1026r vs. 2520

[bp fick]

I cannot think of a time during the year when I could "wait" for a tractor to be ordered. If by ordering, one means a three day fetch from stock somewhere, that's fine. But, if by ordering one means a 3 month wait, my mind gets confused. Old age creepin' in on me maybe.

If indeed there is so little difference between an XXa, XXb, or XXc, I would ask which tractor I could get delivered by Tuesday.

That's just me.

 

[C-Range]

Hi All,

It sounds to me that between the two machines, Xskier would be happier with the 2520.

However, I am fearful of his mention of steep hills. I wouldn't want to mow my steep hills with my 2520 but my 2305 was very good with this. Also, I would second Jenksfsh's mention of the 2720 due to the steep hills. My 2520 lugs on them, possibly due to having a 1000 lb backhoe mounted. Still, the 2520 is a far more capable machine for all tasks other than mowing than the sub.

When I was comparing the 2305, 2320, 2520, & 2720 a few years ago, the cost delta was about $2000 jump from one model to the next with a few attachments included.

I look forward to hearing about your choice Xskier!

 

[XSKIER]

The yard I have going now is about perfect for the 425. Just the right size to squeak by in every area. That said, I can't fit a larger machine in most of the yard around the house. So, I would be looking for a capable riding mower for those parts. I'm confident the 2520 just won't do for this area, but it could handle the steep hills with a flail mower (already have). I would like to keep the price close to where I'm at now, and I'm pretty sure it means no MMM for the 2520. In the next few months I should be able to find a 48" rider for $500 or so.

One thing that has stuck with me on this issue is that it takes a pretty nice rider to handle steep areas. The "R" should handle cutting every blade of grass around here with either the MMM or flail.

Now just wait and see what pricing is like for a 2520...

 

[Paystar]

I'd stick with the 1026R and have "one" tractor to store and maintain, that will do everything you said you need to do. And use the extra money you saved for implements.

 

[scrappy isb67]

I was in this position a year ago, I was looking @ a 2305 and a 2320. I ended up going with the 2320. In my eyes, the 2320 was much more tractor(for LESS money due to rebates @ that time). I grew up on a Cub Cadet 982 and got used to having individual brakes. IMHO the only difference between the 2305/1026r and the 982 is the MFWD on the 2305/1026r with the 2305/1026r losing the individual brakes. I probably would have been fine with the SCUTS but not having individual brakes was a big disadvantage in my mind. The 2320 is the smallest Deere with them. The 2320 is a bit overkill for my property but I have not been disappointed with it. I am actually surprised with the capabilities of the 2320. That being said I would love to have a 3520 but I absolutely don't need anything that big. if I ever get to that point, the 2320 will be staying as my mowing rig and the 3520 will do everything else.

 

[JDTank]

The problem with having different sized tractors for different sized tasks is money, and maintenance. Buying a $7,000 riding mower, than a $17,000 2520, and a $35,000 4520 for the big stuff, is a huge chunk of change. I imagine very few of us on this board could afford that now, if ever.

The annoyance in buying a riding mower, and a CUT, is it is another engine to maintain. If you have chainsaws, weed eaters, walk behind mowers, before you know it your up to eyeballs in spark plugs and air filters.

The other annoyance is when you go to fill your gas can up, you need 2 now, diesel and gas.

Granted, 75% of the time, it really does not work for certain situations to have 1 machine that can do everything. For me, I am lucky, and a 2520/2720 will do everything I need including mowing. It is one engine to keep fueled up and the oil changed in, not 6 different engines.

However, if I won the lottery, I would gladly give myself about 20 engines to maintain.

 

[XSKIER]

I too grew up on a 982 used for mowing and snow blade duty. I never even noticed the split brakes, so not that big of a deal to me. However, I used them on the '53 Allis CA all the time for plow, disc, and drag duty.

The numbers are in:

17,500: 1026r FEL, MMM, snowplow
18,650: 2520 FEL
I would still need to come up with a rear blade for snow and a lawn tractor for around the house.

When asked the same question, another suggested that it takes quite a lawn tractor to deal with slopes. That is likely something that would require substantial investment ($2000+)

As of this moment I'm leaning towards the 1026, but may be influenced if I have to go another week or two tractorless.

 

[Martian]

I too grew up on a 982 used for mowing and snow blade duty. I never even noticed the split brakes, so not that big of a deal to me. However, I used them on the '53 Allis CA all the time for plow, disc, and drag duty.

The numbers are in:

17,500: 1026r FEL, MMM, snowplow
18,650: 2520 FEL
I would still need to come up with a rear blade for snow and a lawn tractor for around the house.

When asked the same question, another suggested that it takes quite a lawn tractor to deal with slopes. That is likely something that would require substantial investment ($2000+)

As of this moment I'm leaning towards the 1026, but may be influenced if I have to go another week or two tractorless.

I would stick with the 1026r. I think it may surprise you with its abilities. 18500 sounds like a bit much for the 2520, when I was looking 3 years ago it seemed to be closer to 16, not for sure though. As long as your not trying to move your house three feet in one direction the 1026r will get the job done, it will just take a little longer. To have a all in one machine for $1000 less is a better deal to me though. Plus you would need another 5-600 for a back blade. Unless you plan to do a lot more than just mow and plow, which both will do equally well, go with the 1026r.

