JD 2720 - Need opinions

[labsrus]

My wife and I are going to buy a compact tractor and have decided on a John Deere. I have researched a lot about the 2720 and I am just wondering if it will be a short lived model? I also see that some people are concerned about th2 speed range. We will use it mostly for mowing around fence lines and fields but will also need a bucket for lighter jobs. The 3000 series are just too big for what we need.
Is the 2720 a good choice in a tractor - engine, etc? Any opinons are helpful.
Thanks for helping a newbie out!

 

[ChuckinNH]

I think that the 2720 is a fine tractor, and will handle your chores well. It is more expensive than the 2320, and 2520, but that is a personal decision. For running a rotary cutter either the 2520, or 2720 is perhaps a bit better than the smaller 2320, but all will run a 4' cutter. Do a search on posts by member "runner". He has a 2520 with both a 5' rotary cutter, and a 6' rear finish mower. He bought his before the 2720 came out. I know that he had to add double wheelweights to the rear wheels for using those cutters on slopes, but I don't believe that his rear tires are loaded with rim guard. I do use the mid range on my Kubota often, but could be very happy with a JD, and the 2 range also. I don't like going a whole lot faster than the low range on the JD's will go on rough ground myself. Now if your land involves some distance, and smoother lanes for getting from one area to another, that might be different. All in all, you will find the 2000 series limited more by weight than by hp, or number of ranges. They can do an awful lot of work though! Mine is 26 hp, and I ran a 4" chipper most of the day today with no problems. Some pine branches were full capacity, and 15, or more feet long, and it gobbled them right up. You might manage a 6" chipper (if weight isn't a limitation) with the 2720.

 

[Qhorse]

I was in the same situation, I wanted a small frame tractor with higher HP/torque and PTO HP, the 3320 would have been too large of a foot print for my current needs. So far the 2 range has not been a problem but I still need to use it more for a better call on that one. I like the 2520 but wanted some extra insurance in the power area for now and down the road, so far, the 2720 is a nice machine for a small frame tractor with enough power to add a little insurance for my needs. I rather be a little over kill then not have enough of a machine. Good luck with your decision.

 

[jenkinsph]

This is just an opinion based on many years working with tractors take it for what its worth.

You would be better off with a tractor you think is a little too big in most cases. I just checked the specs on the 2720 and 3720 tractors and found the wheelbase to be similar and turning radius to be within a foot of each other. If you notice how many people upgrade after a few years to a larger tractor you may save yourself this expense. Right now discounts and cheap financing is available and in a few years with inflation the prices will be much higher.

You can fit a 3000 series tractor just about anywhere you need to go in a residential setting and for smaller areas a riding mower should fill in. The 3000 series has a lot better choice of implements that will do a better job too.

Just something to think about before you jump in


I use an L130 riding mower with a 48" deck to cut grass, a 110tlb for loader and backhoe work and hopefully this week my new 4520 without fel will arrive.
I am hoping this will give me some flexibility while providing me with enough physical size to do the various jobs. My point I am trying to make is that the slightly larger equipment will not limit you near as often as having a smaller piece of equipment that is not up to the job.

Hope this makes some sense, if not I guess I just started a war with 2000 series owners here.



Steve

 

[AKfish]

I don't think you'll start a war, Steve. You just restated most of the "high points" that the higher Hp crowd of 2000 users have discussed here on TBN - on and off.

The 2720 has the same engine as the 3320. And for around $2,000, you could move up into a 3320. So, for nearly the price of a new bush hog mower; you can have a tractor with 3 transmission ranges, greater hydraulic power for a backhoe or front-end loader, more 3pt capability and tractor weight to manage larger rear implements.

That said; many of the folk's that buy 2000 series machines fully appreciate the scope of their projects and how they plan to manage their properties on into the future. A 2000 series fits just right and they're fine with their decision and don't look back.

Other's haven't made a good assessment of how well the tractor really fits with the current objectives for their property or they have expanded their acreage or changed the way they use the tractor. Either way; they're looking to upgrade.

If you know what you want - and want what you know... go for it! Great machine - great dealer network - likely the best part's support in the industry - and Deere tractor's hold and hold and hold their value.

Best of luck.

AKfish

 

[jenkinsph]

AKfish, well thought out response, you know if a person is new to all of this the larger tractor looks much bigger. If though you are looking at one step up in size the difference in manueverability is not much difference.

FWIW, one of the most manueverable tractors I have ever had was a 3020 70 hp diesel with trycicle front end. I did not have to use it on slopes though. I could put a heavy duty 3 pt bush hog on it and it was a manuevering fool in the woods.



Steve

 

[AKfish]

FWIW, one of the most manueverable tractors I have ever had was a 3020 70 hp diesel with trycicle front end. I did not have to use it on slopes though. I could put a heavy duty 3 pt bush hog on it and it was a manuevering fool in the woods.

Steve

Yep... stand real hard on one of the brake pedals and jam the throttle another 1/4 way... that front end will REALLY swing around!! (I used to be 16; too!)

Although, my wife will argue that not many year's have passed for me - MENTALLY!

AKfish

 

[labsrus]

Wow - I can't believe all the responses! I am really glad to get everyones opinion and not have a wars going on. We do have a larger JD for the "big" jobs, so that is why we where thinking the 2720 would be nice for the small jobs. I will post what we decide on - maybe by next weekend.
My wife also said a big thank you for the replies. It just helps a little with our decision.

 

[Runner]

labsrus,

Hard to say if the 2720 will be a short-lived model or not.

As mentioned, I have a 2520 with loader, 60 inch rotary cutter and 72 inch rear finish mower to handle 6 acres of fairly rough and very hilly ground. I chose the 2520 for the smaller size and maneuverability over larger machines.

Also, the bigger machines look, and from some reports, are, a little more "tippy" on the hills. I will say that I have found the 2520 to be rock solid on 20 degree slopes.

The biggest problem I have with this machine is, like most tractors, it's hard to put the power to the ground because there isn't enough weight. As mentioned, I have three wheel weights per tire on it and did not choose to load the tires due to issues mentioned in other threads on the topic.

That being said, if one did not have a problem with loading tires, I think the extra weight would be a BIG help for this machine and most who have loaded tires on one seem to agree with this.

As for the two-range tranny, for my use, the high range is just too fast (rough ground, hills) and is only usable for transport. There also isn't enough power to operate in high range on hills, particularly if your're working the machine.

The higher HP on the 2720 might help this or not, I haven't tried one. However, as mentioned, for me, the high range is just too fast, even if I had the power for it.

I have not had any problems, power-wise, running either the 60 inch RC or the 72 inch RFM. However, more power never hurts and if I was buying one now, I'd go for the 2720 just to have the extra HP.

For what it's worth, and for my purposes, I just wish they had geared the high range lower, like about halfway into the upper end of the low range. To me, that would be perfect for giving faster movement for using the loader and mowing, and I don't need to go 20 mph with a tractor anyway.

Best of luck in your decision, I think you will be happy with your choice. I am entering my third summer of service with the 2520 with no problems.

 

[labsrus]

runner- We also have some hilly areas but not real steep. It would be mostly used for mowing around fences and around the fields but once in awhile a small meadow or two. We do want the belly mount mower and not a rear mount. It sounds like this model would be good for us and with reading about the 3000s being a little tippy, my wife may not like that feeling on one! Thanks for your input.
Some of these pictures we have on Flickr may show a little more of the property we would be mowing - if anyone is interested in looking - vmax4coco's photosets on Flickr