Replacement tractor

[southernboy]

My current tractor is a JD 4720 compact. It has been a great tractor but is getting to the point where it is always breaking. If I could find a reliable mechanic to do a rebuild I would probably do it. If I could find a clean 4720 I'd buy it but they are selling for 10 grand more than I paid for mine new and only 10 grand less than new tractors and most are in the midwest! My area of Georgia has most of the major brands but the dealerships deal with gators, zero turns, subcompacts, etc. Basically that is what their mechanics work on and their farm tractor mechanics are lacking. My property is 80 acres and is worked mostly for deer hunting. Food plots, bush hogging about 20 acre, grapple and bucket work. My wife and I like the hydrostatic transmission. We are retired. I'm looking for the the best tractor for lifting capacity and reliability. I want an open station. My 4720 is the ideal size framewise but was a little light on lifting capacity. Full size tractors are to big for working in the woods. I know a larger backhoe or bobcat might be a better option but the wife says no. I have considered the JD4066r and the kubota 6060 but it seems awfully hard to get apple to apple comparison. I am leaning towards a new tractor but if there is a stand out used model to watch for I would consider it. Any advise or insights would be most welcome.

 

[Williy]

Have you seen these?

YT3 Series | YANMAR Tractor

Explore YANMAR tractor models in the hardworking YT3 Series. Popular for 25 or more acres.

www.yanmartractor.com

willy

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Try these.... they beat pretty much all both in price and capabilities!

Compact Tractors Archives - LS Tractor USA

Compact LS Tractor Models LS compact tractors come in a couple of series and in multiple configurations from open station to our popular cab configurations. Our compact tractors designed to be efficient, reliable workhorses that can get the job done around your property from tasks as diverse as...

lstractorusa.com

 

[Rdrcr]

I'm not sure of your budget but, you may want to look at the MX6000 for increased loader capacity.

Mike

 

[southernboy]

I have never heard of the LS but they look interesting and there is a dealer near by. I will have to check them out . The kubota mx6000 is on my radar and is at the top of my budget. I am not sure I can get used to the single pedal hydrostatic control. My ankle doesn't bend that way.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

I have never heard of the LS but they look interesting and there is a dealer near by. I will have to check them out . The kubota mx6000 is on my radar and is at the top of my budget. I am not sure I can get used to the single pedal hydrostatic control. My ankle doesn't bend that way.

LS builds tractors for New Holland, I believe under the 70hp mark.

 

[rScotty]

How many hours are there on that JD4720? What is it that needs attention? I've always wondered how they would hold up.
The reason I wonder is I nearly bought a new 4720 in 2008 - my wife wanted us to have a new tractor, and I wanted another Deere.
But after looking around I decided to try something different and ended up with the Kubota M59 TLB. It's not green, but it now has around a thousand hours, lives outside, and has been worked hard. Gets more or less regular maintenance as I get around to it.

So far it has needed a new battery, two hydraulic hoses, and one throttle cable. The motor, 6-speed HST+ tranny, and everything else works no differently now than new. FEL can lift a lot (rated right at 4000lbs)
But I wouldn't recommend this particuar model Kubota to someone who does a lot of 3pt work. It's got a nice 3pt, but not near as nice as a JD Ag tractor with the telescoping arms and gear drive leveling & top link. Plus you do have to take off the Kubota backhoe to use it.
It does have a foot clutch for the PTO, just like our old JD.

Several of the 50 to 60 hp Kubotas use the same engine and HST+ transmission so they might be worth a look.

 

[jeff9366]

John Deere 4720​

2005 - 2014 Model year 2005-20082009-2014 4000 Series Compact Utility tractor

		4710 ↑
Series:	4520 ←	4720

Production
Manufacturer:	John Deere
Type:	Compact Utility tractor
Factory:	Augusta, Georgia, USA

Dimensions
Wheelbase:	71.5 inches 181 cm
Length:	128.2 inches 325 cm
Width:	65.6 inches 166 cm *
	91.9 inches 233 cm *

John Deere 4720 Weight
Operating:	3,860 lbs 1750 kg *

 

[jeff9366]

I have considered the JD4066r and the Kubota 6060 but it is hard to get apple to apple comparison.

