John Deere JD2520 4.50 star(s) (35)

2012 John Deere 2520
Model Year: 2012

I purchased it with only 135 hours on the tractor and with a C200 loader, drive on 60-inch belly mower, and 4-foot blade. It is a great tractor with plenty of power. As with any green tractor, parts are not cheap and mostly can only be replaced with John Deere parts. I had a Kubota BX2200 previously and there is a huge power difference. The price was right so I bought this one and do not regret it.

Pros: Power for days, great lift capacity, very versatile
Cons: Expensive to maintain, limited aftermarket parts not from John Deere

Very Happy With This Tractor
Model Year: 2006

I used this tractor as a general mower with a bush hog. It also makes trips to North Carolina where it has been used with it's front-end loader and rear blade to do some landscaping in the sandy eastern North Carolina soil. With what it has, it performs very well. The only thing I wish is that a front mount snow blower was available for this horsepower tractor. It has decent performance and has had exactly 1 mechanical issue and that was a quick disconnect coupling that went out on the front-end loader and was replaced for about 14 dollars. It does a good job pulling a 6-foot land plane for driveway work and I would not hesitate to get it again. One thing is to make sure you have the upgraded arms for the rear attachments or you will be rubbing tires.

Pros: Good performance for it's size, good resale and dealer network
Cons: It can almost do everything but falls short sometimes due to its size

Front Axle Issue With My 2009 John Deere 2520 Compact Utility Tractor
Model Year: 2009

I bought my 2520 with a loader to do the landscaping around my workshop that I had just built. The cost of the tractor was comparable to the estimates I had to get the work done so I thought I would buy the tractor instead. The first week we had it, the right front axle spindle broke. It took four trips back to the dealer before John Deere finally decided the axle was machined wrong and they replaced it . This tied up the tractor for 5 months . Now I have a John Deere LX170 and the transaxle is a piece of junk. My next tractor probably won't be green!

Pros: Compact utility works well after initial problem
Cons: The LX170 is a rolling piece of junk

Nothing Dies Like a Deere
Model Year: 2012

At 120 hours of good reliable solid work, the tractor could take no more and the front drive shaft bent from "coasting" at a cost of $800. The following year (this year, 2014), the same result but this time $3,600. The technician, or should I say the monkey holding a wrench, says an emergency stop will bend the drive shaft. What? So do not emergency stop the vehicle? Hmm, guess this means only in open fields without anyone around. Kind of puts the kibosh on working around steep grades or human activity. To keep this as short as possible, do not buy a tractor that cannot handle an emergency stop without significant damages and check thoroughly the owners manual for coasting a machine.

Pros: Two nice hats, it's pretty, small enough to fit in a large dumpster when finished.
Cons: Under-powered, breaks easily, very poor service technicians.

JD 2520
Model Year: 0

My JD 2520 is pretty reliable for me. Unless you leave the plug heater on for the entire dash light-on, it starts a little hard when cold. Plenty of power and hydraulic output for the loader. I believe JD has discontinued this already even though I purchased it about a year ago. I did purchase a 3rd spool output for the back and they could've done a better job designing the layout and joystick location. It is pretty cramped on the right side.

Pros: Power, 4WD convenience, loader.
Cons: 3rd spool convenience.

JD 2520
Model Year: 2012

I don't have that many hours due to having an x720 as well as the 2520 to mow with. I swap back and forth between the two but still can't seem to accumulate many hours. The 2520 is expensive for what you get. It won't plow dirt although it will plow snow. The HST trans is not heavy enough for prolonged heavy use. You would never know that when you write the check right! I installed a stereo on mine but for the money, that should have been standard equipment. To be honest, I really like the tractor but have not had enough seat time to give a report at this point. I traded a JD4110 in for this unit. The 4110 was a nice piece of equipment as well. Not as powerful but got the job done. I wanted to upgrade from the JD4110 and that is why I chose the 2520. At the time I purchased the 2520, I really did not consider anything else. If I had it to go through again, I would consider a New Holland, Kubota or possibly a Massey Ferg. All seem to be viable competitors.

Pros: Dealer support, parts availability.
Cons: High price.

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Catfish Hunter
Model Year: 2011

I use my tractor daily, it is a great small acre farm tractor.

Pros: 4 X 4, easy to maintain.
Cons: Narrow tracking.

Nice "Little" Tractor---Good for What I Need it For
Model Year: 2012

I sold a full size Ford 555 backhoe and a Ford 5000 Dieslel tractor and downsized to this litte compact tractor. I built a new house and wanted to have a compact to use around the house. Works great for what I need it for. I have a set of forks for it and use them all the time for those back savings tasks. I have tried to pick up to much with it and the loader just won't lift. Probably a good thing because a weight ballast is a must if you try to lift anything more than 400 lbs. I recently have purchased a Woods BH6000 backhoe for my 2520. I haven't got it mounted yet but it's a very well built backhoe. But it's a small hoe. Beats a shovel and pick but don't expect to dig a foundation with like I did with the old Ford 555. I built a 5' wide, "landplane" and this tractor pulls that well. Powerful 3-pt hitch lifts it with ease. Like so many other users, I wish my 2520 had a mid range for the hydro transmission. Low range is slow but powerful and high range is a good road gear but forget climbing much of a hill with a bucket full of gravel unless you let way off the pedal. But I shouldn't expect so much from a 25 hp tractor. One good thing is its great on fuel. I have almost 30 hours and have filled the tank 3 times is all. Sips fuel. I have the 62 deck that I have used once. It mows a nice lawn but the ROPS hits my trees. I continue to mow my lawn with my 425 JD. This is a great tractor for the large lawn home owner who wants to do little tasks around the house and have something to wash and be proud of.

