Buying Advice Tractor buying advice for 39 acres

[CCK14]

Would like your help with an upcoming purchase. Live on 39 acres, 30 pasture and 10 acres wooded. Annually put in a 2 acre food plot that will require a 2 bottom plow every 3 or 4 years, and tilling every year and planting with a drill. Already own the plow and 6' rotary cutter to mow 30 acres. Would like a rear attachment snowblower when needed. No hills or steep areas to contend with on the land. I am trying to decide between a JD 3720 with loader or a JD 4320 with loader. Fuel efficiency should be considered of course. My food plots take up 3 days or so a year. The main job other than small tasks for the loader is the pasture mowing. So which tractor would make more sense for my operation.

 

[motownbrowne]

You're looking at good sized models. In many cases, moving from a 30-40hp machine to a 40-50hp machine doubles your loader capacity. Usually to step up one size is pretty cheap (relative to the whole purchase price), and often gets you a lot more capability.

I started looking at Kubota l3800s. For 4k more I bought a tractor with 10 more HP, twice the loader capacity, and some extra weight. I'm very happy with my purchase.

 

[GManBart]

Does it have to be a Deere? You're going to pay in the ballpark of $10K more for the same amount of performance you can get with other good brands.

 

[CCK14]

Pretty much. I don't like the joystick next to the loader of the L4600 or other Kubotas, I want it on the fender. The new New Holland tractors in MHO are not what they were 6 years ago. I want the tractor to hold its value well. Mahindra seems ok but there again the price difference is not enough to overcome the
drive off the lot drop in value. The Kubota LGrand series might be ok, but it is almost John Deere prices.

 

[murphy1244]

Then I guess its going to be Green, Now which model to chose from. Might want to post in the JD forum. What drop in value you talking about?

 

[CobyRupert]

Also check out the JD 5E series, if your not fixated on the cupholder, err comfort (hydro, etc..) models. A whole lot more tractor for less $.

 

[Deere Dude]

I was canoodling the same decision 4 years ago. The 3720 vs. the 4XXX. Besides the cost difference, I was really sold on the 3 cylinder Yanmar diesels. I like the way they sound, how strong they are and how trouble free they have been on my previous Yanmar engine products. You can very seldom go wrong going bigger except for the price.

I got the 3720 and have no regrets. I loaded the tires, use a decent ballast box and a tooth-bar on the bucket and I can move some serious dirt with the box blade and bucket at the same time.

I logged with pallet forks and can pick-up and haul some 24"x20' logs and have no problem with a 7' finish mower. A smaller tractor would probably handle that also.

I do like both tractors and both are ergonomically laid out well. As far as fuel efficiency, my other Yanmar engines were smaller but very fuel efficient. Although I mow about 7 acres weekly, I am not sure how efficient it is. A tank goes a long time and that is one thing I am going to figure out yet. It seems good though.

 

[Bigfoot62]

Then I guess its going to be Green, Now which model to chose from. Might want to post in the JD forum. . .

Good advice. If you post in the JD Buying/Pricing forum, you won't likely be bombarded with people pushing other brands. JMHO

Given the choice between the two models you cited, I would lean toward the 4320. The 3720 is a green Yanmar. The 4320 a bit larger, heavier, and is built here in the states, with a JD engine. My cousin has a 4320 and loves it. Handles a 6' brush hog in heavy grass with no problem.

 

[arlen4720]

I would (and do)prefer the 4x20's. They are wider, heavier, have all steel rear castings, planetary final drive, and a John Deere engine. Yanmar engines are great too, I just like the Powertech better.
The 3x20's are not Yanmars, though they have yanmar engines, but are made in the US by John Deere.

 

[CCK14]

I think the best bet is the 4320. It turns out the 3720 is the new 3046r. I know nothing of the new engines and don't want to be the first one to buy new models, I heard it has some kind of conv. Thanks for all the input.