.