If you shop by bare tractor weight you will make apples to apples comparisons.

Judging by the specs from TractorData.com a Kubota M6060 would be a step up from your Deere 4720 in weight and width. For eighty acres I would consider the Kubota M6060 a fine choice.

Contemporary Loaders are much more powerful than Loaders of ten years ago.


When considering a tractor purchase bare tractor weight first, tractor horsepower second, rear axle width third, rear wheel/tire ballast fourth.


VIDEO:

 

[jeff9366]

The kubota MX6000 is on my radar and is at the top of my budget.

The Kubota MX series and deluxe Grand L series are equivalent in weight and width to your current Deere 4720. Your existing implements should fit either Kubota range perfectly.


I cannot discern from your first post if you deem a Backhoe necessary. (?)

My property is 80 acres and is worked mostly for deer hunting. Food plots, bush hogging about 20 acre, grapple and bucket work.

No $7,000 Backhoe need is implicit above.
A Bucket Spade might be entirely adequate for $400. Tractors weighing 4,000 - 5,000 pounds bare weight are optimum for a Bucket Spade attached to Loader bucket.

MORE: Front-End Loader - BUCKET SPADE TODAY // FEL BUCKET ATTACHMENT

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[mikester]

I demo'd one back in '06 and really liked it. The hydrostat was slick and smooth and easily the best CUT hydrostat I've ever used.

Out of curiosity what is breaking on the machine? Is it bad design or abuse?

BTW I didn't go with the 4720 at the time because the brand new machine left a large diesel fuel puddle in my barn because of a leaky fuel tank. That and the engine start routine featured the engine revving up and blowing a ton of black smoke each time for the first several seconds.

 

[Jchonline]

Lots of options out there! 4066R and L6060 are both premium quality model lines with lots of bells/whistles but you pay dearly for them. Some really enjoy those convenience and comforts. Some dont need them. These seem like appropriate size machines as long as you arent doing a ton of field work. Mowing, food plots (plowing/harrowing) are tasks a larger machine will always do quicker but maybe you have lots of time. If you are changing 3PT implements a bunch I do favor the 4066R with the rear creaper controls (you can move control the tractor from the back wheel guard). I dont think the L6060 has this yet, but I havent looked in a couple of years.

When doing your comparison, start with basic dimensions (L.W.H, wheelbase) and weight. This will help you get into the same class of machine. These should have similar capacities across the board, but some will stick out in certain areas. LS, Kioti, Deere, Kubota, Branson, Massey, Mahindra, Yanmar, TYM would be primary brands I look to review. I shy away from NH (they are Ls), RK (they are TYM), Bobcat (another rebranded machine).

With lift capacity be very careful. Comparisons should be for exact same measurements from the FEL pins. This is where some dealers tell white lies....(ie 200mm from pints at max height instead of the standard 500mm). Be sure apples to apples.

A backhoe or a Skid Steer are not good options...you have mowing to do. That eliminates them as single machines for field mowing.

 

[southernboy]

Thanks for all of the replies. On my tractor the hours are near 1000. The tractor has been abused in that I used it above its capacities. It has popped numerous 2-3 inch pines and gums, moved lots of red clay maintaining woods trails and leveling ancient farm berms. The engine and trans are still strong . The plastic hood has cracks and messed up front and latches. Replacement is over 2 grand. Biggest issue is with bucket. The woods loader bracket has lost two attachment points near where the transmission housing goes around the open station. The engine casing broke off around the back of the bolt about 1/2 deep. Because it is cast metal my welder said it is not fixable . The tractor is almost 20 years old and is starting to show mental fatigue . As I mentioned I should of had a small cat, bobcat or large backhoe for a lot of those jobs. Most of the heavy work is done except for one job. I had the woods game cut last year . I had a large loader clean up the larger stumps and heavier scrap wood but am still moving small tree tops, stumps and logs and working in new food plot clearings. The fields are clean and are mostly bush hogged and plowed with spring plows, harrows and my john deere rototiller . I am retired and enjoy reworking the property, maintaining a small pond and working the fields. Having someone else do it isn't really an option. I am ready for a new machine. I am leary of tier 4 stuff but it is what it is. If I could find a newer used tractor that would be good. But it seems that right now 50-60 hp tractors are made of gold! the 4066r and l6060 are still top of my list.