 

[Gizmo2]

No offense to anyone, but that is what I mean jenkinsph.....you said you do landscaping jobs for a living. I just don't understand why every time a homeowner asks about a scut, everyone has to tell them to go bigger than what they need. And we all see how that goes....want a 2305 get a 2320, but get 2520 because it is so close, but then you might as well get a 2720, but why not a 3720...........:laughing:

I've said the same thing, many times. If you don't need it why buy it.

 

[YesDeere]

Any way they would let you at least try one on your hills to see if it would suit you? Can't remember who said it but ,"Ive never heard anyone say man I wish I had less power".

 

[XSKIER]

I was offered a 1023e if I was certain that they wouldn't be taking it back. I declined. I'm not doubting the power to weight ratio of the 1026r. Just might need a little more lift and dig ability. Does anyone know how 200cx and h120 lift heights compare?

 

[jenkinsph]

So if it were me I would consider renting the larger stuff to knock out the major work and then use the subcompact or garden tractor for the balance of the work and maintaining the present lawn. You really only need a garden tractor size for the long haul mowing and snowblowing. The larger equipment would be short term maybe a month total working weekends.

If you want to take your time and do it all with your own equipment a 2720 would be a better choice than a 2520 as the higher hp will allow you to climb the steeper hills without bogging down. IMO, these are marginally better for cleanup jobs such as you will have over the GT and SCUT and wouldn't be as good for mowing long term.

JDTank, Gizmo2, Paystar
Excerpt from my first post, I meant " RENT the larger machines for the major work, BUY a subcompact or garden tractor". I never said buy a 4520 and I don't think I made a strong arguement fot a 2x20 tractor either as these are "marginally better" . You can rent for alot less than buying and depending on the job he may not need to rent at all.

My 1st choice would be the x749 long term and for those who want to have a fel for long term would be the 1026R. These two machines are very close in price, the x749 has a lower cog than the 1026R and is more manueverable. The 1026R is capable of having a small fel, has position control and a few other things that makes it more flexible for other attachments. I think either of these two is likely a good choice, and Xskier has already placed an order for the 1026R.

 

[chelydra]

I'm not doubting the power to weight ratio of the 1026r. Just might need a little more lift and dig ability.

Only got 8 hours on my 1026R so far, and haven't run at full power yet. But it seems to have plenty even at about 2500 RPM - maybe 70%? I have noticed that the same available power seems to do somewhat less work with this very light and small-wheeled machine. But technique helps there. And the small size and amazingly tight turning radius open up a lot of options, at least for me, that more than compensate for size and weight.

 

[XSKIER]

I think either of these two is likely a good choice, and Xskier has already placed an order for the 1026R.

No return call from the 1026r dealer today... Perhaps I should stop by there in the morning to say hello?

 

[jenkinsph]

I was offered a 1023e if I was certain that they wouldn't be taking it back. I declined. I'm not doubting the power to weight ratio of the 1026r. Just might need a little more lift and dig ability. Does anyone know how 200cx and h120 lift heights compare?

I would caution anyone using a fel on slopes, this can get dangerous fast when lifting a load to full height. Don't know about the 1026R but the 2520 will lift high enough to dump into my 14k dump trailer without problems.

 

[jenkinsph]

No return call from the 1026r dealer today... Perhaps I should stop by there in the morning to say hello?

Did the dealer give you a delivery date when you made the deal?

My experience is the equipment has arrived on the expected date or a bit sooner.

 

[XSKIER]

Did the dealer give you a delivery date when you made the deal?

My experience is the equipment has arrived on the expected date or a bit sooner.

Yep, "Deere says Nov. 18, usually three days before then" were his exact words. The deal was made on Nov. 7.

 

[Awebb]

If space is a concern and it appears to be the 1026r is the machine to go with.
I was in the same dilemma 3 months ago over 1026r and 2320.
I have finished the job I originally wanted the tractor/FEL for and realized the whole time, the 2320, although it has more capacity and power would have been too big to do the job without property damage.
Take your time, move the mountain one bucket at a time...the 1026r was the only machine that would have worked for me.

Good luck and let us know when it finally arrives.

 

[Gittyup]

I hate to say it, but you should have kept the 425. Then the 2520 would be the perfect compliment. In fact, I suggest going back to that. Get a used 425/445/455 and then a heavier tractor for the serious work. And if you want to spend the same kind of money, look elsewhere besides JD, like the Kioti CK20 or CK27 or Bobcat equivalent. The few thousands $ difference will let you buy back a 400 series for the mowing.

I have a CK25/425 combo. Works great, and I won't give up my 425 until I can afford an X749. It's an awesome garden tractor/mower.

Otherwise, best bet is to rent for the big jobs and stay with your 1026r purchase.

 

[jenkinsph]

I hate to say it, but you should have kept the 425. Then the 2520 would be the perfect compliment. In fact, I suggest going back to that. Get a used 425/445/455 and then a heavier tractor for the serious work. And if you want to spend the same kind of money, look elsewhere besides JD, like the Kioti CK20 or CK27 or Bobcat equivalent. The few thousands $ difference will let you buy back a 400 series for the mowing.

I have a CK25/425 combo. Works great, and I won't give up my 425 until I can afford an X749. It's an awesome garden tractor/mower.

Otherwise, best bet is to rent for the big jobs and stay with your 1026r purchase.

Sounds a whole lot liike what I suggested and was chastised for.