FX24D vs. 2420D

[ponder]

Hello to all...this will be a bit of a long post, but I need some advice about the next tractor I am going to buy this weekend.

I have a 2210D (2cyl 25hp and 2070 lbs.), and it does a great job on everything I need EXCEPT for grading my steep gravel drive. Whenever the 5ft boxblade gets loaded with gravel, it won't pull it up the hill - it just sits there and digs in. Dunno if this is a HP issue or a simple wieght of tractor issue, but I've decided to trade in the 2210D for another, heavier model with beefier tires and a little more HP.

I am looking at a 2420D (3cyl 28hp 2700 lbs) or an FX24D (3cyl 28hp 2690 lbs.) Hours are equivalent, age is equivalent, both tractors on the lot of a local Yanmar dealer who does their own refurbishing (they don't care about paint, give great support), and price is equivalent.

Besides grading the driveway, I will use it for plowing and tilling the garden, digging post-holes, and carrying 4x4 round bales on the 3 point. Eventually will put on a FEL and do dirt/compost/manure/gravel/mulch moving.

I know what the dealer says, but I want some second opinions...which would you choose, and why?

Thanks!!

I know what the dealer says, but I want some second

 

[blackd]

I've had a FX24D for 10 years until it dropped a valve and tore up the engine. It is a fine tractor with a flat floor for the operator area, but it is still tight. I would look at both those tractors with operator comfort/space in mind.

 

[ponder]

Thanks, that's good advice, as I am a big guy...I fit in the 2210, but it is TIGHT...so which would have more room, the fx24d or the 2420?

 

[HoyeTractor]

From a parts & dependability standpoint I'd go 2420 all the way. The F series are sure nice but parts availability is not great & they are not quite as durable.

The FX24 will be much easier to get on & off of.

Aaron
Hoye Tractor Parts
Contact Us
(940)592-0181

 

[ponder]

Thanks, Aaron!

I've read both ways on dependability from several places...I wonder if it has anything to do with personal preference (whether conscious or subconscious)?

Here, the local dealer has many more fx's than 2420's....maybe just a local aberration, but no problem finding the parts here...plus, customer service is really great (based on the previous tractor I bought from them)...so I'm not worried on that front...but definitely points to consider, thanks!

Getting on and off easily is something I am VERY interested in

Joel

 

[blackd]

Ponder, my FX24D had one of the hydraulic cylinder replacement seats, so it set a little higher and slightly more forward than its replacement. My 265LB buddy drove it all the time, and it was tight. The thing to watch for is clearance to the steering wheel.

Recommendation: go sit on each. Pick the one that best fits you today and consider any future planned changes (e.g. my seat.)

BTW, if there is room I recommend that type seat. I'm even considering putting the old one on my sparkly new Massey.

 

[runningbird]

you will have more room in the 2420 than the fx24. I also think once you get used to the colum shift on the 2420 you will like it....I have had both models and I would go with the 2420 all the way.

 

[Mickey_Fx]

Ponder, where you located? Your dealer sounds a lot like mine.

If your current tractor can spin its wheels trying to pull the load, you have enough power. Your problem is a traction issue.

I question the spec'd weight given. The manual I have gives a lower number for weight that what you've sighted. BUT, I have an FEL on mine and I've had my machine on the scales. With just me in the seat, my tractor tips the scale just a couple pounds under 4k#.

I wish the F24 weren't so compact, longer wheelbase and more room in the drivers seat. It is a little tight getting on/off due to limited space between the steering wheel and the fender. I'm always hitting the turn-signal lever.

I agree with others saying you need to see for yourself if available room is better on one model than the other. But, there is more to consider than just seating room. There are a lot of options on the F series and one needs to give consideration as to which ones are on the unit you are looking at and how valuable they would be for your used. Mine as a 4-speed PTO and I find myself using more than one speed depending upon the task at hand. I also like the separate "creep" range as it affectively gives me 18 fwd speeds. The power shift comes in handy quite often for me. Does the units you are looking at have the UFO controls? I have mine connected and the auto depth (draft) and tilt control over my tiller to be a great feature. Have the auto tilt connected to my quick hitch and any implement use can be leveled with a twist of a switch. One option I don't have but could make use of is the quick steering. It's for light duty work but oh, so useful. It disconnects the rear wheels and tractor becomes a front wheel drive. Reduces turning dia at least by a third.

While seating comfort and ease of getting on/off are important, don't overlook the all the other features that the F series offers.

