Calling all 2520 owners

[Larry 111]

First, I want to thank all the members on this thread for researching the info needed to get the 2520 draft arms replaced on my tractor, especially Skipholiday's post on 6-20-08 that had the solution and part numbers. I refered this web site and thread along with the numbers from Skipholiday to my dealer and he took it from there.

Secondly, I want to thank my dealer, Fisher Implements in Harrisburg, OR for their great customer service. My salesman Steve got the ball rolling and contacted the service manager Wayne, who ordered the new arms and called me when they arrived. Borrowed a trailer from a friend to transport the tractor to my dealer, and when I arrived, he came out to take a picture of the original draft arms and the closeness to the rear tires, which were already changed to the wide position. The mechanic Shane then changed the arms while it was still on the trailer, didn't even need to unstrap and drive it off!

I bought a can of soda while I waited and wandered around the green and yellow showroom floor, one of my favorite things to do, and in about 10 to 15 minutes the whole switchover was complete, didn't even need to sign any paperwork, now that's excellent customer service, wish other companies that I deal with were even half as good.

So now my tractor's draft arms look just like the pictures from the post on 7-23-08 from Tomd999, plenty of room, I could probably put three sets of chains on each tire with no interference!! Thanks again to everyone involved.

 

[bz1]

Well, I got my arms replaced last week. JD offered me the arms for free but I had to pay for installation - $32. Not bad but I'm still pissed that I had to pay anthing. But at least my problem is fixed. No clearance problems with the new arms! Thanks to all those on this forum that stuck with this and helped us all get the fix. For those that don't have it yet keep insisting. I made such a stink with my dealer that he didn't dare even ask me about my problem he was just glad to install the arms and get rid of me.

 

[seldridge279]

Why in the world would foam in the tires void a warranty? Can't be a weight issue is it?

As a matter of fact that's exactly what he said. Especially with the front tires. I figure since it took me most of a year to get 50 hours on the tractor I will wear out before it does. The convenience of not having to screw with flat tires is worth it to me. The brush on my property is like punji sticks so side wall flats were a problem.

 

[FastPauly]

I went to my dealer a couple of weeks ago with the Dtac/solution info that was posted here. They checked with JD on the issue....apparently the info they got back from JD was vague on rather warranty replacement arms would be provided or not. I asked that they check with their rep concerning the issue or give me the contact information and I would have a chat with him. I got a call yesterday from my dealer saying that my replacement arms are in....all I need to do is bring over the old ones to exchange for the new ones.

Thanks All....and my dealer to!!

 

[scottrh]

Here is follow up on my JD 2520 replacement arms rubbing problem like others have.

The local JD dealer, Mustang Equipment in Marble Falls Texas (MARBLE FALLS, TX 3053 S US HWY 281, Farming Equipment Dealer) will NOT help me with this problem.

The service manager at Mustang Equipment in Marble Falls TX told me "We did not sell you the tractor, so will not do anything for you". I bought this JD 2520 new from a dealer in Houston.

To me, JD is represented by its dealers. I see no difference from a service and customer support perspective across all dealers, and I do not think the response from Mustang Equipment in Marbel Falls TX is in concert and consistent with JD quality and care for the customer. It appears this dealer, whom I have purchased several things from such as a scrape blade, etc, is only interested in selling tractors.

My next step will be to either contact the dealer in Houston, and/or write a letter to JD Corporate. I will continue to let everyone know how this proceeds, but currently I am very disappointed in JD, and especially Mustang Equipment in Marbel Falls Texas. Please beware.

Scott.

 

[Runner]

I recently raised this issue with my dealer and didn't get much of a response. They just went through the usual "make sure you've got it adjusted right...." routine with me.

They also told me that there is no replacement program for this that they are aware of. I gave them the Dtach number but they just went through the "adjustment parameters" with me again.

I have an iMatch and so far, this hasn't been much of an issue with me (although when my side links loosened up a bit, I did get some rubbing until I tightened the bejezus out of them again). So, my conclusion is that if I want new arms I'll either have to raise he!! with the dealer, pay the $600, or trade up to a new 2720. None of which do I have the energy or money to do right now.

