Anyone running a late model JD 4720?

PhillyDeere · Feb 16, 2012

Any feedback on the John Deere 4720? I'm in the market for a new tractor and I'm wondering if the shoe will fit. My land size is 14-15 acres, I will be performing standard farm duties and some loader / backhoe work.

Martian · Feb 16, 2012

4720 is a nice tractor, we have couple members with them. In your last thread you mentioned std. farming. Do you mean haying as well? If your moving round bales the 4x20 would be a good idea, but for standard property maintenance on 15 acres usually doesn't require a tractor that large. Really depends all upon what you want to do though...

PAfarmer · Feb 17, 2012

I have a 4700 machine. Zero problems. Perfect size tractor. Not to small, not to big..

qstott · Feb 17, 2012

I replaced a JD 1050 in December with a 2007 4720 cab tractor. The farm we rent out is about 100 acres. Even though we rent it, there are still a lot of projects I like to do. About half of it is in trees and paths that I maintain along with 4 big yards and driveways. I don't "farm" with it. I use it as a utility tractor. All I can say is WOW, what a nice tractor for me. It has plenty of power, 4 wheel drive is great, three ranges for the transmission, hydro, etc. The turning radius is much better than my old tractor. I was concerned about using it in and around the woods, but it's much more nimble, and easier to get around in tight spots. It has a 400cx loader than has done all I have asked it to, so far. Mine has R4s and they are the right tires for me. I'm not sure this is the tractor I would choose for breaking land or plowing. It's not really designed for row crop use. I have no problems with a disc, and wouldn't expect any with a tiller. But, it's not the best tractor for a breaking plow. The wheel width and tire size would be clumbersome for a breaking plow.

Every time I use it, I'm thinking, this tractor is almost too nice for me. If it didn't have a cab, I probably wouldn't feel almost guilty when using it.

I'mn not sure what your plans are for a tractor, but if you need a "utility" tractor, I would highly recommend it.

shortthrow50 · Feb 17, 2012

I have 10 and a half acres and went with a 3520 cab tractor. Ordered it and supposed to be here by end of this month. Probably a better size to go with for 15 acres rather than the 4000 series tractor but don't know for sure

qstott · Feb 17, 2012

For me, the biggest advantage of the 4000 over the 3000 series was ground clearance. It may not be an issue for you

sunnyside360 · Feb 17, 2012

I have a 2007 JD 3720 cab tractor with loaded R4's and a 2010 JD 4320 open station tractor with loaded R4's for maintaining 300 acres -- about half woods and half fields. The 3720 is used mainly for mowing about 6 acres of lawn in summer, running 5 ft rotary cutter, and clearing snow on about half mile driveway in winter. The 4320 is used for mowing fields with 6 ft rotary cutter and 7 ft sickle bar, running 485 BH, working 400X fel, grapple work, maintaining wild game plots, and etc.

Both tractors have way more power than required to do the work. Tire slippage will always occur before running out of power for what I do but if you are running PTO powered equipment which requires much more HP and/or weight, then a larger tractor may be needed. I'd think either the 3x20 or 4x20 series would do. One thing is for sure, it's better to have the HP when needed than to need it and not have it. Just my $0.02.

jenkinsph · Feb 17, 2012

I have a 4520 cab and am very satisfied with it, 60 hp is plenty of power for most things you will do.

charleyfarmall · Feb 17, 2012

It will do what you need to do. HP is more than adequate. Wheelbase will be the issue. The longer the wheelbase the better the ride and in bigger fields where you spend a lot of time at higher speeds it makes a difference. The 4000 series is kind of at the minimum wheelbase for large fields but will be excellent for you at 15 acres. The next size up is a full size ag utility which gets to big for only 15 acres and they are really big to maneuver around barns and things.

PhillyDeere · Feb 18, 2012

Thanks for the feedback everyone. To follow up on some of your questions I will be doing a little square bailing for winter goat feed, maintaining an apple orchard, brush hogging, some grounding prepping for fruits/veggies, post hole digging, and maintaining about 2k feet of gravel drives. I have always been a power junking plus a power to weight ratio person. Getting into a new tractor of this value and size is a big leap for me so I want to do it right. I must say the welcome has been warn. :thumbsup: Thanks again.