upgrading 3120 to 4000 or 5000 series

jonnysteals · Sep 22, 2012

One question about filling the tires? Do you need to add something besides water so it doesn't freeze? Do you have a thread when you filled yours?

jenkinsph · Sep 22, 2012

Jonny,
You can fill with water to test out the benefits of filled tires with a hose adaptor that about 10 to 20 bucks. If this works enough to be a solution to your traction and stability concerns then you could fill them with Rimguard a heavy beet juiced based product, windshield washer fluid about the same as water or calcium chloride which is heavy but too corrosive imo. My preference would be the Rimguard as it weighs about 11 lbs/gallon and isn't corrosive also good for low temperature use. Might ask your dealer what he has available or contact your local tire store. I would ask them if they have the RimGuard and get a price on having your tires filled.

jonnysteals · Sep 22, 2012

I will look around for rimgaurd. Thanks

jenkinsph · Sep 22, 2012

Here's a link to their site, also has a dealer locator #,

Rim Guard - Liquid Tire Ballast

GreatWhitehunter · Sep 23, 2012

Jonny, I've gone through this process with my tractor as well. My 3320 does 95% of what I need. But a mini x and tracked skid would be much better for sure. A tractor is really a swiss army knife, really handy but not perfect for every job. I'd definatly get your rears filled and see where that takes you.

Matt

GreatWhitehunter · Sep 23, 2012

Jonny, I've gone through this process with my tractor as well. My 3320 does 95% of what I need. But a mini x and tracked skid would be much better for sure. A tractor is really a swiss army knife, really handy but not perfect for every job. I'd definatly get your rears filled and see where that takes you.

Matt

jonnysteals · Sep 23, 2012

Yea I guess the tractor is good at a bunch of things but great at nothing. If my job is to big I have a freind with the biggest bobcat they make, a bulldozer and an excavator so I can call him over. Im hoping to get my tires filled next weekend and we can go from there. Thanks guys

Martian · Sep 23, 2012

I had a 3120, that I traded for a 110 (which is comparable to a 4120 in size and HP) and have a 5410 (which although is the same size as a 5045, is 40 more HP).

My 3120 did what I required, I just got more land and a lot more projects and needed a backhoe. I would suggest getting your tires filled with Rimguard, will be around $100. But if you still require a larger tractor I'd go with a 4520.

trook · Sep 23, 2012

I've never owned a 5045, but I have owned a 3320 and a 4320. The 4320 is a MUCH more productive tractor. 25hp at the pto vs 40hp. Also, it has a wider stance which was a drastic improvement on slopes. It pulls a 6ft mx-6 cutter with no problem in 6ft high grass. It also pulls a 6ft box blade and disk with MUCH more authority. There is really no comparison between the two tractors. I think the 50x5 would be better if you were simply pulling a plow or large disk all day long and need little maneuverability. However, after using the power reverser on my 4320, I will never go back to a regular gear shift tractor again.

eagle107 · Sep 24, 2012

jonnysteals said:
the 4320
I have been looking at a 4320 but they are an expensive tractor and I just don't think they are much different than what I have. The loader lifting capactiy is only 500 pounds more and the weight is only 700 pounds more. I am sure that loading my tires I would weigh more than the 4320. I would love to stay with a hydro because it makes moving dirt so easy and I do alot of manuvering in close area's. The tractor is very expensive; I wish I would have started off with a 4000 series instead of my 3000 series. It seems that the 4320 is a nice tractor but the 5000 series is cheaper and a **** of a lot more tractor.

I was wondering if you were looking at the loader lift capacities incorrectly between the 3x20 and 4x20 series? I am pretty sure the loader lift capacity difference is greater than 500lbs as another person stated on this thread. If you look at the 500mm (19.7) maximum lift capacity (which the truer loader lift capacity amount) the 300CX can lift 1122lbs while the 400CX can lift 2339lbs. That is a 1217lbs difference. At the mid 59" lift capacity point, the 300CX can lift 1649lbs while the 400CX can lift 2576lbs which is a 927lbs difference. By no means is this as good as the 553NSL loader, but there still seems to be a substantial difference. However, you need to have a good amount ballast on the 3x20s and 4x20s to pickup these max loads (again as others have stated).

Also, I never load my tires, though I wish I could. My property gets too wet in the Spring and Fall, and loaded tires makes too many ruts and causes the tractor get stuck too many times. My neighbor has loaded tires on his same size NH tractor and I end up pulling him out most of the time during the Spring and Fall. I think it depends on the type of property you have if you should get loaded tires or not. I can usually get away with most loader tasks using my 830lbs Wood mower (mower sits 5 feet out from the 3PH) which is pretty good ballast and the cab's weight also helps. However, when I hit those 2000+ boulders, I will use a very heavy ballast box. Nonetheless, if I were to have my tires loaded, I would use Rim Guard as my first choice. Good Luck!