New 4000 series cab tractor - 4520 or 4720?

[AKfish]

Is 6 hp at the pto that big of a deal?

How about fuel use: is the 4520 that much better on fuel than the 4720?

Any 4520 owner's that wished they'd have gone one step further? And vice versa - any 4720 owner's that figure they could have done just fine with a 4520 instead?

Thanks for any and all feedback.

AKfish

 

[AKfish]

Whoops! Just read some good comments on another thread... 4x20 cab!

Still would appreciate any other feedback or thoughts from other's. Thx.

AKfish

 

[radman1]

The fuel difference between a 4720 and 4520 is going to be insignificant in nearly all use, unless you are needing max performance. Identical tractors except for a little more fuel through the injectors for max performance with the 4720. Both will have more power than traction for most uses. Both can easily handle a 6' tiller, 6' bush hog, 84" finish mower ect. Remember, the 2009 4520 had the hp increased to the prior 4720s. They just added another few ponies to the 2009 4720.

 

[jenkinsph]

I don't see much benefit to the extra 6 hp unless you frequently pull loads up hills and inclines in C range. I am sure there may be other instances or some pto uses where it may make a difference. For most things I do the 4520 seems to have plenty of power for this size tractor, afterall this is still a relatively small tractor. If I find I need alot more power in the near future the 6000 series seems to have a number of good choices.

 

[cdaledave89]

I would go with the 4520 also. I think my 2009 4520 already has more HP than the tractor can use and I have all four tires loaded plus four 70# weights on the front. The tractor could probably use another 800-1000 lb to really make use of all that power. I've had a little trouble pulling a 3 bottom plow through ground that's never been plowed without the front of the tractor being shoved around (downhill) or without the wheels spinning. Of course, new coulters on the plow would probably help, too.

I looked at the 4720 also and couldn't justify the extra $$ for the couple of additional ponies.

In regards to the e-throttle mentioned on another thread, I don't use it at all. However, if you plan on doing any kind of mowing or other low-HP PTO work, get the e-PTO. It's nice.

 

[AKfish]

I'm getting to the point where I can see the end of land clearing and finally moving on to establishing new fields. So, the way things are shaping up - I should be workin' in dirt this next summer planting my new hay fields and the tree falling and stump pulling will be all done!!!

So, most of my field work in the next few years will be mowing, tedding, fertilizing and 5-600 square bales.

Really looking forward to a cab tractor --- YES! Six years of clearing snow and cleaning horse corrals in an open-station tractor has lost it's appeal. I'm ready to dial the heater up and turn the radio on...

I have considered a cabbed 5000 series machine. But, it wouldn't fit the layout of our place nearly as well as the smaller footprint 4000 tractor. And I want to stay with the eHydro tranny. The small, 30hp baler (JD 24T) and the small number of bales produced each year leads me to believe that either the 4520 or the 4720 would do the job and do it reliably for as many years as I'm likely to stick with it.

I can also appreciate that either 50hp or 56hp in a tractor that only weighs in around 5,200lbs with loader and cab will probably spin out before it powers out. And, the comments thus far definitely weigh in favor of the 4520 and that's kinda where my heads at, too.

Hope to be shoppin' this next fall - August or September. Thanks for the feedback.

Merry Christmas to all - and a very good New Year as well.

AKfish

 

[jenkinsph]

AKFish,
Are you going to keep the 110 tlb or buy a 4520 with a fel?

Also if I remember correctly from frevious picks you have quite a bit of roll to your land, is this correct?

 

[AKfish]

Steve;
Haven't figured out whether I'll keep the 110 or not. I'll put out some feelers and see how the used market is when the heavy lifting in the fields is finally done. Unfortunately, the tractor market in Alaska is real, real small.

It's a great machine and I'm not gonna give it away -- And, the loader on the 110 would be a lot better fit with a bale grapple than the 4520 - IMO.

I've got some gradual rises in the fields but nothing that would be a real problem; even pulling a wagon with the 110. Small stuff..

Always need a 2nd tractor, too. My son could be tedding or raking with the 110 at the same time I'm pulling the baler with the 4520.

Tried to make a deal on a nice JD 2640 last Spring/Summer. It sold in a week... From up here, I barely had enough time to send a couple of emails and a phone call before it was gone. Everything works out, though. Likely wouldn't be able to even consider a new cab 4520 with 2 tractors already in the yard -- the CFO -- would have a cat and step in it!!

AKfish

 

[jenkinsph]

Well good luck with it, that is why I purchased the 4520 without a loader. I would rather have both the 110 and the 4520 which can share implements if needed. If I could not have both I would buy a cab for the 110 and try again later.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

I can't imagine having to deal with the cold up there without a cab. Down here, its the heat. I certainly understand why you would want a cab.

I would think your 110 could be sold in a heartbeat. Just like the 2640 that got sold out from under you. don't give it away.

If I were buying one, I'd definitely get loaded R1 tires to pull your hay equipment. I would like a 4720 to pull an 8 foot cutter.