John Deere 4520NEW Reviews
What A Great Ranch Tractor
Model Year: 2007
I ordered it with extra hydraulics to handle a front loader mount adjustable snow blade and with adjustable 3-point arms. I have had it 10 years and there have been absolutely no problems. Summer version: 7-foot Woods 3-point finishing mower and bucket. Winter version: front hydraulic blade and 6 and half foot box grader on the back. I have the air conditioned cab and 400X loader. It is the best investment I could have made. It replaced a John Deere 5310 which was too big. It is a great size and has plenty of power as well as features galore.
Pros: Size, power, features
Cons: None
Model Year: 2007
I ordered it with extra hydraulics to handle a front loader mount adjustable snow blade and with adjustable 3-point arms. I have had it 10 years and there have been absolutely no problems. Summer version: 7-foot Woods 3-point finishing mower and bucket. Winter version: front hydraulic blade and 6 and half foot box grader on the back. I have the air conditioned cab and 400X loader. It is the best investment I could have made. It replaced a John Deere 5310 which was too big. It is a great size and has plenty of power as well as features galore.
Pros: Size, power, features
Cons: None
Lemon From Day One
Model Year: 2012
I had it less then one hour before trouble started and it was hauled back to dealer for repair. It has had electrical issues, hydraulic and 3-point hitch issues with severe vibrations literally shaking the tractor apart and breaking steel hydraulic lines, worn out tie rod ends, and now strange noises from the transmission. The dealer has been real good but John Deere won't do anything.
Pros: None
Cons: It is a John Deere lemon
Model Year: 2012
I had it less then one hour before trouble started and it was hauled back to dealer for repair. It has had electrical issues, hydraulic and 3-point hitch issues with severe vibrations literally shaking the tractor apart and breaking steel hydraulic lines, worn out tie rod ends, and now strange noises from the transmission. The dealer has been real good but John Deere won't do anything.
Pros: None
Cons: It is a John Deere lemon
John Deere 4520
Model Year: 2013
I bought the 4520 to replace a 990. I need a small but, powerful tractor with a loader to backfill around houses and put gravel basement and garage floors before we pour concrete. This tractor has a lot of power and climbs steep terrain like a goat. It handles a load in the bucket on uneven ground without feeling like you are going to upset. It is balanced very well. I have 93 hours on it with no problems. Most all of the hours are front end loader work. It has way more power than I need. I loved the 990 and held onto it because I wasn't sure I was going to like this tractor. I found myself not wanting to use the 990 any more, so I sold it. The 990 had gears and this has ehydro. If I was backfilling a house with the 990, I was sore and stiff halfway through the day. With the 4520 and the ehydro, I still feel good at the end of the day. If you buy a loader with it (I got the H180), Make sure they sell you a loader bucket that has two layers of steel on the top and sides of the bucket. I was pushing some stumps over the hill and bent up the bucket they sold me with the tractor. Good enough I still had the bucket from my 990. It has 2 layers of steel. That cheap bucket they sold me was flimsy. I worked the tractor hard for 8 hrs and used about 6 gallon of fuel (better than they rated). I would highly recommend this tractor for loader work. I haven't used the PTO yet. The only thing I don't like is the tractor is very loud. Sounds like it doesn't have anything for a muffler.
Pros: Lots of power, Handles extremely well on hillside and uneven ground.
Cons: Extremely loud, could use a quiter exhaust system.
Model Year: 2013
I bought the 4520 to replace a 990. I need a small but, powerful tractor with a loader to backfill around houses and put gravel basement and garage floors before we pour concrete. This tractor has a lot of power and climbs steep terrain like a goat. It handles a load in the bucket on uneven ground without feeling like you are going to upset. It is balanced very well. I have 93 hours on it with no problems. Most all of the hours are front end loader work. It has way more power than I need. I loved the 990 and held onto it because I wasn't sure I was going to like this tractor. I found myself not wanting to use the 990 any more, so I sold it. The 990 had gears and this has ehydro. If I was backfilling a house with the 990, I was sore and stiff halfway through the day. With the 4520 and the ehydro, I still feel good at the end of the day. If you buy a loader with it (I got the H180), Make sure they sell you a loader bucket that has two layers of steel on the top and sides of the bucket. I was pushing some stumps over the hill and bent up the bucket they sold me with the tractor. Good enough I still had the bucket from my 990. It has 2 layers of steel. That cheap bucket they sold me was flimsy. I worked the tractor hard for 8 hrs and used about 6 gallon of fuel (better than they rated). I would highly recommend this tractor for loader work. I haven't used the PTO yet. The only thing I don't like is the tractor is very loud. Sounds like it doesn't have anything for a muffler.
