Need Advice

OhioTractor44065 · Jan 8, 2009

Hello:

This is my first post but I would like to thank everyone in here for the info they have provided in other posts....it has been very useful.

OK, I need some advice. I am purchasing a new tractor and have narrowed it down to 2, JD2720 and JD 3520. The 3520 is not a hydro while the 2720 is. I have never driven a substantial tractor (outside of a garden tractor) without a hydro. However, the dealer is offering me a pretty good deal to get it out of his dealership (about 20% off list including implements...the difference is about $3500 between the 2720 and 3520) so I am tempted considering the upgrade in power/tractor over the 2720.

My question is, how hard will it be to learn to use the power reverser gear tractor? Is there anyone in here that recently learned to use a gear tractor and if so, how has it gone?

dirtworksequip · Jan 8, 2009

What is you experience with a standard transmission? What are you going to be using it for? Breakdown your task into a pecentage to determine what tansmission might work better. Try both tractors out at the dealer and see which one you like best. Do about 25 quick direction changes and see which one you like better. Forward,reverse,forward,reverse.......... Spend at least an hour on each machine to get a feel for which one you like.

Sincerely, Dirt

dqdave1 · Jan 8, 2009

If you are going to be using a FEL alot; Gear model not very user friendly. What type of tranny in the 3520.

OhioTractor44065 · Jan 8, 2009

Hi Dave:

Thanks for your response (and Dirt as well).

Its PowrReverser; 12F/12R.

I have no time on a gear tractor. The dealer assures me that it a snap to learn, but obviously, I wanted to see if there were any new users and to gauge their experience in learning they system. Just curious about the learning curve. Usage is going to be mixed, Some FEL work and tilling the main usage.

Thanks again

dqdave1 · Jan 8, 2009

I am not familier with the power reverser transmission, but i suspect you have a single lever to move forward and reverse, just place it in desired gear and just shuttle between forward and reverse. If no clutch is required , I think it would work very well for you. Please try it out at the dealer. Move it like you would for FEL work. If you are comfortable with it; you may get a larger tractor than you thought!

flusher · Jan 8, 2009

OhioTractor44065 said:
Hello:

This is my first post but I would like to thank everyone in here for the info they have provided in other posts....it has been very useful.

OK, I need some advice. I am purchasing a new tractor and have narrowed it down to 2, JD2720 and JD 3520. The 3520 is not a hydro while the 2720 is. I have never driven a substantial tractor (outside of a garden tractor) without a hydro. However, the dealer is offering me a pretty good deal to get it out of his dealership (about 20% off list including implements...the difference is about $3500 between the 2720 and 3520) so I am tempted considering the upgrade in power/tractor over the 2720.

My question is, how hard will it be to learn to use the power reverser gear tractor? Is there anyone in here that recently learned to use a gear tractor and if so, how has it gone?

My first gear tractor was a 1964 MF-135 diesel I bought in Jul06. No problem getting used to it's peculiarities.

My first gear tractor with a FEL is my 2008 Mahindra 5525 which has about as simple a gear transmission (partial constant mesh) as is found on a new tractor today. Again, no problem coming up to speed with the FEL. It just takes a little practice, patience and willingness to learn. Before you know it, muscle memory kicks in and using a gear tranny becomes automatic.

With a power reverser transmission on that 3520, you have a real leg up on my 5525 gear tranny. I say go for it.

TerryJ · Jan 9, 2009

I have had tractors with both and actually prefer the gear/shuttle shift over the hydrostat. Gear drive, power reverser, shuttle shift, etc. are all VERY easy to operate and get used to. Don't let that scare you. Take the time to operate both for an extended period of time and then you will have a better understanding of how the power reverser compares to the hydrostat. If it were me, I'd go with more power..............but that's just me. My $.02

coobie · Jan 9, 2009

I also like the shuttle shift verses the Hydro.Personal perference I guess.coobie

Cidertom · Jan 9, 2009

I have had the 12/12 in my old JD 4300, and now in the 4520. I realy like it better than the e-hydro. Since you can go just as fast in reverse as forward, it saves a lot of turning around. I don't like trying to keep my foot on an hydro pedal while turning in the seat for an extended period of time. I have done a lot of loading / excavating where that is a requirement, and the 12/12 has it all over the hydro for my money.

To each their own, but I would say go for it. The 3520 is so much more tractor anayway.

Ace Power Equipment · Jan 10, 2009

Ohio,

Couple more thoughts to consider. If it is a true clutch machine and not like a Glide Shift transmisson, how are your legs and knees? Good shape any problems, how long to do you plan to hold the tractor 5, 10 15 years any arthritis. How much clutching during k turns with a bucket full of dirt. How much shifting in reverse while looking over your shoulder? How much mowing, most hydrostats have some sort of cruise control for operator comfort. How big are you! 5 ft 6 145 lbs or 6'5 280 lbs. How much room do YOU have in the operator platform to perform the tasks. If your all bound up in the op platform shifting can be a pain in the buttocks. If your in Ohio, how much snow work?
Shifting is never as easy with a big set of wet boots and mittens on!! These are all thoughts I try and get customers to ask themselves when helping to select the right tool.
Hope this helps

Brian
848-992-6150