NEED OPINION ON 4720

Muleskinner · Apr 15, 2006

I need input from 4720 owners with enough hours on their machines to give an experienced opinion on the machine. Quality, fit and finish, power to weight ratio, Hydro trans, engine operation, Etc.

MidGALandscaper · Apr 15, 2006

The 4720's are well built. The tractor itselfs looks real good - you will not want it to get dirty. The power is exceptional well. There is a pretty noticeable difference between it and my 4310, size and power wise. I have no doubt the hydro transmission will provide many years of trouble free maintenance. The engine is a tad bit louder than the Yanmar on my 4310, but you will love the JD turbo engines.

jcmseven · Apr 16, 2006

I did not have a 4720 but I did have a 4520. Even that tractor had a tremendous amount of power. It was well made and comfortable to ride and operate. Do not let the sleek lines fool you, these machines are tough and heavy. As far as power to weight, I can tell you my older 4310 had to labor to climb some of the hills and grades in my work area and when loaded I had to use the "A" range often. With both the 3720 and 4520 I subsequently had, this was not a problem. Both machines could climb steep hills fully loaded bucket or box blade and keep on going, no problem. Honestly, and I never thought I would say this, the 4320 and 4520 would be plenty for most folks (probably the 4120 too); and the 4720 would be excess. I would have no concerns about the machine's power or toughness. And to boot, there is a really good warranty in the unlikely event there is a problem.

John M

Turkeyman · Apr 16, 2006

I have 4720 with 155 hr on it and it is a dream to work with. Plenty of power in mid range which I use for most plowing ( 3- 14 bottom plow, 6' chisle and 8' disk). My soil is red clay or sand clay hard pan. I use it hard in the woods and make foot plots with a 1700 lb Brown Tree cutter. The hydro is a dream with this cutter and I do all of my cutting at 1500 RPMs. It weights right at 10,000 lb ( FEL, 4 in 1 bucket, 4 tires loaded, FOPs, belly pan and MX6 cutter) and it has very good power to weight ratio weighed it If you work in the woods find a welder to make you a belly pan as it has too many hydro lines under it. I had some minor problems that were mostly fixed at the 50 hr checkup. It is Much louder then my old TC New Holland and the fuel gauge still does not give accurate readings. I tried to get bigger R1 or R4 tires but that is all that would fit. I rarely need to get it up to the rated RPM's speed to do what I need. I am 5'11 tall and there is plenty of room. The 400 loader is strong and it handles my Long 4 in 1 bucket well. You will love the 4720.

Muleskinner · Apr 16, 2006

You say the engine is louder than the Yanmar. Is this exhaust noise, or diesel engine knock noise? Also, is the engine made in Mexico like the JD 210 LE engine? The new 06 I demoed two weeks ago had an identification plate attached on the engine block that said "Made in Mexico" on it along side of the JD info. What's up with that?? JD claims to be an "All American made tractor."

ddivinia · Apr 16, 2006

I have 100 hours on my 4720 and I really like the tractor. I have the 400X loader, mX-6, 6' disc, PTO powered sprayer, etc, etc. I use it to mow, move round bales, spray chemicals, disc small stuff, etc. I call it the swiss army knives of tractors since they seem to have a million accessories for it.

The fit, finish, quality overall seems good. The gas guage was defective, a new sender fixed that.

The tractor has plenty of power, I could have probably gotten a 4120 and been happy.

The hydro trans is nice - my wife can drive it.

What do you plan on doing with it?

D.

dgl24087 · Apr 16, 2006

Nowadays, American Made seems to mean assembled in America.

Muleskinner · Apr 16, 2006

I'm a grading contractor and I need a compact tractor with a lot of power to do smaller jobs. I currently have a Kubota L39. It is a very nice tractor and does one heck of a job, but I need more power and FEL capacity.

As far as the Mexican engine, I believe JD is like GM and some others and has an engine plant in Mexico. They most likely cast their own blocks and do all of the machining and assembly there. Then ship the completed product to the good old USA where it is installed in JD's machine by an American plant worker. Not that that's a bad thing I guess, I just get a kick out of JD stating their machines are "All American made" when the engines are made in Mexico. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

jcmseven · Apr 16, 2006

I think you would find the 4720 to your liking. Really any of the 4000 series' machines will fit the bill nicely. As far as John Deere being "all American made" I am not sure they really claim this. John Deere WORLDWIDE is the thing I keep hearing them mention. I agree, John Deere is an icon of Americana, and it seems counterintuitive to see they made and source things overseas, but really they have had relationships with overseas manufacturing for many years, especially in engines. I think enough of the tractor is assembled and produced here that most of us patriots would be satisfied.

John M

Turkeyman · Apr 17, 2006

The exhaust noise level is much louder. The 4720 has 20 more HP then your L39. Backing up in mid range will snap your head back. The turbo will give you what you need when you need it. My concern would be the hydro flow that you are used to with your Kubota, 23 vs 17 would be very noticeable with the FEL.