5303 vs. 4320

[Dissolute]

Hello. This is my first posting, and I am here to report that I have tractor fever.

After discussing the question with tractor owners, friends, and going to three different manufacturer dealerships, I was surprised to find that John Deere had the best reputation and the local dealership had at least comparable prices.

Which brings me to my question. Given the substantive differences in the 5*** series and 4*** series compact utility tractors:

1. Which will last longer/require less maintenance?
2. Which is easier to use? (I would eventually like a backhoe, and front end loader, along with the bushhog, boxscrape, and finish-mower.
3. Which is the better value?
(HP for $ seems to be 5*** series, but should that be my primary concern).
4. Would members of the forum recommend the JD front end loader and backhoe over Bushhog or other after-market manufacturers.

Background information: We own 5.3 acres of hilly property with rocky soil, pine tree, briars, a small pond, and a garden area, with a substantial number of pine trees, in NW Georgia.

P.S. Who is the JD dealer/salesperson of choice in NW Georgia?

Thanks.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

The 5303 is a bargain utility tractor for serious (but small scale) farming.

The 4000TWENTYs and 3000TWENTYs are deluxe machines. For loader work, unless you are after absolute grunt, the compacts will actually be superior. They have reverser or hydrostatic transmissions and are for better suited for landscaping, mowing and other large estate functions.

Get your major attachnments (loader, hoe) from Deere. There is more to it than the color match. They work best, hold up the best and are serviced the best when you are using them on a Deere. For instance, say another brand loader shows greater capacity for the same money, but you develope front axle issues. Deere may (rightly) claim that you exceeded the design specs. BrandX might say that it is the tractor manufacturer's fault, and the dealer might have vaporized. But, furthermorte the Deere loaders perform very well.

Same for backhoes. No one else makes a backhoe that mountls like Deere's RSA hoes. They go on and off in a flash, do not interfere with the loader or mid mower (as if you were going to mow with a hoe mounted...) But seriously, there are several brands which do not allow the mid mower and backhoe to be installed on the same machine, even if you remove one to add the other....

Resale is likely to be better with all same name equipment.

(bush hog does make fine products, btw)

In the end I think that you will enjoy a CUT over a UT and it will be the better value in the long run. None of these are high maintenence.

One last suggestion. Try to get all that you will want up front, or at least get the plumbing. Adding options up front is often less costly than later. This is especially true of hydraulics, and the mid pto. Getting them from the factory, it is put on as the machine is assembled, later the machine has to be tore down and rebuilt... At least, price them both up front and to be added later, so that you can make an informed choice.

 

[Dissolute]

Thanks for the quick response.

I was leaning toward the 4320 after having it demonstrated--all the controls are where I would expect them to be, etc.

You mentioned getting the proper plumbing at the time of purchase. I understand John Deere is very accomodating. What would your recommend besides:

1. The hydraulic quick connects at the center line (for the front end loader), and at the back (for the back hoe)
--are these the "scvs" referred to on the board?

2. telescoping draft lines for convenience and ease of connecting implements.

Thanks again.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

the mid SCVs are for the loader and are Std Equipment.

Tha hoe uses Power Beyond. This is in the rear (ok - things don't ALWAYS make sense...) This is different than the 3rd (4th or 5th) scv's. If you are pretty sure of a hoe, I'd get the PB.

The 3rd is controlled by a lever behind the main joystick. It is used for the mid mower, or a grapple or maybe a hydraulic toplink. Or other things... If the money's not a big issue, I'd suggest getting it up front as well...

 

[rockyridgefarm]

the draft links are great. One tip. There usually is no savings getting these with the machine. (unlike all those other things...)

Probably, if you get the tractor with the telescopic links only, it will be the same price as if you bought them in addition to the fixed links - so get both!

 

[CWP37]

I've been looking at the same comparison 5103 vs. 4120. You get a lot more HP for the money with the 5000's, but no bells and whistles. The 4000's are more comfortable and more nimble, but more expensive. I don't think you'd go wrong with either. I'm debating the cheaper now or waiting until I can get what I want.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

<font color="green"> Background information: We own 5.3 acres of hilly property with rocky soil, pine tree, briars, a small pond, and a garden area, with a substantial number of pine trees, in NW Georgia. </font>

For this kind of useage a CUT is a perfect choice. And I don't think that a 3000TWENTY should be ruled out. On my hilly rocky tree covered land I am very glad to have a mid chassis machine...

 

[BloomingtonMike]

In fact I would think that with the listing above as property features I would demand MFWD. I have a uniquely hilly environment on my property with teh way it was designed to drain water and keep the pond safe from the fields. Get the MFWD in whatever model you choose. The 3X series is fantastic if you do not require a lot of large round bail hay moving and do not require using hay equipment. It will basicly do just about everything else I can factor into 5 acres. I own a 3320 on 6.05 acres. It is down right fun to use!

 

[wolc123]

Check into where these models are made (hint- it is on different continents). Maybe this will not influence your decision but it sure did mine, then again, I also drive nothing but fords and chevys on the road. Also, your finish mowing requirement should definitely narrow your selection.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Good point Mike. A 3720 MFWD will likely spank a 5303 2wd on his land.

I move hay all the time with mine. On the 3 point I have no limitations, more so with the loader. Heavy hay work would require a bigger machine. But under 10 acres, that doesn't make sense.