John Deere JD2520 Reviews
JD2520 Too Many Design Flaws
Model Year: 2009
If I could roll the clock back to when I choose my JD2520 I would probably made a different decision and either stepped up to the 3000 series or bought the Ford or Massey. The 2520 is very sturdy but they tried so hard to put big tractor features on a small tractor that they created a few problems, starting with that you need a quick hitch to use a brushhog otherwise the front of the brush hog rubs on the rear tires. You can't put chains on the front tires at all because of lack of clearance with the steering linkage and you must turn your tire rims inside out to gain enough clearance to mount chains on the rear. The original hitch arms rubbed on the rear tires until they came out with redesigned arm in 2009. Now I find out that some post hole diggers like the Speeco Heavy Duty or the TSC won't work because of lack of clearance with the top link mount. And to think I bought a John Deere so that I wouldn't have problems like that. Turns out I'd have been better off with a NorCo or a Mahindra?
Pros: Carries the JD name and will probably resell well. Seems to be mechanically reliable so far.
Cons: Too many design flaws on this model. Clearance for almost any attachments is a problem.
Model Year: 2009
If I could roll the clock back to when I choose my JD2520 I would probably made a different decision and either stepped up to the 3000 series or bought the Ford or Massey. The 2520 is very sturdy but they tried so hard to put big tractor features on a small tractor that they created a few problems, starting with that you need a quick hitch to use a brushhog otherwise the front of the brush hog rubs on the rear tires. You can't put chains on the front tires at all because of lack of clearance with the steering linkage and you must turn your tire rims inside out to gain enough clearance to mount chains on the rear. The original hitch arms rubbed on the rear tires until they came out with redesigned arm in 2009. Now I find out that some post hole diggers like the Speeco Heavy Duty or the TSC won't work because of lack of clearance with the top link mount. And to think I bought a John Deere so that I wouldn't have problems like that. Turns out I'd have been better off with a NorCo or a Mahindra?
Pros: Carries the JD name and will probably resell well. Seems to be mechanically reliable so far.
Cons: Too many design flaws on this model. Clearance for almost any attachments is a problem.
JD 2520
Model Year: 2011
Tractor exceeds expectations. Plan on using a rear counterweight when using FEL. MFWD makes this a versatile and powerful unit, allowing me places and tasks I can not do with 90 HP 2WD JD. The undercarriage mount for the mower deck has some weak design features. Many of these are pin and carrier issues that can be replaced with better more efficient parts. Hydrostatic dry is outstanding, especially with FEL operations.
Pros: Strong, versatile.
Cons: A few components like carrier frame could be improved. You will need some counterweight for FEL operations.
Model Year: 2011
Tractor exceeds expectations. Plan on using a rear counterweight when using FEL. MFWD makes this a versatile and powerful unit, allowing me places and tasks I can not do with 90 HP 2WD JD. The undercarriage mount for the mower deck has some weak design features. Many of these are pin and carrier issues that can be replaced with better more efficient parts. Hydrostatic dry is outstanding, especially with FEL operations.
Pros: Strong, versatile.
Cons: A few components like carrier frame could be improved. You will need some counterweight for FEL operations.
JD2520
Model Year: 2007
Bought the tractor used with only 60 hours on it. Came with bucket, block heater, snow blower and chains for rear tires. I have used this tractor for just about everything. It is very well built, easy to use and has most options a land owner would look for. In below zero temps the tractor starts right up, even without block heater plugged in. I heat with wood and use the tractor for light logging work. It is more than up to the task. Would benefit from a third speed, you either crawl or zoom along. I had wanted a 3000 series tractor but the 2520 does a really good job for it's size.
Pros: Well built and reliable, tons of attachments available.
Cons: Needs third speed.
Model Year: 2007
Bought the tractor used with only 60 hours on it. Came with bucket, block heater, snow blower and chains for rear tires. I have used this tractor for just about everything. It is very well built, easy to use and has most options a land owner would look for. In below zero temps the tractor starts right up, even without block heater plugged in. I heat with wood and use the tractor for light logging work. It is more than up to the task. Would benefit from a third speed, you either crawl or zoom along. I had wanted a 3000 series tractor but the 2520 does a really good job for it's size.
