Newbie looking at 3120 vs 3320

[GeaugaDeere]

I've been reading TBN for about 6-8 months, what a great site.
After talking it over with my wife, I've gotten the green light to go ahead and start pricing some tractors. I'm looking at the Deere 3120/3320 with e-hydro, a FEL, and a "brush hog" to tame some of this wilderness of mine. Some questions I was hoping to have answered, and I'm sure they've been asked before, are what is the big difference between the 3120 and 3320 besides the hp? Is it worth the extra money to move up to a 300CX from a 300X loader? I've got some pretty thick scrub on my property I want to knock down with a "brush hog", and eventually turn into lawn. What is the best implement to cut this stuff up with. What are the must haves for a tractor novice such as myself? I like what I've read about the e-hydro with load match, but I'm not sure what else I should make sure I get on the tractor. Is the motion match a real necessity/convenience? I have a 650' long drive that I plan on clearing snow from with this tractor (snow belt of NE Ohio), as well as spreading topsoil, mulch, gravel, etc. I would like to be able to add a back hoe sometime in the future, but heard I might be better off renting a mini excavator instead. I'll be heading off to the local Deere Dealer (Chagrin Pet and Garden) in the next few days to discuss what type of deal they'll be willing to make. From reading on this site, it sounds like 10% off of list is about the best anyone can get now, especially with all of the financing incentives and service deals that are out there.. I just wonder how much they'll be willing to deal seeing as CPG is one of the only "real" Deere Dealers that's local to me. Thanks in advance for the advice...

 

[BloomingtonMike]

First off I own a 3320 and 300X loader.

Get the 300CX - it is not much more - maybe $500. It will lift 300 more pounds but to me the real advantage is the ease of use in connecting a set of hydraulic lines down the 300CX loader. You may not have the need for that now but in the future you want to have that option. Also skid steer rated options for this loader are possible with the JD skid steer connection.

You will get cruise, motion match, and load match standard on either model.

An auto cruise is a $80 option but that really is just a set of control switched on the right. Nice but not necessary.

I would get all the hydraulic options you will possibly ever want right off and be done with that. Kind of a pain (and high labor charges from a dealer if you have them do it) to install them later.

I like the 3rd valve a lot on mine - $200 option. It is what I use to raise my Mid Mount Mower (MMM) and what I use to control the angling on my snow blade. Other uses are an controls of any hydraulic item on the rear.

If your future holds a Back Hoe potentially then spend the $200 more for Power Beyond.

The other hydraulic option offered is $2000 and is the dual rear control valves - allows you to control a rear set of hydraulics with the joystick with just the flip of a switch.

I like R4 industrial tires. I would choose the regualer R4s or the larger R4s for $300 more.

That will get you into a nice package.

The feeling on this board is unless you just get a crazy deal on a 3120 pay the extra grand and get the 3320. Not much money for the HP increase. You bush hog will thank you in the end.

Consider the MX series rotary cutters in the MX6 range with a 3320. It will handle what you throw at it - price is $3000-$3500 usually.

Either the 3120 or the 3320 will be a dream to use! You are going to love it trust me!! The only problem will be keeping your wife off of it!

 

[browns40]

Hi geaugadeere,

I echo Mike's sentiments on the 300CX--more options down the road plus additional capacity...

Motionmatch is not standard, but is a "switch & plug" option running about $80 if memory serves... from what I gather it controls the responsiveness of the hydro to acceleration & braking (via pedal release)... loadmatch & standard cruise are standard on the ehydro models... loadmatch is an incredible feature... I turned it off once to see the difference... only time the Yanmar stalled! By itself it's worth the extra cost of the eHydro IMO.

Ballast. Loaded tires are a plus I will be looking to do in the future. You still need a box, blade, or box blade to act as counterweight to your loader. I went with the box blade, because it is a great, heavy, multi-purpose implement. It worked great for clearing lots & backing up to doorways to remove snow up close without windrows. It also has those rippers for getting into surfaces or pulling debris, roots, etc. Where you have a long drive you may want the rear blade for angling purposes. Whatever you choose--go heavy! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I am dreaming of logging winches & rototillers these days... but a good "starter kit" I went for was: bush hog, loader, & box blade.

I was fortunate that my buddy had 3 3320's to move which had mid PTO & rear SCV right in, along with 300CX loaders... I wouldn't have ordered them, and have not used them yet, but they are value-added for sure.