Pros: Sips fuel, light and nimble, reliable.
Cons: Needs mid range, not "overpowered".

2520 with Front Loader and 62-inch Deck
Model Year: 2010

Overall I like the tractor. Cuts great and very maneuverable. Got a much better deal than I could at Kubota. Have had some issues, but they could be dealer related. Pins break continuously on the deck, and the cable broke. Turns out height adjuster installed wrong. Fixed it myself, even though I took it back to the dealer and they missed it. Also, the tach cable broke, and had toe replace the cable and the $500 dashboard. Parts covered under warranty, but again, had to fix it myself. This is a huge dealer too, James River Equipment. Other than these issues, no problems and runs great. Not too bad on fuel.

Pros: Cost, engine, handling.
Cons: Small items breaking.

John Deere 2520
Model Year: 2012

In October 2012 I purchased a Kubota 3200 HST to replace my 1996 JD 855. I disliked it more each time I used it. It had both sample and design defects. The sample defects, various rattles and clanks, could probably have been eliminated, but two design defects could not: there was a high frequency vibration at operating RPM, and because the differential brake pedals were on the same side as the forward and reverse pedals, they were unusable. And I need them for tight turns and to keep my bush hog in line when mowing across a slope. A Kubota factory rep said the vibration was normal and that he had no solution for the differential brake problem. The co-op from which I had purchased the tractor agreed to take it back, and I ordered a JD 2520 to replace it. The 2520 is equipped with a 72 inch belly mower, front loader, and hydraulic front snow plow mount. I like the 2520 more and more each time I use it. Unlike the Kubota, it seems to have been designed by people who understand how it will be used. Build quality is excellent.

Pros: Smooth Yanmar diesel engine, easy front loader attachment, tight turning radius, superior build quality.
Cons: Overly high ROPS (Kubota also) dictated by OSHA.

Good All Around Tractor for Mowing and Light Landscape Work
Model Year: 2007

I'm writing this review after owning this tractor for 6 yrs now. I have about 300 hrs on it now and have only had to replace the battery so far (above the standard maintenance). I purchase this tractor with the following additional add-ons: 62D mower deck 200CX loader #46 backhoe I use it primarily for mowing my 3 acres of ground which is very hilly. For this, it does a decent job but there is a fundamental flaw in the front casters on the mower deck in that they do not stay straight and are not rounded properly. Because of this, they vibrate sideways while mowing in the flat and are out of position when needed - causing it to gouge the turf. I've seen many different posts about this problem but no real good solutions. The weight of the tractor is pretty much at the limit for finish mowing in my opinion. It can be a bit too heavy when the ground is wet but is fine most of the time. I use the bucket primarily for moving dirt and driveway rock around the yard as needed. The backhoe works great as a counter balance for any bucket weight you can really put on it. It comes off very easily and can be on while the mower is on if needed. The backhoe has been very useful for small landscaping jobs and putting in drain tiles for the downspouts, etc. The hydraulic power is adequate but the movement can be jerky if you move to fast on the controls. Taking it one and off isn't too bad except for having to remove all the 3pt arms in order to do it. Since the mower deck uses these for lift, it means that you have to re-level the deck each time I switch back and forth. Overall, the tractor has never failed me - always started and has not had any mechanical issues so far. Overall power isn't bad but it will bog down in High gear when going up an hill - Low gear is never a problem. In my opinion, the key to having a tractor in this size range is knowing what size you need and then realizing/accepting the limits of the machine you've purchased. I've read many times where people bought too little tractor for what they needed and then complained when it couldn't do it. Yes, I'd buy this tractor again but I may consider the 2720 to get a bit more HP.

Pros: Good multi-use tractor that does a variety of jobs.
Cons: 62D mower deck has a design flaw.

New John Deere
Model Year: 2012

New JD 2520, replaced JD 4100. More power, has position control hydraulics that Kubota doesn't have in this size tractor. It is tighter so far than the 4100. Hitch is designed where it doesn't go very close to the ground. I use quick hitches on my tractors. This prevents implements such as augers to get down low. It stays so high that hooking up a grooming mower is tough, you have to get off and lift the hitch arms on the mower to do it. John Deere does not have a fix for it. I am going to have to do something myself. Hydraulics also appear to have some drift down in them. The ROPS is too tall.

