Any 3320's WITHOUT problems?

[Killer_B]

It is my firm belief that dealer support is everything ....

I couldn't agree more. I wish I knew more about the dealers around here. One (the closest, about 10 miles away) has a real slick building and Lexus type showroom. The other, about 40 miles away, is also an ag dealer and has a more homey atmosphere. Beyond those surface observations, I really can't tell what to expect. Any helpful tips here?

Nick

 

[jcmseven]

Nick,

I see that you have two options here. First, is the simple "just ask around." It does not always give you perfect information, but can help some with guidance. Second, you can ask JD. Ask someone who your district rep is, and have he/she give you some guidance. They might service both places and thusly could compare them for you. In my area, Kubota, Massey and JD sell fairly equally. Interestingly though I know of no one (and I have a large number of farming friends) who have bought JD who went back and ever bought anything else. I finally convinced one of my nieghbors to scrap his old 2WD Massey for a new 4000 series JD, and he almost daily says he cannot believe how he made it before he went green. I am not an elitist and know that many manufacturers make nice equipment. (I, for example, am thinking of a smaller machine myself and will certainly LOOK at Kubota and NH in this class also). I would say it is a true rarity to see someone go away from JD once they have bought and used JD products. Sure, it does happen and even among some forum members, just not commonly. To me, this is a testament to JD's retention of buyer and quality equipment. My only issue with JD is that it almost constantly upgrades, changes, comes out with new models, etc. This is expected of the company and I understand why they do it, but as a result sometimes there can be growing pains for the first runs of a new model. To me though, for as many new models and upgrades as JD does, they get it right most times.

John M

 

[Woody_NH]

I just have one hesitation- from reading this board it seems that the 3X20 series is riddled with problems from leaky front axle seals, to faulty rockshaft valves, to flaky tachometers and fuel gauges, to strange HST and power steering gremlins, just to name a few.

So my question is this: Are all 3X20 tractors cursed? Was that just the early production tractors? Am I getting a skewed view of the matter? Is there anyone out there with 500 or 1,000 hours on one of these tractors that did NOT have problems?

I was one of the posters who complained about a faulty rockshaft valve and the 3PH not lifting. I later reported that it was not the rockshaft valve after all. The loader joystick linkage had been sticking in a mode with the curl valve slightly open and without me knowing it and the when the curl stop was reached, a bypass valve opened robbing the rockshaft of fluid. Lubrication of the joystick linkage fixed the problem.
Other than the above issue, no other problems at 103 hours.

 

[Killer_B]

I was one of the posters who complained about a faulty rockshaft valve and the 3PH not lifting. I later reported that it was not the rockshaft valve after all. The loader joystick linkage had been sticking in a mode with the curl valve slightly open and without me knowing it and the when the curl stop was reached, a bypass valve opened robbing the rockshaft of fluid. Lubrication of the joystick linkage fixed the problem.
Other than the above issue, no other problems at 103 hours.

Thanks for the clarification Woody.

 

[deerchop]

I was one that had the 3520 with the leaking front axle. When it did this I was running in 4 wheel drive for about 4 hours pulling a 2 bottom breaking plow and think I was over steering with it locked in causing it to loose some fluids. It leaked one more time right after that and since then it has not lost a drop. Makes me think it was to much pressure on something causing the leak. I have 78 hours on it so far and I can say that it is one amazing machine with some of the stuff I have done with it. I also looked at the Kubotas but the JD's feel like they are made for you when you get on and are hard to get away from. That is the only issue I had with mine and it just went away with no repairs. I have done a lot of ground engagement work with mine usually always in 4 wheel drive while in the fireld. I would buy it again tomorrow except I would go ahead and spring for the cab, It is hot in Alabama, 98 as I type.

 

[Killer_B]

the JD's feel like they are made for you when you get on

That is a fact. They have real good ergonomics and lots of leg room.

 

[Killer_B]

That's great to hear. Any resolution to the "Gear noise under a strain " issue?

Thanks,

Nick

 

[deerchop]

To be honest I had forgotten about it. That happened when I was using the breaking plow and in one low place it would sink up at least 18" deep and stop the tractor when this would happen. It would lose it's pull and make the noise. It never stalled out or anything but it would make a strange noise like something spinning inside of it. It has not done this anymore but I have not used the breaking plow any more either. I am not sure about it to be honest but I plan on turning the field again this spring and hope it was just a pressure release or something. I have done a lot of disking planting and plowing since then with no problem. Trust me the way the plow was buried it would have taken a bull dozer to pull it through. Also I am one of those guys that reads alot and just post when I have a question or an answer for someone, like someone else stated.

 

[Jomo45]

First, I really like my 3320 with 120 hours, very strong, overall excellent, reliable machine, that looks like it will stay that way for many years.

That said I did have some problems with mine, in fairness it was one of the very first ones available in our area. very early production, broke one of my normal rules "never buy first year production"...

The first problem was the PTO not disengaging (5 hours), took three trips to the dealer to finally resolve (they picked up and returned each time). Turns out the early units weren't getting all the machining residue out of the cases, which plugged some small orifice. The first fix was drilling out the orifice, second time cleaned it, third time, 60 hours they replaced all hydraulic fluid, and filters (for free), excellent dealer! Seems ok now.

Second problem was leaking front axle seals, I don't run in water or mud, although I don't see mud as a major obstacle. Seals replaced under warranty at 25 hours, no problems since. (and I definitley use the machine harder now)

Third problem was the early casting issue on the quick attach bucket brackets for the 300CX loader, replaced under warranty with the new version. (btw - the 300CX is an incredbly strong loader, very conservatively rated in my opinion) Highly reccomend filling the rear tires, and using ballast as outlined in the manual!

Finally, not a problem according to Deere, but I am still dissapointed the loader valve doesn't allow smooth blending of functions. Mine, and the few others I have seen do not allow two functions at once with any repeatability. It can be done if the stars in heaven all align properly... The commercial equipment, and Kubota CUTs I have used all do this effortlessly. I don't know if the later models have different valves. I will say, if you are not using it to make a living, you probably won't care. Everything else about the loader is excellent.

I know that's more than you wanted, you asked though! Honestly it's an exellent machine, I'd buy another tommorow if I needed one (might opt for for the turbo, deep tilling can drag it down some) I can also second the good dealer issue, without good support I would have sold it and bought Orange. As it is I'm glad I stuck it out.

Hope that helps you!

 

[Kahuna]

I have had a 3320 for almost a year. I use it with a loader, rotary cutter (MX6) and a finish mower. I have only had about a 10 minute concern. The fuel tank was nearly full but the gauge temporarily showed the fuel to be almost empty. I had been operating the loader for nearly an hour when the gauge went down, about 10 minutes later it corrected itself and has been fine ever since. I would buy this tractor again.

I looked at several brands before I bought and I thought the JD was a no brainer. It was by far the superior product in my opinion with the features, options, construction and overall feel of the machine. The price between all brands was virtually the same, except the Chinese tractors were cheaper but not even considered due to their non-existent quality.