4115 vs 3120+

[farmerhays]

I'm debating the 4115 vs 3120 models, and I haven't seen anything in the posts that compares these two tractors.

I'm moving up from 1 acre (JD 335 w/48C) to almost 4 acres of lawn with mature oaks/hickories. Also have additional acre of woods/fenceline that needs brush taken out of the edges.

I'm trying to get a tractor to mow lawn as well as do real work (the impossible all-in-one). MMM, FEL & turf tires are given's.

Biggest concern is the jump in weight from 4115 (1800#) to 3120 (2900#). What's the 3120 going to do to a soft lawn? The turf tires are bigger on 3x20, but do they compensate for the half-ton increase in weight? Will 60" MMM on 3120 cover the 59" track width when cornering?

Any experience someone may have with 3x20 on turf would be helpful.

I've got to go around 40 trees and I don't want to back-up or make multiple passes. What's the minimum diameter uncut circle left with a 60" MMM when steering wheel is cranked? Can't be the 16 feet (8ft radius) JD publishes. Dealers currently lack stock in my area, so no try-outs yet.

The 3x20 seems too heavy for lawn mowing, but I'm afraid the 4115 won't handle the 3pt log splitter and the loader lift won't be strong enough to pull old fence posts or tree saplings (1") from the ground using a log chain.

Also of concern is center-of-gravity. The property has steep ditches on two sides. Does the extra weight/height of 3x20 mean 4115 is better on the slant?

Can't afford two JD's. Can't afford a buying mistake either.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Can you afford to wait a bit? All bets are that the 4115 is due to be replaced this fall... My feeling is that they will close the gap some between these models, but that is only a hunch...

I know I will be voted off the island, but here goes... If you can't wait, you might want to look at, um. Kub... Oh I can't say it! Well, they are ORANGE..! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Seriously Kubota has a great selection in this size. NH/Case and Kioti does as well.

But if you are thrilled with your JD Dealer, waiting till fall could solve this puzzle...

 

[farmerhays]

I figure the 4115 will be absorbed into the emerging 2000 series to erase the numbering problem JD has now. Didn't know if they will make a bigger 4115-like machine (a 2920 maybe?)

I can wait until end of September to see what is announced at August Dealership meeting.

I've been reading the thread on the 3x20 comparisons, and I see folks running trees over with their 3x20. That's a lot of tractor! But I still don't think a 4115 will be enough to handle non-lawn chores.

Any upgrade stories out there on the smaller 4x10's?

 

[jeffinsgf]

You might want to take a look at the PowerTrac forum. It is a rather unconventional design, but some things you mentioned might make it a good candidate, namely, working around trees and on slopes.

I love my 4410, but I sure wouldn't want to have to mow around 40 trees with it. The 3x20 isn't going to be much better. I don't know about the little 4110, but I doubt it will do what you want in terms of turning radius. I think you need a ZTR or an articulated tractor. If I remember correctly, the PowerTrac has hydraulics, while the other articulators -- Steiner and Ventrac do not.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

I know I said Ku-Kub- uh, the 'K' word, but POWERTRAC!!! This is going TOO FAR!!!

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[K3KJ]

Farmerhays~~ 3120 is a great tractor I am sure ... But I have the 4115 so I can chat about it... I have never ran out of power or traction pulling out trees/stumps...Have used 3pt/an the FEL to pull post many times... I have the 60mm but wish now that I got the 72"mm... 10 acres of field and lawn would have cut my play time a little /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif I mean work time.. Good luck in choosing.. Can't go wrong with Green /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[jcmseven]

Farmerhays,

I would go for the 4115 in your case. The 3120 would be a manuverable tractor for its size, but the 4115 is more so. It is a mighty nice mowing machine, from those I have seen. Some Christmas tree farmers here use them because of their excellent hillside stability. Having rolled several tractors before, they have yet to roll the 4115. It will also tread lighter in tight places and does a great job. It seems strong enough to handle your other tasks also, and here at the end of the run, you may find one for a good price.

John M

 

[farmerhays]

Finally got to the dealer today to test a 3520. That's more horses than I need, but the wheelbase/turning radius will be the same as the 3120 and close to the 4115.

I cranked the wheels and make a circle that was about 5 feet in diameter on the inside (2-1/2ft radius?!?). Don't know what JD was thinking when they published an 8ft+ turning radius on these machines!

You'll need a 72" MMM on the 3x20's to cover your tracks when turning. With a 72" deck, you would leave about a 4-foot circle of uncut grass. That's tight enough for me. The mature trees are 4-5 feet in diameter once the root flare and mulch are included.

Also got to drive the 3520 along a steep ditch like mine. Scary! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Put some liquid in those tires!

After you guys posted the JD marketing material slip-up revealing a 2320, I'm going to wait to see what happens to the 4115 over the next several weeks.

 

[HuskerInVA]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( what JD was thinking when they published an 8ft+ turning radius on these machines )</font>

I believe the JD numbers are for the outside turning radius.

2 1/2 ft + width of tractor ~= 8ft+

 

[ddivinia]

I tried the one in all, and it did not work. I had a 2210 and it was too big for some stuff and way too small for others. I changed to a zero radius mower (JD 757) and a 4720. I would consider the larger unit myself. It might be overkill, but oh well. You can take the FEL off, etc to lighten it up. The R4s on my 4720 dont tear my yard up much. With turfs the 3120 might be the deal.

D.