3320 vs 3520 vs 4105

[JMER817]

Waiting to close on 25 acres and will soon be looking to purchase a tractor. Trying to decide between the models above. I sold a 4310 that I had a few years ago. It did everything I needed with only a few times wishing that I had a little extra HP. Now the 3320 is the replacement for the 4310, and I have rented one for a day, and it did seem to have a little more power than my 4310 did. I really didn't work it hard though. I know they have had small refinements over the years, and the 3320 I believe is rated 1 or 2 HP over my older 4310. I used my 4310 on level ground, and now the 25 acres I am purchasing is hilly. As a result of the hills I am concerned about not having enough HP. I am thinking of stepping up to the 3520 for the extra 5 hp, but wonder if its worth the extra $ and the idea that it is actually a smaller displacement engine with a turbo on it. I like to keep things simple, and less moving parts mean less trouble. The 4105 although is similar sized as the 3X20 series with less frills, it does have 40 hp and sits higher which I like. It is also priced similar to the 3320. But even though the 4105 has the extra HP, with no load match, only a 2 speed vs 3, and the fact that the attachments will need to be wider to cover the wider wheel width, will it actually perform any better than a 3320? And will I miss the frills of the 3X20 series? I don't want to step up to the 4X20 series since those are out of my price range. Tasks will involve, rototilling, brush hogging, box blade work, loader work, etc. Any opinions?

 

[dougrout]

I own a 3320, and use it on my property, about 20 acres fields and the rest very hilly bush. The 3320 has done very well for me. I use it for hauling logs, bush hogging trails and some fields, and for grading my driveway. In the winter I use it for snow blowing. It seems as though you will have similar uses for your machine.

Of course I sometimes dream of trading in my 3320 on something larger with a cab, but I must admit that I haven't yet really needed more power. Blowing snow at -20 C is no fun, but I don't have to do that very often. I am hoping to cultivate some of my fields, and I may then wish for more weight and horsepower - I'll let you know.

 

[Wagtail]

I've got a new 4105 which, as you've said, has less 'frills' than the 3X20's. It is actually less expensive than the 3000 series tractors because of the no-frills & no mid-mount PTO. It does everything I believe that you would need.

However, because it's the no-frills model, there is no cab option available. If you can live without that during your winters then you'll get more bang for your buck with the 4105.

Having a cab isn't a big deal (in winter) here in Aus... we're into winter now and the temperature has plummeted to 9C (50F)! I may have to put a jacket on soon. :laughing:

 

[brown40]

I had a 3320, and now have a 3520... can't comment on the 4105.

The 3320 actually has MORE power than the 3520 when you're under 1500-1800 rpm; only when the turbo spools up do I notice the bump up in power. I miss the 3320 for "quiet" ground engaging & loader work, but I love having the 3520 in tall grass, tilling, chipping--PTO work.

As for 2 vs. 3 speed: "C" range is really "transport only" on the 3x20; if you try to work there the loadmatch constantly is dropping back to "B" range anyway to avoid stalling. If you are going any distance it adds a nice top end, but top speed isn't a factor for me.

The 3x20's are a little lighter and taller than your 4310 was; "tippy feeling" and "too much power for what you can apply to ground" are the biggest complaints I hear, usually from folks with unloaded tires. Oh, and the newer R-4's are softer and pretty well useless in snow & ice... I hear everything but turf tires perform similarly poorly.

Does the 4105 have loadmatch? It is a great feature--keeps you from lugging/stalling when you make a bad range/gear choice initially--I do like that. Also the 3x20 PTO clutch offers some built-in driveline protection from what I can gather, but others may be able to tell you what exactly the difference there is, if there is any. The ehydro is awesome too for loader & groundwork--I would never go to gears after working side by side with a friend; now he wants a hydro! Does the 4105 offer it? Do you get the 300CX on the 4105? You don't want the 300X if you have the choice (~80% the capabilities).

I think you are "low" in Michigan, so the power gain from the turbo (3520) at altitudes isn't a bonus either.

You have some thinking to do, mainly about the uses; PTO vs. non-work; weight & size you need/prefer; what bells & whistles actually are a factor for you; how you feel about the added complexity of the turbo & electronics & potetial pitfalls there.

Have fun--tractor shopping is great fun!

 

[Fossil Farm]

Are you set on a CUT for any particular reason ? If you are looking for simple at a decent price, the JD 5045D utility might be another option for you. It is a gear tractor with decent HP and can handle the jobs you mention. We have rolling ground, brushhog the pond dam, plow, disc, haul wagons, plow snow, rototill, etc. with the 5105 and it handles the jobs just fine. it does sit higher which maybe you do not want, but if price is crucial, it may be worth taking a look. All CAT 1 implements have worked fine for us on the CAT 2 3 point. Good luck with your purchase, whatever you choose.

 

[Wagtail]

Does the 4105 have loadmatch? It is a great feature--keeps you from lugging/stalling when you make a bad range/gear choice initially--I do like that. Also the 3x20 PTO clutch offers some built-in driveline protection from what I can gather, but others may be able to tell you what exactly the difference there is, if there is any. The ehydro is awesome too for loader & groundwork--I would never go to gears after working side by side with a friend; now he wants a hydro! Does the 4105 offer it? Do you get the 300CX on the 4105? You don't want the 300X if you have the choice (~80% the capabilities).

Regarding the 4105, loadmatch is an optional feature due to it being a no-frills model. ehydro is standard and there are two hydraulic systems, one for the implements and the other for drive & power steering so neither 'suffers' whilst using the both at the same time. I love not having to change gears!

My rig has the 300CX FEL. Heck, I didn't even know that there was a 300X when I haggled & bought... But that may have been because I wanted a 4in1 bucket.

As Brownie said,"Have fun--tractor shopping is great fun!" (It can also get addictive... I just added a third tractor to my fleet =)

 

[Shamus M]

don't let engine displacement fool you between 3320 and 3520. its minsecule and besides, more displacement will yield more torque at low rpms however, your work will be done at higher rpms where the turbo makes up for it and displacement wont matter. That argument is out the window. Turbo will outlast that engine when properlty maintained. loadmatch is a joke. it only prevents stalling. It doesn't maintain the rpm you selected. you have to run the machine to the point where it would want to stall. Might be good for those that run the machine that way

 

[kkirt1]

One vote for the 4105. I got a great deal on a used unit with a FEL and couldn't be happier. I have taken a 6' brush hog through some really tall grass and it rarely has moved the RPM. I have read negative feedback on the 300 cx loader but I have no complaints. Overall a great machine!

 

[99johndeere99]

I have a 4105 for about 2 years now this tractor has done every thing I ask it to. As for load match I keep the revs up it doesn't stall the hydro gives up before engine.
Their is no electronic stuff on all cables and rods it does have electric PTO I think they all do now. The only real trouble I have had is neutral safety switch.
Here are some pics of it.

 

[rtgt]

With the tasks your have listed I do not see a need for a mid PTO or for "frills". Do you still own any implements that wouldn't fit the 4105 or are you going to be buying new implements once you have the tractor? If you have the implements already it might be worth getting a tractor that will fit them. If not, I'd vote for the 4105 Hp and buy the toys for it.

Personally I love the feel of the 4105 and 30 seconds after my wife gives me the "OK the truck is paid for you can buy a new tractor" I am gonna own a 4105! IMHO it is the most tractor for the $.