Pros and Cons to owning a Heavier Tractor??

[jenkinsph]

When I did my first inspection I noticed that the FEL bucket did not have the steel
protective wear strip bolted to the lower edge.

Are tractors/FEL's sold without them?

Do I need to install one, and if so, what do they cost for a 61" bucket?



With less than 100 hours on this 2007 model, will I need to replace the
coolant, front axle fluid, and hydraulic fluid and filters?

I prefer to have the replaceable grader blades that bolt on, usually on the heavy duty buckets. The light duty buckets usually have a welded on cutting edge with simply less material and strength.


I f you have recently acquired the tractor with 100 hours it would be a good idea to change all the fluids and filters. That way you know what you have. I would carefully check the fuel tank and crank case for water and debris too.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Always been call a 'bolt-on cutting-edge " everywhere I've lived.

 

[Kenneth in Texas]

Ive had my ag tires buried more than 50% a and have always managed to get myself out, I work many times in very muddy wet conditions and if I didnt run Ag tires i would be sunk in many places Ive been.

 

[JMER817]

The John Deere 3520 is an excellent tractor. The only complaint that I have with it is that it can feel a little tippy. Set the wheels at their widest position and you are good.

 

[jeff9366]

Something I have never seen debated. Would R4s or R1s work better going backwards?

On two occasions I have seen 2-WD tractors with one R1/R4 rear tire mounted normally and the other tire mounted in reverse, the owner's theory being tractor has equal grip advancing and retreating.

 

[fishhead]

I moved from a B3030 to a 3720 so i think i can offer some input, as far as capability, there was a vast improvement, much more control and stability for a given load. Plowing snow and grading gravel roads go much better as well.
stability may be a wash as i found the 3030 to be tippy and added wheel spacers (on the 3720 just flipped the wheels)- which were almost a requirement for chains. At first the 3720 seemed tippier(perhaps due to operator seat height/ but in reality it has not started to actually pick up a rear wheel whereas the 3030 seemed a bit prone to it. one direction it may be less stable is fore and aft where the much greater fel capacity is not fully compensated for by the 3 inches of addl wheelbase. With either i would not operate them without filled tires ( and preferably something heavy on the back- in fact my dealer fills the rears on on compacts they deliver.

with regard to operation and owning i found a lot of little ergonomic features on the jd that i have come to appreciate- things like the folding rops set-up that does not vibrate and is easier /quicker to deploy (i store in a garage)

I found that i grew to like the 2 pedal hydro set-up but it took a while and really is not better, just different YMMV.
moving the brakes to the left however has been really useful, just last night i used them when trying to scrape the drive with the fel while my 1000 lb snow blower was raised- i need to get some front weights

I can fit the jd into almost any place that i could the kubota , i had considered moving up to a 4X20 but think that storage and maneuverability might then be an issue

I attached a couple of side by side pics- the kubota has its front blower in the bucket

I currently own a Kubota B7800 and now looking at buying a
John Deere 3520. The JD is a about 1000 lbs heavier and also
has R4 tires. My Kubota has turf tires.

I am fairly new to tractors and would like to know the pros and
cons to a heavier tractor.

Also, if someone could comment on the difference in tires.
Most of my work is hauling material, and firewood and general use around
the yard.

Should also ask if the JD 3520 is a good model to consider. Have not owned
a JD utility tractor.

The JD also has rear wheel weights installed. Good idea to keep these on?

Thanks.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

I moved from a B3030 to a 3720 so i think i can offer some input, as far as capability, there was a vast improvement, much more control and stability for a given load. Plowing snow and grading gravel roads go much better as well.
stability may be a wash as i found the 3030 to be tippy and added wheel spacers (on the 3720 just flipped the wheels)- which were almost a requirement for chains. At first the 3720 seemed tippier(perhaps due to operator seat height/ but in reality it has not started to actually pick up a rear wheel whereas the 3030 seemed a bit prone to it. one direction it may be less stable is fore and aft where the much greater fel capacity is not fully compensated for by the 3 inches of addl wheelbase. With either i would not operate them without filled tires ( and preferably something heavy on the back- in fact my dealer fills the rears on on compacts they deliver.

with regard to operation and owning i found a lot of little ergonomic features on the jd that i have come to appreciate- things like the folding rops set-up that does not vibrate and is easier /quicker to deploy (i store in a garage)

I found that i grew to like the 2 pedal hydro set-up but it took a while and really is not better, just different YMMV.
moving the brakes to the left however has been really useful, just last night i used them when trying to scrape the drive with the fel while my 1000 lb snow blower was raised- i need to get some front weights

I can fit the jd into almost any place that i could the kubota , i had considered moving up to a 4X20 but think that storage and maneuverability might then be an issue

I attached a couple of side by side pics- the kubota has its front blower in the bucket

Off topic but how have those 2 link ladder twisted chains treated your blacktop?

 

[fishhead]

Off topic but how have those 2 link ladder twisted chains treated your blacktop?

they have been fine, i had 4 link and they would skip then grip occasionally, causing a tiny bit of scarring. The 2 link ride better and seem to grip better as you always have chain in contact.

The 2 links don't seem to leave much in the way of marks unless the wheel spins. I don't worry too much as around here most cars use studs and a lot of delivery people chain up.

It can be super icy for long periods around here so going without chains is a non starter.

Hope that helps-

 

[otlski]

John, as your neighbor, once again, I say get the bigger tractor (in case I get mine stuck)! Sounds like you have more big rocks to pull out of the ground.