Ready to pulled the trigger on the 2520 but

jcmseven · Jan 4, 2008

To our original poster I say to strongly consider the 3000 series machines. They really are not that much larger than a 2000 series. Line them up and one can see a 2520 is nearly as dimensionally large as a 3320 for example. I like 2520's and I mean no disrespect to anyone in this forum who owns one. They are really nice machines and honestly would fit my needs better than the 3720 I currently have. The biggest reason why I went larger is the amount of tractor for the money--not that any JD is that great a deal. Both machines are pricey, but for just slightly more money the 3320 (for example) offers ehydro, greater lift and loader capacity, a larger frame and bigger tires, flat console with fancier gauges (which may or may not matter to our OP), three tranny ranges, LoadMatch, and more power. All this for not much more money. To me, I felt it was the better "deal" for what one gets with the machine--and I did not even need one!!! If our OP is one who just really needs a small machine to fit into tight spots, MAYBE the 2000 series fits his needs, but be careful as the 2520 specifically is lighter but not much smaller than a 3000 series tractor. But-- if he is "on the fence" I would really look--and probably say to buy--a 3000 series machine. Also, Chris, I do not think it was love that you were feeling for the L39. Please sir, back away from the tractor. You do not want to do this.

John M

Chris2520 · Jan 6, 2008

John , why do you say this. I think it's a fine
tractor. and i like its options.

Chris.....

jcmseven · Jan 7, 2008

Chris,

The 2520 is a fine tractor, you are right. When I was looking at my first true "utility tractor" I really went in looking at a 4115, this was what I had in mind. I spent the better part of the day looking, kicking tires and trying to decide. There is no doubt the 4115 was the ideal tractor size-wise for me. My dealer (being a good dealer) then showed me a 4310 (one could extrapolate to a 2520 and 3320 here for modern comparison--and yes--I have since looked at the 2520 to compare also). At the time, my dealer priced the 4310 to me just over $2500.00 more than the 2520. For the additional money, one would get a three range hydro, full flat operator station, much nicer seat, more hydraulic capacity and chassis weight, more power, vastly greater attachment capacity, larger tires, ehydro with load match, an updated instrument cluster, tilt steering and other niceties. Now, the retail price of a 3320 is slightly over $18K with ehydro; the 3120 is $17,100 with ehydro and the 2520 is $15,300 (it does have standard mid PTO). To me, (and apparently others in my area) the 4000 series at the time (now 3000 series) simply seems to offer more tractor for the money. As my friend the dealer put it, "it is a lot more tractor for a little more money." I ended up buying the 4310 and then trading to a 3720 for more engine power with the hydro. I still feel as though my machine is too big for my needs, but that said it gets the job done, even the more delicate ones without incident. I have nothing against the 2520 machine, except that I think the pricing is out of line with the features. JD has further muddied the waters now with the 3203 (?3005) which really offers mid frame capability at a 2520 price. If our OP wants a 2520, I would like for him to get one; I know he would be happy. I know that you (speaking to Chris) have been happy with yours and have gotten great service from yours. Despite this, the 2520 is definitely NOT the best deal going from JD. It has stiff competition from Kubota in this frame size, with the B3030 offering three ranges and more power for slightly less $$$. This is why I would like to see JD refine the 2520 and 2320 to three range tractors with true open platforms to make them more competitive with Kubota in features (I think they still perform as well or better with just two ranges). It sounds as though our OP is "on the fence" with the 2520 v. the 3320. I want to make sure he drives and trys both, as I did when buying. I also want him to fully understand that $2500.00 or so (tractor only difference) over the lengthy lifespan of these machines is not much money per hour of use, so he may wish to consider the 3000 series machine earlier rather than later. My suggestion was in no way meant to slight those who may have already decided that the 2520 is the right tractor for them.

John M

jcmseven · Jan 7, 2008

Chris,

I might have misunderstood about whether you were discussing your current machine, the fine GREEN 2520 with your earlier post, or your thoughts about the L 39. If it were the former, I have posted about why I think our OP might wish to look strongly at the 3000 series; if it were the latter, I was kidding--I like the L39 fine. It is a good machine. I just think the orange and green color scheme might clash. Otherwise, the L39 is a fine tractor and I know you would like it if you had one.

John M

Chris2520 · Jan 7, 2008

Oh , I understand now. i thought you were telling me to back away from the L39. I think its a fine tractor. and would be more than i ever need to grow into. i like the fetures , and it was just a comforable as my JD. and everything feels like its where its suppose to be. it corrects the things i dont like about my JD. i got to play with one a bit. a few weeks ago. and it is really a beast of a machine. loader and hoe are just unreal.

As for the 2520. i still love this tractor. and as far as the 2000's go.
i still think its the best choice. but as time go's on. i am now seeing. it might be good to go a little bigger than one would need. if you have more and dont need it. thats ok. if you dont have enough. and need more. you got a problem.

so i understand what you are saying. if it was today. and i was starting all i would of most likely bought a 3320 with a 448 hoe. thats why i am looking at the L39. i just flat want more machine. more than a 3000 or 4000 for future uses.
but if one was sitting on the fence about a 2520 and a 3320 today . as first time buyer. your right. if thay have the money. the price is close enough. i would say go a head and get the 3000. as far as power. i dont think you can have to much tractor. unless space. like getting into horse stalls and such are an issue.

Chris....

hodoms · Jan 7, 2008

I went to the dealer today and looked at a 2520 over very well again and decided that it not enough of an upgrade from the 2210 to be worth it and for $3500 more I could have a 3320. So I'm going to get a 3320 but i'm waiting for deere to come down on the interest for 60 months because 6.99% is too high. If deere does not come down on the interest I might have too begin looking at Kubota very hard. By the way I have never owned anything but John Deere and would hate to leave the fold but 6.99% is a no go on principle alone.