JD 3x20 cost v benefit comparison + street prices!

jeffinsgf · Aug 10, 2005

( oh yeah... if I dont go with the BH (and by the way which one and what is a good street price for it?), will a mini track hoe be as good at pushing and tearing out stumps or is its weight a limiting factor? )

Just like HP, if you buy the smaller backhoe (447), every time the hydro limits cut in you'll kick yourself for not getting the bigger one (448). If you do happen to find a 4410, then you can choose from 4 backhoes -- 47 (too little) 447 (still too little) 48 (my favorite and what I own) and the 448 (the new big boy -- more streamlined than the 48). I paid 7,500 for mine. Now, should you buy one or rent a mini track hoe?

That depends on what you intend to do and how long you intend to do it. If it is strictly a matter of clearing some land and getting the stumps out, then renting a mini track hoe makes a lot of sense. I don't think anyone here with a CUT and backhoe attachment would try to convince you that it is the equal of a mini track hoe. However, it gets back to the argument of being able to do what you want to do when you want to do it. If you're a hard core do-it-yourself'er, like many of us here, and you have dreams of waterfalls, sprinkler systems, retaining walls, and koi ponds, then it might make more sense to buy the backhoe.

jeffinsgf · Aug 10, 2005

( hey one tune,...Do need to order one, due to options I want, so still having them on the assembly line is important. )

Not necessarily. Most of the options that have come up in this and previous discussions are dealer add ons. All you really need from the factory is the engine and transmission you want and it would be best if it had any of the "e" options you want. The dealer can add almost anything else (hydro SCV's, PB, etc.) .

rockyridgefarm · Aug 10, 2005

hey, the 'e' options are just switches.. I did them all by my little self!

jeffinsgf · Aug 10, 2005

( hey, the 'e' options are just switches.. I did them all by my little self! )

Funny, when I wrote that response I almost queried you by PM about that issue. I thought those were simple plug and play deals, but I wasn't sure.

BillyP · Aug 10, 2005

Bart, on the JD 3x20 cost v benefit comparison, have you ever thought about it this way. Start with the most hungry HP/Torque implement you will ever use and start your tractor HP/Torque search from there? Then maybe add say 10% for typographical errors. Just a thought... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Lawnjocky · Aug 10, 2005

Seasalt
At the risk of being the dummy on the board I would like to comment on your thread. My answer to you question's in the last paragragh are.
It sound's like your having a lot of fun comparing models and trying (subconsciously?) to justify buying the 3720. The price/value comparisons also make me think of buying something because it's on sale whether you need it or not. I chose the 3520 based on what I needed it to do (60%) and past ownership of other sizes (40%). The 3720 is the best value but only if you can afford it and need it. For some of us that extra $2000.00 is the difference between buying or doing without.

Other comment's
As far as resale value any JD will hold it's value as well as or better than other brands. When it comes to individual models future market forces will likely be the deciding factor. But with resale in mind, the bigger tractor will do a smaller tractor's work in less time thus keeping hours off the meter and increaseing resale value.

If I were you I would buy the 3720 for the following reasons.
1. You have proved it's the best value
2. The bigger machine will work faster. Depending on how valuable your time is this could be important.
3. Safety. Most of the time having to big of a tool is better than to small.
4. I think I read where you can afford it. This will save possible regrets later. With the CUT's all having the same physical size, parking and going around things does'nt matter in the choice so get the big dog.
5. Bragging right's. I have been told little boy's never grow up, their toy's just get bigger. Might as well go with it and enjoy.

I would also like to say thank you for the two threads. Some of it went over my head but it was all very interesting to read.
Lawn

rockyridgefarm · Aug 10, 2005

I dunno about dumb, you sound pretty wise to me...

seasalt · Aug 10, 2005

Good thought BillyP, now tell me what he hungriest implement might look like and I can do this deal quickly. Dont really have the foggiest except some input that said if you dont have at least 20 at the PTO you can forget 5 foot or better implements. I am ordering a 5' BB to work sandy loam and what we call locally a "gumbo" mix which is **** for clay and soil mixed together. Brush hogging? dont have any idea what I might one day want or need. Minor now as undergrowth is limited to seeding/ saplings - most trees in my forest are TALL so undergrowth is limited on my present property.

Fatal mistake would be ending up wishing for more. Am I OK or not - that is the $64,000 question! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

seasalt · Aug 10, 2005

Thanks Lawnjockey,

you are very kind. You also probably have me pegged and are not the only one!

Called my dealer this afternoon to ask him if all my 11th hour paperwork went in on the 31st for 36 mo of free money etc. Yes - fine.
Then told him I was thinking of upgrading my order. He said my tractor (quoted to arrive in 10 weeks) arrived YESTERDAY (after barely 8 days) and he is just waiting on my PHD. ****! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Told him I was thinking of upgrading to the 3720 and he said that is a lot more tractor...?! Said I would loose the financing and he didnt need another 3320 on the lot (especially with a mid PTO that I ordered). Told him to think about it and we would talk tommorrow.

Dont think Deere is going to want a customer to have anything he doesnt want and I am not sure the mid PTO is a big downside to him selling it, but I have to firm a decision and work the situation.

Advice anyone?

signed,
Sticky

rockyridgefarm · Aug 10, 2005

I am ordering a 5' BB 

You might want to settle the tractor question before actually ordering attachments. I need a 66" blade to cover my tracks, which could easily be the same if you get the larger R4s...