2520 rotary cutter question

[AKfish]

I think that some of the confusion might be the distinction between the mid-PTO and the rear-PTO.

Had to reread Roy's explanation a couple of times to sort out the difference between using either the mid or the rear PTO.

I have also noted that most of the poster's here argue for a larger bush hog as opposed to smaller. Seems most of the logic is around "you can always go slower thru the thick stuff or take a smaller cut".

That's hard to dispute... but where I live we have cottonwoods, alders, willows, aspens and rosebushes that are constantly crowding into your fields and lawn areas. And if you are trying to rehab a field that's been ignored for several years -- well, the thickets are thick!

And when the slopes and hills are just a bit wet (when you're whacking brush; it doesn't matter much if it's a little wet) a heavy bush hog that's nearly as long as your tractor and quite a bit wider -- well, it drags the tractor around -- not the control of the mower that I like.

As well, working with the neighbor to get his 2520 working right; he was always having problems with the sway links rubbin' the back tires with the box blade and the mower --- he went to the Imatch hitch to set the mower back even further on the tractor.

The local dealer set him up with the LX-4 and a 4' landpride boxblade (heavy hummer) and they don't drag him around and they don't bog the engine when things get "thick".

But, not every shoe fits.... it's all up to your particular "foot".

Akfish

 

[B8FISH]

Oh--BTW--you wouldn't be using the PTO for a log splitter (usually). It is most often done via the Power Beyond connection at the rear of the tractor (cheapest to get when ordering the tractor and having installed with everything else).

 

[Runner]

By the way, I was checking out the John Deere web site again today and the video for the 2000 series tractors on there does show the 2520 pulling an LX5 rotary cutter, although it wasn't cutting much grass.

Pretty entertaining video, about 9 minutes long.

 

[RollTideRam]

I want to see someone using a mx5 on a 2520. JC

 

[Superduper]

Gator, perhaps the pricing has changed since I purchased my 3120 but I also started looking at the 2520 last year but the salesman recommended the 3x20 series instead because the price difference was negligible. At the time, he didn't have a 2520 in stock but had plenty of 3120's. The difference was only about $300 between the two configured with loader. I paid an additional $500 (or so) to upgrade to the 300cx loader. Looking back, it was the right decision because going with the smaller tractor for virtually the same money didn't make sense.

 

[ducati996]

Gator, perhaps the pricing has changed since I purchased my 3120 but I also started looking at the 2520 last year but the salesman recommended the 3x20 series instead because the price difference was negligible. At the time, he didn't have a 2520 in stock but had plenty of 3120's. The difference was only about $300 between the two configured with loader. I paid an additional $500 (or so) to upgrade to the 300cx loader. Looking back, it was the right decision because going with the smaller tractor for virtually the same money didn't make sense.

Thats not a normal price difference between the two machines - so you most likely got a fantastic deal or the other machine was misquoted on the high side. otherwise I have no doubt more of us would be riding around in a 3120 instead of a 2520.

price of tractor without implements or attachments

3120 eHydro Transmission and Ag Tires $15,499.00
3120 eHydro Transmission and Industrial Tires $15,699.00
3120 eHydro Transmission and Turf Tires $15,899.00
Dual Selective Control Hydraulic Valve with 3rd SCV Add $299.00
Mid PTO Add $339.00

Telescoping Draft Links Add $189.00
Automotive Cruise Control Add $79.00

300CX Loader​

• For 4310-4410 Tractors
• Lift Height of 102"
• Lift Capacity of 1598 Lb. To Full Height
• Breakout Capacity 3,327 Lb.
• Hood Guard Standard
• Quick Tatch
• Requires Dual Selective Control Valve on Tractor

$3,939.00
​

2520 Hydrostatic Industrial Tires $13,899.00

200CX approx $2700

 

[mx125]

I have a 2320 and the LX5. I have no problems at all. Mostly rough pasture but lots of scrubby trees/brush and some trees over 1". I don't find it to be too large. In fact, I want to cover my wheels, and would find the 4' too small. It is long and be sure to have the front ballasted with your loader, but I have no regrets. On the 2520 I'd be even more confident.

