Buying Advice Back from dealer today. 3520 or 4520??

US American · Feb 9, 2011

Check the ground clearance of each machine as well if that is of any importance. I know my new 4320 towers over my old 4200. You will probably get much better traction with the bigger machine too.

You probably can't go wrong either way. Each machine has its strengths and weaknesses. The work you mention is similar to what I do and the 4320 is perfect for me.

You could consider a 4320 instead of a 4520 to save a couple grand (i think???). But hydro will rob some of your power. Mine is a reverser and I have ran a 4320 hydro once before. My reverser could wax the hydro up and down the block (except for loader work... maybe). But a 4320 hydro vs. a 3520 hydro is probably pretty similar in the power to weight ratio.

trook · Feb 9, 2011

I've had both the 3320 and 4320. I really liked the 3320, but I traded it after about 2 months because I wanted to be able to use the MX-6 rotary cutter instead of a lightweight 5ft model. I am doing work similar to you and I wanted the ability use a MX-6 rotary cutter, slightly larger disk and heavier box blade than the 3320 would efficiently handle. This meant going to the 4000 series frame.

I think weight is just as much, if not more of an issue when using a rotary mower and disk. For example, without the FEL on the 4320, I have a hard time keeping the front tires on the ground when cutting with the MX-6. There is absolutely no way I could efficiently use the MX-6 on a 3000 series machine; not because of the lack of hp, but rather for the lack of weight on the front of the machine. Further, I do like the larger tires on the 4320. I feel that it gives me better traction, and I am certain that it gives me more stability on hills. It also feels more like a "real" tractor.

If you have plenty of time and don't mind using 5ft implements, the 3520 is a FINE machine. However, if the increase in money is not a deal killer, I would encourage you to definitely consider the 4x20. As many of us know, buying too small and upgrading later is COSTLY!!

FWIW, I think I paid just right at $30k with mine, and it came with the 400x loader, loaded tires, and MX-6.

cdaledave89 · Feb 9, 2011

Go with R1 tires for your application. If you're doing any field work you'll need them. they should be a few bucks cheaper than the R4's too.

radman1 · Feb 10, 2011

I had a 3720 and now a 4520. For the work you describe, I would favor the 4x20. Considerably more clearance with the 4x20. I would also favor the R1 tires which have much better traction. 4x20 also has wider tire settings and better stability than the 3x20. The 3x20 tractors are narrow.

A 3x20 or 4x20 will run a 6' rotary mower, 6' disc or 6' tiller with no problems.

loingrader · Feb 10, 2011

Both tractors work very well. I assume you haven't seen either one in person? If you saw the 2 together you would want the 4000 series tractor. The 3000 look pretty dinky in comparison but they are amazingly capable. I've spent a lot of hours on a 4520 but I ended up with a 3000 series tractor and could not be happier. I just couldn't justify the extra 25% cost of the 4000 series.

There will be times when you run out of hp or loader capacity no matter how large of a tractor you are using. The trick is to get one that will work well for the majority of the work you will be doing at the kind of money you want to spend. If money is no object get the 4000 but know that the 3000 is still a great tractor.

I would also recommend R1 tires.