2520 3 pt hitch arms rubbing - any alternatives?

topstoy · Nov 12, 2009

Hello, I just bought a new 2520. I read these posts so I decided to pull off my back hoe and install my bars and iMatch. My tires were reversed for clearance for the back hoe and this seems to work well for the 3 PT as well. I have a good 1.5" of clearance between the tires and the bars.

Deadman · Nov 12, 2009

So, how do you have your arms installed into the Imatch? Normal, or like I did mine? Mine allows clearance for chains easily, works great.

topstoy · Nov 12, 2009

I mounted the bars between the plates of the iMatch. I'm not sure how the clearance would be with chains. I never thought of needing to put chains on. Our climate here in the PNW gets some snow but normally not long lasting Ice where I might need them. Might be nice though, I do move some snow and in the past with my 1710 there would be times that I am spinning alot. Are chains for the R4's pretty pricey? Thanks, Ken

Deadman · Nov 13, 2009

The chains really weren't that expensive considering how nice they are built!

The one thing I will say is that the R4 Tires SUCK BAD in snow and are completely useless on any ice. They are like racing slicks in winter. Its because they have such a smooth face on the lugs, and thats why they don't tear up the lawns.

If you get on any side slope at all in winter, you end up at the bottom of it, because the tires have zero side-bite. I love my R4's all around, because they are good in dirt, good on lawn, good on road, ok in mud, but they suck in winter. i fit that real quick with my tire chains!

In your area, I doubt you will need the chains, its just that we have substantial snow on the ground here from Mid December thru March or April every year, and I try to skid logs and plow snow with it.

topstoy · Nov 13, 2009

Good advice on the R4 tires, thanks! Do you have the stock chains from JD or after market? I see some links on this site to some tire chain sources. Reccomendations?? Thanks, K

Deadman · Nov 14, 2009

tirechains.com I believe is where everyone suggested, and thats where mine came from. They were like 100 Lbs each or more!

tomd999 · Nov 18, 2009

Hiya,

I don't find a problem with the R4's in the winter. I live on a mountain in NH, we get about 15 feet of snow per year on average. I have loaded tires and wheel weights. I do have a set of chains for mine, used them once for an ice storm.

Does it slip a bit in the snow without chains? Yep, but nothing that that little orange lever by your foot won't fix.

My advice, save your money and go through your first winter and see how it does and if you think you need them, get them over the summer when they are a little cheaper.

Tom

Deadman · Nov 19, 2009

We get too cold of weather here to be without chains. If you get snow and then a bit of warmer temps like most places do, then the R4's are fine, because it thaws and you get traction from dirt, gravel, etc.
Where I live, we usually don't melt at all throughout the whole winter, and all the previous snows turn into hard slippery snow/ice, and the R4's are useless on that.
I work mine hard tho, so maybe if you just play around then the R4's could be ok, but I skid logs, and clear roads in the woods, and have 1,200 lbs in my ballast box for max traction.

sneaky · Feb 11, 2010

And the whole time I thought it was me........ I am going to hit up the dealer about this tomorrow.

My tires are getting battered and no matter how many times I have to adjust, at some point, the arms begin to rub. It makes using the mower impossible.

Anyone know how to find the JD sales rep? It is certainly worth a complaint especially since the dealer has never offered to fix it even though the tractor has been there for service a number of times...

glc24 · Feb 11, 2010

Just so the dealer "verifies" that they rub. You should be in line for a new set.
As others have stated,you shouldn't have to "fix" your rub problem. JD put R&D time in this,specifically to fix the lower arm problem on the 2520 and the 2720. I had to let my dealer go through the paperwork circus as instructed by JD because this is actually a warranty thing. If you don't say anything,they sure as heck won't do it themselves.
My arms are in and I pick them up Saturday