4720 or 5425 or ???

[mnc]

I have watched these threads for a long time trying to help with my decision and I have decided to go with JD, now it is to just make sure I get what I need.

I am down to the 4720 and the 5425 or could go smaller in the 5025 series if suggested.

Here are my requirements.

Front end loader and backhoe
(need to dig up flowlines and then cover them up again when leaks occur, about 3-4ft deep, minor road maintenance on landowners farm roads)

I have about 200 acres of which only about 60 acres will be grass. This are will be levelled and then planted with buffel grass which will be mowed. The rest of the land is just wild brush and musquite. I might end up clearing another 40-50 acres, but will hire the big guys to do that and I will just maintain after tilling and planting more buffel grass.

Will the 5425 or even the 5025 series be overkill or will the 4720 be too small. I do not mind spending the money, but also do not want to have too much tractor sitting there wasted.

Another thought is a smaller 5025 with cab because the 4720 with cab cannot have the backhoe. But again, cab is not critical but a nice luxury to have.

I appreciate all info you guys can provide.

 

[Turkeyman]

I went through the same thing last March. Local dealer took me to Augusta, Ga. where both are assembled and I drove the 4720 w/ a FEL and a 5525 cab w/ FEL. I loved the 5525 but it had too much power, was too long and it weighed too much as must trailer the tractor. The 5525 was too big to work in the woods but the 24x24 was great for crop work and open spaces.

My 4720 w/ the hydro pulls a M6 thru 3' pine trees at 1600 RPM's and a 3- 14" Dearborn bottom plow in "B" range. With a FEL, 72" WR Long 4 in 1 bucket and M6 it weight 9340lb. I thought about a back hoe but the one for 4720 was 6500$, I can rent a Cat 304 mini x for 250$ ( 8hr day). I doubt I would rent it for 26 days to break even.

The only down side I have found to the tractor is the tire size/ selction. It will pull a 8-10 med duty mower which would speed up cutting those 60 acres. If you are going to row crop and stay out of the woods get the 53-5425, otherwise I would suggest the 4720. Aks your delaer to DEMO one.
Good luck
Kevin

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

I'm guessing you live in deep south Texas brush country.

The question you have to answer to yourself is, How much time do you have to mow 60-100 acres? If you have plenty of time, the 4720 will pull a 6 ft cutter decently. A 6' cutter will take a long time. Maybe 4-5 acres/hour. The 5525 will pull a batwing cutter.

If your in south Texas, time mowing in July/August is comparable to dragons breath. If you have the luxury of mowing only early in the mornings when its only 84 degrees, don't worry about a cab. Otherwise, if money is not an issue, get an AC cab and do what you want, when you want. They have 4720 cabs now. Another thought for a cab, Killer Bees and ground hornets. Don't laugh until you've talked to someone who cuts a lot of grass in your area....

 

[cowboydoc]

I agree with Kyle. Go with the 5425. Given your amount of acreage and mowing you will soon grow tired of a 6-10' mower. The 15' batwing will make quick work of your mowing. If I was going to be using a backhoe alot I'd like the bigger one on the 5425. More depth, greater reach, more breakout force. I think in a little bit of time you would regret not going bigger. Unless you had alot of small areas to go through and around the 4720 will not be big enough for your needs.

 

[bam747]

Although Deere may not offer a BH for the 4x20 or 5x25 series with Cabs, other BH manufactures probably do. I know this same issue has been discussed for Kubota Grand-L tractors with cabs, but I do not remember the BH brand that works with the Kubota cabs.

As for the rotary cutter issue, the 4720 is rated by Deere to pull the 8' MX8 pull type rotary cutter. That would be faster than the MX6 for lots of field mowing at the detriment of the maneuverability of the 3PH mounted MX6.

One thing that bothers me about the 4x20s is their PTO engagement. As I understand it, it is controlled with a on/off switch and has very little, if any, modulation of the PTO engagement. The 5x25 series offers fully independent PTOs with either manual or electro hydraulic PTO modulation.

 

[BarryinMN]

I agree with others the larger tractor & cutter preferably with a cab is the way to go. Thats a lot of hours mowing - dust dirt bugs etc to be carrying back in the house.

With a cab you will step out of the tractor cool & calm ready to go to town.

On a backhoe tlb getting a used industrial commercial quality machine that will shrug off the abuse 200 acres can create might be a better way to go. $10-15K could get an older 60 hp reliable open station.

I find 2 tractors come in handy as one loads & one pulls a trailer, wagon etc.