second thoughts about 3320

[DEERE_3320]

hi guys, another newbe here long time lurker but this is my first post.
I am planning on purchasins a 3020 series tractor within the next few weeks.
I have been leaning towards a 3320 hydro with larger r-4 tires, a 4 in 1 bucket ( should i get the 60 inch or the 72?)
I will also get a backhoe probably the 448. is the 18" bucket a good choice for this.
this will be my first tractor.
i am in the construction field and need a tlb in this size due to size constraints on many of my projects.
as i get closer to my purchase of this toy er i mean tool ,
i realized i can buy a similarly equiped 3720 for $3300 more than the 3320
would it be beneficial for me to get the extra torque and horsepower that the 3720 offers?
would it be better for climbing hills? with a full load in the bucket for example?
thanks in advance

 

[orlo]

Hi:

I just traded in (A couple of months ago) my 3320 for a 3720 cab.
I had Power beyond, 72" MMM, no BH (I have a BH6000 on my 2305). I also had the large R4's loaded.

I Got everything on the 3720, Front hoses (For the Grapple), Rear diverter valves, Deluxe cab, power beyond, Radio and lot's of other goodies. It's nicer than my truck. (Cost more too.. :O) I'm getting R3's put on the 3370 with 6" Wheel extensions to bring my width out to 72" in the narrow position.

If you are digging the 72" bucket might get very heavy with heavy materials. (I'm not sure of the capacity of it, if it's the same as the regular 61" bucket it may be fine if it holds as much as the 72"HD bucket it may get very heavy real quick. 72" for grabbing stuff is great. I have a 61" HD bucket for digging, etc. and a 72" Grapple and the grapple is the perfect size. I opted for the grapple over the 4 in 1 since it holds a lot more brushy junk (It's a very long narrow bucket with huge grapples.) Has worked out great for clearing downed trees, etc. I can dig with the grapple bucket but it's sides are sort of hollow so I can't fill it much. For digging the 61" HD bucket works great.

I don't think you'll be disappointed with the 3320's power. The only time I wished for maybe a bit more was when I was driving in high range over the road. If you try and get up to the max speed (17 or 19) it'll take you a little while.

You will notice it on heavy PTO accessories also. (35 vs 25pto hp) Mowing, and loading I didn't really notice any difference (You won't unless you were running a huge RFM). The GPM and pressure are the same on either so your not going to load faster or more lbs, just move it faster...

More HP is always a good thing, but I was plenty happy with my 3320. If you get a cab I'd go at least to a 3520 since the A/C compressor, bigger alternator, etc. takes a little hp off of the engine.

Now if you wanted to double that 3+K you could get a cab on the 3320. Now your talking... ;O)

Oh, don't know if you figured it in your price, but the 3720 comes ONLY as a hydro ($800-$1000 option) so the difference may be less if you didn't account for that. Also, if your a manual only guy the 3720 won't be for you. I'd say if you are doing loader work go for the hydro, it's real sweet and you get features like Cruise control, load match, etc.

Get the Automotive cruise, the stock cruise isn't very useful.

 

[kennyd]

Any used JD110 TLB's in your area?

 

[DEERE_3320]

thanks for the quick replys

orlo , i did not think about the extra weight in the bucket , but i can see that could be a concern, on an upcomming job i need to dig and then move about 2000 yards of gravel about 1/4 of a mile uphill from where it will be dug.
There is no way i could get a machine any larger than a 3020 series to fit in one of the spots , so i may have to make a few extra trips.
I am leaning towards the open model although the cabs sure are nice.
I think i will enjoy the open air more since we do not have many hot humid days up here in maine.
i will be plowing in the winter but i have a plow truck for that.
athough i guess i could put a snowblower on the tractor then i would definately get the cab model.
if i wound not notice much acceleration or difference in maintaining speed i should probably get the 3320 , but you bring up a good point about pto horsepower and future attachments.


kenny ,
yes there are 110s available in my area but unfortunately will not work for most of the areas i need to get a machine into. i wish i could it would do a much quicker job and be much easier on the machine

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

I'll throw in my 2 cents. Even though I'm a JD guy you should look at the Kubota b26 or the L39. Both are more industrial rated machines. And the L39 is about the same size as the 3000 series JDs. The L39 can lift more also, not sure of the specs on the b26. As for the 33 over 37. I couldn't justify the price. Best of luck!

Matt T.

 

[DrainPondDesign]

I would go with the 3720 over the 3320, our 3320 is maxed out blowing snow going up hill.

The heat/AC cab is nice but JD says that you can't put a back hoe on it. (no blackflies either )

 

[jcmseven]

There is no question to me to go with the 3720. It is much more powerful. I have had a 4310 (predecessor to the 3320) and currently own a 3720. There is simply no comparison in the power between the two machines, especially if you were to want the hydro in either of them. The 3320 is a nice machine, but where I live "tells the tale" as far as engine power, and the 3720 is a vastly better machine for my locale. Now, if where you live is not that hilly, or you are doing mostly stationary work, the 3320 is fine. Add a hill, though, or heavy PTO work and you would be able to tell a marked difference. This would be my suggestion, and I have had "both" in a respect.

John M

 

[Z-Michigan]

I'll throw in my 2 cents. Even though I'm a JD guy you should look at the Kubota b26 or the L39. Both are more industrial rated machines. And the L39 is about the same size as the 3000 series JDs. The L39 can lift more also, not sure of the specs on the b26. As for the 33 over 37. I couldn't justify the price. Best of luck!

Matt T.

I agree 100%; I was also going to recommend a JD110 but I see that's already been addressed. I'm a happy JD owner but if the JD110 is too big, I would look at those two Kubotas. If your use is entirely construction TLB type use, I think they will be more durable and better suited. If you do get the JD anyway, I think the extra power of the 3720 will pay off for loader work.

 

[putt_putt_green]

If the space is too tight for a bigger tractor, isn't it too tight for the 72" bucket too?

How about compromising between the 3320 and 3720 and get the 3520.

Also. if you don't get the 3320, you're going to be stuck with an odd TBN handle of deere_3320.

 

[DEERE_3320]

lots of great input ,thank you,
I have looked at the other brands but feel that for me deere is the way to go.
They just feel more comfortable and the dealer I am working with seems great also, actually all of the dealers I have spoken with in the bangor maine area have been very helpful.
I guess I wasn't clear on size of a pathway I would have to go thru.
on the narrow sections there is a rock wall on both sides that is 66" wide and 3' tall that my customer does not want disturbed.
I need the tractor width to fit thru but any size bucket would work as long as i don't carry it too low over that area.
Yes the areas i will be working in are quite hilly.
as for my my tbn handle that would be odd , but i have been called worse.