2520 3ph arm question

[FinMod]

Hi everybody,
I just got my new 2520 a little over a month ago (sorry- no pictures yet!) and have been having a lot of fun with it. I am especially enamored with the box blade and the scarifier teeth.

I have done a lot of reading here while I was deciding exactly what to buy and I was, erroneously, under the impression that ALL new 2520s had the new three point hitch arms (LVA803085). Well, mine has the old style and while they do not rub the R3/turf tires if the sway bars are properly tightened, I am not confident that chains will have room as the clearance is "limited". Also, it seems like more hassle that should be required to adjust the sway chain to fit so precisely. In fact, I had to remove the turnbuckle and reassemble it since it was not installed "evenly" enough.

Was I naive in my thinking or are the updated arms an R4/Industrial tire only upgrade? It does seems that they had a far worse rubbing issue. Basically, I would like to have a good understanding of what is normal (e.g., should I have the new style arms, will JD replace the arms on 2520s with R3s, etc) before I complain to my dealer. As a note, the tires are NOT at their widest (although this WAS requested) and I am not enthusiastic about swapping them myself as they are loaded.

Thanks, Ray

 

[kennyd]

Welcome to TBN Ray

I also thought the updated arms where standard equipment now...I would talk to the dealer.

 

[topstoy]

Ray,
Bought by 2520 about the same time you bought yours. Nice machines! After I bought mine I saw all the hoopla about the bars rubbing and I started to worry and decided to pull my backhoe off and mount my bars to see if they rub. I had also purchased an iMatch hitch and heard that even using this standard JD sized piece of equipment that the bars would rub the tires, even if the tires (R4's) were swapped and mounted wide. I believe that my bars are not the upgraded ones, according to pictures that I have seen posted. Well, once all mounted, I have a couple of inches of clearance. I would be more likely to rub the decking of my backhoe with chains than to rub the bars if mounted.
As far as swapping the tires around. I wouldn't think it would be that big of job. Just jack you tractor up so that you are just barely off of the ground and then if needed you can use a pry bar or something similar to raise them enough to re-align to lug holes. I have a larger tractor with much bigger tires and have removed them and re-installed. I have a bad back so I don't even think about lifting, use levrage. Good luck and enjoy your tractor! Ken

 

[Deadman]

Get a I-Match and mount it like mine is on my 2520, and you will have NO problems.

 

[Deadman]

pics would help! duh!!!!!!
they clear by almost 3 inches on each side.
My HUGE chains have NEVER touched them, and never will, the clearance is great.
Its not nearly as big of a deal as most make it out to be.

 

[glc24]

Still waiting for my 2520 Hopefully it will have the newer arms.

Greg

 

[FinMod]

Thank for the input folks. I think the first thing to do is move the tires to the widest setting. It seems that after all the comments about the issue and reading that some folks get the new arms on their tractors WHEN delivered that we are trying to fix an problem that already has a solution!

As for the I-Match solution, it is not ideal for me as I have at least 1 (maybe 2 - I need to measure it) odd width implements. My PTO Trac-Vac is actually a Cat-0 implement with Cat-1 diameter bushings. While I can widen it (it is pretty light), should I need to? So I bought the Pat's Easy Change arms instead of the I-Match.

Anyway, with the tires at their widest, I am pretty sure I will able to run chains with the box blade as added weight. I love the tractor and am otherwise very impressed with it, but it just seems wrong for what I paid...

Thanks again, Ray

PS If you are ordering a new 2520 you may want to make sure the dealer ensures you get the arms you want at delivery...

 

[Dman61]

pics would help! duh!!!!!!
they clear by almost 3 inches on each side.
My HUGE chains have NEVER touched them, and never will, the clearance is great.
Its not nearly as big of a deal as most make it out to be.

That is a GREAT idea on the arms, I was about ready to spend the money for the 2720 arms - heck I am gonna do what you did there. thanks for posting that. sometimes the fix can be so simple ...

I like those tier chains - where did you get them ..?

 

[rclee]

I just received my 2520. I have the R3 tires and the older arms. The dealer said the issues with the arms rubbing are with the R4 tires and with taking the sway chains off. He said if I had issues to call him and they would be corrected.

I'm working on pictures.

 

[glc24]

Its not nearly as big of a deal as most make it out to be.

Hello Deadman
You're right,it's not a big deal,and that is a pretty ingenious fix you come up with:thumbsup:.......BUT,it's a new tractor and I shouldn't have to come up with my own "fix" to keep my lower arms from rubbing my tires. JD created the problem,it's up to them to solve it,and they did.

Greg