Pros: Lots of power, Handles extremely well on hillside and uneven ground.
Cons: Extremely loud, could use a quiter exhaust system.
The Perfect All-Around CUT
Model Year: 2007
I purchased this tractor with almost 200 hours on it. With it I also got a blade, 6' King Kutter, and a 2 stage snow blower. I've put on about 250 hours blowing snow, tilling, digging, logging, and a million other odd jobs since then. I've fabricated several other implements since I purchased it, including a 6' S-tine cultivator, a single and dual shank ripper/subsoiler, and a 3-pt. trailer hitch adapter. The EHydro is great, the loader is surprisingly stout and easy to remove, the heat/AC work great, and it has plenty of power for anything I've asked it to do. So far I can't find a single thing to complain about.
Pros: Powerful, easy to use, very capable.
Cons: That I didn't buy one sooner!
Model Year: 2007
I purchased this tractor with almost 200 hours on it. With it I also got a blade, 6' King Kutter, and a 2 stage snow blower. I've put on about 250 hours blowing snow, tilling, digging, logging, and a million other odd jobs since then. I've fabricated several other implements since I purchased it, including a 6' S-tine cultivator, a single and dual shank ripper/subsoiler, and a 3-pt. trailer hitch adapter. The EHydro is great, the loader is surprisingly stout and easy to remove, the heat/AC work great, and it has plenty of power for anything I've asked it to do. So far I can't find a single thing to complain about.
Pros: Powerful, easy to use, very capable.
Cons: That I didn't buy one sooner!
John Deere 4520 Compact Utility Tractor
Model Year: 2011
Tractor has excellent fit and finish! Has excellent pulling power, was plowing a new food plot with 3 bottom plow, Harry Ferguson mfr. and turned around and plow was totally under ground. The tractor never slowed down or stalled, I just raised the the plow on the fly and kept going! I would recommend this tractor to anyone who needs a compact Tractor that I move around on a car hauler trailer pulling it all with a Chevy Tahoe, 1997!
Pros: Love it. Has great power and looks great!
Cons: I thank the head lamps could be brighter for night work!
Model Year: 2011
Tractor has excellent fit and finish! Has excellent pulling power, was plowing a new food plot with 3 bottom plow, Harry Ferguson mfr. and turned around and plow was totally under ground. The tractor never slowed down or stalled, I just raised the the plow on the fly and kept going! I would recommend this tractor to anyone who needs a compact Tractor that I move around on a car hauler trailer pulling it all with a Chevy Tahoe, 1997!
Pros: Love it. Has great power and looks great!
Cons: I thank the head lamps could be brighter for night work!
Phenomenal Tractor!!!
Model Year: 2012
Since purchasing the 4520 Cab tractor, I find the John Deere Power Tech engine has incredible low-end torque compared to the competition, and the overall quality and heft of the components are excellent. The ethrottle I find helps a lot with loader work and ePTO option is a true fuel saver. The cab on the tractor is exceptional. All the controls are at your fingertips making it easy to run the tractor, implements, control the 3-point hitch and control the loader. However, with any tractor, not everything is prefect. The wheelbase could be a little longer to smooth out the ride more and the eHydro could use a few more ranges, such as having a feature. Except for the minor nitpicks, this is one tractor you would not be sorry to own!
Pros: Engine, cab, heavy components.
Cons: Longer wheelbase, need more e-hydro ranges.
Model Year: 2012
Since purchasing the 4520 Cab tractor, I find the John Deere Power Tech engine has incredible low-end torque compared to the competition, and the overall quality and heft of the components are excellent. The ethrottle I find helps a lot with loader work and ePTO option is a true fuel saver. The cab on the tractor is exceptional. All the controls are at your fingertips making it easy to run the tractor, implements, control the 3-point hitch and control the loader. However, with any tractor, not everything is prefect. The wheelbase could be a little longer to smooth out the ride more and the eHydro could use a few more ranges, such as having a feature. Except for the minor nitpicks, this is one tractor you would not be sorry to own!
