JD 3520 vs NH TC35

[jyoutz]

A hydrostatic is the least efficient at transferring power of the 3 transmission styles being considered.

A good hydrostatic trans is 80 - 85% efficient while gear systems should be in mid 90’s.

Like others have stated hydros shine for infinite speed adjustment but are less desirable for continuous heavy ground engagement type work but they will still get the job done.

The newer IVT or CVT are a hybrid of hydro to be a little more efficient

True, but even with the loss in pto hp, my machine still has 53 hp pto output, so I don’t worry about the loss. The same with ground engagement. My machine will rip through any hard ground with any of my implements, so I would rather have the HST. If a machine is on the marginal side of hp for the implement/job, then yes I could see wanting gears.

 

[Milo]

I bought a low hour 3520 and it came with bucket and JD quick attach. All my attachments are Skid Steer.
I looked at two options; buy the SSQA adapter to attach to the JDQA, or remove the JDQA and replace it with SSQA ends (Deere sells this). The adapter works but adds weight plus moves the weight further out. For these reasons I changed the ends to SSQA even though it cost a more than the adapter. I was able to sell the JDQA ends though.

As far as the tractor itself it has been completely trouble free, the only things I did was replace all fluids and filters when I got it. I use the loader about equally with a 72" bucket or grapple. The 300cx loader can lift that bucket completely heaped with stone which is enough for my needs.

 

[super55]

I guess it depends on the machine hp regarding hydro fade. I’ve never encountered this when plowing or doing any ground engagement with my 60hp hydro tractor.

I can only go off my experience. I have a 32 hp JD 4310 power-reverser (shuttle shift) and a 34 hp JD 4400 hydro that are only a year apart from when they were made. For task that require drawbar power like running a disc or small chisel plow the 4310 runs handles its so much better.

Big difference is when I hit the heavy stuff the gear trans will lug down and push through or maybe have to grab a lower gear but the engine can usually push through. With the hydro the transmission will go into relief long before the engine starts to lug down. I will say Hp does make a huge difference with hydros. I have a 48 hp JD 4700 hydro as well and that tractor has barely any of the "hydro whine" compared to the 4400 and is far stronger.