New 3520 -- need advice

Phunge · Jun 11, 2012

ORCM said:
The loaner 3520 with R4's, and a cab like to spin when I'm mowing on a slope. I thinking the man reason for this is the loader is on, and I dont think the rear tires are loaded. With that cab, and not having the tires loaded it gets a little scary. If it were mine I would be ordering wheel spacers!

My 2320 w/R4s will do this if I have the loader on without the ballast box. The rears will spin because the weight is biased to the front. Without the loader, or with the loader & ballast box, it's fine. My tires are not loaded.

shortthrow50 · Jun 11, 2012

RoyJackson said:
That's a blanket statement and not correct in all circumstances.

I do see the OP decided to go with R-4s...probably a good decision.

Most everything I say is just from my own experience and I shouldve stated as such not to step on any toes. When I plow under contract with my employer, anything with ag tires gets no where on any type of grade. Flat terrain in the snow is ok. Once your in a snow storm though, the ag tires are goin absolutely no where up hill fast with anything in the bucket/ or blade. 2 years ago, i made a pass down hill in a narrow path and then was half way going back up hill with the bucket in the air with a cat 416 and the machine lost it. Just started spinning and started going backwards REAL fast almost lost the machine and rolled it but gods hand stopped me somehow. For me, turf tires never let me down in snow. Lets face it though, ag tires have FAR less bite in the snow versus turf tires. Shouldnt be any dispute over this. Turf tires have lots of tread to bite into snow. AG's bars just ride on snow. Like i said though. Whats the point of getting turf tires unless you plan on mowing a lot of just moving snow. If your going to use your tractor as it should and play in the dirt more than you mow, go with the r4s. When i get a loader, Im gonna have to buy chains becuase this machine gets absolutely no traction whatsoever in the dirt obviously haha. Notice right away when i used my subsoiler in damp terrain. I even got the thing stuck already d.a.m.mit*

ORCM · Jun 12, 2012

I was thinking of going with the R3's, but after playing around with the 3520 I think I've changed my mind.

They need to make transformer tires.. R1's and then you flip a switch, and there R3's. :thumbsup:

jimgerken · Jun 12, 2012

Front turfs will not hold the weight of a full bucket as well as R4 tires will. The turfs are only 4 ply, and the R4 tires are 6 ply. I own the 3720, and when I can afford tires, it will get R1 radials in the back, the giant ones. And I would keep the R4 in front, for loader work. I do not mow with this tractor.

ORCM · Jun 13, 2012

Phunge said:
Hello,

Upgrading from a 2320 to a 3520 with the following attachments:

485 Backhoe + thumb

300cx loader + 4in1 bucket

72d deck

59" front snowblower

B2060 box blade

Got tired of waiting for the 270 backhoe, and have a bunch of projects (stone work) for which I need the increased capacity of the 300cx and 485 anyways.

I'm all set to do the deal, but am undecided on which tires. My 2320 has the R4s, and while i'm careful not to tread on my yard when wet, I am noticing certain areas are getting quite compacted. I'm thinking I will go with the turfs this time, which will hopefully offset the additional weight of the 3520. Mostly the 3520 will be used to landscape my property, so will be operating on my lawn for the most part. I have two concerns about the turf tires, though:

I have some fairly steep hills that I mow. Will the R3s have enough traction to get up and down without sliding? Maybe I just need to stay off the hills when wet?

My driveway also has a fairly steep hill. In the winter it ices up quite a bit -- I use a 3pt spreader to put sand/salt down and have had no traction problems with the 2320 & R4s. Will the 3520 with R3s be OK in the snow? I figure the 'Turf' tread is still more aggresive than my pickup truck tires, and it's like a tank in 4x4. Not interested in using chains, I hate wrestling with them to get them on, and don't want to wreck my garage floor.

I've waffled back and forth between the small R4s, big R4s and Turfs several times. I've even contemplated ordering a set of R1s to use in the winter or when I need extra traction. I figure with the BH and Loader and impact gun it would be pretty easy to change the tires. It's a fair amount of extra expense, though, plus i have to store them.

Would apreciate any advice.