2720 vs 3120

[JDGREEN4ME]

JDGREEN4ME, looks like you are leaning towards the 3x20 series, power to spare and the size to boot. It might be overkill, but the one time you need the Ok, it will be there.

I guess I like the higher capacity at both ends of the tractor (3120) along with the ability to add a larger BH someday than the higher torque/HP of the 2720. I just remember the 46 hoe was nice but I felt a larger hoe would have been so much quicker.

 

[Nuru]

I guess I like the higher capacity at both ends of the tractor (3120) along with the ability to add a larger BH someday than the higher torque/HP of the 2720. I just remember the 46 hoe was nice but I felt a larger hoe would have been so much quicker.

JDGREEN4ME; If you are also considering a used tractor see the message that I sent directly to you.

 

[jcmseven]

I think one needs to look closely at his needs to answer this question. While I cannot speak for others, I can attest to my situation and hope that it offers some insight into potential issues. I have had both large framed 4000 series and mid framed 3000 series machines, including two 3720's. All my JD equipment has been excellent, but each has had good and weak points which are of important note. Things to keep in mind when buying: the 3120 will have stronger hydraulics and can power heavier equipment than can the 2720. It can pull attachments that are much heavier secondary to its higher frame weight and general size. The 3120 has some nicer features such as tilt wheel, ehydro, three ranges, etc. that the 2720 will not have. The 2720 will definitely have more stability on hills, so if you live in a hilly area consider this. It also will undoubtedly have better performance on hills pulling attachments and in transport due to its better power/weight ratio (even with only two ranges). That said, it likely cannot pull attachments of the same size as well secondary to its lower chassis weight--it would just pull appropriately sized attachments better. Also, bear in mind, although the 2720 is a smaller, lighter machine--it is not that much smaller. Comparing the two machines side by size and measuring them, the actual "footprint" of both the 2520 and now 2720 are very close to the 3120. The 3000 series machines truly are "compact" and most of the size difference is height and weight, not width and length. With these things in mind I have made a list of general suggestions:

Favors the 3120: better hydraulic capacity, more modern operator's station with some additional features, ability to operate larger and heavier attachments, three ranges with ehydro, compact footprint

Drawbacks: not a lot of engine power for weight and size might inhibit operation in hilly terrain or under heavy PTO loading; "top heavy" design makes hillside operation tricky; no standard mid PTO; resale value suspect secondary to perceived lack of power among some potential buyers, somewhat more of a challenge to trailer (weight with ballast, loader and BB about 5000 pounds).

Favors the 2720: somewhat smaller and highly manuverable; extremely favorable power to weight ratio would enhance operationg in hilly or rough terrain; very stable on hills secondary to lower, wider stance, standard mid PTO; quick loader performance, quicker than 3120 (but will not lift as much); lighter weight is easier in soft terrain and makes hauling/transporting easier (effective trailering weight about 1200-1400 pounds less).

Drawbacks: may by too light to perform some tasks, really cannot handle heavy attachments as well as 3000 series secondary to lighter weight (no matter what JD says); no ehydro, rigid steering wheel and straddle-style platform, marginal seat, two ranges, not really that much smaller in physical size/dimensions, probably overpriced for the features present.

So there you have it. Good luck with your decision.

John M

 

[Nuru]

jcmseven, good inputs, I owned a 4100, a 4310, and now a 3520. however, the 2520 is longer in length and I think shorter than my 4100 was at the hood, but I am not certain? The 4310 with the Turf Specials (widest turf tires JD offers 41x18LLx20 and 25x10.50LLx15) was a lot more stable on slopes and my slopes than my 4100 was. Its stance was 66" wide and the hood height was 50" or so. I don't think the 2520 or 2720 have a stance that wide at the rear? The 3x20 series is a bit taller at the hood than the 4310 as it is 53". The 3x20 series has the same wheelbase at 68", but with that additional height they might be a little less stable. Some have applied hub spacers to increase the stability of the cab tractors like mine, I am gonna use the Turf Specials to do that. I have not heard much about the 3120 having issues on slopes, but that can behandled with loade tires depnding on what you are doing.

I do think you hit the nail on the head in your reponse overall though. Sounds like JDGREEN4ME is looking for power with larger tools/attachments and the 3120 looks pretty good from where I am looking!

 

[Ramairfreak98ss]

So what price ranges are we talking about here? i didnt realize a 2720 was out until today at the dealer. I know for around 17k give or take you can get a 2520 with a 200cx loader... is the 2720 really closer to 20k+ just for a few more hp? I was assuming it was hardly more since it sounded exactly the same but with a few more hp.

Not a JD tractor owning guy, i know my smaller Simplicity legacy xl 27hp 3-cyl diesel is pretty zippy. It has more than enough power to do every task... although, i can say, you can bog any machine down and ive done it at times...

