Help Me Decide

jim61 · Jun 14, 2006

Hello,

I would apprciate some advise. I just purchased a 5 ac parcel and needed a new machine for mowing and house building type stuff while building. Stuff like installing a sand mound, footers,gravel drive underground utilities etc. Also I hope to start my own landscaping business in the near future.

I previously owned a JD755 with loader and more recently a JD4310 with 430 loader and 48 backhoe.

I looked at everything, from Foton 40 hp at Rural King for $7999 to Machindra to Jimma to Farmpro to Montana to NH and Kubota and kioti-did i say everything. I keep comming back to John Deere for several reasons, the resale and quality. THe price difference between say a comp Kioti and Machindra is not that big . So I think I am leaning to a John Deere again.

THey have a 0% 3 yrs rate and a 3 yr warranty. I'm torn between two machines. THe JD 3720 ehyro with 400cx loader and 48 backhoe and the 4120 with 400x loader and 48 backhoe but with the power reverser tranny. THe 3720 has a three clynder yanmar turbo with 44hp and 35 at the pto > The 4120 is 43 hp 4 cyl turbo but its JD Powertech engine. Here is where the issue come in

I perfer the yanmar engine since Im not to sure on JD engines but a 4 cyl is better than a three. Also the 4120 looks like a heavier machine. The knock on it is the power reverser since I always had hydros not sure if im gonna like it. Today I drove it a bit doing a little loader work and its kinda hard for me to get used to.

So the question, do I go with the 4120 hydo and deere engine or the 3720 ehydro with yanmar eng? Anyone know who builds both for Deere-yes I know they assemby in GA but all theses must be built offshore to JD specs by others like Yanmar.

Price is not an issue since both come in around $28,500

Thanks for the advise

Dex · Jun 14, 2006

Jim,

I have the 3720 ehydro and I will never go back. Had a 770 standard prior to this and do not know how I had it all these years. Really it did all I needed it to do at he time and then I got into the grading and landscape business. If you are going in that direction I would suggest sticking with the ehydo for the ease of use. Just my two cents worth.

wolc123 · Jun 14, 2006

I have a 4120 and like it, but if mowing is your primary task then the 3720 might be the better choice (Hydro is a lot better for this, as is a lighter machine). If you need the hydaulic power or capacity and size for larger tasks then the 4120 has the advantage by a wide margin. Note how much higher the 4120 will lift. It has no problem loading tandem dump trucks and lifting round bales while the 3720 would be marginal or inadequate for these and other big jobs.

Doc_Bob · Jun 14, 2006

Buy what will make you happy. Listen to your heart.
Bob

Soundguy · Jun 15, 2006

( I perfer the yanmar engine since Im not to sure on JD engines but a 4 cyl is better than a three. )

# of cyl's is not a great judge of an engine by itself.

Now.. hp ratings and rpm can factor in to that. For instance.. On the old fords.. there were (older) 4 cyl gas engines.. that were updated to 3 cyl engines... the 3 cyl was a better eng... no doubt about it.

Now.. fast forward. I had a NH 1920.. 4 cyl.. rated about 30 hp or so. Then the boomers come out.. like the tc 30.. 3 cyl eng.. also 30 hp... In that case.. my 4 cyl.. was rated for similar power.. and was a bigger engine.. .. more cubes.. etc. in that situation.. i think they are overworking the smaller engine.. and I would prefer the 4.. but you have to view all that in context..

I wouldn't be afraid of JD engines...

Soundguy

cast_and_blast · Jun 15, 2006

I don't know that you qualify for the JD 0% for 36 months if the unit will be used commercially (i.e. your landscape business).

Good Luck!

Scott

Kyle_in_Tex · Jun 15, 2006

( I previously owned a JD755 with loader and more recently a JD4310 with 430 loader and 48 backhoe)

You've asked a question that many of us have pondered also. Bigger frame and weight vs. convenience of smaller frame and less weight. The 3720 is basically a 4310 with 10 more PTO HP. Since you had a 4310 you know what they can do. Do you need the beefier size and frame? Only you'll know...

rockyridgefarm · Jun 15, 2006

For a landscaping business, I would prefer the 3720. It would be easier to trailor and get into a bit tighter spaces.

a reverser is great, but if you like the hydro, don't go there...

The financing can be to you as an individual, you still will be able o use it for a business application later. YMMV see your accountant for details.

Dutch445 · Jun 19, 2006

The 0% for 36 months is available to both residential and
commercial customers.. shouldn't be a problem.

If you liked the size of your 4310 with the backhoe etc,
then you would like the new 3720 and it's additional power.

if you thought that it was too small.... you can then opt
for the 4020 tractors, and get the JD engines.

both great tractors.. but you'll probably like the hydro
better over time....

good luck