New buyer looking for advice ...

[SnoFalls]

Hi all,

I've decided this spring I really need a loader/hoe enabled tractor. I'm pretty certain I'm buying deere, but not too sure yet model I really should get ...

I've got a '57 420C that came from my old man a few years ago and while it's been useful, it lacks a FEL (has a "floating" sno blade and PTO winch). I also need a hoe on occasion and getting implements for the "antique" just doesn't seem right.

My needs:
I've got 5 heavily wooded acres that I'm going to landscape. I've got some trees logged off (and an excavator pulled stumps and piled brush). Still need to move some dirt, grade out the area for the "pond", and burn the brush/stump piles. Some moving of leftover logs (currently 25 footers at around 12"-16" diameter).

So, a loader, hoe, and some sort of "grapple or forks" seem like the initial "implements". Probably a mower and a splitter would be added in the future.

My price range:
I wanna buy as big as I can afford ,,, so looking at $25K-$30K (for a tractor outfitted with FEL and hoe). That would be with financing (aka the 0% over 24 months).

My questions:

What deere model? I'm leaning towards a "20 series" but not sure what the differences are for 3X20 vs. a 4X20 ...

Should I get a bucket from deere? A 4N1 bucket or the bucket grapple from W.R. Long looks almost perfect for many of my chores ... If I get an aftermarket bucket, I'd still need the stock booms and such tho right?

"eHydro" ... huh? What's the advantage here?

Would like a cab model, but does that interfere with a hoe? I'm also not adverse to "home building" some sorta canvas solution here ...

If buying new, what SCV's will I want to outfit with from the start? (e.g. to control a 4N1 and the hoe, and possibly a splitter later on).

Tire options? ... my terrain is mostly loose sandy gravel. Some steep hills, a few muddy spots. Very little snow to ever contend with.

So, given my needs what deere would you "build".

Thx for those taking the time to offer advice to the newb questions ...

 

[SnoFalls]

Also, any FAQ or such I should look at ???

I'm trying to do as much research as possible before I go down to a dealer ...

 

[jeepinator]

I am a noob as well, but I'll tell you the stuff I just learned...

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I wanna buy as big as I can afford ,,, so looking at $25K-$30K )</font>
You can get a really well outfitted (non cab) 3x20 for that price.
That is about what I paid for a 3520 eHydro w/ the 300CX and HD bucket, 65" Deere tiller, MX5 Deere brush cutter, 5' Box blade, and few expensive add-ons like the electric diverter kit and the top n' tilt kit (allows you to change the angles of rear implemens hydraulicly using the joystick).
You may not want the tiller and maybe some of the other stuff, so $30k for a 4x20 might be doable.
For the most part, the 4x20 tractors are just a step bigger in almost every way.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Should I get a bucket from deere? A 4N1 bucket or the bucket grapple from W.R. Long looks almost perfect for many of my chores ... If I get an aftermarket bucket, I'd still need the stock booms and such tho right?)</font>
The recent thread about the WR Long 4N1 buckets has got me wanting one pretty badly. As far as I can tell, the WR Long 4N1 sits right on the Deere loader.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( "eHydro" ... huh? What's the advantage here?)</font>
Hydrostatic gearless tranny that is very easy to drive and has lots of nifty features such as cruise control and loadmatch. Loadmatch is a feature that keeps the engine running no matter how badly you load it. At least that seems to me how it works /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Would like a cab model, but does that interfere with a hoe? )</font>
Yes, you cannot have both. And the cab options is expensive at about $6k. The cab option would make a bit more difficult to keep under 30k with any 20 series.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( If buying new, what SCV's will I want to outfit with from the start? (e.g. to control a 4N1 and the hoe, and possibly a splitter later on).)</font>
For the 4N1, you'd need the 3rd SCV kit and a kit that comes with lines to run down the loader arms. The splitter requires the "power beyond kit".

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Tire options? ... my terrain is mostly loose sandy gravel. Some steep hills, a few muddy spots. Very little snow to ever contend with.)</font>
The R4's are very popular and seem to be a good middle point between the really meaty R1's (classic deep chevron tractor tread) and tearing up your lawn. They have decently deep lugs for mud, but the center of the tread has wide patches so as not to tear stuff up too badly.