Pros: Position control hydraulics, turning/steering and hydrostatic controls where you don't have to pick your heel up to go from forward to reverse.
Cons: Plastic, lift will not go low enough and no adjustment, some hydraulic drift down even when running, ROPS too tall.

Great Tractor for All-Around Use!
Model Year: 2006

Mowing 6 acres of lawn, brush hogging, small two horse barn chores and snow plowing with driveway maintenance. Been a great tractor!

Pros: Plenty of power for a compact tractor!
Cons: Mower arms hang with 3 point hitch.

Performance
Model Year: 2008

I own a 2520 with the following : front end loader, pallet forks, a 54 " snowbower, a curtis cab, 50 " jd tiller, 4 ' brush hog, a 4' finish mower, and 5' rake. I mow around 7 acres of lawn and burn about 2.5 gallons of diesel, which is not bad. The tractor has done everything I wanted and more. Looking to add a backhoe and a grapple for the front end loader. I am very happy with it.

Pros: Easy to switch attchments and to get around.
Cons: Need a little more hydraulics and a little more room in the operators station.

John Deere 2520
Model Year: 2012

I traded my 2004 JD 4110 for this 2012 JD 2520 and to be honest, I wish I had my old tractor back. The fuel consumption on the new tractor is considerably higher than the old one but there is more power. The new tractor has a much cleaner running diesel engine than the old one. I am a stickler for maintenance. I changed the oil on both tractors about every 25 hours and use Amsoil 15w40 Synthetic Diesel Oil. I know this is overkill, but the 4110 would soot-up the oil within 5 minutes of the oil change and this was from the first 2 hours of ownership. I traded the 4110 off at 180 hours and it was still the same; black as coal within minutes after an oil change. The JD 2520 is just the opposite so far although I do not have many hours on it yet. With the 35 hours since new, the oil is still basically clear. Both of these tractors have a rough ride due to the seat mechanisms (poor). They turn tight and pull hard. Mowing with the 60/62" decks leaves a lot to be desired. With the swaying from side to side there is considerable gouging if the wheels aren't adjusted correctly. Even so, there is no real even mowing experience as you would expect from something like a 46" deck. I spent over $400 for the JD mini stereo system. Don't waste your money on these. The performance is absolutely horrible. Overall, this is a super nice tractor but wish it was a bit more fuel conscious.

Pros: Lots of power when you need it, clean running, smooth.
Cons: Needs better seating suspension system, less than desirable fuel economy.

In New Zealand
Model Year: 2012

Great workhorse.

Pros: Maneuverability.
Cons: None.

2520 Good/Bad
Model Year: 2008

These compacts are the perfect units for the home owner. You don't realize the true value till you have one. This tractor with pallet forks and other implements opens up my world being a home owner with physical limits. This is my second JD. First was a 2305. I find them overpriced and inefficiencies really piss me off for such great little work horses. Example: 20 amp alternator not being big enough and 3 point hitch rubbing on the tires. Almost a hundred years experience and John Deere ignores these or lets on it doesn't know? Shame on you. We pay for quality not expecting to pay 5oo for alternator and 600 for new 3 point hictch arms. John deere puts out current units with 40 amp alternators and new redesigned 3 pt hitches way to go jd.What about the rest of us? A 3rd range is badly needed to be efficient. I do admire what these units can do and i would be lost without one.

Pros: Great little work horse.
Cons: Alternator, 3 pt hitch no mid range on hydro static drive.

Ground Clearance
Model Year: 2012

Love my new JD 2520. Love the compact size and tight turns, comfortable and FEL works great. Overall an A Grade. But not a great tractor for lots of open pasture cutting - short wheelbase can be a little bumpy.

Pros: Nice power for small tractor.
Cons: Can be tippy---keep ROPS up and wear your seatbelt.

Awesome Tractor
Model Year: 2011

This tractor has done everything I have asked and has a lot of power. I have drilled 50 post holes, graded my driveway, runs the 54" snowblower with ease. Excellent value with the rebates and zero percent financing John Deere was offering. No regrets in any way.

Pros: Powerfull - great value.
Cons: Would like a suspension seat.

2520 Deere Verses 2320, 2305
Model Year: 0

In 2009 I bought a 2305. This tractor thought it was a Goliath and just kept impressing me every day. It had unlimited power and ease of use. I used it for lawn mowing (54"), snow blowing (front mount) and a lot of bucket work. With the bucket it was dangerous on uneven ground, very unstable. A few weeks ago, I traded up to a 2320 with a 61" bucket and cab. I found this unit to be very noisy and lacking severely in power. Stability improved over the 2305 but not the greatest even after I loaded the rear tires. I hated this unit. Monday last, the dealership asked me to try out a 2520 model---wow, I am impressed. With an increase of only a couple HP over the 2320 I find this tractor has lots of power. I loaded garden top soil and found it to be very stable, fast hydraulics and smooth, @ 1600 RPM. This unit is quiet, good torque (has planetaries that must be the difference) stable and safe feeling to drive even on unlevel ground. I love it.

Pros: They changed the bucket control so that it doesn't interfere with your leg.
Cons: Haven't seen anything alarming - yet!