4720 thoughts for the newbie

[beefeater]

You would think, with the increased popularity of cabbed tractors, that they would develop a 25 cab series of compatible backhoes.

The nice thing about the 3020 and 4020 series is that they are still fairly easily transportable with an FEL plus BH from an overall size and weight perspective. IE 10,000lb capacity dual axle trailer plus a 10000lb tow vehicle. The half ton 2008 Toyota Tundra could do it with the new 5.7 liter engine and you would still have a pleasant riding vehicle.

A cabbed 5525 with an FEL and BH is gonna have some considerable added weight and just plain bulk-(width,length,height issues) when towing. One big papa. I would think a 3/4-1 ton/dually with a big diesel would be required for this plus a big exponential price increase for the whole rig.

 

[4720 OWNER]

There is a pic of the cabbed 4720 with a backhoe on the jd website and JD is comming out with a 448 that works with cabs!

Pricing and info is not yet set, but it is supposed to be out in March. Start saving your pennies.

Massey Ferguson appears to be doing the same thing on their 1500 series tractors. Check out the Massey add right at the top of the page! Backoe and loader appear magically, on the back of the cabbed tractor. Ain't competition great?

To the original poster, Your front R4's have two position settings, wide and narrow. If you are currently running narrow, you may get more clearance for your hoses if you have the dealer move them out to the wide position. Supposedly, the rears have 8 positions.

Did have them move the rears so the air is on the inside and they still stay just in line with the bucket. Maybe they did not move the fronts, never thought to check (duh). Needed to use the tractor at the time. Will check tonite after work, during feeding, have a real hard time with that tipping feeling and this tractor is refueling some of my confidence in side hilling. Thanks for the info!

Must be a lot of work for backhoes out there.

 

[4720 OWNER]

Yeah - it seems a tad overkill. Mine does seem to use it. The intent is not skimp on grease - it is cheap.

D.

Agreed. I think it has more to do with checking the nuts on the loader (tractor only), when was greasing couple of the bearings were loose. 200 foot #'s? I may not weigh that much and cannot get the inpact wrench in there.

 

[beefeater]

Hitachi and others make cordless 18 volt impact wrenches that are very compact, but yet have ton of power. Might help you get to the tough ones.

 

[ddivinia]

You would think, with the increased popularity of cabbed tractors, that they would develop a 25 cab series of compatible backhoes.

The nice thing about the 3020 and 4020 series is that they are still fairly easily transportable with an FEL plus BH from an overall size and weight perspective. IE 10,000lb capacity dual axle trailer plus a 10000lb tow vehicle. The half ton 2008 Toyota Tundra could do it with the new 5.7 liter engine and you would still have a pleasant riding vehicle.

A cabbed 5525 with an FEL and BH is gonna have some considerable added weight and just plain bulk-(width,length,height issues) when towing. One big papa. I would think a 3/4-1 ton/dually with a big diesel would be required for this plus a big exponential price increase for the whole rig.

Agreed - I would probably get it for my open station 4720, I just can't quite justify it yet.

I have a 1 ton SRW that hauls my 24' trailer and 5525 fine. I would not want to go much larger on the load.

D.

 

[beefeater]

That 5525 with cab and mfwd weighs about 7400lbs. Add an FEL and a BH and you're suddenly at 10,000 lbs plus. Add 2500lbs for the trailer and you're towing nearly 13,000 lbs with a 5700lb vehicle. Better have good brakes and flat ground; )

A 4720 with cab, FEL and BH would come in at around 6700lbs total. Big benefit for trailering.

 

[beefeater]

4720 owner,

Did you get a chance to check the front tire positioning yet?

Wide or narrow?

Also, how wide can you go on the rear R4's?

Beef

 

[4720 OWNER]

4720 owner,

Did you get a chance to check the front tire positioning yet?

Wide or narrow?

Also, how wide can you go on the rear R4's?

Beef

Nope, had to put hay in and grease the loader and then was too late. I did figure out that the hydraulic hoses fit nicely BEHIND the side of the hood and they are covered so wear should not be a problem.

I think i read in the book that the rears can go pretty wide. Position 1 to 6 if memory serves me. just turning them around gave me about 6" wider and just barely wider than the FEL so good for plowing and moving hay.

Went to Sears and got the longest 15/16th's wrench they had. Nuts were a little loose and tightened up about 1/8th of a turn. Only had to go under the tractor for 2 or 3 of them. With the eccentric bearings i would imagine they are designed to keep the 'slop' out longer.

 

[sunnyside360]

My 4320 with R4's are set at widest setting (valves inside). The outside-to-outside tire measurement is approx 76". The 4720 with R4's is probably the same.

 

[beefeater]

Thanks sunnyside and 4720,

How much tire is sticking out relative to your rear fenders?

4720, I assume you have the 72 inch bucket? So your outside width is roughly 73?

Addendum,
Just reviewed the online manual for the 4720, The R1 and R4's both come with 8 position rears. They can be set from as narrow as 51 inches to as wide as 75 inches! Two feet to play with, Nice. The fronts have two postions-53 inches or 57 inches.

Beef