Purchase JD3520 - Questions - new member

ssitree · Oct 12, 2005

Just found this web site last evening and stayed up to 2:00 am reading alot of good advice. I have a 1993 Kubota B2150 with FEL and 2500 hours. Kubota dealer has been talking to me about trading for new Kubota and I was thinking about it but after looking around thinking of going with JD 3520. Any help would be appreciated. Here's my story.

I have 16 acres, 3 in lawn, 3 in pasture, 2 in apples, 8 in weeds that I will be turning into pasture. Have llamas, sheep, goats for fiber. My wife is into spinning, wool, etc. Live in Yakima, Washington on private road, paved and about 1/2 mile for snow removal. We get on the average 25 inches of snow per year. I have seperate zero turn lawn mower for lawn. Will be putting in some underground irrigation, electrical, will be tilling, working with animals, and want to do some rock work, build waterfall, make rock garden, some small retaining walls, nothing bigger than 3 foot rocks. I drive over my lawn alot with my tractor.

On my current tractor I have turf tires and haven't had problems with them. Land is gently sloped. I plan on getting new tractor with FEL, forks, and backhoe. Already have tiller, box scraper. My lawn is in very good shape and I would like to keep it that way. Do you see a big problem with turf tires for me?

The JD dealer has given me pricing for 3520, 300CX HD bucket, 447 backhoe, quick connect adjustable forks. The reason I started looking at JD is I wanted Hydrostat, ability to lift about 1500 pounds with loader/forks and keep the size of the tractor as small as possible. The Kubota L3400 didn't have the power and the GL seemed to be bigger than I wanted. Am I remembering correctly the JD 3520 is smaller than the Kubota GL models? Any suggestions for me considering my use? Thanks and thanks for all the great help I already got reading prior posts.

ddivinia · Oct 12, 2005

I would get R4s instead of turfs. I was worried about them tearing up my yard, but they didn't. The R1s on my 5525 are a tad harder on the yard.

R4s are a nice compromise.

D.

beenthere · Oct 12, 2005

Big welcome to the Forum
Can't comment on the 'Bota comparison, but would not want the rocker forward/reverse foot pad, nor the right/left brake pedals on the same side as the HST forward/reverse pedals. And I don't know at which model these change to something workable, IMO.

I plan to trade up to the 3520 as I like that size and 'energy' that it has.

Number one however when picking brands is the dealer available to you.

Good luck making your decision. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

jcmseven · Oct 12, 2005

I am partial to the John Deere mid frame over the Kubota. While both are excellent machines, there are some nice features that sets the JD apart. The dual pedal control seems like a small feature, but it is really nice. The attachments are a snap to install and remove, which is important, since you have several projects to work on. The mid frame JD's are heavy enough to do real ground engaging work, but are light enough to not damage the lawn. I concur that you would like the R4 tires, I would not consider the turfs. The Yanmar engines are tough to beat and with the turbo in the 3520, you will be pleased with the extra power. The mid frame 3520 and 3720 are among the most powerful tractors out there in their respective size. If the dealer support is equal, I think the John Deere 3520 would make a really nice choice.

John M

Jrrcorp · Nov 4, 2005

I concur with the other posters. I had a Kubota L2750 and bought a JD 4410 last year with a lot of options that I had always wished for and I am very happy with my choice. In comparing the Kubota's to the JD's, I did not like Kubota's peddle arraingment and I did like JD's quick attach loader system, seat, loader control positioning, peddle arraingment, etc., etc.. My JD also has a tighter turning radius and I did get the R4's. (My Kubota had R1's) The R-1's do give you better traction in wet gushy conditions but by the same token they also leave more of an impression on soft lawns. On the other hand, my Kubota always performed flawlessly. I put it thru some very challenging (stupid) situations and it always came thru for me. I will always consider orange as a viable choice but this time green won out and I have only been disapointed with the sloppy tilt sterring column which they can't or won't replace with the new version.

JD 4410 430 loader 6' HD bucket, Hyd top cylinder, 5' grader box, 6' finish mower, 5' brush hog, 5' RM snow blower

/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Kyle_in_Tex · Nov 5, 2005

The 3520 and 3720 are great workhorses in a compact package. I would love to get a 3720 but I'm saving up for a garage/barn right now and I can get by just fine with my 4310. The 2 pedal system is great. It allows you to use your left foor for the brakes on either individual rear wheel to make sharp turns. This is nearly impossible on the orange unless you have 2 right legs... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

HuskerInVA · Nov 5, 2005

I've been using my 3520 since May and I have been very happy with it. I mow, till, maintain driveway, move mulch, rocks, clear brush and trees, carry fire wood, soon move snow, etc.... It's my Jack of all Tractors. I have the larger R4's filled. Pretty gentle on lawn unless you turn tightly in 4wd.

Only issues I've had has been the 300CX fragile bucket tabs.

Now if I could only convince my wife I need the backhoe....