I am looking for some help/advice. I am quite new to tractors and have a 3720. I am using it for maintainence of about 65 acres and running a horse boarding business. I have noticed that the tractor feels very unstable even on flat ground. I don't know if it is me or if my feeling that the tractor could tip at any moment is real. I always keep the FEL low and have had that feeling even with an MX5 rotary mower (700+ lbs) on the back. We have some fairly hill and uneven terrain but even on a flat surface simply falling into some old (6-12") tractor ruts can give me an uneasy feeling. The rear wheels are set out as far as they can go. I purchased this tractor because it is narrower than a 4x20 and I wanted to be able to get into some 66" wide paddock fences. Perhaps the relatively narrow stance is actually a detriment although I'm not sure if a 4x20 tractor would feel the same way and perhaps have a higher center of gravity. Any thoughts?
3720 Feels Tippy
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RoyJackson
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wayupnth said:
Yeah, that's a feeling you get when first driving a CUT..to me, especially a midframe (like your 3720) machine.
You can add a tiltmeter...and that helps. Slopes you swear you're going to roll over on turn out to be well under 10°. And i tell you...it's quite disconcerting. Some folks (I'm one of them due to a balance problem) never really feel that stable (I'm expecting a series of "funny" comments from that).
However, I can promise you it will get better. Just go slow (you're not in any big hurry, are you?) for a while and get used to the machine's capabilities. Make sure you've got your sealtbelt on and your ROPS is up (if it's a folder). You'll pick up speed as you go along...
My little 670 was my first tractor...that felt like it was going to roll just setting there. The 790, even though it's 6"-8" taller feels more stable. That's due to more experience on my part and big loaded tires.
The dealer feels that loading the tires would help. I'm not going to be using the tractor for mowing finished lawns. Think that would help? Would I be better off with a 4x20? We are probably going to be adding a 2x20 to the fleet to cut our lawns and work in the paddocks so a narrow stance is not really critical anymore
nmu98
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I do ALOT of loader work with my 3720, and the only time i feel a little "pucker" on the tractor is when I have a full bucket of stone or sand at the top of the 300cx's lift. Its higher than I was used to, but it is feeling better. I have hauled some stone up and down hills with no issue, and even fell, (slid) into some ruts and not had any issue.
It is my opinion that you should wait a bit before you load the tires. Get used to the tractor, and then make up your mind. I dont have mine loaded since I like to have it as light as possible at times, but I have a tiller or weight box behind me, all about the weight of your mx5.
And after typing that, I think you might want to remove the MX5, and try a weight box. The legnth and the width of the MX5 might be causeing some of the uneasy feelings you are having. Thats a big machine to have hanging out there, and I know I do not use the FEL with my MX5.
Good luck.
It is my opinion that you should wait a bit before you load the tires. Get used to the tractor, and then make up your mind. I dont have mine loaded since I like to have it as light as possible at times, but I have a tiller or weight box behind me, all about the weight of your mx5.
And after typing that, I think you might want to remove the MX5, and try a weight box. The legnth and the width of the MX5 might be causeing some of the uneasy feelings you are having. Thats a big machine to have hanging out there, and I know I do not use the FEL with my MX5.
Good luck.
RoyJackson
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wayupnth said:
I'm very surprised those tires weren't filled since you have a loader. I'd of assumed they were.
Personally, I wouldn't wait to get those tires filled. Filled tires provide a lot of stability. Also, if your 3720 has a cab...that makes them even more top heavy then an open station machine.
Nmu98 has a good point about the cutter. The weight of that, especially considering the length, can have a "tail wagging the dog" effect. So, the weight (Ballast) box would be a good addition. I bought one, and I definitely wouldn't have a loader without one in the future.
As far as the bigger tractor...well, it's your money. With 65 acres to maintain, you could go to a full sized utility and a lot bigger cutter such as a 5xxx series machine. If you're going to make the move bigger, consider that step up to a utility tractor.
How much of your property do you have to mow? How much, if any is forested? ANd, what other tasks do you plan on doing with this machine?