Pros: Well built and reliable, tons of attachments available.
Cons: Needs third speed.
Amazing What Can Be Done with This Small Unit
Model Year: 2006
We bought our unit with a loader and a backhoe, then added a Rotodarin soil rotovator. We now have over 2000 hrs on our unit with only a problem with the front drive. Or our unit John Deere saw they had problem with the seal and the drive, so when ours broke the original parts were not there so we had to spend a little over $1200.00 to repair it. I was not a happy camper over needing to buy the new correction John Deere had made without letting me know there was a problem and them not correcting it on my tractor. My dealer put me in contact with the field rep. who happened to be there a the time, he came out and after showing and explaining to him the problem he took the price of the parts that John Deere had changed off the bill making the parts cost right a $600.00 All in all we remove stumps,remove snow,build new lawns [seeded or sodded] dug water lines and many other projects, our loader and backhoe have been very trouble free.
Pros: Excllent dependabliy.
Cons: Front loader removal stand is always braking.
Model Year: 2006
We bought our unit with a loader and a backhoe, then added a Rotodarin soil rotovator. We now have over 2000 hrs on our unit with only a problem with the front drive. Or our unit John Deere saw they had problem with the seal and the drive, so when ours broke the original parts were not there so we had to spend a little over $1200.00 to repair it. I was not a happy camper over needing to buy the new correction John Deere had made without letting me know there was a problem and them not correcting it on my tractor. My dealer put me in contact with the field rep. who happened to be there a the time, he came out and after showing and explaining to him the problem he took the price of the parts that John Deere had changed off the bill making the parts cost right a $600.00 All in all we remove stumps,remove snow,build new lawns [seeded or sodded] dug water lines and many other projects, our loader and backhoe have been very trouble free.
Pros: Excllent dependabliy.
Cons: Front loader removal stand is always braking.
My First Tractor
Model Year: 2010
I'm in love with my JD, I spend too much time on it. At times I wish I would have went bigger, but it did cost twice as much as my older Duramax.
Pros: Hydrostatic - quick hitch - easy attach bucket/ pallet forks.
Cons: Needs more lift capacity and more power (turbo).
Model Year: 2010
I'm in love with my JD, I spend too much time on it. At times I wish I would have went bigger, but it did cost twice as much as my older Duramax.
Pros: Hydrostatic - quick hitch - easy attach bucket/ pallet forks.
Cons: Needs more lift capacity and more power (turbo).
Some Good, Some Not So Good
Model Year: 2011
I bought my 2520 with a handful of attachments: 61D On Ramp mowing deck, ballast box, front end loader with a 61" bucket, 54" 2-stage snowthrower, and a third party set of pallet forks w/ 42" forks. This machine is, in some ways, complete overkill. For example - who needs this much size, power, and speed to mow a single acre of flat land? No one. But, it's also perfectly sized too. My driveway is reasonably good sized at 110' long by 18' wide (except near the garage where it's more like 24' wide). The snowthrower attachment will be quite adept at clearing that pathway quickly in just about any depth of snow. I've been able to use it to clear about 18", and it had no issues doing so. The large mowing deck makes very quick work of my lawn. With the exception of the trees scattered around my property that I have to navigate around, I can zoom along in straight lines and make quick, clean, neat rows. I expected it to be faster than the 42" deck on the riding mower. I *didn't* expect the cut quality to be so much better (and the rider was brand new). The bucket doesn't get a phenomenal amount of use, but it's still good to have. The pallet forks, on the other hand, are used all the time. I knew going into it that I would need and use the forks to handle firewood (log length before cut and split, and then stacked on pallets afterward). What I had no idea about is how many other things I can and do do with them. When I opted for the 2520, it was because of its lifting power over the 2305 and 2320. The more I use it, the more I wish I had even more lifting capacity! The machine is very smokey on cold start, even in the warmer weather. Dealer says there isn't really anything they can do about that. Seat is reasonably comfortable, but I think the deck where you rest your feet could be much stronger than it is. The ROPS is solid, but could be more "operable" to put it up and down more easily (the locking pins are fairly hard to put in and take out). I like having the ability to control which PTO will operate, but the lever is in a bad position and it's just too easy to hit it with your leg. The stand for the loader has apparently been a bit of a trouble spot for JD. Previous years had an issue with them hitting the front tires and being rubbed. The current version on mine is prone to vibrating against the "front bumper" and getting pretty gouged up. I paid extra for a mounting bracket for the front that was supposed to allow me to leave the PTO shaft for the blower mounted and still install the FEL. Nope. Not so. If you want to put the FEL on, you have to remove the PTO shaft for the blower. It's BIG. Yes, I know it's a good sized machine. But, it takes up an ENTIRE bay in my garage with the loader and ballast box on.
