4x20 cab

[KB9UDE]

Hi guys

I may give up my power reverser tranny to move up into a cab tractor. Currently looking at a 4320 cab. What would be a reason to move up to a larger tractor in this series?? I have a 4120 that does everything i would expect a tractor of this size to do.

We farm 2,000 acres of corn and soybeans so I have larger tractors for big projects. This tractor is used for general loader work and mowing. I would like to consider a 8 ft finish mower along with my current 6ft rotary cutter.

 

[jenkinsph]

I considered a 4320 cab that was on the lot at the dealer when I was shopping for a new tractor. I have thought for a long time that a 60 hp tractor was a good size, so I went for the 4520 cab and have been well pleased with it. The extra power is better when going up hills and the 50 pto hp vs. the 40 pto hp also helped sell me on the 4520. Also I would get the upgraded cruise and economy pto (available on the 4520 and 4720) as the 4320 does not have the option for e pto.


In my opinion the ehydro is a step up from the power reverser transmission I hope you like it as much as I do. Combined with the upgraded cruise and loadmatch it makes manuevering soooo easy. I rarely need to touch the manual throttle for most jobs.

 

[eepete]

I looked at the 4320 and 4520. Went with the 4520. My selection process started with looking at implements, and the 50 HP at the PTO with the 4520 put me at the top range for most implements. So no worries about underpowered, having to mow too slow, etc. The E-pto looked good too.

Got mine in October, so it will take a new season of mowing with it (6' rotary and sickle cutter) to know for sure. Got some cutting done. I got the plain cruise control, after a season of mowing will make the call on the automotive. If I was ordering again I'd just get it. The sickle cutter is perfect on the E-pto. I can run the MX-6 on a field that had not been mowed all season at 5 MPH with a single pass. That's what the 50 HP on the PTO did for me. I can also run the MX6 on the E-pto setting for better fuel economy for fields that I mow like a lawn. Last gear tractors I used was as a kid, I like hydro and love e-hydro.

I did not get the 4720 because the extra PTO HP was more than any attachment I looked at would use. Also like the idea with the 4520 of extra margin of a little less power than the chassis could handle. I did get the air cushion "deluxe" seat that is standard on the 4720 cab, and am glad I did. That puts the cost difference between 4520 and 4720 in the $1200 range since the seat was about $600 more.

As Steve can attest, I can over analyze stuff. But that's my general thinking validated with some hindsight and experience. I'll know more at the end of next summer, but I think I'll still be real happy.

Pete WA1YYN

 

[Nuru]

I agree, go with the 4520, so those of us who were too chicken to go for the larger 4x20 series and can live through your exploits!

 

[KB9UDE]

I have been considering the 4720 because the way I see it if I am spending that much money on a machine it might as well be the big dog!!

I guess I really need to demo one to see. The only ehydro I have owned was a 3320 open station. I still really wish a PR tranny was an option.

If anyone has pics of their cabbed 4x20 in action I would love to see it.

73's Pete

 

[jenkinsph]

Well I would think that if in less than two hours posting time you have switched from a 4120 being capable enough to thinking a 4720 would be the better choice. Have fun sorting all this out.

 

[radman1]

I have been considering the 4720 because the way I see it if I am spending that much money on a machine it might as well be the big dog!!

I guess I really need to demo one to see. The only ehydro I have owned was a 3320 open station. I still really wish a PR tranny was an option.

If anyone has pics of their cabbed 4x20 in action I would love to see it.

73's Pete

I just bought a 4520 cab and replaced my 3720 cab. The 2009 and newer 4520's have the hp of the prior 4720's. More than enough power for that size of tractor. For me it was another 2k for the extra six hp of the 4720, in otherwise the same optioned tractor. Didn't like giving mother Deere the extra $$ for just reprogramming the computer. I have had gear shifts, collar shifts, PR, GST trannies and HST. For CUT's the HST just wins hands down compared to the others. Only if I was using it for heavy draft or tillage work would I want the PR. I use mine on the farm as well. Strongly recommend the R1 tires for farm work. I had R4's on the 3720 and the traction was just too poor in mud. The R1 tires can also be set easily to the right width for row crop work if needed. The clearance on the 3720 was also just not enough for what I needed. The R1's on the 4x20 series sets the tractor nice and high for row crops and mud.
I use a 72" bush hog mower and 84" finish mower. Both mowers were fine on the 3720 but even easier for the 4520. With an 8' finish mower, the scalping may be an issue. The e-pto is also a handy advantage when mowing.

 

[eepete]

Don't know if these are "in action" shots or "inaction" shots, two of them are when the 4520 was pretty clean. But here are some shots. Everyone likes pictures.

radman1's comment speaks to the win of more HP when mowing. His "extra $2K for six more HP" is part of the price, the other is that the air cushion seat is standard on the 4720 cab, and an option on all others. I ordered the seat making the difference closer to $1300 or so. Still not worth that for a 10% increase in HP and PTO HP that is more than the common implement range of 30 to 50 HP.

jenkinsph (Steve) is the 4520 king in my book. He has a lot of attachments and a neat top and tilt. My TnT is in progress, will post when it's done.

BTW no radio (music or ham) in the cab. I like my hobbies but sometimes they don't mix well. I like to be able to hear what's going on when doing tractor stuff and need to focus. You can see a little repeater project I did at:
The Graham Repeater Association

73 Pete