3120, 3320, 3520, 3720 - how to decide?

[cruzr]

I have a 3320 with the 300cx loader and HD bucket, and have about 40hrs. on it now. The lift and dump issue has not been a hindrance or problem in my use so far. I have moved 20 tons of rock around for my drive, and several truck loads of topsoil so far. Also have moved trees and brush, and am very pleased with the performance of the tractor/loader over all. It's quite a workhorse, and the hydro makes all tasks very easy. The load match feature is very nice to have. As an example: I had the hydro in C range to travel from a field to the woods. We had cut some trees down at the bottom of a steep hill, and loaded the bucket with all the cut tops. I made several trips up the hill with the bucket loaded and thought the tractor was moving at a pretty fast pace. I looked down and noticed it was still in C range. I normally would have had it in A range to carry a load up that hill. Load match simply makes the tractor very forgiving. You may not be in the right range or have the throttle set at the required speed for a particular task, but the load match compensates for your mistake. And does it so smoothly you dont even realize it, unless you take it out of load match. I operate with it on almost all of the time, and really like the feature. I dont run a mower with the 3320, but do use this tractor for the same tasks as my old full size 45hp Ford, and havent bogged it down yet. Good luck in your decision.

 

[ddivinia]

First of all, welcome to tractorybynet - there is all kinds of good info on here.

I think you are on the right tractor on the power aspect IMHO. More power can't hurt, up to a limit of course. The price difference is not much and heck if they have the larger one in stock - why not?

I just went thru the same debate. I bought a 2210 last year thinking it would do everything I need it to do. Well, I was wrong. It did not have enough power, traction, and ground clearance.

I went back to look at the 3x20 and 4x20 series. I ended up with the 4720. When you look at them, remember that e-hyrdo is not standard on all the models, but is on some. That can factor into the price differences.

The size of the tractor is the same, I would go for more power - if your budget allows.

On the i-match thing - I thought it was a marketing scam until I was moving some rocks with my buddy at his place. When I went up hills to place them, the i-match kicked in for the first time. It was pretty cool, but it can be kind of scary when the throttel starts bouncing all over the place. Now, the overall performance was smooth, but the engine speed difference was very noticable.

The nice thing about these tractors is you can get extra power without having to go to a physically larger platform, which I consider pretty cool.

Let us know what you decide.

Regards,
D.

 

[jcmseven]

I think the 300x loader is fine also. Our poster would be happy with one on his machine. The only thing that makes me a little uneasy is that they are not seeming very popular so far among buyers in my area, and I am thinking of resale, or trade in value. Also, I may be wrong on this, but I do not think one can mount some of the boom-mounted attachments such as a snow blade, to the 300x, but again, I am not 100% sure on that one. In my unscientific survey so far, I have heard a couple people not be happy with the 300x (not sure of the reason) but I have not yet heard complaints about the 300cx. But Andy is correct, it is mostly based on need. If one feels PTO work is more needed, then the 300x is great, if heavy loader work is more where the machine is used, then perhaps the cx would have a slight edge. As far as the tractor itself goes, a 3520 is an excellent machine, and still has quite a bit of power for its size. Green and yellow definitely, though.

John M

 

[HuskerInVA]

I decided on the 3520 because it wasn't that much more than the 3320 (3720 wasn't happening in my budget) and it gave me 30hp at the PTO. I wanted to use an 84" RFM and 30 PTO HP is the required minimum to run that bad boy. Take a look at the PTO attachments you plan on using and make sure you don't leave yourself short.

 

[PRESCOTTCOYOTE]

I decided with the 3720 because of the horsepower. I have never been in any vehicle wishing I had less hp. As for the 300CX not dumping and raising at the same time? I had some of that, I needed to add fluid and keep the rpms up a little. It now works GREAT.

 

[seasalt]

the fluid / RPM solution is comforting. Thanks for sharing. Probably one of my last lingering concerns regarding the JD (outside of a cup holder on the 3x20- or did I miss that?)

 

[HuskerInVA]

seasalt -- The 3x20 has a cupholder on the right fender. My only complaint is that low branches tend to spill my beer.

 

[seasalt]

LOL!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Seriously, that is 10 points off for ducking the branch without covering your drink, and 100 points off for the fact it was beer.

Johnny, tell him about his consolation prize as our thanks for playing the game....Hey look its the home edition of Tractor Time. Have fun and be careful with those dice.

Dont worry Husker, you'll be back up to speed in no time. Just remember to hold your beer in your left hand when you rolling those dice! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Rockdog]

How much more money is the 3520 vs. the 3320? My Dealer who sells both Kubota & JD quoted me $3400 more for the 3520 than the 3320. I was going to trade my Kubota BX23 for the Kubota B3030, then I tested the 3720(no 3320 or 3520 in stock) and I was very impressed. I will cut 4 acres with a midmount mower and 4 acres with rough cut mower and use for snow removal on a 1/4 mile lane and driveway. I will probably go with turf tires. My terrain is hilly and the JD definately is a taller and heavier machine. Anyone else have the Kubora B3030 vs the JD 3X20 dilemma? Any opinions, suggestions or price input would be greatl appreciated.

Thanks, Jerry

 

[Lawnjocky]

Seasalt
I don't know about you. You're looking so hard at engines, HP, torqe, and such you missed the important thing. Not only does my 3520 have a cup holder, there's a built in beer cooler on the left fender! I'm guessing you could put soda in there to, but I'm not sure.
Lawn