Upgrade to 4520?

[skidoo]

I have a 2520 and would really like the T&T capability, more force capability, grapple capability, backhoe, chipper, etc... So, I was thinking of trading it. Then, I came across an 18 hour used 4520, cab with the T&T, 400x loader, 84" BB, and front plow.

I have been wanting a box blade anyway too. So, I am now considering this. But, I am thinking it is too big for some areas of my now 16 acres of varying terrain, forest, orchard, grass, etc... So, I am considering getting the 4520 and keeping the 2520 too for the harder to get to areas. That way, I can have the backhoe on one and one of the other attachments on the other.

Here are my questions:

1) Has anyone used both the 2520 and 4520. How significant is the capability difference?

2) Has anyone used the front blade on the 4520? Is it more useful than the rear blade?

3) I wasn't looking for a cab, but this one has it. If I keep the 2520, should I be happy with the cab on a 4520?

4) The BB being 84", is this too big or would it just help me move dirt around. I have several acres that need to be renovated and re-shaped/leveled etc...

5) I want a backhoe. Should I get the 46 for the 2520 or the 485 for the 4520? Could I be just as happy with the 46?

6) I always seem to get rocks in the dirt I move. So a Rock bucket sounds attractive. In addition, I get lots of debris in dirt such as pine needles. Anyone have experience with them? Is is a worthwhile attachment? How about its grapple addition?...

7) I have the cash available, and it would be nice to not have to pay for new. Considering the 0% plan for a new one, and the 3.5% I get at the Credit Union, what would be a fair price or this used one.

8) Am I crazy to consider both? I already have a dedicated mower, so that is not an issue.


Please, I am not interested in any BX's...

 

[nmu98]

I have never had a 2520 or a 4520. BUT...

I do own a 4110 and a 3720 and the difference in lifting capacity and ability to do real work is night and day. The 4110 has things its great at compared to the 3720, but those tasks need a small framed tractor.

You are not crazy for getting the 4520 and keeping the 2520. I have a nursury and many trees, and sometimes the smaller tractor is needed.

You will love the cab on the 4520. My 3720 is a cab, and I have a hard time using the other tractors since i have got used to the AC and music.

While looking over the new one, make sure the AC blows cold. If its out of warranty it will be fairly expensive to get running, and on a hot day, its needed with all the glass around you.

You will love the power and capacity of the larger tractor.

 

[sunnyside360]

You'll never regret getting a JD cab tractor (don't ask how I know).

 

[Engine66]

The 4520 will handle the 84" BB. I'm sure you know this already, but performance and results will depend on a variety of things...consider your traction, ripper depth, the number/type of rocks in the ground, type of ground soil, etc. Also, this is a big attachment with some heft and use caution in reverse since the 3PH side stabilizers on the draft links are a bit on the small size. They can bend and/or break and are really designed for pulling. I bent one of mine backblading into a pile of snow, so be careful with a 84" BB. You will love the 4520...very nice tractor with a lot of power. Usually you will lose traction before power, so there are many attachments you will be able to use. I think both tractors will make a nice line-up and you will find uses for both of them. Have fun.

 

[Cidertom]

4) The BB being 84", is this too big or would it just help me move dirt around. I have several acres that need to be renovated and re-shaped/leveled etc...

5) I want a backhoe. Should I get the 46 for the 2520 or the 485 for the 4520? Could I be just as happy with the 46?
8) Am I crazy to consider both? I already have a dedicated mower, so that is not an issue.


...

I have a 4520 with about 500 hours:
4) After tearing up a cat 1 blade I went up to a cat 1-2 84 inch blade with full hydraulics I think it is about right. I can angle it and still get the tractor width. I think that with the right loading you could get away with a 96 with the 4520 or 4720. I have loaded tires and the blade weighs most of 1000 lb.

5) I have the 448 and overall I am happy with it. I have not found it too big. I have had a few jobs that I really should have rented a bigger BH and got the job done sooner. Most of the problems have been a result of over extending the capability.

8) nope. I am seriously thinking about a smaller tractor. In addition to the 4520.

 

[Nuru]

You'll never regret getting a JD cab tractor (don't ask how I know).

Yep, and especially if you install Satellite Radio!
2 tractors in your situation is a good deal too. More versatility and it is faster to switch between tractors than to try it slowly with just the larger tractor.

 

[jgrreed]

I run a 4720 right now (and love it), and plan on getting a zero turn mower once I get my lawns done in a couple years. I mowed my 10.5 acres with a bush hog a couple times this year, and admittedly the 'swing' effect made it difficult, but I've got a new Caroni 72" flail en route to deal with that!!!

Each to there own, and if you have the disposable $$$ then fill your boots!! Although I'd sell the little one and use that $$ for other gear for the 4520.

JMHO.....

-Jer.

 

[skidoo]

Great feedback so far. Looks like I should start another thread for 5 & 6. Any others please chime in. I would like to read about your experiences and comparisons.

 

[LBrown59]

1* I am considering getting the 4520 and keeping the 2520 too for the harder to get to areas.
2* That way, I can have the backhoe on one and one of the other attachments on the other.
3* Am I crazy to consider both? I already have a dedicated mower,
`````````````````````````

1*Sounds good to me.
2*Like me.
3*No worse than A guy I know that has 3 tractors.L . B .

 

[Heywood Jannockitov]

If you don't trade in the 2520 when you get the 4520, in other words, if the truck delivering the 4520 doesn't pick up the 2520 and leave with it at the same time, then, guaranteed, you will keep both.