1st Tractor, 2520/2720 or B2920 please advise

[KDD]

Hi Guys, 1st post; thanks in advance for any help. Here is my situation; own 8 acres mostly open and flat with some woods. I am looking for a tractor to clear my 150' paved driveway of snow also it will be used for minor landscaping projects for the little woman. Clearing brush from a fence line and in later years to bushhog app. 4 acres which is now being cut for hay by my neighbor. I have a JD riding mower therefore finish mowing is not an issue.

There are 2 dealers local to me and they are within 1/2 mile of each other.
I stopped in the Kubota dealer and looked at the B2920, with FEL loaded R4's and 2 bucket hooks for a quote of $15,800 +tax. But I didn't feel good about the experience, it was like I was an imposition to try to buy a tractor from this dealership. This makes me wary of what service may be like with them. Oh, I did mention to the salesman that I was definitely buying a tractor soon and with cash.
Next I went to the JD dealer and the staff couldn't have been more helpful.
got a "ballpark" figure of $14,500 for the 2520 with FEL.
I then checked the reputations of the 2 dealers and the JD came out way ahead.
Therefore the Kubota is most likely out of the running. My question is, will the 2520 be enough tractor or should I go to the 2720. I don't won't to regret not buying enough tractor nor do I won't to waste money on too much tractor.
Also anything that I should make sure to get upgraded on the tractor please mention.

 

[Ezlivn]

Well KDD I'll let the experienced guys here answer your question but i just wanted to comment on your experience with the sales guys. I am in sales myself (food sales) and I seem to hear this all the time about car or tractor guys not exactly wanting to do their job. It just amazes me to no end on how lazy people have become.
I've been in sales most of my career, I could not imagine being in car sales but man...when someone has a potential buyer on the hook...and to let him go that easy....just freaks me out!
Ok rant is over....thanks for letting me vent. Good luck on your purchase!!

 

[turbo36]

The 2520 will do all you want to do, if you have the money go for the 2720. You can never have too much horsepower.

 

[bxowner]

Let me understand you correctly: You went to the Kubota dealer and got a quote on a 29 h.p. compact when they had the identical tractor in a 26 h.p. model. You then went to the JD dealer and inquired about a 25 h.p. model. Now you're concerned that it may not have enough oomph and wonder if the 2720 is the better choice.

Take it from me... a guy who's spent a lot of money upgrading tractors... go with the 2720 if you're inclined to buy green and don't look back. It's only a bit more expensive, but with 8 acres, 4 of which you want to brushhog and a long driveway to clear, those couple of extra h.p. will pay off in short order. Otherwise, I predict that you'll regret the 25 h.p. choice when you hear that tractor lug the first time under load.

Now be prepared for the next few responses to your inquiry: some will tell you to buy a B3030 cab tractor, because it has heat and a/c. Others will tell you to get into a 3000-series because it's only a little bit more money. And oh yes, they have a cab model as well. Suddenly, your +/- $200/mo. payment is at $400/mo. before you know it.

My advise is listen to everyone's advise (including mine), but with skepticism. The real choice comes after you've driven the tractors themselves and you've had time to think about the experiences. These things are like Toyotas. You'll barely ever see the dealer because generally speaking they're very reliable and can go for many more hours than the average homeowner needs. So, your concerns with the way you were treated by the Kubota dealer shouldn't drive the decision about whether you buy one or not - yes, it should be considered, but not be the seminal decisionmaking factor. If you have the luxury of a day off, go to both dealerships back to back and just drive them. They're quite different - even though, on paper, they seem similar. It's like comparing pickups - you know full well that Fords differ from Chevys from Dodges. They do the same thing. It's just a matter of preference. And if you're still happy with the green experience, spend the little bit of extra money (if you've got it) on the higher h.p. model and enjoy the darned thing.

That was a very long-winded response identical to what turbo36 said.

 

[KDD]

Thanks for the info guys, Bxowner I did check out the B2620 also at the Kubota dealer but it was only 1K less than the 2920, I did fail to mention that. I am not sure of the extra cost of the 2720. Hopefully I will find out tomorrow as i hope to do as you suggested with a test drive of each. i just don't won't to spend money on hp that I don't need . Geez, a thousand dollars is 6 mos of good liquor. cash, not a monthly payment. Any advice on upgrades? Or what is a must have with new tractor?

 

[bxowner]

I'd say my "must have" items on any tractor include, at a minimum, a ballast box (if you're getting a front end loader), a rear work lamp, a block heater in cold climates and hook(s) welded to the top of the bucket (at least one in the middle, if not two additional ones on the ends).

For my "must want" items, I'd say, rear loaded tires and on the 2000 series JD tractors, a set of aux. front lamps, as they cost about $86 and are a plug-in item (the 2000-series are pre-wired for the aux. lights).

For my "luxury" items, I'd say a suspension seat.

 

[WH401]

Let me understand you correctly: You went to the Kubota dealer and got a quote on a 29 h.p. compact when they had the identical tractor in a 26 h.p. model. You then went to the JD dealer and inquired about a 25 h.p. model. Now you're concerned that it may not have enough oomph and wonder if the 2720 is the better choice.

Take it from me... a guy who's spent a lot of money upgrading tractors... go with the 2720 if you're inclined to buy green and don't look back. It's only a bit more expensive, but with 8 acres, 4 of which you want to brushhog and a long driveway to clear, those couple of extra h.p. will pay off in short order. Otherwise, I predict that you'll regret the 25 h.p. choice when you hear that tractor lug the first time under load.

The B2920 is only rated for 21.0 PTO hp, when the engine puts out 29.0. The 2520 on the other hand, while having an engine rated at 26.5 hp, puts out 20.5 hp at the PTO. He'll be fine with the 2520, he'll never notice the difference in power.

Personally, the 2720 is to much hp in too small of a tractor, you'll never be able to use all of it efficiently. If your looking for 30+ hp than you need to step up to a 3000 series JD.

 

[Johndeere3720]

the 2720 would be nice but what you really need to do is drive them both and see what is most comfortable.

 

[Runner]

I believe having a good dealer is critical. If that dealer happens to carry a good brand like JD, that is even better. I wouldn't even consider buying from a dealer that displayed a bad attitude before the sale, even if it means driving farther or spending a little more.

As to the specific model, I believe in getting the most power you can in the frame size you are looking at, so I would go with the 2720. A 2520 will run a 5 foot rotary cutter on 4 acres just fine, but an extra few HP can't hurt. Better to have it and not need it...

Best of luck with your decision.

 

[KDD]

Thanks for all of the advice, especially the must haves upon purchase. I am at a crossroads as the JD dealer finally got back to me today....2 days after he said he would. Not a good way to start, His "ballpark" figure of $14,500 grew to a quote of $16,300. He stated he made a mistake and was very apologetic, but $1,800 off on a $14,500 quote is alot! So, I have more to consider with dealers now, seems like they both have issues.

Now it looks like JD 2520 for $16,300 or Kubota B2920 for $15,800, anyway thanks for all the input.