4x20, How much HP do I really need

Greyfields · Aug 22, 2007

I love my 4120. But if I did it all over again, I'd get at least the 4320. There are loads of implements & attachments out there suited for 40 & 45 HP PTO's; but it starts getting very scarce at 35 HP or lower. The extra 5 HP would have really helped me run the baler more comfortably. The 4120 does bog me down with a 2 bottom plow, which is the only other area where I would have liked the 5 more HP.

sweetjeep · Aug 23, 2007

thanks a lot guys!

I have heard the theory of "buy for your biggest job". But for a couple years I have been continually impressed by my 4310. It's continually done everything I could ask.

Moving to the new property and newer equipment I wondered if I'd truly need as much a jump as I am getting. Naturally if I came across a 4720 and a 4120 for the same price/condition/etc, I buy the bigger one. Duh. But I have passed a couple decent deals on 4120s simply because I wanted more. But I'm debating if I REALLY need more.

Someone mentioned the eHydro vs gear. I am a little curious about that one.

I have eHydro on my 4310 now, and I really like it. But I am a little concerned about getting a new one and over the course of dragging logs and box blading and things like this. Are the clutch packs truly able to take the abuse or am I going to be replacing the bits and pieces in 500 or 1000 hours?? I know with a gear tranny odds are VERY high that I will never have to replace the clutch, and gears are gears, unless something really bad happens, they don't break or wear out. But I am concerned about actually wearing out the hydro parts.

Z-mich suggested a 110. Which I also keep my eye on. But for some reason it strikes me that a 20 series is a better all around piece than the 110. I don't know that there is any reality to my thinking though.

Z-Michigan · Aug 23, 2007

I think the 110 is based on the prior 4x10 series that you own, but substantially beefed up in all areas. I'm not an expert on it.

As for your transmission questions - the eHydro is a HST transmission. Unless JD did something really weird, there are no clutch packs involved anywhere. HST has no relationship to automotive type automatic transmissions; it is an entirely different system. The HST pedals change the tilt of a plate that changes the amount of hydraulic fluid moved from one side of the HST transmission to another, which transmits the power. This system doesn't wear from much of anything, though it can overheat. The 3 gear ranges are manually shifted without synchros, and as long as you're at a stop when shifting, nothing should wear significantly over a lifetime of normal use.

The gear option on a 4320 has a hydraulically actuated wet clutch and has synchros on all gears. Both can wear, but they wear extremely slowly. The wet clutch should last a couple 1000 hours of use, which is probably a lifetime for a 4x20 tractor. The synchros wear too, but unless you're racing your tractor around a road course, I would guesstimate a lifetime of 5000+ hours for them, maybe even a lot more than that. Basically, with either transmission option on a 4320, I don't think you'll wear anything out. Dry clutches are more of an issue, but nothing in that series has a dry clutch.

ddivinia · Aug 24, 2007

I have a 4720 and for sure I could have gotten a lower horse power one. Make sure you are comparing apples. The 4720 has e-hyrdo standard. Some of the 4x20s have the power reverser standard and the e-hydro is not cheap. I believe there was a cooler option but it might be standard ont he e-hyrdro, but not on the power reverser.

The platforms are the same - essentially different hp. I have R4s on mine and there is no way I will use all the HP getting it to the ground. The hyrdaulics sometimes have a hard time picking up some items - so even getting into some piles to get a bigger bite is a waste.

The price different between a 4520 and a 4720 was liek $1000 or so. I figured I was spending $30K anyway - so, screw it.

Considerations:
Transmission
Tires - R4 traction sucks in mud, but I have a 5525 for the nasty stuff.
R4s dont tear up my yard.
I bet the high HP models burn more fuel, but I can't confirm it.

I talked my buddy into a 4120 with R1s and e-hyrdo because he was going to be running a MX-6, some general loader work. He has not been disappointed.

No complaints out of me regarding my 4720.

D.

sweetjeep · Aug 24, 2007

Z-Mich: Thanks for the info on how the trans works. It makes more sense than the description I got previously.

sweetjeep · Sep 7, 2007

Well.. honestly, I never didi decide how much HP I NEED, but I got as much as I could..

there is a used 2005 4720 with 275 (or so) hours on it sitting in my yard waiting for me..

I haven't even seen it yet!