 

[ponder]

Just wanted to thank everyone again who responded. I ended up getting the fx24d. They delivered it yesterday, and I IMMEDIATELY stuck the box blade on and began to grade the driveway...NO PROBLEMS, it went up like "buttah" .

I got the rear tires filled with flid (fluid, even...)to add 400 lbs, and then put 150 lbs of weights on the front end...also got a rock rake to go with it...I am rapidly expanding my implement collection! And since I use them all, my wife doesn't roll her eyes for more than a few minutes whenever I bring home a new one LOL

My only concern is that it is a little tight (as everyone told me)and I have bad knees...when I first got on yesterday, I couldn't get my heel back far enough to engage the diff. lever (my shifter, UFO are both on the right) because the shifter handle was in the way...so I just removed the T- shaped handle, and everything is fine...

MIckey..I am in middle Tennessee, midway between Nashville and Knoxville...my dealer is Tullahoma Tractor Co. www.tullahomatractor.com

 

[Mickey_Fx]

Congrats and I hope you get many yrs of trouble free use.

 

[LMTC]

And a ROPS?

 

[ponder]

Sorry... yes, and a ROPS...the one thing my wife didn't even bat an eye at...

 

[rhett]

hi ponder,
just a suggestion about the "tight operator seating", I'm 6'1" not the Japanese 5'2" norm. So what I did was a little welding to the seat bracket to extend the seat mounting back about 6", things are much more roomy for me now and a major improvement for mounting/dismounting. While I was at it I added the Springy Seat option = bad lower back.

 

[blackd]

Congrats from this Ex-FX24D owner. I'm sure you'll like yours.

 

[ponder]

Rhett - thanks for the suggestion! My neighbor welds for a living, and does a lot of side jobs for folks around here (we all have farms of differing sizes), so that is a suggestion I could really use. You wouldn't happen to have any pics of what you did, would you? I'm sure we can figure it out, but it would be nice to be able to look at something someone else has done and learn from/ copy it.

I'm 6'2", so we're nearly the same height...when you extended the seat back, did it make the controls easier (see my previous post about not being able t depress the Diff. pedal due to location of the shifter - and my bad knees)

Thanks!!
Joel

 

[ponder]

blackd -

Thanks! I already am impressed with it! I had no idea 4 hp made so much difference in a diesel...and all the extras (UFO, draft setting, etc.) are a big plus...

 

[rhett]

hi ponder,
here are a few pix you asked for.
at the front of the seat at the hinge point you can see I added angle iron to move the seat back. I measured and I moved it back 3 1/2" from what it was when I got my little girl.
the springs I got from a local hardware, i got 3 sets at different wire sizes to adjust comfort. I can add add a stiffer pair to decrease motion. Motorcycle seat springs could be used and are best found on the net, no local bike shop had them here.

I know your tractor is most likely not even similar, but you and friends I'm sure will coustom make what you need.

Good Luck, Be Safe, Have Fun !!!

Edit: forgot to add, notice the Shifter and High-Low selector are reversed letting my size 12 boots move through for super easy mounts and dismounts.

 

[Mickey_Fx]

The tractors are considerably different than that shown by rhett. The seating area is enclosed on 3 sides. I'm not quite a tall as you guys but heigth doesn't enter the picture for where I think additional room is needed. Fenders and side controls need to be spaces outwards. I find the 3pt controls almost under my butt. Same space problem for pto, creep gear & parking brake under left leg.

Fenders could be moved outwards but a lot more difficult to move controls. I guess one could move the seat aft if you were willing to do away with the aft sheet metal and storage bin. Would also have to find another way to mount the UFO connector presently mounted on the aft sheet metal.

 

[blackd]

Mickey, I think moving the seat back is the best solution. I tried, but stripped out the 25-30 YO screws, so never got around to drilling them out. My plan was to remount the storage area on a fabbed frame. For this 5'9" ole fart, it would have made all the difference. As it is, I did OK with the original config.

 

[ponder]

rhett - thanks for the pictures, it gives me a starting point. As Mickey says, there is a world of difference between the tractors, and it will require either removing completely or moving back the back sheet metal, but after looking at it with the guy who does the welding, it looks like it will be possible...

I removed the seat yesterday, and even the inch and a half that gave me made a difference. I think three inches total would be ideal for me.

When we get started on the modification, I'll post pics if anyone is interested.

Any other suggestions from anyone else out there would be appreciated also!

Joel