 

[Birdmayon]

I recently raised this issue with my dealer and didn't get much of a response. They just went through the usual "make sure you've got it adjusted right...." routine with me.

They also told me that there is no replacement program for this that they are aware of. I gave them the Dtach number but they just went through the "adjustment parameters" with me again.

I have an iMatch and so far, this hasn't been much of an issue with me (although when my side links loosened up a bit, I did get some rubbing until I tightened the bejezus out of them again). So, my conclusion is that if I want new arms I'll either have to raise he!! with the dealer, pay the $600, or trade up to a new 2720. None of which do I have the energy or money to do right now.

Same with me and my dealer, almost to a T. And like you, it's not worth my time to keep pursuing. It does rub on occasion, but it is rare, and with the tires in the wide position, it rubs so little that it isn't going to ruin my tires or the lift arms. So, at this point, it sure would be nice to have the new lift arms, "just because", however, it's not really a necessity, or even a huge deal for me.

That said, I see nothing wrong with folks demanding a fix, it isn't exactly an inexpensive purchase and if it is important enough to you, you should pursue it.

 

[scottrh]

I have owned Orange tractors before, may again unless JD does something on this for me. I hope they don't go they way of GM.
Scott.

 

[hanson1999]

HERE IS A 2520 3 PT ARM UPDATE.

Just got my 2520 today, showed up at dealer on monday, feb 2nd. brand new 2009 model. still has old style arms on it!!! i wonder why john deere keeps sending them out with the old style arms!!! my dealer said they will get me the new ones just take a few days!!

 

[Runner]

They've probably got a bunch of them in stock they need to use up, but it's still disappointing they'd keep using them, knowing they have a problem.

John Deere, are you listening??

 

[Bswope]

Just wanted to bump this one back up, i just called JD and they took my onfo and said to contact my dealer.
So kinda long story short..... my new arms are ordered!!

 

[glc24]

Bswope,is your 2520 still under warranty?
If it's not,and you aren't paying anything,you have a heck of a good dealer you're working with

Greg

 

[Bswope]

Bswope,is your 2520 still under warranty?
If it's not,and you aren't paying anything,you have a heck of a good dealer you're working with

Greg

It better be cause just bought it last Tuesday!! LOL

 

[lowechj]

I called and e-mailed JD customer service and basically the response was that they were not aware of any problems with the draft arms rubbing on the 2520 and that my dealer should contact the district technical rep. I kind of expected this response from them. I don't know why JD even bothers to have a customer service department because they never give you an answer.
I was moving a bit of snow yesterday with the front loader and it is a pain to have the rear arms rub when the blower is attached. My 2520 does not have the i-match rear hitch system, would getting this help the problem any. One other thing they didn't know of any redesign of the draft arms for the 2520.

 

[glc24]

My 2520 does not have the i-match rear hitch system, would getting this help the problem any.

Hello and welcome to TBN
I have the I-Match and they still rubbed. If you didn't raise your 3pt all the way,and turned your wheels (widest spacing) you might be OK. In my case having the ballast box attached,I need the 3pt raised the whole way.

I called and e-mailed JD customer service and basically the response was that they were not aware of any problems with the draft arms rubbing on the 2520 and that my dealer should contact the district technical rep. I kind of expected this response from them.

I do not understand this at all. JD engineered a "fix" for the arm rubbing problem on the 2520/2720,but they will not do an engineering change on the production line,so all future orders have the new style arm.Ridiculous to say the least.
Is your tractor under warranty? If not,you won't get the arms for no charge


Greg

 

[lowechj]

Thanks Greg
Guess I am out of luck as my tractor is a 2006. When I retired and bought the tractor I didn't know much about tractors and the dealer didn't really show me a lot. They delivered it in late Nov and it came with chains installed.
Of course when I put on a tiller that I needed to smooth out a field before the horses arrived when I made the first turn the chains rubbed and ended up breaking because they rubbed. The dealer's response was " guess you shouldn't have had the chains on " so that tells you how helpful they are.
Stupid question but a) how do you know if the tires are at the widest point, and b) if they are not how do you do it and is it something that I can do myself.
Thanks

 

[burtco99]

Been following this thread from the beginning. Just took my 2006 2520 to the dealer to perform the front axle inspection (recall) as well as diagnose a power steering problem and fix loose linkage in the FEL joystick. While describing all my problems to the service manager, I also requested the upgraded lift arms. I'm just at the end of my warranty, so we'll see what happens.

