Buying Advice John Deere 3320 or 3520

[EHC73]

I am deciding between a used JD3520 with cab, 300cx loader, and loaded tires with 182 hours or a new 3320 without cab and a 300x loader. I love the cab but the warranty is 3 months or 30 hours and the condition is used looking with a dented in front grill, scratch on the hood and rusted loader from being stored outside.

 

[EHC73]

The JD 3520 is a Turbo Engine. My understanding is that it is a smaller engine than the 3320 but delivers more hp because it is Turbo. I have read in some of these threads that turbo shortens the life of the engine. Is this a fact or an opinion? How do loaded tires affect the performance of the tractor? More ballast is good but does it work the engine and transmission any harder?

 

[Zebrafive]

What is the price difference?
I'd deduct the price of a new grill.
How bad's the scratch? If it REALLY bothered me enough to have fixed, deduct that cost too. If small, normal wear and tear, live with it and blame it and all new scratches on the former owner
What's rusty on the loader? Just the bucket? If so that's pretty normal.
Loaded tires are a plus if Rimguard. Good way to add ballast and keep a low center of gravity. Rear ballast will lighten front axle load and may be needed too.

I do NOT think a turbo shortens engine life. Don't let that make you pass. It's improper operation and maintainance that shortens engine life.

 

[Martian]

As Zebra mentioned, proper maintenance on the turbo and everything should be ok.

The biggest thing is: 183 hours is practically brand new. To get a machine with more HP, nicer loader, and a cab, I would sacrifice 183 hours. I guess the most important thing would be how much of a difference are you talking between the machines?

If you go with the 3320, I would at least get the CX loader and rim guard in the tires.

 

[mjncad]

How about some pictures of the used rig. As much as I prefer new, I'd be tempted to go used in this case as you're getting more bang for your buck.

As long as the used one hasn't been beat to he!!, it should be a good deal if the price is the same and you can get the dealer to throw in a replacement grille.

The hours on the used machine are low; but some people can beat the crap out of things within a couple of hours.

 

[EHC73]

The price is the same at 24k. The dealer just got the 3520 in on trade and is willing to go down in price $500. Low hours (181) is appealing to me but after looking over New machines (3320 no cab) I noticed the imperfections on the used one. There is some paint chips and rust on the arms of the loader too. The Bucket I expect to see the wear. Nothing that cannot be touched up but I view it as how the machine was treated. The dent in the front grill does not look like it damaged anything in the engine. The scratch on the hood seems superficial. The engine sounds good to my non professional ear. I hesitate most on the short warranty on the used machine. I am a big fan of the cab though and on a new machine it is a $6500 option. The tires are loaded with Beat Juice and I am not sure how I stand on loading the tires. Not a deal breaker.

I like your advice on blaming the former owner.

 

[EHC73]

I have not figured out how to load photos yet. I will work on it.

mjncad, Your point is how I see things. "some people can beat the crap out of things within a couple of hours."

The dealer is going to go over the machine prior to delivery and change all the fluids. Sales man is receptive to touching up the loader and grill but did not offer to replace it. I will bring it up again.

 

[RoyJackson]

The grill being damaged is a bummer, but that kind of thing happens when you do loader work...
As far as the loader being rusty...well, it is a used machine, after all. I think you're being too particular.

Tractors are built to work, and they're going to have battle scars from working. That's a fact of life...unless you plan on keeping it in a garage and just looking at it now and then.

What tasks do you have planned for the tractor you buy?

 

[EHC73]

Here are a couple of pictures. Cannot see Dent in the grill in the picture.

 

[JimRB]

I have a broken headlight and tail light. My loader has rust on it. My bucket is rusty. I spent a few hours moving manure and compost yesterday. The tractor worked as expected. If I lived up north and thought I was going to use the tractor to move snow in the winter, that cab would be wonderful. Heck I have been stuck mowing in the rain and a cab would have been nice. 183 hours is tiny. Heck I have seen tractors with over 4,000 hours and folks report 8,000 plus hours. Think of it another way that 183 miles might be 18,300 miles on a car if you could drive real fast everywhere. Or maybe 9,000 miles if you drive like normal folks. Most folks only consider a car worn out at 9,000 miles if they drive 140-160 mph all the time. By the way my car has 323,000 miles on the original turbo and no major engine repairs. I figure on getting 600,000 miles out of the car before I want to replace it but we shall see in another 8 years. Truck also has a turbo but it only has 135,000 miles. But it is a Cummins so it is probably only good for a million miles. Good oil, proper cool down and a turbo last a long time.