Trading in Orange L3830 for Green 4720

[Engine66]

Some of you recently helped me buy a 2305 earlier this year and it has been one heck of a little machine in many ways. Part of my "fleet" includes a Kubota L3830 HST w/BH90. I have decided to trade it in for a JD4720.

Unfortunately, despite an easy life, my Kubota has not been very reliable. With only 114 hours on it, I have had a complete failure of HST repaired under warranty for over $3k, rear 3ph valve replaced due to repeated cycling (caused by debris in hydraulics from the HST repair), and frozen loader valve replaced (out of warranty) for over $400. The HST failure was not due to abuse or over heating...just doing some simple light-duty grading and began noticing shiny fluid on ground. I hopped off, and saw hydro fluid leaking underneath. Anyway, long story short, I was fatigued with having a dealer come out and charging me $75/hour for driving time and each way is 2 hours and having to wait until "they were in my area" weeks later. Every repair was a hassle. Making matters worse is my property is very hilly with a ridge and I was always in low range on any incline. Loader was great, except for stalling on heavy loads. I am not trashing Kubota, but my personal experience was unpleasant and costly...and reliability/warranty did not live up to expectations. Immediately after buying Kubota, I asked dealer for trade up to a larger L for more HP, but they never got back to me...oh well.

After having the 2305, I really liked everything about it...no complaints...so decided to look into another JD to replace Kubota. My local JD dealer evaluated my Kubota, offered $24,200 trade in value and I decided after reading every post imaginable on 3x20 vs 4x20, I decided to go for broke and order a 4720. I probably won't use full potential of this model, but I have real need for ground clearance, hill climbing, working in woods with Farmi winch, bush-hogging, etc. I don't think my price on the deal is as sweet as others, but in the long run, it may well be worth it.

4720 ehydro
400cx w/73 HD bucket
telescoping links
power beyond
3rd SCV
front & rear worklight kit
deluxe brush guard (need it...I broke a Kubota headlight making a brush pile)
automotive cruise/motion match upgrade
JD canopy
armrest kit (why not)
block heater
R1s...need the traction
$33k even (no tax)

Having applied on Oct 26, I was able to get 0% @ 36 months.

My dealer is close, will come out for 3 year warranty, provide great service, etc. I was not impressed with Kubota warranty. I am giving up my BH, but that had already paid for itself with several projects I completed with foundation work on a couple room additions and some rock-work. I will say the BH90 was is a great backhoe...smooth controls, fairly easy to take on/off...as long as the pins line up! I may buy another BH in future...we'll see.

Anyone have any input on 4720...reliable? Worth the extra $$$. I don't want to waste money, but then again there's nothing worse than wishing after the fact for more HP. Before I do it, I am open to input/advice and appreciate the previous posters who helped me buy the 2305...thanks.

 

[Z-Michigan]

I always get a kick out posts that ask if a tractor is good AFTER they've already bought them. (Or is the order not yet signed?)

Anyway, I think the 4720 is quite solid and has more hp than can realistically be used in its frame size. Should be a nice step up from the L3830, and of course dealer service makes a huge difference in the "quality of the machine" itself. Personally I think the 4720 hp is only needed with the cab model, and with a ROPS model I think the 4520 would be all you need. However, I haven't owned either one, so take this with a huge grain of salt. Anyway, good luck!

 

[Engine66]

Order is not complete yet. I actually have some time to make a final decision on several quotes for various models from the 3x20s to 4x20s. The time to act is limited though, because JD has changed their financing program. 0% at 36 months is not offered at this time, but because I applied for credit on the 26th...I can get that rate. That rate saves thousands on a large deal.

I read numerous threads on the 3 vs 4 series, Yanmar vs PowerTech, all specs, etc. and thought about going with the 4720...it fits the budget, but can't say if it's worth the budget. Unfortunately, I have not been able to look at or sit on a 4x20 because 2 different dealers do not have them...not even in the shop. I do like the 3x20 too...very nice. Anyway, thought I would post my deal here and see if anyone had some last minute input or advice. Not too proud to reverse course or consider a change. Thanks.

 

[N1ST]

Very interesting reading about your experiences.

Have you researched Blue or Red tractors if there are any dealers in your area?

 

[JiminGa]

I think you got a good deal on the setup, I also agree that size tractor vs. that hp you will never see full potential. as they say, you always wish for more hp, never for less.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Sounds like you might want to inquire about the underneath armor kit.

 

[Turkeyman]

There is no armor kit sold by Deere but I would recomemnd having one built for it. I have 400 hrs on my 4720 and love it. Mine is set up for HD use with belly pan and FOPS. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[BleedGreen]

In complete agreement with ZMichigan - there is no need to go with the 4720 - save yourself a few bucks and get a 4520...

 

[chetlenox]

Only 120 hours on my 4520 doing various farm chores (brush hogging, cutting/raking hay, brush and small tree clearing, FEL work, etc) and I'm quite pleased. Reliability has been good. Mine is not a cab, and I have to agree with the previous posts that, in general, I lose traction long before I lose power. I expect that I will only seriously tax the HP capabilities of my 4520 is when I load it for weight and hook up a square baler (which I haven't done yet, the baler is in the budget for next year).

Chet

 

[HappyCPE]

Welcome to the green team and don't look back.

I can say that I lose traction in my 4320 long before I run out of power. But, I have R4's so I'm not a good judge. I would consider analyzing the cost between the models, needs of your implements and going with what you think is right, instead of just going with the 4720.

 

[Engine66]

I gave the traction vs power ratio a lot of thought. You give good advice and the info is appreciated. I am looking into a belly pan and the 4720 is on order...about $1600 more than the 4520. Oh well, you may be right about too much power.

For the last three years I could only operate effectively in low range anytime a task was being performed or going on any incline...including my driveway. It made getting things done ever so slowly, especially when multiple passes need to be made and the sun is going down with so much left to do. Grading my driveway, snow removal, dragging out trees with my Farmi winch, and bushhogging...everything in low range. Loader caused stalling unless I was throttled way up...my last project of removing turf to expand my parking area was the last straw. Soon as I started to penetrate 4" deep with the loader and move forward to strip the turf, I would stall unless fully throttled. However, I have no complaints about the Kubota BH90...it was a heck of a BH. Looking forward to using the 448 and comparing the two.

So I look forward to be able to getting some things done more quickly and being able to use multiple ranges...and having more PTO power for future implements. It will come with R1s loaded for max traction. I will post some pics and a review after I get few tasks done.

 

[Turkeyman]

Great Point, more power means getting it done faster. I do almost all my work in B range and at 1600 rpms. You never will stall again with load match. I agree that you will loose traction way before your run out of power. I have asked the Engineers at Deere for bigger tires but nothing yet. I can not post pictures so if you want to see my skid plate send me a PM.