Interesting comments from JD dealer

[bandit67]

JohnM,

Thanks for the input. That's the kind of feedback I was looking for - it was very helpful. I just like the smaller size of the 2520. No doubt, a 3720 would be a great machine on this property's slopes, but the similarly sized L35 TLB I rented couldn't get into a few spots that I wanted to get to because of the varying slopes, and tight spaces between trees and fences. And yes, I do have some good slopes, and some more gradual slopes, but I can't imagine that a 2520 would completely bog down and not be able to climb any of the slopes.

I just think the 2520 size machine will suit me better in the long term, and I always have the option of renting bigger machines for a day here and there from the rental yard that is 7 minutes down the road. A 4' wide brush hog type mower should do fine for the 2 or 3 times each summer that I'd want to mow the field grasses - a bigger mower might be difficult to justify the expense for so few mowings over a 15 year period, not to mention the need for a bigger machine to mow with.

Something I dealt with on the last property with my subcompact is that 50% of the time, I was wishing I had something bigger, while the other 50% I was glad I hadn't gone bigger because I wouldn't have been able to get a larger machine into some of the spaces. It also became a real bummer when I got all of the landscaping done and for 6 months before we sold the property, had no where else to dig or re-landscape. If I buy too big of a machine, I might finish everything too soon. And believe me, the worst thing in the world is to have a completely finished property with nothing left to do with your tractor other than occasional mowing or snow removal.

 

[bandit67]

Bandit

Too bad Deere no longer has an equivalent for the excellent 955. It would fit your needs perfectly at about 2000lbs (without attachments) and 33hp. The 3x20's, are about 3000lb and, from what I can see, have higher center of gravity - not an advantage if your property is very hilly.

I know you're looking for new, but a nice low hour 955 would have everything a 2520 would have +6.5 hp more. But, they don't sell cheap from what I've seen. I really think Deere needs a 30+ hp small frame tractor to compete with the Kubota B3030 and B7800.

Thanks for the input on the 955. I'll have to do some research on that.

As for the Deere 30 hp to compete with the B3030 and B7800 - I completely agree. I mentioned that to the salesman, and he rolled his eyes and said he prayed that Deere wouldn't do that. They already have too many tractors, he said. Hmm, wonder why Kubota sells so many 3030's and 7800's? Pretty much turned me off to that dealer, aside from the fact that I told him I liked the smaller frame, and he tried to convince me that the only machine for me was the 3720.

 

[jcmseven]

I hope I was able to help somewhat with your decision. I really do think the 2520 would do fine. I really would have no concern about the power of this machine, it is fine. The ONE complaint I have is that it has only a two range tranny. This, to me, is a bit of a liability v. the major competition--Kubota. Having driven both machines, I still prefer the John Deere machine, but that third range is really a nice feature. John Deere as a company is a master of marketing and research. I will tell you from experience that if they felt Kubota or another manufacturer had them on a model or line they would come out with something new to compete. The fact they have left their 2520 unchanged of late indicates to me they feel their machine is the equal of anything in the class, regardless of advertised power ratings. They also though do not want to take sales away from their 3000 series, so they need to maintain some separation there. To me, there is nothing on the market that can compete in the mid frame size range with the 3720 tractor, and most likely the 3520 as well. But these machines are not for everyone. If I were to be perfectly honest, I do not currently need a 3720 for my property. I justify it based on my perpetual thought I will one day operate a side business doing light landscaping and gravel work, but my day job--as a doctor--just seems to keep interfering with this plan. I loved my 4520, but I felt silly having this machine for what I did, so I can certainly understand your desire to not go too big. It is a trap from which one cannot extricate himself.

John M

 

[swines]

You high altitude guys, I tell ya - makes for good training before climbing Everest -

I would just require a demo between machines to be sure -its the only way

10-4 on the demo - the best way to choose. I live at 5,000 feet elevation. I own a 3320 - works fine at this altitude including running a 5-foot rotary cutter over BIG 4-wing salt bush. Don't think it would power a larger cutter for the task while a 3520 or 3720 would. Have used a tractor near Cripple Creek, CO. - believe me....at that altitude a turbo is the only way to go.

The altitude really has more effect on PTO work than loader, back hoe, type work (intermittent) where you don't have the tractor under a constant load. If I did more PTO work I'd have gotten the turbo...even at my "lower" altitude.

 

[Mech]

I only live a few miles from you at 8600 feet and have a 790. It has plenty of power pullling a 5ft BB. I realize you don't want a gear tractor but I grew up on one and I'm pretty fast with it even doing loader work and I'm not young either. The only issues I have is the platform is a bit tight and if it is below about 80 deg I have to use the intake heater to start it. Don't think the turbo will help with that although the non-Yanmar engines may start easier at high altitude.

 

[bandit67]

Thanks Mech. Can you send me a PM with your selling dealer and salesman (if you'd recommend them)?

A friend in Conifer also has a 790 and also says it has plenty of power. I started on gear machines, and only had a hydro my last one, but after owning that, I'm not sure if I want to go back to gear again. My experience on both tells me I'll always be faster with hydro doing FEL work.

There are a lot of 790's in our immediate area though, so it must be a capable machine.

Oh, and the big thing with cold starting is the direct injection, which many of the newer machines now have. Not sure if the new 790's have it though.

 

[DrainPondDesign]

Since you have time it might be a good idea to talk to locals with tractors doing similar work at that elevation. (tractor owners like to talk?)

Our 1600' elevation is like sea level compared to you & our 3320 is at max throttle when blowing snow.

Customers will complain about not enough power but none complain about too much power so your JD dealer may just be trying to make sure that you are satisfied.

Good luck & test drive every one that they will let you.

 

[RollTideRam]

The 790 is direct injected. Also, the 790 and 2520 have the same engine. JC

 

[Mech]

A number of people, expecially in the Yanmar forum have talked about hard starting at this altitude. The compression is pretty marginal at 8000+ ft especially at lower temperatures. My experience with the 790 is anything below 75 deg which is most of the time at this altitude.. The Yanmar cold start aids work well but you can't start them up like a car. Have to give it 10-20 seconds of heat or in some of the older Yanmars the thermal start which ignites fuel in the intake is really good.

 

[Mech]

Since I had been complaining about the 790 starting hard at altitude and low temps I wanted to put out some new info. I have been keeping the block heater plugged in for the last month and the thing starts like a car. Starts immediately at any throttle position with almost no smoke. I have my front blade on with hydraulic angle and I'm ready for the first big snow.