3720 Feels Tippy

[wayupnth]

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?

 

[RoyJackson]

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. EDITED BY ROY 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?

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.

 

[wayupnth]

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]

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.

 

[RoyJackson]

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

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]

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

 

[jcmseven]

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

 

[BTDT]

Might sound silly, but are your tires properly inflated. If one or more is at a lower pressure, might give an unstable impression.

 

[Chris2520]

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....

 

[nmu98]

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....

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...

 

[RoyJackson]

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...

Yep...concur...after all, the 3720 is a real tractor...
Heeheeheeheehee!

 

[wayupnth]

For clarification, I am not using the MX5 as a ballast. I have a ballast box filled with concrete but I have not done a great deal of work with the FEL so I haven't used it much. The majority of the work I have done has been bush hogging so that is what implement has been on the most. I have even noticed the uneasy feeling riding on a paved road with a backhoe on, simply from the natural crown in the road. I guess I need a tilt meter

 

[Chris2520]

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...

Well , I haft to disagree with you on this whole statement. first off i have seen a 2520 and a 3720 side by side. and its not much wider at all . a little but not much. and a 3720 is higher off the ground. and the weight is not that substantial. so i would haft to disagree. i feel there is no way a 3720 is more stable on hills than a 2520.

Even so , if i bought another tractor. it still would most likely be a 3720
and a 448 hoe.....

 

[RoyJackson]

For clarification, I am not using the MX5 as a ballast. I have a ballast box filled with concrete but I have not done a great deal of work with the FEL so I haven't used it much. The majority of the work I have done has been bush hogging so that is what implement has been on the most. I have even noticed the uneasy feeling riding on a paved road with a backhoe on, simply from the natural crown in the road. I guess I need a tilt meter

Yep...a tiltmeter would be nice. Now, this isn't going to prevent a roll over...but I think it'll help instill confidence (and prevent you from getting into a situation you don't want to be in!).

One thing...when I suggested getting those tires filled. It takes a certain amount of inertia to roll a tractor. Adding weight as low as possible adds to the resistance to rolling over even though you may feel uncomfortable. One thing our illustrious Moderator, Bird, did was park his tractor on a slope, get off and give the machine a good shake. The tractor didn't budge...even though it was on enough of a slope to give Bird a bad feeling. After reading Bird's post, I did the same thing on a slope I was scared of. The tractor didn't roll over...not even close. Now, I'm still nervous going across that slope (and I don't too often...no use tempting fate), but I do have more confidence.

And, as long as you're belted in and the ROPS is up, even rolling probably wouldn't injure you.

Also, one poster mentioned checking your tire pressure...that would be a good idea...all four tires. Even a low front tire makes the tractor feel mushy.

 

[Chris2520]

For clarification, I am not using the MX5 as a ballast. I have a ballast box filled with concrete but I have not done a great deal of work with the FEL so I haven't used it much. The majority of the work I have done has been bush hogging so that is what implement has been on the most. I have even noticed the uneasy feeling riding on a paved road with a backhoe on, simply from the natural crown in the road. I guess I need a tilt meter

How long have you had this tractor. you say you feel uneasy on paved road with the hoe. . some reson you just seem nervious. have you had some incident with the tractor that has caused you to feel like this. or have you just never been on hills on a tractor. i am a little confused..

Chris.......

 

[RoyJackson]

Well , I haft to disagree with you on this whole statement. first off i have seen a 2520 and a 3720 side by side. and its not much wider at all . a little but not much. and a 3720 is higher off the ground. and the weight is not that substantial. so i would haft to disagree. i feel there is no way a 3720 is more stable on hills than a 2520.

That depends on the tires, Chris. The 3720 can be as much as 17" wider then the 2520. And those larger tires, especially when loaded, are really heavy.
Personal experience...my 790, even though it was considerably (6-8 inches at the seat) taller then my first tractor (670...close in size and weight to your 2520), feels a lot more stable. Of course, this is a subjective "seat of the pants" feel. Both machines had filled tires, but there was much more weight in the taller 790 tires.

I drove a backhoe (a Ford and a real one, not a 3PH type) for about a year. Even that machine tended to "wag" it's tail on paved roads, especially at higher speeds (20-25 MPH road gears). That Ford weighed close to 3 tons.

 

[wayupnth]

I have about 50 hours on the tractor and no, I haven't had any problems. I have seen a friend with a 3520 lift one wheel off the ground just backing up a small, very benign hill and turning the steering wheel. I guess all the weight of the tractor was on the front wheels and as soon as he turned the steeing wheel, the tractor almost tipped. FEL empty and down. This was on my property on a hill that I think most wouldn't have thought anything of. He was backing up a 2-3 foot high embankment (not very steep) on solid lawn that leads to the driveway. When his back wheels were on the driveway and the front was still at the bottom of the small hill, he turned the steering wheel and one rear wheel came right off the ground. Thankfully, he didn't tip. That was enough to have me wondering. He has a lot more experience than I do.

I do need to check the tire pressure. I haven't done that in a while.

 

[kude]

I have a 3520 cab and know that tippy feeling. As time goes on that paranoia diminishes, but the manuevering issues are still there. I take it easy on any incline especially when turning. I won't use it in the ditch going parallel to the road, that I reserve for the 755.

I got to say one thing about the 3520, it made me fill any holes or low spots where it feels tippy with earth.

 

[orlo]

Hi:

I have a 3720 cab and know the feeling. ;O) I'm getting loaded R3's swapped on but for now I have unloaded R4's that the dealer delivered it with waiting on the R3's. I had the pucker factor a few times when I was using the loader with a grapple with an 800lb stump grinder on the back. The loader is very strong and it's easy to lift one of the rear wheels off the ground if the loader is unbalanced (I was lifting tree trunks). More than once I downed the bucket as fast as I could, even having it very low to begin with.

I am getting 6" wheel extensions to bring the width out to 72" since I want it to feel as stable as it possibly can. Once you get used to it it's not as unstable as it feels. I wouldn't dare use my loader without a lot of ballast or my 1000-1100lb ballast block on the back. Even with loaded tires if you don't have ballast you can lift the rear easily.

When mowing with the loader on (no bucket), unloaded R4's, and th 72"MMM (about 450+lbs way, way down low) I've had it tilted about 15 degrees (about the max they recommend for CUT's - BTW I have a tiltmeter). I'm always nervous, have it in 4WD and am ready to cut down the slope at the slightest sign of tilt but it seems stable. I do agree with Roy, anything about 10 or mroe degrees and it feels funny. Moreso with the loader.

I find particularly bothersome the way the 3000 series can 'rock' if you hit a series of holes or bumps.

 

[wayupnth]

Well I'm glad that I'm not the only one who feels that way. I agree that there is a huge amount of rocking when hitting bumps. Like yours, my tractor is also about 60" wide but if I were to add extensions I might want to consider just moving up to a 4x20. The local dealer is going to drop off a 4320 and let me try it so I can decide (pretty nice, huh?) I need to get a tiltmeter.

Orlo, what do you think of the stump grinder? Does it work as well as the online video shows? I am considering one.