The mid PTO option does expose the rear main seal of the engine (don't ask how I found out!) to mud & sticks accumulating up above the mower mounting surface...

If you have big plans for tilling, backhoe, logging, lump those in on the low financing right off the bat... you can't finance them without buying a tractor...

If you can, wait til the last 2 weeks of the month to haggle...

My 3320 is a great little tractor, which I thoroughly enjoy, and have not found lacking in any task I've thrown at it.

Good luck! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[ddivinia]

I would lean towards the 300CX because of the extra capacity. Also, don't get the standard bucket - get the heavy duty bucket up front so you dont pay twice for it.

Load match is really handy with the front end loader. When the engine bogs, the computer kicks in more power. I notice it most when I am filling the bucket or going up an incline wiht a full bucket. It is a cool tool

The auto styel cruise can be very handy when you are using a broadcast spreader, discing, etc.

You can not go wrong with either one. I would load up all the options upfront - I wish I had done that.

D.

 

[NoMo]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Motionmatch is not standard, but is a "switch & plug" option running about $80 if memory serves... from what I gather it controls the responsiveness of the hydro to acceleration & braking (via pedal release)...)</font>

Too many "matches" to keep them all straight. I had to look this up to be sure I got it right. Assuming the 3320 is like the 3520 as far as options/features:

MotionMatch is a standard feature that controls starting/stopping speeds. You can adjust the settings via the instrument panel 'menu' if you didn't get the optional automotive style cruise control ($80).

SpeedMatch limits speed regardless of how far you press the pedal (forward or reverse). This is an optional feature.

LoadMatch (standard feature) is great! I even noticed it helping while doing some mowing today!

 

[jcmseven]

I prefer the 3320. It is not that much more, but should give a notable difference in performance, especially at the PTO. I have had the 300cx, and that is what I ordered on my new tractor. It is a really nice loader, and I do not regret the extra money for it. I think the MX rotary cutter is the best on the market, and a five footer would be a good match for either tractor. I think the 3320 would handle it better though. Mike Mc (aka Rocky Ridge) has had good luck with an MX 6 on his 4310 (same HP) but he has a zen with his machine, so the rest of we mortals would want to stick with an MX5 in most cases. Either machine would do well, but I do think most folks are happy with the extra power.

John M

 

[jeepinator]

I just did some probably worthless calculations, but they might be interesting...
Assume base tractors w/ eHydro @ list price for all calculations:

3120 $581.66 per HP
3320 $559.51 per HP
3520 $543.08 per HP
3720 $503.61 per HP

From 3120 to 3320 = 10.8% more torque and 10.1% more HP @ 6% more cost
From 3320 to 3530 = 15.4% more torque and 13.8% more HP @ 10.5% more cost
From 3520 to 3720 = 18.6% more torque and 18.9% more HP @ 10.3% more cost

From 3120 to 3720 = 51.6% more torque and 49.1% more HP @ 29.1% more cost

As you can see, in terms of value, the higher numbered tractors are better. Of couse we all have budgetary constraints, but the info might be useful.

 

[browns40]

Thanks jcmseven (& sorry Mike! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif),

I guess everyone with eHydro does have Motion match somewhere past the default setting on the instrument panel....

Will check it out today... can't imagine these last 140 hours would have been more enjoyable... not to hijack the thread, but what situations are folks altering the motionmatch for? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Happy tractoring! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[jcmseven]

Now, if Mike could show us how he does it........then the MX 6 would be a great choice.

John M

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Hi guys!!!

I have the MX6 - guilty as charged!

We love it! But i will usually say that the MX5 is a better match.

First. forget iMatch with the MX6. It is iMatch compatible, but moving back a few more inches and the added weight of the adapter is sure to be the camel's last straw.

And whew, that bugger is HEAVY.

The real issue with the MX6 is on hills. We wouldn't even think of going across a slope. The weight of the cutter would pull the tractor sideways. So it is always straight down or up.

Besides, why go to the 6? to get 20% greater cutting swath. But it likely that you only get like a 10% improvement in real life.

We had a 4' cutter and needed to upgrade; and the 5 didn't seem like a big enough improvement. The 6 really works well for us. But i just can't say it is for everyone.

I'd get the MX5 and put the savings toward a 3520.

YMMV!