Considering JD4520 w/Cab & Ldr,

[ayesinstructor]

Hi All,

Considering a JD 4520 w/Cab. Would be interested in any comments, suggestions, or pros/cons on this unit. Is the extra money for the 4520 over the 4320 worthwhile? I have a 75 acre farm to maintain (drainage tile repair, chopping, grading driveways, lifting pallets, and moving bulk materials) plus a large landscaping project. We also may do snow removal and grass cutting with the 72" belly mower. In short, need a pretty versatile tractor that is maneuverable. Also, like the feature that you can put a backhoe on this unit with a cab. I appreciate your input and suggestions.

 

[sunnyside360]

Hi All,

Considering a JD 4520 w/Cab. Would be interested in any comments, suggestions, or pros/cons on this unit. Is the extra money for the 4520 over the 4320 worthwhile? I have a 75 acre farm to maintain (drainage tile repair, chopping, grading driveways, lifting pallets, and moving bulk materials) plus a large landscaping project. We also may do snow removal and grass cutting with the 72" belly mower. In short, need a pretty versatile tractor that is maneuverable. Also, like the feature that you can put a backhoe on this unit with a cab. I appreciate your input and suggestions.

I have a 4320 OS with 400X FEL and 485 BH. I think it will do all that you want to do with no problem. The 4520/4720 cab tractors are very nice. In fact, I'd probably get one of those if I had it to do over -- maybe in a couple of years.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[jenkinsph]

I have a 4520 cab tractor that I use for landscaping work and am very satisfied with it. I would not use a mid mount mower with it though, use the same money to buy a riding mower. If you still need a field mower buy a 3 pt unit, much easier to take on and off. I would also recommend you add in as options telescopic links, rear lighting, full weights, rear hydraulic outlets with diverter valve, upgraded cruise and loadmatch.

As far as the backhoe add ons I am not a fan of them and have a separate 110tlb with cab for this purpose. I think you may be better served to find a used excavator for a little more money, much easier to reposition while digging. Good used excavators are available for 10,000 to 20,000.


steve

 

[sunnyside360]

...........As far as the backhoe add ons I am not a fan of them and have a separate 110tlb with cab for this purpose. I think you may be better served to find a used excavator for a little more money, much easier to reposition while digging. Good used excavators are available for 10,000 to 20,000.

steve

I agree, especially for more heavy duty type of work. A few months ago, I agonized over buying either a new JD 485 BH for little less than $8K or a good used 1996 Case 580 Loader/BH with 2300 hrs from my 90 yr old neighbor for $23K. I chose the 485 BH. When digging some large stumps recently, I wish I had the Case machine but the 485 did do the job. The 485 BH does work quite well digging holes and ditches in the type of dirt around the area where I live.

Also, I use the 4320 tractor mostly for other work so the BH is not installed over 95% of the time. The 485 BH is extremely easy to install/uninstall w/o any wrenches -- just 2 pins and a couple hydraulic lines. For my use and application it's difficult for me to justify spending a lot more money.

 

[jenkinsph]

i should add that if a combination tractor with backhoe is important then you should consider the 110tlb. It does a good job as a tractor with the 3 pt hitch and top and tilt and is much easier to use as a backhoe. In 2005 I had to deal with this dilema of which to buy and decided to go with the 110 with upgraded hydraulics, top and tilt, boxblade, forks, hd loader bucket and a Laurin cab. This combination met all of my expectations and made it possible to add the new 4520 cab tractor. My guess is it isn't the right color to be considered a JD tractor by most buyers.

Since the 110 has the fel I was able to set up the 4520 with front weights and no loader making it more compact to work in close quarters. Now the 4520 handles most of the 3pt tasks and I can leave the 110 as the loader backhoe. This is working out well for me.


Steve

 

[radman1]

I just purchased a cabbed 4520 with 400x loader. I had a 3720 before that. IMHO, the 4520 is a bit too big for a lawn mower tractor unless you have a very big yard and lots of open spaces. I would opt for a RFM unstead of belly mower. They mow nice and you can get a 84 or 100" mower unless your area is hilly. I used an 84" on my 3720 and handled it easily. RFM much easier to take on/off, and cost less. I didn't get the mid pto with my 4520 and saved about $500 list.

 

[orlo]

I just purchased a cabbed 4520 with 400x loader. I had a 3720 before that. IMHO, the 4520 is a bit too big for a lawn mower tractor unless you have a very big yard and lots of open spaces. I would opt for a RFM unstead of belly mower. They mow nice and you can get a 84 or 100" mower unless your area is hilly. I used an 84" on my 3720 and handled it easily. RFM much easier to take on/off, and cost less. I didn't get the mid pto with my 4520 and saved about $500 list.

Radman: I have a 3720 cab and am thinking of upgrading to a 4720 cab. How did you find the difference between the 4520 and 3720? I do mow but don't use my MMM anymore and use an 84"RFM since the MMM is a pain in the butt. How do you like the additional loader capacity? Stability, power?