 

[Gatorback]

Superduper,
There is about $2000 difference between the 2520, 48" 200cx, and RC 1060 and a 3120, 61" 300x, and RC 1060. However the 3203, 61" 300 loader, and RC 1060 was quoted the exact same as the above 2520.
I believe there's alot to gain from the $2000 difference such as loadmatch, larger bucket, 3 range tranny, and more hydralic and PTO power; not to mention potential resale. However in my case (only 5 ac.) there may be times when a smaller more nimble unit may have it's virtues such as garage storage, tight manuevering, and ease of trailering.
I'm going to do something real soon, even if it,s wrong!!!!

 

[ducati996]

Superduper,
There is about $2000 difference between the 2520, 48" 200cx, and RC 1060 and a 3120, 61" 300x, and RC 1060. However the 3203, 61" 300 loader, and RC 1060 was quoted the exact same as the above 2520.
I believe there's alot to gain from the $2000 difference such as loadmatch, larger bucket, 3 range tranny, and more hydralic and PTO power; not to mention potential resale. However in my case (only 5 ac.) there may be times when a smaller more nimble unit may have it's virtues such as garage storage, tight manuevering, and ease of trailering.
I'm going to do something real soon, even if it,s wrong!!!!

I would say the difference is more but I see where a big mistake could be -
If you dont go with the 300cx loader on those machines, then you gain very little for the difference - and yes there is a price difference between the 300x and 300cx but the CX is worth every penny

 

[Superduper]

Hey guys, I got curious so I dug out my old quotes and here is what it boiled down to:

(1) 3120 Tractor, new:
$ 17,159.00 tractor
192.00 R4 tires
644.00 freight and preparation
---------------
$ 17,995.00 Subtotal
- (3,000.00) discount
---------------
$ 14,995.00 discounted price
$ 3,295.00 300x loader (I subsequently upgraded to 300cx loader for extra
---------------
$ 18,290.00 combined total
- (656.59) package discount
---------------
$ 17,633.41 Total 3120 Price + loader before tax, before upgrade to 300cx, before other add ons such as box scraper, i-match, deluxe hood guard.

=============================================

2520 Tractor, new
$ 15,279.00 tractor
416.00 freight and preparation
-----------------
$ 15,695.00 subtotal
- (1,700.00) discounted subtotal
-----------------
$ 13,995.00 discounted price
$ 2,995.00 200x loader (+ freight, preparation of $555 -$300 discount)
-----------------
$ 16,990.00 combined tractor + loader. less sales tax and no specified implements or other add-ons.

================================================

Well, at the time, I didn't think that I got a great deal on the 3120. I believe other folks have posted similar prices, some more, some less. But I did noticed that when I accepted the quote and asked for the tractor to be delivered for free, he said "no way jose, take it or leave it." Turns out that the quoted price difference was about $650 +/-. Yes, it did cost a bit more but if you see the tractors in person the difference between the two is more than it would seem in the pictures. Also, the difference in terms of size/manueverability might not be as much as you would think. True, at 2900lbs base vs. 1865lbs. base, it is 50% more tractor. However, wheel base is 68" vs. 65.2", a whopping 2.8" longer. Also, the turning radius (w/o brakes) is 9.2' vs 8.2'. This is noticeably more so that you may have to do a few more yoyo's. Overall, whether the difference is $650 or $2000, I believe you will be getting quite a bit more tractor for the money. I know that you'll get laughed at if you kick the tires on a car lot. But if you'll "kick" the tractors, so to speak, literally, whether in the tires or in the loader area, the extra heft is quite apparent. I did the same with the Kubotas and the entire tractor shook and rattled quite easily that they felt very insubstantial and, well, cheap, by comparison. I know there are many satisfied kubota owners out there but that was my impression. BTW, while my initial impression at the lot was that this tractor might be larger than what I needed (first "real" tractor, a big step up from a craftsman garden tractor), I quickly grew accustomed to it's size to the extent that I now wouldn't mind having gone even one frame larger.