CONSIDERING 3520,4105 AND 4120

[12VOLTMAN]

HI GUYS,

I HAVE BEEN HANGING AROUND THIS SITE FOR ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF NOW AND HAVE GAINED MUCH INSIGHT FROM YOUR EXPERIENCE. NOW THAT I AM GETTING SERIOUS ABOUT A PURCHASE I AM ASKING FOR ADVICE.

HERE IS MY STORY:
I OWN 38 ACRES IN NORTHEAST OHIO. IT IS GENERALLY FLAT, ABOUT HALF WOODED AND HALF BRUSH WITH A STREAM RUNNING THROUGH THE CENTER. MY HOUSE SITS ABOUT 1000' FROM THE ROAD. TRACTOR USES WOULD BE BASIC LOADER USE ( F.E.L. IS A MUST HAVE), ROTARY MOWING OF ABOUT 5 ACRES, SNOW REMOVAL, CLEARING OF HEAVY BRUSH AND SMALL TREES, BUILDING A LANE ACROSS THE STREAM TO ACCESS THE BACK OF THE PROPERTY, PUTTING IN FOOD PLOTS FOR HUNTING AND MAINTENANCE OF DRAINAGE DITCHES.

I AM CONSIDERING THE 3520, 4105, AND 4120 ALL WITH F.E.L.
3520 = $22,275.00
4105 = $20,725.00
4120 = $25,600.00

ALL OPINIONS ARE APPRECIATED. THANKS

 

[kennyd]

First, Welcome to TBN and please turn the CAPS LOCK OFF, it is considered YELLING and it makes the text very hard to read...

With 38 acres, I would get the most horsepower you can afford, nobody ever says "I wish I had bought a smaller tractor"

 

[12VOLTMAN]

My first post and I already broke etiquette. My bad, it won't happen again.

 

[wolc123]

I have used a 4120 for the last (3) years doing similar things and it has worked and held up real well (zero breakdowns) and would certainly be my choice of the models you listed. The 40-20 series has lots more hydraulic and reach capacity than the 30-20 series. I appreciated the American powerplant, compared to the overseas engines on other small JD lines, and competitors models. That turbo deisel is very dependable and excellent on fuel. I have a non-cab, power-reverser model, and 43 hp is perfect for that. If you go for a cab, you would want to go up one model size (4320) to get the same power to the ground while running the AC, and if you want a cab and hydro trans (less efficient), you would need to go up to 4520 to get equivalent drawbar pull. Definitely get the R1 tires, and load the rears to achieve the traction potential of whatever model you choose. The 4120 is a perfect match for 6 ft rotary mower, 2x14" plow, and 6.5 ft disk. I am not familiar with the 4105 model, that must be something new.

 

[toddler]

he 12Volt,

Those are all nice tractors. If you're planning to clear a 1000' driveway of snow, I'd seriously be considering a front snow thrower, which I think means you need a mid PTO. In VT I used a rear 5' thrower on a shorter driveway, and it isn't fun after a while. It does, however, cost less, and it lets you leave the FEL on.

I'd agree that the larger models mentioned are better choices. I was looking at the 3520 and the others offer more capability, are more stable, and don't cost a lot more.

However, I'd also look at the Kubota Grand L4240, and if there's a Kioti dealer nearby, a DK40SE HST or DK45SE HST. The Kioti's are probably the best value if you have a dealer that can offer discounts comparable to the larger Kubota and Deere dealers.

If you don't plan to keep this tractor more than 5 years, the Deere or the Kubota will have a bit better resale, but you can balance that by simply invest the savings for the 5 years. Actually, in that case the Kioti's are still going to come out way ahead on the price score over both Kubota or Deere.

I've been comparing all three brands. I like them all, but am partial to the Kubota L3540 right now based largely on size. It's in between the Deere 3520 and the larger Deere and Kioti tractors.

Bummer of it is, I got a quote from the JD dealer for the 3520, and it was several thousand more than the L3540 which is a bigger more stable tractor. I own enough Deere stock that I feel some loyalty to the company, but not enough to pay $3500 more.

Todd

 

[WilliamBos]

if you already have a riding lawn mower, then get the biggest tractor you can afford, or a tractor that is sized right for you application. One don't want to kill a tractor because it may be a little too small.

