buying a 3720 vs. a 4720

whistler · Sep 30, 2005

Greetings All,

I am new to the site but I have been following some threads for awhile now. I'm not new to tractors but new to CUTs (I have a particular soft spot for the 8n and 1953 NAA). I am considering a CUT purchase within the next few months to start a landscaping business full time. I have been specifically considering the Deere 3720 (with 300x) or the 4720 (with 400cx). The main question I have is relating to maneuverability. When I'm working on a smaller yard I need to get into some tight places and under trees. Does the 3720 offer a significant improvement in this area? Opinions or other options are welcome. My dealer here in WI appears to have pretty good pricing, in general it's in the 18-20% off MSRP range. Also if I order a tractor from the factory does anyone have a feel for time to delivery? Thanks in advance!

P.S. I don't mean to stir the pot, but I noticed that Deere's new sales flyers (2006) for the Twenty series do list the 500mm point for the x/cx series loaders, however, I believe the pivot and 500mm points on the 400cx are transposed since I don't believe it's possible to have a greater load rating at 500mm than at the pivot. It appears that Deere has heard the plea of the masses with a minor typo.

beenthere · Sep 30, 2005

I would think the smaller frame size of the 3720 would be more favorable to landscaping than the larger frame size, and can't imagine that just getting more HP of the 4720 would be needed. What little I know, the 3720 with the 300cx (not x) loader would be best.

whistler · Sep 30, 2005

Thanks for the input. I wasn't aware that there was a 300cx? Is there info on the Deere site relating to it? If the 300cx is self-leveling that would be great since I need to unload sod from flat-beds on occasion.

beenthere · Sep 30, 2005

There is no self leveling on the 300cx, but a number of other features that make it important (IMO) to get them. Several attachments will not go on the x, but all will go on the cx.
Try a search here on the 300cx, as there are references to the specs of both. I don't have time at the moment to track them down. Paging through the Deere forums may give you some good insight from discussions in the recent past.

whistler · Sep 30, 2005

I don't want to sound like I've talked myself into the 4720, but I was thinking the wider stance and wheelbase would be better for the loader work especially on uneven terrain. The self leveling feature is another added bonus as well. I guess I'm still wondering if these pluses offset the maneuverability minus. Then there's the boy in me that wants more power /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

beenthere · Sep 30, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( ............. Then there's the boy in me that wants more power /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

)</font>

That is the one to satisfy FIRST !! The rest are just secondary attributes....IMO too!

fastpat · Sep 30, 2005

I've done quite a bit of research of the 3020 and 4020 series tractors for precisely the same reasons you list, capability versus handling ability.

I've looked at both size tractors side by side as well.

First, the wheelbase of the two differ by a mere 3.5 inches, not much, and as a result the turning radius of both tractors is pretty close, 9.2 feet for the 3720 and 9.8 feet for the 4720, pretty close. The 4020 series is taller and wider than the 3020 series, and that's probably the major consideration you'll have to ponder. Will the larger tractor pass under most obstacles you'll likely encounter? The larger tractor will be more stable.

In my opinion, when all is said and done, you'll probably decide on the 4720.

Pat

browns40 · Sep 30, 2005

Hi whistler,

Where you'll be on a lot of different customers lawns (hopefully!), I'm sure overall weight and tread selection should be considered--of course if you get extra $$$ with R-1's and 4 tons of steel if/when the lawn gets chewed up... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Oh, BTW, with either choice, the CX is the "step up" on power & adaptability

Just a factor to keep in mind... good luck with the new venture! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Kyle_in_Tex · Oct 1, 2005

Not sure what a pallet or roll of sod weighs, but I'd bet its a bunch. Around here many of the trucks have the piggy back 3 wheeled forklifts to unload the sod.

I would say that width is your biggest obstacle with the 4720. But that width gives you the stability needed on slopes and for heavier lifting. How big are the yards you would be working in? Many subdivisions have only 5 to 10 foot wide areas between the house and the property line.

whistler · Oct 1, 2005

Hey Kyle,
I'm not exactly sure about the weight of a pallet of sod but my guess is in the 2500# region. Most of the properties I work on are at least .5 acres, most are more than 1.5. Most setbacks in my area are 20 ft. I've been doing this on the side for awhile now and my concern regarding the sod is having enough ballast. I think the 3pt maxes at 2500#, so I'd probably need wheel weights as well (i'm not fan of fluid), but adding weights increases my width even more. Also the auto-level feature on the 400cx would be a help. Of course since I'm moving dirt 75% of the time the cab version would be great but I don't think I can justify it due to having to maneuver around trees.