For 5 acres and with the tasks that you described, a 3x20 would probably work well.

 

[SnoFalls]

After *lotsa* research, and also evaluating my immediate needs and long term, I've decided a 3x20 is in my future ... either a 3520 or a 3720 ...

I now tho have some less newb questions ...

* Should I get a mid PTO or not?
I don't figure to have much "mowing" usage for the tractor. In the PNW lawns are either soaked with rain (6 months of downpour), or dry and yellow (6 months of little rain).
But ... would the lack of a mid-PTO ($300ish option) affect resale much? (*if* I ever resale)

* "Thumb" for a JD 448 BH?
I will have needs to "grapple". I've seen add-ons for buckets (or a 4N1 bucket), but I'm starting to think that the BH I *will* use quite a bit might be a better implement to use for my "grapple" purposes.
Any suggestions for a good "thumb" to add-on to the 448? What additional "plumbing" should I get for the tractor?

* eHydro or not?
I figure I'd go 3250 without eHydro or 3270 with. The 3520 option is about 10% cheaper (so significant $$$), but not sure if I'd be disapointed afterwards. I'll be doing a bunch of FEL work for a while, but not too worried that the "shifts" necessary without the ehydro ...
Someone sell me on the *need* for the ehydro? (I *think* I want it, just can't say *why*) ....

* Other options I should just "get"
"cruise"? looks cheap and WTF not right?
3ph tilt ... I can see myself using that with a BB, anything I should get now? (or can I just add it easily later?)
Telescopin option for the 3ph? (I probably will wanna change the BH for other stuff on occasions)

TIA for opinions here (I am reading and learning loads tho) ...

 

[SnoFalls]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">(
Hydrostatic gearless tranny that is very easy to drive and has lots of nifty features such as cruise control and loadmatch. Loadmatch is a feature that keeps the engine running no matter how badly you load it. At least that seems to me how it works /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
)</font>
ahhhh ... does this mean without the ehydro, you DO NOT get the ability for loadmatch (or cruise) ... maybe I hadn't "got that" ...

 

[Cliff_Johns]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( ...
* Should I get a mid PTO or not?
I don't figure to have much "mowing" usage for the tractor. In the PNW lawns are either soaked with rain (6 months of downpour), or dry and yellow (6 months of little rain).
But ... would the lack of a mid-PTO ($300ish option) affect resale much? (*if* I ever resale) )</font>

Seems likely that a snowblower would also use the mid-PTO.

Cliff

 

[jeepinator]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( * "Thumb" for a JD 448 BH?)</font>
If you need to pick stuff up and then move it, using a BH might not best solution. Unless you are putting in a truck or trailer or something. With the 4N1 bucket you are still totally mobile while doing the picking up part. ...but I have never used a BH, so I should probably just be quiet /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( * eHydro or not?)</font>
It seems to be a very popular feature and I would definately order it again if I had it to do over.

 

[jeepinator]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">(
ahhhh ... does this mean without the ehydro, you DO NOT get the ability for loadmatch (or cruise) ... maybe I hadn't "got that" ... )</font>
After reviewing the on-line owner's guide, it would appear these features are available for both tranny options. Sweet, we are both learning stuff /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[RRacing]

My understanding is that load match is only available with the E hydro. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Jim

 

[jeepinator]

True, true...

And here's the pudding
http://www.deere.com/en_GB/professional/compact_tractors/4000twenty/e_trans1.html


LoadMatch - eHydro only.
Fill a full bucket, every time. This sophisticated power management system (similar to those offered on construction equipment) automatically adjusts hydro transmission to maintain maximum power to wheels. This increases torque and reduces the possibility of engine stalls almost to zero.

SpeedMatch - eHydro only.
Unlike cruise control, this feature allows you to set a maximum speed when the pedal is depressed. Perfect for rough ground, confined areas (like inside a stable) or anytime a limited speed (even creeper) range is needed.

Cruise Control - eHydro only.
This speed sensing system is capable of holding the tractor to a constant speed not only on flat ground but on hills and uneven terrain.

MotionMatch - eHydro & ePowrReverser
With a flip of a switch select how quickly you want the tractor to slow down. Two settings are available, a "fast" which is ideal for quick cycle times and a "slow" for when smoother operation is desired.