Pros: Engine, cab, heavy components.
Cons: Longer wheelbase, need more e-hydro ranges.
Wondering About This
Model Year: 2012
First, I want to say that I love the machine. It does what I expected. The problems I encountered are weird. I go to start it after it sitting for a week and the battery is dead. No heat, I-hitch falling off. I think the problems may be more with the dealer for not properly prepping the machine. Dealer was responsive and says they checked and fixed everything. Time will tell.
Pros: Quality engineered.
Cons: Poor dealer prep.
Model Year: 2012
First, I want to say that I love the machine. It does what I expected. The problems I encountered are weird. I go to start it after it sitting for a week and the battery is dead. No heat, I-hitch falling off. I think the problems may be more with the dealer for not properly prepping the machine. Dealer was responsive and says they checked and fixed everything. Time will tell.
Pros: Quality engineered.
Cons: Poor dealer prep.
JD 4520
Model Year: 2006
I had a new 2002 Kubota L4300 and was never happy with it because the hydro pedal was very uncomfortable to operate and loader joystick was also in an odd position. So I bought a 2006 JD4520 with a cab and am very happy with it.
Pros: Comfortable.
Cons: Tractor is a little small for my needs, but that's my fault I should have went to the next larger size.
Model Year: 2006
I had a new 2002 Kubota L4300 and was never happy with it because the hydro pedal was very uncomfortable to operate and loader joystick was also in an odd position. So I bought a 2006 JD4520 with a cab and am very happy with it.
Pros: Comfortable.
Cons: Tractor is a little small for my needs, but that's my fault I should have went to the next larger size.
Excellent Tractor
Model Year: 2006
We have a very hilly hobby farm where we use the 4520 w/FEL to assist in moving hay, water tanks and firewood, as well as mow the fields, blow snow and move soil/compost, etc. I upgraded from a JD 1070 as I wanted more power and weight for running the Kuhn disc mower on the steep grades as well as blowing deep wet snow. The tractor has performed well, the clutch throw out bearing seized once preventing the clutch from engaging. The FEL seems to strain to pick up the rated weight, that is an area I'd like to see improved. Also, I am not enthralled with the plastic fenders and hood, although overall quality and finish is good.
Pros: Good power, reliable.
Cons: Hydraulic system has limited lifting power, too much plastic.
Model Year: 2006
We have a very hilly hobby farm where we use the 4520 w/FEL to assist in moving hay, water tanks and firewood, as well as mow the fields, blow snow and move soil/compost, etc. I upgraded from a JD 1070 as I wanted more power and weight for running the Kuhn disc mower on the steep grades as well as blowing deep wet snow. The tractor has performed well, the clutch throw out bearing seized once preventing the clutch from engaging. The FEL seems to strain to pick up the rated weight, that is an area I'd like to see improved. Also, I am not enthralled with the plastic fenders and hood, although overall quality and finish is good.
Pros: Good power, reliable.
Cons: Hydraulic system has limited lifting power, too much plastic.
New 4520 Compact Tractor
Model Year: 2011
So far this is a great little tractor. Just starting to use it as I have only had it a few months. Nice to have a tractor with power that can easily be transported. I use this mostly to maintain CRP and food plots. So far so good.
Pros: Green, great cab, and power, zero percent financing.
Cons: Pretty high, but everything is now.
Model Year: 2011
So far this is a great little tractor. Just starting to use it as I have only had it a few months. Nice to have a tractor with power that can easily be transported. I use this mostly to maintain CRP and food plots. So far so good.
Pros: Green, great cab, and power, zero percent financing.
Cons: Pretty high, but everything is now.