Pros: Powerful, easy to operate, smooth, fuel efficient.
Cons: Poor ergonomics, "Big" for its size, loader could have a LOT more lifting capacity.
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Model Year: 2011
I bought my 2520 with a handful of attachments: 61D On Ramp mowing deck, ballast box, front end loader with a 61" bucket, 54" 2-stage snowthrower, and a third party set of pallet forks w/ 42" forks. This machine is, in some ways, complete overkill. For example - who needs this much size, power, and speed to mow a single acre of flat land? No one. But, it's also perfectly sized too. My driveway is reasonably good sized at 110' long by 18' wide (except near the garage where it's more like 24' wide). The snowthrower attachment will be quite adept at clearing that pathway quickly in just about any depth of snow. I've been able to use it to clear about 18", and it had no issues doing so. The large mowing deck makes very quick work of my lawn. With the exception of the trees scattered around my property that I have to navigate around, I can zoom along in straight lines and make quick, clean, neat rows. I expected it to be faster than the 42" deck on the riding mower. I *didn't* expect the cut quality to be so much better (and the rider was brand new). The bucket doesn't get a phenomenal amount of use, but it's still good to have. The pallet forks, on the other hand, are used all the time. I knew going into it that I would need and use the forks to handle firewood (log length before cut and split, and then stacked on pallets afterward). What I had no idea about is how many other things I can and do do with them. When I opted for the 2520, it was because of its lifting power over the 2305 and 2320. The more I use it, the more I wish I had even more lifting capacity! The machine is very smokey on cold start, even in the warmer weather. Dealer says there isn't really anything they can do about that. Seat is reasonably comfortable, but I think the deck where you rest your feet could be much stronger than it is. The ROPS is solid, but could be more "operable" to put it up and down more easily (the locking pins are fairly hard to put in and take out). I like having the ability to control which PTO will operate, but the lever is in a bad position and it's just too easy to hit it with your leg. The stand for the loader has apparently been a bit of a trouble spot for JD. Previous years had an issue with them hitting the front tires and being rubbed. The current version on mine is prone to vibrating against the "front bumper" and getting pretty gouged up. I paid extra for a mounting bracket for the front that was supposed to allow me to leave the PTO shaft for the blower mounted and still install the FEL. Nope. Not so. If you want to put the FEL on, you have to remove the PTO shaft for the blower. It's BIG. Yes, I know it's a good sized machine. But, it takes up an ENTIRE bay in my garage with the loader and ballast box on.
Pros: Powerful, easy to operate, smooth, fuel efficient.
Cons: Poor ergonomics, "Big" for its size, loader could have a LOT more lifting capacity.
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John Deere 2520
Model Year: 2011
After looking at all the brands, which they all have their good points. I thought the 2520 had a nice combination of power, comfort, rugged build. I've used a landscape rake for many years, and can highly recommend the frontier landscape rake with the flip-down grader blade, its simply amazing for grading loam or processed gravel. One can become quite good at grading when you adjust the 3 pt hitch center adjusting screw to control blade height.Great visibility and feel of the 200cx loader.
Pros: Comfortable to operate, fast hydraulics, plenty of power.
Cons: None.
Model Year: 2011
After looking at all the brands, which they all have their good points. I thought the 2520 had a nice combination of power, comfort, rugged build. I've used a landscape rake for many years, and can highly recommend the frontier landscape rake with the flip-down grader blade, its simply amazing for grading loam or processed gravel. One can become quite good at grading when you adjust the 3 pt hitch center adjusting screw to control blade height.Great visibility and feel of the 200cx loader.
Pros: Comfortable to operate, fast hydraulics, plenty of power.
Cons: None.