I explained to the dealer that I need to run my 2520 with the R3s in the narrow position since I park the machine in a shed with a small door. When I install tire chains with the rear wheels in the wide stance, the machine barely fits threough the door with only 1/4" of clearance. With the iMatch quick hitch and R3s with chains in the narrow stance, I can't raise the 3pt all the way without major rubbing. The arms just clear without the chains!.

For the past 2 years I used the quick hitch and offset the arms to the inside with long pins. The problem with this is that I would bend the pins if I snagged an obstacle when using a scraper blade or the snow blower.

My dealer appears to be simpathetic, but I'll only know next week when he contacts me with an update.

 

[glc24]

Hello lowechj
Sorry about the warranty deal.
In response to first question,look at your wheels where the bolt pattern is. One side the center is flat,and on the other side the center is raised. If looking at your wheels,if you can't see the raised center,then they are already at their widest setting. If you do see the raised center,then they can be switched,left to right,right to left. Doing that keeps the tire direction the same if you are running directional tread (R1's or R4's). If you have R3's (turf),I don't know if it matters about direction. As for your second question, as long as your tires aren't filled, I would think you should be able to do them yourself. Kind of like rotating your car tires
Hope this helps.

Greg

 

[turbo36]

Been following this thread from the beginning. Just took my 2006 2520 to the dealer to perform the front axle inspection (recall) as well as diagnose a power steering problem and fix loose linkage in the FEL joystick. While describing all my problems to the service manager, I also requested the upgraded lift arms. I'm just at the end of my warranty, so we'll see what happens.

I explained to the dealer that I need to run my 2520 with the R3s in the narrow position since I park the machine in a shed with a small door. When I install tire chains with the rear wheels in the wide stance, the machine barely fits threough the door with only 1/4" of clearance. With the iMatch quick hitch and R3s with chains in the narrow stance, I can't raise the 3pt all the way without major rubbing. The arms just clear without the chains!.

For the past 2 years I used the quick hitch and offset the arms to the inside with long pins. The problem with this is that I would bend the pins if I snagged an obstacle when using a scraper blade or the snow blower.

My dealer appears to be simpathetic, but I'll only know next week when he contacts me with an update.

I was not aware of a possible front axle problem, do you have the Dtac #?

Also, what power steering problems are you having? My 2520 pulsates and "locks up" for a split second when turning the steering wheel at low idle.

 

[burtco99]

I was not aware of a possible front axle problem, do you have the Dtac #?

Also, what power steering problems are you having? My 2520 pulsates and "locks up" for a split second when turning the steering wheel at low idle.

I will try to get more details when I pick up my machine from the dealer. What I was told is that the early 2520s had a minor problem in the front axle. (possibly a seal leak?) The recall was based on serial numbers, so newer machines may not be affected.

My PS acted the same from day one. According to most 2520 owners, at idle, the steering does not perform well.

My PS slowly got worse until I had steering issues at full PTO speed while cutting grass. This was with the FEL removed and just my finishing mower hanging off the back. Turning to the right was very stiff while to the left it was just slightly stiffer than normal. I started noticing this after 3 or more hours of operation, but when cold it was back to normal.

By this winter, the PS had gotten bad enough that after working the machine for only 30 minutes, the steering was hard to the right even with engine RPM up.

For the Records, My dealer apparently will cover the following on warranty (no charge):
(I'll provide more details on exactly what was replaced ASAP)

Front Axle recall
Power steering problem
FEL Joystick linkage (sloppy)
3pt lift arms upgrade