JerryG
Super Member
If you are on a steep place keep the cutter wheel on the ground with weight on it. That will make your tractor more stable. The more experience you get the more comfortable you will get on the steep areas.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/4155/sort/3/cat/500/page/1
http://www.tractorbynet.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/4155/sort/3/cat/500/page/1
jcmseven
Veteran Member
Wayupnth,
I have a 3720 also and have had several John Deere tractors recently. The mid frames can give this disconcerting feeling of being unsteady, but they are really pretty stable. The ARE NOT as stable as the 4000 series tractors, and I have had both. The key with the 3000 series, as with any tractor, is too add ballast low to reduce the COG. Loading the rears, and maybe the fronts if you are not going to be on pavement much should help. I would even put wheel weights in the machine. I have had my 3720 in some pretty steep places, but with taking my time and being careful (and the ballast placed low on the machine) I have had no problems, and I live in a VERY hilly area. Also, a fully-ballasted 3000 series will not compact the ground as much as an unballasted 4000 series, based on my experience with them both, so if treading lightly is an issue keep that fact in mind. I really like the 3720 tractor, as it is a nice mix of power, enough size to do bigger jobs but not too much to be cumbersome and I really think by added appropriate ballast, if not done already, will really help with this feeling. I do though think some of it is a feeling, not the actuality that the tractor is tipping. They are pretty stable. If you want the MOST stable compact, go with either a 2520, 790, or 990. Their low wide stance is the most stable, and also feels it. Unfortunately the "90" series machines are gear drive and would be less manuverable around horse stalls, or if you needed to do a lot of fore/aft work with a loader.
John M
I have a 3720 also and have had several John Deere tractors recently. The mid frames can give this disconcerting feeling of being unsteady, but they are really pretty stable. The ARE NOT as stable as the 4000 series tractors, and I have had both. The key with the 3000 series, as with any tractor, is too add ballast low to reduce the COG. Loading the rears, and maybe the fronts if you are not going to be on pavement much should help. I would even put wheel weights in the machine. I have had my 3720 in some pretty steep places, but with taking my time and being careful (and the ballast placed low on the machine) I have had no problems, and I live in a VERY hilly area. Also, a fully-ballasted 3000 series will not compact the ground as much as an unballasted 4000 series, based on my experience with them both, so if treading lightly is an issue keep that fact in mind. I really like the 3720 tractor, as it is a nice mix of power, enough size to do bigger jobs but not too much to be cumbersome and I really think by added appropriate ballast, if not done already, will really help with this feeling. I do though think some of it is a feeling, not the actuality that the tractor is tipping. They are pretty stable. If you want the MOST stable compact, go with either a 2520, 790, or 990. Their low wide stance is the most stable, and also feels it. Unfortunately the "90" series machines are gear drive and would be less manuverable around horse stalls, or if you needed to do a lot of fore/aft work with a loader.
John M
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Might sound silly, but are your tires properly inflated. If one or more is at a lower pressure, might give an unstable impression.
Chris2520
Platinum Member
My 2520 is pretty stable on hills. I try not to test this fact to much...
but with a little common since. i been able to get where i need to be. feeling pretty comfortable....
I hate to hear yall talk about a 3720 this way . that was most likely going to be my next tractor . a 3720 with a 448 hoe. now yall got me nervious.
it may be a while though. i really love my 2520....
but with a little common since. i been able to get where i need to be. feeling pretty comfortable.... I hate to hear yall talk about a 3720 this way
. that was most likely going to be my next tractor . a 3720 with a 448 hoe. now yall got me nervious.it may be a while though. i really love my 2520....
nmu98
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Chris2520 said:My 2520 is pretty stable on hills. I try not to test this fact to much...
I hate to hear yall talk about a 3720 this way
it may be a while though. i really love my 2520....
The 3720 is ALOT MORE stable than the 2520 IMHO... It is a lot wider, BUT the 300CX lifts alot higher than the FEL on the 2520, so.... using it normally, you would be very happy with the 3720.... I think this guys issue is the MX5 rotary cutter on the back. That is not a good rear ballast... To high with too much movement when he hits holes and rutts...