What i want most is POWERFUL loader features, fast curl, fast lift, fast lower and still not be a beast of a machine to trailer around, we use it for the business in NJ. Ive had my heart set on a 3720 and recently a 4720 cab with a 400cx loader for its lifting capacity for landscaping and snow removal in the winter for commercial work, but they're not cheap.... even with 0% financing options :/ We more-so need another machine to take out on jobs for mulching work in parking lots, commercial stuff, something that isnt huge, but is bigger, stronger and lifts higher/faster than my current "garden tractor" with a 500lb ~ weight capacity loader. Granted i love the machine but it has its limits and were pushing all of them. It was the right machine to buy at the time and still the right machine for us to use often, but just need something larger at times.

 

[AKfish]

Nothin' beats sittin' yur butt in the seat and usin' the FEL and seein' for yourself!!

Is one model too big... or too tall and a little tippy... or one model a trailer pulling nightmare ??

When I read that one tractor is 50" or 53" (no offense, here) I just can't get a good feel for what exactly that means; really!

Besides --- that's part of the fun --- kickin' the tires and startin' 'em up and turnin' in a circle and stoppin' and runnin' the loader up and down... Man, just talkin' about makes me wanna get on down there and buy another one!!!!

Best of luck with your decision.

AKfish

 

[Nuru]

Nothin' beats sittin' yur butt in the seat and usin' the FEL and seein' for yourself!!

Is one model too big... or too tall and a little tippy... or one model a trailer pulling nightmare ??

When I read that one tractor is 50" or 53" (no offense, here) I just can't get a good feel for what exactly that means; really!

Besides --- that's part of the fun --- kickin' the tires and startin' 'em up and turnin' in a circle and stoppin' and runnin' the loader up and down... Man, just talkin' about makes me wanna get on down there and buy another one!!!!

Best of luck with your decision.

AKfish

AKfish no offense taken (we know you all are tough people up there), The 50" or 53" is just one noticable difference between the 4310 and the 3520. The 3520 appears to be much stockier visibly and that is due to the taller hood height and rake of the hood. It also from riding in both, appears to be a little bit more tippy (well it feels like it is, it may actually not be). I will definitely know more once my unit comes back, as I will have it configured almost the same as my former 4310 was, except for the cab. Then I will be able to make a judgement on whether or not the additonal lower weight alleviates the pucker factor on 2 specific paths on my lawn.

I do agree, the ultimate way to do it is to get in the seat of both yourself and try them out and see how they feel for you.

 

[orlo]

Hi:

As others have already mentioned here in passing it depends a lot on your needs. Also the implements (Loader, Snowblower if your moving snow, and mower) cost a ton more on the 3000 series than the 2000 series.

(I have a 2305 with a BH, Blower, Loader, MMM mower, etc. and a 3720 with a Loader, MMM (RFM also), blower, etc. Loader and blowers are about double for the 3000 series when you consider mounts, etc. Mowers are about 50% more.

One other item are the nice accessories that they offer for the 3000 series that they don't for the 2000 (you can do it yourself though) - 3rd SCV, Remote diverter valves, etc.

Also, Although I prefer the feel of the mechanical hydro, the E-Hydro has a lot of nice features like loadmatch, speed match, true cruise, etc.

I used to have a a 3320 (Before the 3720) that I bought over the 2520 due to those features and the small price difference.

The 2305 is a little smaller than the 2520 and 2720 (Although has a very usable high range) but from my perspective there are many times I like the small stature of the 2305. There are fewer times I 'need' the small stature of the 2305.

Also, due to bigger tires the weight difference on the 3000 series is a lot more than 1000lbs once you get your running gear on. My 3320 held 900lbs of weight in the tires (a lot more than the tires on the 25 or 2720. The loader frame (if you mow with it as I do) is 1100lbs (without the bucket) for the 300CX vs about 560 for the 200cx so if you add up the difference in weight of the accessories it can
be a lot.

I used to mow at about 5300lbs with my 3320 (2900+900lbs in the tires + 1100 loader frame + a 300-400lb MMM deck. With my 3720 cab I'm running about 6klbs (R3's hold less than 900lbs now). That's a lot of weight for mowing. At least 2000lbs (maybe 3000) more than a comparably equipped 2520. Will that be too much for your lawn?

Anyway, it's not a simple choice.

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

I used to mow at about 5300lbs with my 3320 (2900+900lbs in the tires + 1100 loader frame + a 300-400lb MMM deck. With my 3720 cab I'm running about 6klbs (R3's hold less than 900lbs now). That's a lot of weight for mowing. At least 2000lbs (maybe 3000) more than a comparably equipped 2520. Will that be too much for your lawn?

Anyway, it's not a simple choice.

I am not looking to mow with this tractor but would like TNT for box and rear blade work. Concerned somewhat about the "tipping" issue I have seen raised with the bigger tractor but on the other hand I haven't read anywhere where they are tipping over all the time either. I do believe I would go with the smaller R4s however.

 

[Mech]

I was also raised with bigger tractors, most with tricycle front wheels, but it was a lot flatter there. My 790 feels tippy quite a bit. There is not much level group where I live. I have the wheels as wide as they go and and filled my R1's and its a lot better. I think the 790 is about 61" wide and I don't want anything much wider.