Second thoughts on a 3520, need help.

Lawnjocky · May 17, 2005

I hope someone can reasure me a little. I'm ready to trade for a new 3520 and I'm worried about two thing's.
1. The deal: 3520, turf tires,loader with 60" bucket,forks for loader and 72" belly mower. I'm trading 855 (cosmetics are VERY rough but run's good) with 2500-3000 hour's (meter's broke more than once), loader, 72" belly mower and a 72" belly mower in pieces + Ransomes 951D wide area mower (10.5' cut) with 1500 hours + $10000 + tax.
2. I have had several 855's and a 955 over the year's which has made me into as good a mechanic as the dealer when it come's to fixing the tractor's. But these new one's are made with a lot of plastic and run by computers and electronic do dad's that worry me as to how well they will hold up and if I can learn to fix them.
All thought's and opinion's welcome.
Lawn

rockyridgefarm · May 17, 2005

1 You will LOVE the plastic. Heck a quarterback would be proud to wear this stuff. You would not believe the abuse mine has shrugged off.

The electronics seem to be very trouble free. The biggest issue that anyone has reported is related to wading into brush and getting snagged. I don't believe the skid plates are available at this time but they are worth every penny.

I have had to repair a snagged wire, but I would rather that than tweaking metal rods and the trade off in ergonomics. (that said, there is LESS on the 20s than the 10s that is by wire...)

I have been very successful fixing mine, the onboard diagnostics are a big help.

Lawnjocky · May 17, 2005

Are the electronics sealed up good to the weather. I've worked more than once in the rain and leaving the tractors outside once in a while is mostly how they get washed. LOL
Lawn