4120/4320/4520

[Engine66]

I agree on the 400cx...it can be a bit frustrating to carry a full load downhill without a true full rollback. However, the self leveling feature is nice at times too. Does anyone know if it can be disengaged? Seems to be mechanical with a cross bar that controls the bucket...not sure.

As far as the HP difference, yes, traction will be lost before achieving max HP...BUT what I notice is the HP on my 4720 makes going up hills with a loaded grapple in B range a piece of cake. With steep hills, extra HP is getting my work done much quicker. Was it worth the extra $$$...well, I would need a lot of seat time on both to compare. One thing for sure is my 38 HP orange tractor had trouble climbing a few of my hills in low range and my 4720 was pulling a boxblade up the same hill in B range without breaking a sweat...that was a sweet feeling...and worth the extra $$$. Have fun on your new JD!!!

 

[jcmseven]

Engine66,

You are right about the extra power. I will say though that the difference in actual "feel" among the 4000 series machines with the PowerTech engines is really negligible among the four models. I live in a really steep area with long slogs of 15-25% or steeper PAVED and 35%+ unpaved areas. I honestly could not tell any difference between the 4120 I have been using of late and my prior 4520 machine. Perhaps between a 4120 and a 4720, there might be a little difference, but I bet not too much. Now, the 3000 series machines are a different story. There is a tremendous difference between the 3120 or 3320 and the 3720, in part because the 3720 is turbocharged and produces much more torque. None of the Powertech engines have any deficiency in torque and this likely is why they all feel so powerful. Given the fact that one is not getting really a different engine, for me it would be tough to justify the additional cost, although admittedly it is appealing. The JD 4720 is a power monster compared with anything offered by the competition in a similar size machine.

John M

 

[Engine66]

Engine66,

You are right about the extra power. I will say though that the difference in actual "feel" among the 4000 series machines with the PowerTech engines is really negligible among the four models. I live in a really steep area with long slogs of 15-25% or steeper PAVED and 35%+ unpaved areas. I honestly could not tell any difference between the 4120 I have been using of late and my prior 4520 machine. Perhaps between a 4120 and a 4720, there might be a little difference, but I bet not too much. Now, the 3000 series machines are a different story. There is a tremendous difference between the 3120 or 3320 and the 3720, in part because the 3720 is turbocharged and produces much more torque. None of the Powertech engines have any deficiency in torque and this likely is why they all feel so powerful. Given the fact that one is not getting really a different engine, for me it would be tough to justify the additional cost, although admittedly it is appealing. The JD 4720 is a power monster compared with anything offered by the competition in a similar size machine.

John M

Thanks for the input John...I did not realize the negligible difference between 4x20s...maybe I should have tried each of them out first on my property to see how they faired. How did you end up with a 4120 after having a 4520?

 

[jcmseven]

I sold my 4520 a while back; I am currently between tractors and have been allowed to use a rental 4120 from my local dealer for projects until I get another tractor. They also have a 4320 and I have used it too. I do not own a 4120 but have spent about 20'ish hours of seat time on one.

John M

 

[wolc123]

I have a 4120 and my neighbor has a 4720. The only difference we notice is that mine is a lot more effective with the front loader, having loaded rear tires while his does not. On a light weight tractor, getting the power to the ground is usually a bigger issue than the hp of the engine. Many, like my nieghbor, learn this lesson the hard way. He spent at least $6000 more and cant move dirt as fast as I can, and both of our machines handle a 6 ft rotary mower equally well in most conditions. I also use less fuel doing most jobs.

 

[Engine66]

Thanks for the good news about the 6k extra I spent to a have a 4720 sticker on my hood.

Hey John...what tractor are you considering now? Going back to a 4x20 model or what?

 

[jcmseven]

I am still undecided. My needs really are currently for a smaller tractor, such as the new 2720 JD. My problem is that I can currently "get by" without a tractor and my wife and I are considering 37 acres of land, which currently the owner is asking too much for. I have made an offer but as of this moment we have not been able to meet on the price. If I were to get this land, I would again need a larger tractor, so thusly, I am waiting as long as possible to decide.

John M

 

[Engine66]

I am still undecided. My needs really are currently for a smaller tractor, such as the new 2720 JD. My problem is that I can currently "get by" without a tractor and my wife and I are considering 37 acres of land, which currently the owner is asking too much for. I have made an offer but as of this moment we have not been able to meet on the price. If I were to get this land, I would again need a larger tractor, so thusly, I am waiting as long as possible to decide.

John M

Well good luck on the land...and the tractor. I did see my dealer recently and I asked him about the 2720...he noted the increased ground clearance and PTO hp, but said it was still limited by the 200 series loader. But, IMHO, the 200cx loader is just fine...depends on how much loader you need vs pulling attachments, discing, rotary cutting etc. I personally like the idea of a 2720, but depending on how hard you use it, you may wish for more. From my experience on 50 acres in VT, there is no single tractor that will serve well in all my needs. Sometimes I need to move, pull, or, or push mountains and sometimes just need to mow the lawn or move a bucket of firewood to the front door. With steep hills, snow in winter, wet seasons, etc. I could find uses for all sizes of tractors. My dealer did say if he had to have just one tractor, it would be the 3x20 series. Have fun in your search...

 

[ddivinia]

I have had a 4720 for 3 years - it has been an excellent machine. If I had to do it over, I would get a 4120 with e-hyrdo. I have a 5525 and a 15' batwing for the big work. I was debating getting a larger mower (8-10') so I figured i would need the extra power.

Oh well, the tractors keep going up in price. A 4120 costs almost what my 4720 did 3 years ago.

D.