JD 4520 w/Cab
Model Year: 2009
Ordered tractor w/cab and most options available for a 4000 series tractor. These included I-Match 3pt Hitch, mid PTO, automotive cruise, E-Hydro, divertor valve and outlets, 4WD, R-4 Tires, radio, front & rear wipers, rear lights, and outside mirrors. Also, purchased 400 CX FEL, Fork Lift (48"), HD 76" bucket, and SB2176 Snow Blower. Added Rim Guard to rear tires for Ballast and am very happy with this decision. Have found the tractor to be excellent in all respects. Fit & finish is great. Cab has good viability and is able to keep all glass free of snow and ice regardless of outside conditions. Heater is awesome. I am told by the JD technicians that I should be able to refrigerate beef with the AC is the summer (time will tell). Noise level is very acceptable and radio is easily heard. Cab is very tight fitting with no air or water leaks. Unlike other owners, I have not encountered any diesel exhaust odor inside of cab after 2-3 hours of continuous use. Std. seat is very adequate and comfortable. Operation of tractor is a breeze. Controls are very convenient. Very tight turning radius and good power when using implements. I found it is best to use low range on hydro when using FEL w/bucket in heavy soils. Load sensing with loader is very good and I really like the E-Hydro when using PTO. There is a noticeable RPM reduction and seems to be very efficient on fuel. Have not had a need to run tractor out of E-hydro mode. Engine starts well, has good power, and is very smooth. Access to engine for routine maintenance is good. Hydro is very smooth and easy to switch directions with comfortable pedal location. As for problems, they have been few-one issue to be exact. When using FEL, it will not maintain a position and very slowly lowers. Have appt with dealership to repair(Others on this website have found this condition to be a check valve in one of the FEL cylinders). Otherwise, tractor has operated flawlessly. Please contact me (ayesinstructor) via e-mail if you have further questions or comments. I am so happy with my 4520 and found it to be a significant improvement over my previous 2355N.
Pros: Maneuverability, Economy, Comfortable Cab, Ease of Use, Fit & Finish, Looks, and Overall High Quality
Cons: FEL (as noted above)
Model Year: 2009
Ordered tractor w/cab and most options available for a 4000 series tractor. These included I-Match 3pt Hitch, mid PTO, automotive cruise, E-Hydro, divertor valve and outlets, 4WD, R-4 Tires, radio, front & rear wipers, rear lights, and outside mirrors. Also, purchased 400 CX FEL, Fork Lift (48"), HD 76" bucket, and SB2176 Snow Blower. Added Rim Guard to rear tires for Ballast and am very happy with this decision. Have found the tractor to be excellent in all respects. Fit & finish is great. Cab has good viability and is able to keep all glass free of snow and ice regardless of outside conditions. Heater is awesome. I am told by the JD technicians that I should be able to refrigerate beef with the AC is the summer (time will tell). Noise level is very acceptable and radio is easily heard. Cab is very tight fitting with no air or water leaks. Unlike other owners, I have not encountered any diesel exhaust odor inside of cab after 2-3 hours of continuous use. Std. seat is very adequate and comfortable. Operation of tractor is a breeze. Controls are very convenient. Very tight turning radius and good power when using implements. I found it is best to use low range on hydro when using FEL w/bucket in heavy soils. Load sensing with loader is very good and I really like the E-Hydro when using PTO. There is a noticeable RPM reduction and seems to be very efficient on fuel. Have not had a need to run tractor out of E-hydro mode. Engine starts well, has good power, and is very smooth. Access to engine for routine maintenance is good. Hydro is very smooth and easy to switch directions with comfortable pedal location. As for problems, they have been few-one issue to be exact. When using FEL, it will not maintain a position and very slowly lowers. Have appt with dealership to repair(Others on this website have found this condition to be a check valve in one of the FEL cylinders). Otherwise, tractor has operated flawlessly. Please contact me (ayesinstructor) via e-mail if you have further questions or comments. I am so happy with my 4520 and found it to be a significant improvement over my previous 2355N.