 

[buck12]

The reason I own a Kubota and not a JD is because Kubotas have steel hoods. I have a JD mower I only use at my house in town and I have managed to break the hood multiple times.

I have 72 acres and do basically the same tasks you have described. My 5460 is right size for most jobs. The 5460 is the same tractor as the 6060 with less HP.

 

[newbury]

OP -
If your amenable to used and have time try focusing on used local government auctions. Especially in metropolitan areas. One of the counties near me in Northern Virginia had a policy of replacing their equipment every X years.
In 2012 I got my 1995 M4700 with 1400 WELL MAINTAINED hours on it for $11.5K.
Came with a canopy FEL, dual rear remotes. Only major (?) expense has been 2 front tires, it had almost new rears.

 

[Eagle Keeper]

Being you are shopping around, may i suggest you look at the Mahindra? I have one and it is a strong tractor (2565). Being your JD is a 47 hp, you can check out the 3600 series.

4500 - Mahindra USA

www.mahindrausa.com

Good Luck!

 

[southernboy]

newbury, that is a great idea. I have had friends score big on those kinds of auctions. I am in no hurry, my 4720 isn't dead yet. It just seems to always need something lately. I checked out LS tractors today. I think its out as I didn't get a warm fuzzy. First the dealer is a small operation. The shop, yard, and sales area are filthy, almost like a junkyard. They maybe great but... Second there seems to be quite a few negative reviews. Third the gas tank being low is nice for filling but seems pretty exposed for snags in woods. The local Jd dealer is great for parts (except for prices) but mechanics are mostly gator/ zero turn types. Sales person today tried to jump me to a 4044r as a replacement for my 4720 ( as equivalent ). I just saw dbchaplin03s 6060 deal. That would of been perfect. Day late/ dollar short! Still trying to figure it out. Jeff, definitely not looking for a compact tractor backhoe. I did pitch keeping the 4720 as an implement tractor and back off on the loader function and buy an older full-size ford backhoe for the heavier work to the wife. She still doesn't love the idea.

 

[rScotty]

OP -
If your amenable to used and have time try focusing on used local government auctions. Especially in metropolitan areas. One of the counties near me in Northern Virginia had a policy of replacing their equipment every X years.
In 2012 I got my 1995 M4700 with 1400 WELL MAINTAINED hours on it for $11.5K.
Came with a canopy FEL, dual rear remotes. Only major (?) expense has been 2 front tires, it had almost new rears.

I'd agree with that. Other public auctions are utility companies, school districts, shopping centers, and churches.
1000 hrs may be significant on some compacts and homeowner machinery, but is not nearly the same amount of wear on on commercial machines or more heavily built tractors.
rScotty

 

[Williy]

Try these tractors out:

YT3 Series | YANMAR Tractor

willy

 

[Emainiac]

Being you are shopping around, may i suggest you look at the Mahindra? I have one and it is a strong tractor (2565). Being your JD is a 47 hp, you can check out the 3600 series.

4500 - Mahindra USA

www.mahindrausa.com

Good Luck!

I have to chime in on the Mahindra as well. I just bought my second one and in terms of lift capacity for the FEL and 3 PT it is head and shoulders above the green or orange machines in the same HP category. My first Mahindra (new in 2006) had a well known paint issue as many of the early machines did, however its performance never disappointed me. The new machines are made in the USA and the build quality is comparable to the big players out there. You will get more performance and value. Comes with skid steer QA which is a big plus over the Deere which has their own system. Take a look and compare for yourself.