HI GUYS,

I HAVE BEEN HANGING AROUND THIS SITE FOR ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF NOW AND HAVE GAINED MUCH INSIGHT FROM YOUR EXPERIENCE. NOW THAT I AM GETTING SERIOUS ABOUT A


PURCHASE I AM ASKING FOR ADVICE.

HERE IS MY STORY:
I OWN 38 ACRES IN NORTHEAST OHIO. IT IS GENERALLY FLAT, ABOUT HALF WOODED AND HALF BRUSH WITH A STREAM RUNNING THROUGH THE CENTER. MY HOUSE SITS ABOUT 1000' FROM THE ROAD. TRACTOR USES WOULD BE BASIC LOADER USE ( F.E.L. IS A MUST HAVE), ROTARY MOWING OF ABOUT 5 ACRES, SNOW REMOVAL, CLEARING OF HEAVY BRUSH AND SMALL TREES, BUILDING A LANE ACROSS THE STREAM TO ACCESS THE BACK OF THE PROPERTY, PUTTING IN FOOD PLOTS FOR HUNTING AND MAINTENANCE OF DRAINAGE DITCHES.

I AM CONSIDERING THE 3520, 4105, AND 4120 ALL WITH F.E.L.
3520 = $22,275.00
4105 = $20,725.00
4120 = $25,600.00

ALL OPINIONS ARE APPRECIATED. THANKS

 

[exiled]

Brother, I'm not saying there is anything wrong with the models you have selected. Although have you looked at the 5*03? You can get a 5203 with FEL 2wd around $22,000. I think this series of tractors are little heavier and stouter. They are concidered Ag tractors and it helps you out with JD credit and their programs. Them other tractors can fall under commerical and residentual and their programs ar'nt as nice as the AG programs.
Its a decision you'll make. I maded the desicion that I would stay 50 or bigger. I came to this point by using alittle formula I came up with. What I did was I sat down and figured out everything I was going to use the tractor for. I searched out the attachments to do them with and found out what kind of hp was needed. I took the highest needed and multipled by 1.5. That allows you to upgrade %50. For example a JD 240 hay mower requires 35 hp and its a 5' cutter. 35x1.5=52.5 hp. So I would look for a tractor between 50 and 55 hp at the pto. Just talking about haymowers only this %50 grade jumps you from a 5' cutter to a 7' 10" cutter almost 8'. Which asks for only 42 hp so you would be well in spec. To check my math 5' with %50 upgrade would be 7'6". John Deere's 265 is 7'10". It gets alittle more spaced out with other attachments. Its been sais nobody complains they got to much tractor, and I dont think its going to get crowded on that 38 acres with an 03 series tractor either.

 

[12VOLTMAN]

To address some of the things said so far:

I am leaning toward a 4000 size machine, I think the 5000 series might be a little to akward mowing around all the trees I have and also for use in the woods. I like the idea of mfwd for snow removal and because the property tends to be a bit wet in spring and fall. The area around the stream is a flood zone! I was looking at R4's instead of R1's because I treat the area around the house that I rotary mow as part of the yard and ( because it gets wet) I think they might not tear it up as much.
I have not looked at Kubota yet but have looked at Kioti and was very impressed for the $$$'s, but no local representation is a draw back. I sure would like to be GREEN!

 

[wolc123]

If you really have to use it on wet grass, then you are probably stuck with R4's. Many have been dissapointed with the performance of those tires in mud, snow, and tilled soil. If you can swing it, a dedicated machine with turfs for on the lawn (like a zero turn mower), and one with R1's for off gives you the best at both jobs. Chains will correct most of the problems of R4's on snow, but on soft soil, a 4wd with R4's can only develop around the same drawbar force as a 2wd with R1's of equal weight. I think you may regret the R4's if you get into some soft spots trying to get the ground ready for spring planting. If your place is wet, then you have even more reason to get the R1's. I have encountered a lot of mud holes on my low, floodplane farm and the 4120 with R1's has not had any trouble with them. That tractor is also great on snow without chains, and it is nice not to have to tear up the blacktop driveway up by the house when I plow the snow in the winter. Dont believe a salesman who says R4's are just as good in mud or snow as R1's. Check the old forums where this myth has been exposed countless times.

 

[toddler]

Hey 12voltman,

Having no local representation for Kioti would make it hard for me to buy one too. I don't want to have to ship a tractor out of state for warranty work or such.

I'll be curious to see how you think the 3520 and 3540 compare given the large price difference, or the 4120 and the 4240/4740's. I think the 4120 is bigger than the Grand L's.

Todd