970 to 4320??

[gixxerman]

I have a 94' 970 that i use for haying (rake, tedder, ect) and loader and post hole digging. I am wanting to upgrade to a larger tractor and get more implements: front end loader, plow and a finnish mower (8'). I was wondering what everyone thought of the 4320 and if that is the best option for me under the circumstances. I need this tractor to take over the 970's duties in the field and around the property, and hopefully take over for my aging Scag in the yard. Any imput would be great. ETA - Price quoted to me, no cab or attachments, 28500. Thanks

Gixxer

 

[CompactTractorFan]

The 4320 is a little big for mowing the yard...IMO

 

[gixxerman]

Even with turf tires and an 8' tow behind finnish mower?

 

[AKfish]

The 4320 is likely 800lbs heavier than the 970. ('Course you can drop the loader before mowing..)

I'm assuming that you don't have a lot of obstacles i.e; fences, trees, shrubs, etc. to worry about while you're finishing mowing, right?

The 4320 is physically larger - taller, longer. Won't fit the same places as well as the 970. Many folk's here on TBN (myself included) have discovered that the tractor they bought to "do it all" didn't really do the mowing part very at all! That's where a dedicated mowing platform came in..

Nonetheless, the upgrade 4320 will be a good fit for the hay work and will be able to use all the other attachments that you have for the 970.

AKfish

 

[JD5210]

I say go for it. Just keep it out of 4WD and make large turns. Also consider going around in a circle then stopping, backing up and going forward, wheels do not have to turn around on the mower. My biggest concern would be something wider on the back then the tractor and forgetting about it. Do not know what you will be cutting looks like, but make the outside lap slow/lower gear. I hope you are considering a rear discharge, 5 inches is a nice height. Higher the grass seems to fall over at least the fescue in my yard. For sure take the bucket off and if it is SAFE to do, put the loader up in the air (no bucket) for places space is limited, if you do not want to take it off. I keep my bucket in the shed that has a cement floor on a movers dolly makes it SO easy to move around.

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Even with turf tires and an 8' tow behind finnish mower?

Well, I've never used one. After reading on here, it seemed people even thought that JD's 3x20's were too big for finish mowing...:thumbsup:

 

[gixxerman]

Appreciate the responses.....i know its tough to get the "do-all" tractor. Here on the farm, we have a a scag, a gator, a gx 335, a 970 and the 6115. I'm trying to get rid of everything except the 6115. Does anyone think the 3x series can rake and ted hay along with mow at a good clip? The yard here is LARGE and takes a long time even with the 60" scag. It is flat and not too many obstacles, so i like the idea of an 8' mower. The 970 did a good job, but if i sell the gator, 970 and 335, it'll leave me quite a bit of money to get all the implements i would like. Again, thanks for the help!!

Gixxer

 

[jenkinsph]

I prefer the 4520 over the 4320 and the weight is the same. Comparing a 4x20 to a 3x20, recognize the wheels on the 3z20 are much smaller in diameter so I don't see much difference in ground pressure since the contact area is smaller. I can recommend the 4520 cab and with full weights, telescopic links, rear wiper, upgraded cruise, 3rd rear hyd outlets and rear work lights I paid $34,000.

Mowing duties, I prefer a separate mower and have an X749 and an L130, these have worked out well so far but what would work for you the best may be different.

My approach to buying equipment is to get the best equipment I can for the long term use. Long term you will be better off with a separate mower and the larger 4x20 tractor would be better for your other uses. Similar to your plans I will be selling the older L130 and 820 tractor and use the proceeds for more implements. The only thing more expensive than buying the correct equipment is buying the wrong equipment and realizing this later when needing to upgrade.

 

[bill in ny]

compare the 400x loader to the 400cx loader also.

 

[RoyJackson]

I'm operating a Deere 4400 (35 Engine HP, 30 PTO HP) on 2.5 acres with an acre of finished lawn. My RFM is a 7' Befco.
Other then this machine and mower being a bit of overkill for my property, it works fine. There are two trees in the yard, otherwise no obstructions.
My only hassles are:
The turf tires slip unless I'm in 4WD (yard is sloped).
The 7' RFM is a real PITA when backing the tractor in the garage (doors are just over 7 feet wide...I have about an inch clearance on both sides).

One more problem is storing the mower during the winter. It's too big for the garage with the chipper and other odds and ends (in the garage) and it's too wide for my outbuilding's door. I've got it up on blocks out back...but I'd prefer it was stored inside.

So, if you have the storage capacity, and don't mind using a big piece of equipment to mow, I'd go for that 4320.
One thing to consider is if you have a septic tank and drain field. My 4400 goes about 4000 lbs, but hasn't caused any problems. Figure another thousand pounds for the 4320.

As far as the neighbors giving you odd looks when you're mowing...who cares?