New JD 4520 vs '03 4610

[Tact]

Now my head is spinning more than ever being that tomorrow I was all set to sign the papers on a new 4520 with a 400CX loader for $26,500, when yesterday a friend of mine called and advised he was selling his '03 4610 with a 460 loader and almost 400 hours, he's asking $17,500. Both tractors have the eHydro transmissions, HD buckets, and R4 tires.
Besides the obvious, the new tractor comes with a JD warranty, 0% financing, except for the 1.8% fee, and heavier lift capacity with the 400CX loader; it's also $9000 more than the '03.
What would you do?????? Someone guide me to a logical decision. I know the ultimate decision is mine but is spending $9000+ worth it for the 4520 over the 4610? Once I take delivery of a new tractor it then becomes used. What differences are there actually, except for new vs. used?

 

[kennyd]

I think for $9k I would go with the 4610, get a #448 Backhoe, and still have a little extra money. Also, since it's your freind selling it, you already know how it's been maintained (whether that's good or bad )

 

[AKfish]

That is a "sticky wicket"! Gotta ask yourself what it is you want/need to do with the tractor (any tractor) once you get it.

The 4520 has quite a bit more ummphh under the hood than the 4610. (53hp turbo vs 44hp, I believe). Haven't look at the hydraulic capabilities (GPM and pressure) but I'd probably bet on the 4520 coming out on top there, too.

As part of the decision outlining what it is you want to do with the tractor, what attachments will you be looking for in the future? That $9K will go a long ways towards gettin' your hands on a new hoe, tiller, rake, box blade, mower, etc.

I know it would be a hard decision for me --- but I'd want to be out in the dirt doin' somethin' instead of just lookin' at that shiny new tractor sittin' in the driveway. To do that, ya' gotta have somethin' hooked to the back end!

 

[ktm250rider]

Yup, first thing i thought, buy 4610 and put on a backhoe. I got my 4510 from a friend who was getting divorced and he didnt want his wife to get it. Got it for a great price. For some reason though, I keep calling it his tractor.
Ive only watched the JD videos so I cant say for sure, but it seems like the FEL functions are a lot faster on the new machines. Thats a huge sticking point with me. I cant seem to raise and dump at the same time any faster than raising to the height and then dumping bucket. It could be that Im just impatient.
Oh yeah, mine had only 75 hours on it when I got it, so it was basically new.