Pros: Maneuverability, Economy, Comfortable Cab, Ease of Use, Fit & Finish, Looks, and Overall High Quality
Cons: FEL (as noted above)
4520 (cab, e-hydro, e-pto, 3rd SCV) First impressions after 30 hours
Model Year: 2009
So far so good. At 60HP (50 PTO) you'll loose traction before you run out of power. I have R4's, so that's especially true. Have the R4's because 75% of the use of this will be mowing. Most of my area is in hay (farmed by another farmer), with a few cut throughs in the woods, 2 ponds. With my MX6 6' rotary cutter, I cut grass in a hay field that had not been cut all year at 5 MPH in one pass. That is what the 50HP does for me. With the cab, I'm cool and my eyes aren't full of dust. I run the sickle bar with the E-PTO (sickle bar shown in the picture), no problems. 6' box blade pulled OK in 4WD with front weights. Engine is a bit loud, but in cab it's OK. I still wear hearing protection, but that is so I can hear every little noise it makes to hear what's going on. Cab very comfortable, but I upgraded the seat to the air cushion seat. Getting in is a precise trajectory (I'm 6'3, 195 #s). But once you land everything fits very well. Try it on for size to see if this is OK for you. Ongoing squeaking from the steering wheel, but you can take it apart, lube it, and it's good for 3-4 months. There is some annoying play in the rockshaft control due to a mix of the way the lever is mounted and the cable linkage. Try it out before you buy to see if it's OK. I've adapted to it just fine. The gear shift (a-b-c) is difficult to work and see what gear you're in. No indicator, you just have to get used to it. That could have been done better. Like all tractors, the transition to 4WD is best done while moving a bit or rocking forwards or backwards- again try this at your dealer. Heater hoses rub on the cab structure where they enter, I had to put a nylon wrap over them. The same hoses make removing the oil filter a little rough but doable with a strap type oil filter wrench. Too bad the display in this series is so dumb- it's a 8 character display. If you can get a GPS for $200, they could have a display that tells you what's wrong instead of a cryptic "ERR 123" code. The computer control/E-Hydro is a great feature hiding behind a stifled dashboard. No problems with the layout, it just could be so much more. Turn radius is great- this is a great frame size for a compact tractor. Of course since it's a Deere, it's a bit pricey but then again I'll be able to get parts for in 20 years just like I can for my JD 318 garden tractor I bought in 1990. My reliability rating at this point is just based on reputation and experience with that JD318. If you're very price sensitive, I would imagine the 4320 would also be just fine as peak horsepower is not need most of the time.
Pros: Great power, size, cab. Frame size and turning radius are wonderful!
Cons: loose linkage due to cab, awkward gear shift, heat hoses, steering wheel squeaks rough spots in an otherwise clean design
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Model Year: 2009
So far so good. At 60HP (50 PTO) you'll loose traction before you run out of power. I have R4's, so that's especially true. Have the R4's because 75% of the use of this will be mowing. Most of my area is in hay (farmed by another farmer), with a few cut throughs in the woods, 2 ponds. With my MX6 6' rotary cutter, I cut grass in a hay field that had not been cut all year at 5 MPH in one pass. That is what the 50HP does for me. With the cab, I'm cool and my eyes aren't full of dust. I run the sickle bar with the E-PTO (sickle bar shown in the picture), no problems. 6' box blade pulled OK in 4WD with front weights. Engine is a bit loud, but in cab it's OK. I still wear hearing protection, but that is so I can hear every little noise it makes to hear what's going on. Cab very comfortable, but I upgraded the seat to the air cushion seat. Getting in is a precise trajectory (I'm 6'3, 195 #s). But once you land everything fits very well. Try it on for size to see if this is OK for you. Ongoing squeaking from the steering wheel, but you can take it apart, lube it, and it's good for 3-4 months. There is some annoying play in the rockshaft control due to a mix of the way the lever is mounted and the cable linkage. Try it out before you buy to see if it's OK. I've adapted to it just fine. The gear shift (a-b-c) is difficult to work and see what gear you're in. No indicator, you just have to get used to it. That could have been done better. Like all tractors, the transition to 4WD is best done while moving a bit or rocking forwards or backwards- again try this at your dealer. Heater hoses rub on the cab structure where they enter, I had to put a nylon wrap over them. The same hoses make removing the oil filter a little rough but doable with a strap type oil filter wrench. Too bad the display in this series is so dumb- it's a 8 character display. If you can get a GPS for $200, they could have a display that tells you what's wrong instead of a cryptic "ERR 123" code. The computer control/E-Hydro is a great feature hiding behind a stifled dashboard. No problems with the layout, it just could be so much more. Turn radius is great- this is a great frame size for a compact tractor. Of course since it's a Deere, it's a bit pricey but then again I'll be able to get parts for in 20 years just like I can for my JD 318 garden tractor I bought in 1990. My reliability rating at this point is just based on reputation and experience with that JD318. If you're very price sensitive, I would imagine the 4320 would also be just fine as peak horsepower is not need most of the time.
Pros: Great power, size, cab. Frame size and turning radius are wonderful!
Cons: loose linkage due to cab, awkward gear shift, heat hoses, steering wheel squeaks rough spots in an otherwise clean design
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