JD 2720 vs 2520

[Rand]

Looking to upgrade my 2305 to either 2520 or 2720. Looking at the 2520 and 2720 and it seems the only real difference is engine hp and torque. Is it worth the extra $ they charge for the 2720??

PS. The rear PTO, in my case, would be used primarily for for brush hogging, and rototilling.

 

[KennyG]

Unless you plan on really big equipment, it doesn't seem like the 2720 adds much. It has 3 more PTO HP and is rated for 100 lbs more 3PH lifting power, but otherwise it's about the same tractor as the 2520. Hydraulic flow is the same.

 

[RaisedonDeere]

Unless you plan on really big equipment, it doesn't seem like the 2720 adds much. It has 3 more PTO HP and is rated for 100 lbs more 3PH lifting power, but otherwise it's about the same tractor as the 2520. Hydraulic flow is the same.

I've been faced with the same dilemma. In my mind more hp is always good but there has to be a fine line in how much your gonna get for that extra $$$ 3hp for the PTO isn't much. Plus take into concideration that JD is offering $1,000 cash back promotion w/ 2 implements not to mention the 2520 is $1,800 less as well. I know decisions, decisions :confused2:

 

[pdp11]

If you are planning on using the rear PTO enough to make use of a few more horsepower, then it might be worth it. I own a 2520, and I'm very happy with it.

 

[castiman]

I was debating between the 2520/2720 and bought the 2520 last week. No brainer for me,1727.00 more in base price and 800.00 less in rebate, for a total of 2527.00 more, I don't think so. That's too much just for a extra 3hp in my opinion, I'll be using that extra money toward loader forks, a tooth bar and box blade.

 

[RaisedonDeere]

I was debating between the 2520/2720 and bought the 2520 last week. No brainer for me,1727.00 more in base price and 800.00 less in rebate, for a total of 2527.00 more, I don't think so. That's too much just for a extra 3hp in my opinion, I'll be using that extra money toward loader forks, a tooth bar and box blade.

Perfect use of the extra $2527.00 saved Well spent !!!:thumbsup:

 

[revitupfaster]

I also have a 2520, and am also very happy with my decision to go with it. When I was looking to purchase, (Last August thereabouts), I was originally looking at the 2320, which in reality probably would have been enough for me.

I thought that because of the physical size difference between the 2305, the 2320 should have had a larger engine, not to mention that I was trading in an older Yanmar CUT, with a 27hp engine, and really didn't want to go smaller. The other differences that the 2520 has (faster hydraulics / Direct Fuel Injection / more weight etc.) sealed the deal.

Taking all the differences into account, as you say, between the 2520 & 2720, the only difference that I can see is the added hp. I have not had a situation yet, where I felt I needed any more hp. Certainly not for the $1800 price difference. If it were me, and I felt I needed more hp, I would be looking at the 3000 series. The 2520 is plenty capeable for what I want it to do.

As many have said, you will probably run out of traction long before you run out of power with the 2520, and adding a few more horses won't help that. Some have said, and probably they are right, the 2720 would run larger demand PTO implements better, but again, I think if you need more than what the 2520 will do, go for a 3000 series, and skip the 2720.

REV

 

[MaJYk]

I have had both, currently the 2720. I use my 5' brush hog a lot. I stayed with the 2k series because of size/weight.
Rear PTO is really the only area where you will notice a difference and you will notice it. It may only be 3 PTO HP, but when comparing such small numbers it is a significant %.
For forks on these small tractors I recommend the one you can read about on here by searching "lightweight pallet forks"

 

[ChuckinNH]

I have the 26 Hp Kubota, and thought that was a real sweet spot in their line up. This year I have spent as much time blowing snow with my rear mounted 54" snowblower, and that is one place I could use a few more horsepower. Now I'm not so sure I wouldn't buy a 2720 over the 2520 if I could work that price difference down a bit.

 

[Runner]

I use a 6 foot rear finish mower and a 5 foot brush hog with my 2520. It handles them, but if I were buying a new one right now, I'd go for the 2720 and would not look back. The 2720 wasn't available when I bought mine.

 

[jcmseven]

One thing not mentioned here is that the torque difference between the two is pretty large. I have not looked it up recently, but I recall the 2520 having 51 lb. feet of torque and the 2720 having well over 60 pound feet. I want to say the difference is around 12-14 lb. feet, which is substantial in these sized machines, especially having two range hydrostatics. I have professed and still feel all of the 2000 series machines are priced too high for the features they offer (I have a 2320 right now), but I feel with the tasks you mention--which benefit from the extra torque--going with the 2720 would offer a noticeable benefit.

John M

 

[Nuru]

If you can afford it, go for the 2720, more power always seems to come in handy.

 

[Rand]

Turn out I was going to purchase two implements with the new tractor. With the $1,000.00 factory incentive applying only to the 2320 and 2520, my choice ended up being clearer than imagined. Hopefully I won't regret it later, but paying $2500.00 more for the extra 5 hp didn't seem to make sense to me.

 

[castiman]

Turn out I was going to purchase two implements with the new tractor. With the $1,000.00 factory incentive applying only to the 2320 and 2520, my choice ended up being clearer than imagined. Hopefully I won't regret it later, but paying $2500.00 more for the extra 5 hp didn't seem to make sense to me.

My feelings exactly,3 weeks ago I bought the 2520 with loader and snowblower for the 2 implements and put the extra 2500.00 plus another 500.00 for the incentive for buying a x series plus another 500.00 for the jd loyalty program toward a x530 for strictly mowing.

 

[Artesia Aggie]

Turn out I was going to purchase two implements with the new tractor. With the $1,000.00 factory incentive applying only to the 2320 and 2520, my choice ended up being clearer than imagined. Hopefully I won't regret it later, but paying $2500.00 more for the extra 5 hp didn't seem to make sense to me.

I came that same conclusion last year when I bought my 2520. I was originally looked at the 2320 but opted for the 2520 because of the added HP and better hydraulics. I have a 48" bush-hog and a 48" tiller and have not regretted my decision.

 

[BethesdaEC]

I came that same conclusion last year when I bought my 2520. I was originally looked at the 2320 but opted for the 2520 because of the added HP and better hydraulics. I have a 48" bush-hog and a 48" tiller and have not regretted my decision.

I was going to purchase a 2320 last year, but the dealer was out of stock. Fortunately he had a shiny new 2520 so I told my wife we would have to go that instead since the dealer wasn't sure when he would get the 2320 in. The 2320 did come in before I actually made the purchase, but I may have forgotten to mention it to my wife.

I am glad I when with the 2520, the extra power, hydraulics and 40 amp alternator are just some reasons.

 

[BethesdaEC]

Another thought, if you are think about a purchase, do it now. The Tsunami that hit Japan today could have long term effects on the supply chain for these tractors. There could well be a shortage on the manufacturing side that could dry up inventory and drive prices higher.