New 2520
Model Year: 2011
I was a little leery choosing the bigger 2520 after all I have just under 2 acres, but tired waiting for the new 1000 series to show up. The JD $2,500 discount pushed me over the edge. I am sure I made the right decision as I have moved countless loads of dirt and rock and other things I never thought about using my tractor for. I'm 6'2" and it feels very comfortable not cramped. Lots of power to do what ever I would want in the summer and snow removal during the winter. After agonizing over my purchase decision my best review would be that I would buy the 2520 again in a heart beat. One hydraulic leak in a metal line appeared after a week that was quickly replaced by the dealer. I made sure I felt comfortable with the dealer I did business with was pleased with my dealership experience the sale and repair.
Pros: Couldn't be happier with my 2520.
Cons: None.
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Model Year: 2011
I was a little leery choosing the bigger 2520 after all I have just under 2 acres, but tired waiting for the new 1000 series to show up. The JD $2,500 discount pushed me over the edge. I am sure I made the right decision as I have moved countless loads of dirt and rock and other things I never thought about using my tractor for. I'm 6'2" and it feels very comfortable not cramped. Lots of power to do what ever I would want in the summer and snow removal during the winter. After agonizing over my purchase decision my best review would be that I would buy the 2520 again in a heart beat. One hydraulic leak in a metal line appeared after a week that was quickly replaced by the dealer. I made sure I felt comfortable with the dealer I did business with was pleased with my dealership experience the sale and repair.
Pros: Couldn't be happier with my 2520.
Cons: None.
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New John Deere 2520
Model Year: 0
After months of looking and reviewing TBN comments I finally pulled the trigger and purchased a JD 2520. The incentives by John Deere were also a big part of my decision. $2500.00 rebate on two attachments purchased and 0% for 72 months. I have only had a few hours of seat time but so far I am more that pleased. Mowing in 2wd with industrial tires was no problem! No marks in the lawn! I was very concerned by this and all the posts on TBN discussing tires was very helpful! I ended up with the 200CX, 62"MMM, Woods 60" Box Blade, I-Match, 54" snow blower, and the 46 Backhoe(when it arrives at dealer).
Pros: Fwd/Rev pedal configuration.
Cons: None at this time.
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Model Year: 0
After months of looking and reviewing TBN comments I finally pulled the trigger and purchased a JD 2520. The incentives by John Deere were also a big part of my decision. $2500.00 rebate on two attachments purchased and 0% for 72 months. I have only had a few hours of seat time but so far I am more that pleased. Mowing in 2wd with industrial tires was no problem! No marks in the lawn! I was very concerned by this and all the posts on TBN discussing tires was very helpful! I ended up with the 200CX, 62"MMM, Woods 60" Box Blade, I-Match, 54" snow blower, and the 46 Backhoe(when it arrives at dealer).
Pros: Fwd/Rev pedal configuration.
Cons: None at this time.
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Overall Good Tractor
Model Year: 2011
Overall I am very happy with the tractor. I do have some things I don't like for such an expensive tractor, but that may be more of my preferences. I have used my tractor about 7 hours, I have moved dirt with the FEL and mowed two yards with it. Overall the mower cuts better than I had expected compared to the previous sub-compact I have used. Amazing I thought the ride would be rougher, but so far have been happy with it. Also, the seat position while feels higher than my last tractor gives me more of a sense of control because of the steering wheel placement in conjunction to the seat. Without a counter weight, it will definitely lift more than the tractor can get in the air. Seems that it is a bit over-priced in my opinion.
Pros: Has plenty of hydraulic power, mowes well, quiet compared to other tractors. Controls are well placed for me.
Cons: Mower deck height adjustment seem almost non existant. No built in lock up for mower deck when using the 3pt. Runs out of power backing up steep grades with MMM running. Only starts in neutral. No real water-temp guage.
Model Year: 2011
Overall I am very happy with the tractor. I do have some things I don't like for such an expensive tractor, but that may be more of my preferences. I have used my tractor about 7 hours, I have moved dirt with the FEL and mowed two yards with it. Overall the mower cuts better than I had expected compared to the previous sub-compact I have used. Amazing I thought the ride would be rougher, but so far have been happy with it. Also, the seat position while feels higher than my last tractor gives me more of a sense of control because of the steering wheel placement in conjunction to the seat. Without a counter weight, it will definitely lift more than the tractor can get in the air. Seems that it is a bit over-priced in my opinion.
