Buying John Deere 4120 vs. 3720

[rockyridgefarm]

Hard choice between 'em!

You can get the control on the stick, or on the console (in front of the rockshaft control...) The stick seems like it'd be better, but i have heard users say the console worked just fine...

 

[dougfrank]

In response to Kennedy Diesel - I appreciate your input on the 3720.
Concerning the cold starts, the 4120 has always cranked first time at the dealer, due to glowplugs that seem to work. They also install a block heater for more severe conditions.
The 4120 engine, from the web info, is a 4024T, made in Augusta. It wouldn't matter to me where it's made, provided that it's strong and reliable! I have read where Deere uses this same engine in industrial applications, with hp ratings in the 60's! I am hoping that if Deere can depend on that engine in many applications, that I can depend on Deere. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[KennedyDiesel]

There will likely be a future update to stop the 2000 rpm flare at startup. This is murder on a cold engine.

 

[dougfrank]

It's late, so please bear with me. Today we visited the dealer to see our new member of the family. I informed my nine-year-old that in making our decision to buy the 4120 eHydro, that he'd probably have to forego college.
" Ahhh, you should never let school get in your way of education", he replied. So true. ( I think he's been watching my old Kung Fu
tv episodes, now available on disc...)
We are at the Vermont/New Hampshire border. The Connecticut River seperates us wildly, and loudly, these days. Snow melt and gravity are
the dynamic duo, sending thousands of gallons of water southbound to vacation at the seacoast. This weekend, in the endeavor to save 6% of $32,000 I plan to drive our beast home with the flashers going, wife and boy in tow in the mud-caked station wagon. Mere 14 miles. ( P.S. : Vermont has taxes, not NH...)
Got into the conversation with a great guy, their mechanic, who showed us the ropes of the ROPS, etc. Took off 448 hoe, took off 400x ldr. Buzzed around the lot a bit, feeling like a teenager with dreams of being Roger DeCoster popping wheelies. The tractor is the most fun I've had with my clothes on!
The conversation inevitably drifted toward the topic of boosting the hp after warranty. He, with a sort of Santa glint in his eye, mumbles, "Yeah, that could be done. Easy." My skepticism might be in jeopardy 2 years from now.

Industrial Diesel Engines
Tier 2 PowerTech
4024
4024T @ 49 hp
4024T @ 61 hp
4024T @ 66 hp

This, I copied from the Deere site. Didn't paste in pretty colors, but the numbers aren't so shabby...
Sounds like the 4120 is a 4720 hiding in thin lingerie. We'll see. The 35hp two year jail term shouldn't be too hard to bear.
The mechanic said he likes rum, so rum it is. ( Everyone deserves a tip, don't ya think? ) So this weekend, wife, boy, mud-car, Mr.Dog, and I will cross the river to Walpole, and trade a bottle of Cruzan Gold rum and those college funds for an education...