Deere 4720 vs. a TC45DA

[bam747]

Going with the "money is no object" theme...

Have you thought about stepping up to a 5x25 series utility tractor? They are a lot more tractor with a lot of very nice features not really available on the 4x20 series.

The 45 PTO HP 5225 is actually rated at 5HP less than a 4720. I'd probably step up to the 65 PTO HP 5425 to get its higher hydraulic flow capability (18.5 GPM implement versus 13.5 GPM for the 5225 and 5325). There is also the 55 PTO HP 5325 or the 75 PTO HP 5525.

Although Deere does not offer a HST on the 5x25 series, you can get them with a 24F/24R hi/lo power reverser WITH a "standard" or "high speed" creeper option (according to the JD configurator). That would give you nice FEL operation with the advantage of gears for heavy duty ground engaging implements plus the super low gearing for going very, very slow at rated engine speed for 540 RPM rated PTO speed when needed. Also, they do offer the 540/540E rear PTO. The "E" means you can operate the engine at a significantly reduced RPM while still getting the required 540 RPM PTO speed. This is a very nice fuel saving feature when your PTO requirements do not need the full rated PTO HP.

You can also fit the 5x25 series 4WD with a 542 MSL FEL. I'm pretty sure that has enough lift and height capacity as well as mechanical self leveling for your stated needs (2134 LBS at 800mm/31.5" ahead of pivot, 3093 LBS at the pivot, at full height of 126"/10' 6"). Although Deere doesn't offer SSL style QA for the loader attachments, you can purchase this option from ATI (lets you use SSL attachments).

The 5x25 series also offers a factory mid mount 3-spool joystick controlled FEL valve setup (thumb toggle control for 3rd function from 110 TLB). That would be very nice for FEL attachments with 3rd function hydraulic requirements (grapple, blade, etc). They also offer a very nice 3-spool rear hydraulic setup with 3 individual spool control levers. Nice option for T&T or other auxiliary hydraulic needs. There is also a power beyond option for BH attachment (many different choices in BH).

As for tires, they do offer the 5x25 series with several different sizes of R1, turf, galaxy turf, and R4 tire sizes.

And finally, if desired, you can get them with a nice air conditioned and heated CAB right now!

From everything you've said here, the 5x25 series seems like it fits your requirements much better than the 4x20 series.

Hey, you said "money is no object"! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[whistler]

OK, OK. What I really should have said is price differences between the listed options are not a factor. BAM I had to keep myself from drooling when reading your description /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif and if money truly weren't factor I would consider the 5x25 series. The downside is the size. Although most customers have at least one acre I do some work for people with ~0.5ac. Plus, I need to have a relatively tight turning radius for working up close to the house / trees. Also I don't want to completely crunch/rut existing grass. I'm not really considering a BH since I think I'll need an excavator. I do egress window installs occasionally which typically require me to dig down to the footings (around 12ft). Most tractor BHs won't go this far down. Keep the advice rolling. Thanks again.

 

[whistler]

Thanks for the input guys. I don't mean to give myself a bump but I wondering if anyone had experience with the rock picker (or similar pickers) I listed earlier and how they would handle on the 4720/TC45DA/TC55DA. Specifically do they work as well as advertised and do they leave a seed bed equivalent or better than a preseeder. Thanks again.

 

[ddivinia]

I have both a 4720 and a 5525 cab. They are both very nice machines. If I didn't want to haul a batwing mower around, I would just get a 4720 with a cab. I do with the 5525 had HST, but the power reverser is not bad. For nice delicate work, the HST rocks. For mowing fields, etc - the power reverser is fine. The ePTO is pretty slick and really saves fuel.

From what you say, it sounds like a 4720 is a good fit. I wish they had the 400CX when I bought mine, but I can live with the 400x FEL.

Later,
D.

 

[Turkeyman]

I was faced with your same problems about 8 months ago, I had a Hydro TC 35 and LOVED it. It has all the creature comforts you mentioned( seat, rabbit/turtle, lights, 3pt lift). It fit me and my partners but it lacked power @ 30PTO hp. Also with a WR Long 4 in 1 bucket ( 550lbs)it lacked load capacity. We now have JD4720 and there is no comparison, but it has 20 more hp at the pto. I had the pleasure of going to Augusta and driving the 4720 and a 5525 (cab) and the stronger unit won, but it is unfair( 50 to 75pto hp).
Demo both at your place for 2-4 hrs at the 4720 will blow the TC45 away.