2520 rotary cutter question

[Gatorback]

I have scaled down my tractor size parameters since I had a tree service remove the large tree pile left over from the home construction. I think the JD 2520 may be enough for my 5 acs. of cutting rough pasture and small saplings up to 1" diameter as well as moving a few piles of natural dirt/clay mix with the 200cx loader. My question is whether the 2520 can handle the 5 ft. Frontier rotary cutter. The JD literature shows the cutter to be a match for the 2520 but I got the feeling from the salesman that he thought it might be a little bit of a stretch. The RC1060 cutter shows a min PTO hp requirement of 20 hp which is exactly what the 2520 is rated.
I just don't think a 48" cutter makes sense on a 17K purchase .
Would like some opinions before I make a final decision in the next few days. My other option for the same price is a 3203 which is bigger but has a few less options such as folding rops, cruise, and of course a cup holder , not to mention taking up more room in the garage.

 

[kennyd]

The "general" rule for a RC is 5hp per foot, and as you stated that exactly what the 2520 has. So the question is what will you be cutting? If just tall field grasses the 5' will do great, if its 2" saplings you may want to go with the 4'. You can always take a smaller bit with the 5' if the tractor starts to bog down.

 

[aesanders]

I just don't think a 48" cutter makes sense on a 17K purchase .

My 2320 handles the 4 foot just fine. I have cleared some huge brush area with it and like the fact that it is 48" wide. Have taken stuff way larger than the 1". Some I had to dig the trees out and burn, but most cut up with the frontier cutter. I Can get into some tight areas. If your just clearing 5 acres the 4 foot model would be fine in my mind.

Here are some pics if interested:
Brush Clearing - a photoset on Flickr

 

[RoyJackson]

I'd go for the 60" cutter.
You may go very slow in some areas for the first time cutting, but that's a good thing anyway.
There may be areas you take a partial width cut.

As far as PTO HP, I did a good job wiith a 60" cutter through some heavy stuff...and my tractor had 16 PTO HP which was 4 less then the minimum recommended PTO HP.

BTW, the 3203 Deere doesn't allow off seat PTO operation. If you plan on using a chipper, generator, log splitter or other implement the requires you to be off the seat...you cannot do it with the 3203. That crosses off my list right there...

 

[Gatorback]

Thanks for the responses. Just wasn't feeling that good about matching a 5' cutter with the small chassis tractor. I was afraid it was going to be a tail wagging the dog situation. It seems that it isn't much of a problem I guess.
Roy, I brought up that very question to the salesman yesterday (based on your reply to a previous question). I told him I was considering a log splitter in the future. It turns out that the 2520 can't be run off-seat either. That question drove the salesman and mechanic nuts for about 30 minutes.
Looks like I might go with the 2520 this week unless I decide to break out another 2K and upgrade to a 3120.

 

[Runner]

Gatorback,

I'm beginning week 2 of my (hopefully) 2 week wait for my 2520 package. For the record, my JD salesman didn't bat an eyelash when I ordered the Frontier RC1060 cutter. He only said that I would need to be sure and have some front weight on it when using the cutter, such as the loader or frame weights.

He also visited my property and confirmed that the RC1060 would be fine for my purpose, which is to cut pasture grass on rolling hills. My pasture is clear already, so I won't be doing any brush cutting with it. I will report on it's performance when it arrives.

I have seen a post on this site from an owner of a 2320 with a 60 inch cutter who reports no performance problems which leads me to believe that the 2520 should handle it fine.

Best of luck in your shopping decision.

Runner

 

[Deadman]

just jumper the seat switch, its a 2 minute job that I do to every tractor I buy.

 

[RoyJackson]

Thanks for the responses. Just wasn't feeling that good about matching a 5' cutter with the small chassis tractor. I was afraid it was going to be a tail wagging the dog situation. It seems that it isn't much of a problem I guess.
Roy, I brought up that very question to the salesman yesterday (based on your reply to a previous question). I told him I was considering a log splitter in the future. It turns out that the 2520 can't be run off-seat either. That question drove the salesman and mechanic nuts for about 30 minutes.
Looks like I might go with the 2520 this week unless I decide to break out another 2K and upgrade to a 3120.

According to the 2520's manual (I just copied and pasted this from the Deere website):

Using Rear PTO (Operator Off Seat)
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Use rear mounted equipment rated for 540 rpm. Do not operate mid or rear PTO over 540 RPM mark on tachometer.

NOTE: The mid-PTO is only operational with the operator on the seat.

Engaging the PTO
1. Sit on operator's seat.

2. Lock the park brake.

3. Move the transmission range shift lever to the N (neutral) position.

NOTE: The starter will not crank if the PTO switch knob is in the engaged/on position.

If the operator leaves the seat with the engine running and the mid-PTO engaged, the safety interlock system will stop the engine and all implements.

4. Start the engine.

5. Set engine speed to 1500 rpm or less.

6. Move the PTO selector lever (A) to position (B) for rear PTO only.

7. Pull the PTO switch knob (C) up to the engaged/on position.
The instrument panel PTO engaged light (D) will illuminate when the PTO is engaged.

8. Adjust the engine speed hand throttle forward to the desired speed for the implement used.

NOTE: The tachometer indicates a standard 540 PTO at an engine speed of 2600 rpm.

So, either then manual is wrong or the Dealer needs a bit of education...

 

[B8FISH]

2520 will handle an LX-5 no problem (or the RC1060)--I always had the 200CX on--for better weight distribution and as a "finder" for whatever I may have missed when I walked the field first.
The rear PTO will work with you off the seat--Roy has it exactly correct.

 

[Gatorback]

Thanks again! That's why I come here . Gotta love the net and TBN.

 

[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.