Pros: Has plenty of hydraulic power, mowes well, quiet compared to other tractors. Controls are well placed for me.
Cons: Mower deck height adjustment seem almost non existant. No built in lock up for mower deck when using the 3pt. Runs out of power backing up steep grades with MMM running. Only starts in neutral. No real water-temp guage.
Great Tractor
Model Year: 2006
I've run this tractor through the ringer the last 4-1/2 years and it seems to hold up just fine. I wish, at times, I had purchased a larger tractor, but this is what the finances permitted. The only gripes I have with it are mostly in regards to the 62" MMM with poorly designed mechanical lift and wheels. The only other downside I've encountered is the 20 amp alternator (which has been changed on later models). Oh, and the lack of a middle range in the transmission.
Pros: Small farm tractor with lots of power for its size.
Cons: See above.
Model Year: 2006
I've run this tractor through the ringer the last 4-1/2 years and it seems to hold up just fine. I wish, at times, I had purchased a larger tractor, but this is what the finances permitted. The only gripes I have with it are mostly in regards to the 62" MMM with poorly designed mechanical lift and wheels. The only other downside I've encountered is the 20 amp alternator (which has been changed on later models). Oh, and the lack of a middle range in the transmission.
Pros: Small farm tractor with lots of power for its size.
Cons: See above.
Great Tractor
Model Year: 2010
I love this tractor. I bought it with the 200cx loader, JD tiller and Frontier bush hog. So far have not found anything this little guy can't do. Sometimes it takes a little longer than the big guys, but regardless it's one tough tractor.
Pros: Horse power & ease of use.
Cons: It's a little tight getting a PTO shaft on, but that is really nit picking.
Model Year: 2010
I love this tractor. I bought it with the 200cx loader, JD tiller and Frontier bush hog. So far have not found anything this little guy can't do. Sometimes it takes a little longer than the big guys, but regardless it's one tough tractor.
Pros: Horse power & ease of use.
Cons: It's a little tight getting a PTO shaft on, but that is really nit picking.
JD 2520 in Australia
Model Year: 2006
Purchased with 183 hours on the clock, have added 20 hours in just a few days! This is a brilliant tractor! It does everything I expected - and some! JD's are expensive in Australia, both for hobby farm and 'serious' farming, but I chose to go JD after talking to some expert users. The 200CX loader is brilliant also. I have just acquired pallet forks which, in addition to the bucket, will provide some real functionality. The tractor came with a 62D mower which is quite good, but I will need a rear mounted slasher for the heavy stuff!
Pros: Well regarded product. Does everything I wanted!
Cons: Price. Fuel consumption when working at 540 PTO revs.
Model Year: 2006
Purchased with 183 hours on the clock, have added 20 hours in just a few days! This is a brilliant tractor! It does everything I expected - and some! JD's are expensive in Australia, both for hobby farm and 'serious' farming, but I chose to go JD after talking to some expert users. The 200CX loader is brilliant also. I have just acquired pallet forks which, in addition to the bucket, will provide some real functionality. The tractor came with a 62D mower which is quite good, but I will need a rear mounted slasher for the heavy stuff!
Pros: Well regarded product. Does everything I wanted!
Cons: Price. Fuel consumption when working at 540 PTO revs.
worth it
Model Year: 2008
Excellent tractor. Does everything I expect for it to. Dealer support is excellent. Good match with 200CX loader. Handles 62D drive over mower just fine. Never low on power. Sometimes I wish for a gear between low and high. High only good for travel, no work. Can be a little light in rear end. JD weights very expensive.
Pros: Well engineered product. HP matchs tractor and implements.
Cons: Needs 3 speed transmission
Model Year: 2008
Excellent tractor. Does everything I expect for it to. Dealer support is excellent. Good match with 200CX loader. Handles 62D drive over mower just fine. Never low on power. Sometimes I wish for a gear between low and high. High only good for travel, no work. Can be a little light in rear end. JD weights very expensive.
Pros: Well engineered product. HP matchs tractor and implements.
Cons: Needs 3 speed transmission