Which 4x20 to buy?

[CWP37]

I hope that actually owning a tractor is as fun as figuring out which one to buy. My wife thinks that my "tractor ****" addiction will stop once we buy...if she only knew.

Quick summary...13 acres that need mowing (rough cut) 3-4 times per year, box blade to maintain driveway, FEL for general maintenance. Maybe finish mower in the future.

Dilemma: If I go the "expensive" route (not a 5103), which 4x20 to buy? A 40hp machine will do all I need, but I've gotten into the old "a little extra gets you this much more" debate.So...

4120,hydro,FEL - $23,400
4320,hydro,FEL - $25,500
4520,hydro,FEL - $27,500
4720,hydro,FEL - $28,800

For $5500 you go from 43hp/35 hp pto to 58hp/50 hp pto. At what point are you paying for more power that you really don't need?

 

[rockyridgefarm]

All the 4x20s are essentially the same machine, just tuned up on the fuel delivery. If I were getting onme, I;d get a 'smaller' one, and help the fuel delivery after the warranty expired.

But for finish mowing, you might rather be looking at a 3520... I don't think that the use you describe is all beyond a 3x20. And the money can be used for more toyls.

 

[CWP37]

I was close to a 3x20, but I need to move round bales. Unfortunately, there's no 1 tractor that's a perfect fit. I have to compromise somewhere. Probably, I'll get a ZTR for mowing later.

So, there are people out there who have "tuned up" their 4120s to 4720 or better? I'm not smart enough to do it, but I'd be interested in finding someone to do it for me.

 

[tillboy2001]

If you insist on a 4x20, knowing what you've said your usage will be, it would be pointless to buy anything larger (more power) than a 4120 in the 4x20 line. We've got about 18 acres of hilly land to care for - mowing, dragging trees, misc loader work...and I run out of traction long before I run out of power...no question.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Yup, I agree that a 4120 would do it. I wouldn't worry about tuning for 3 years (while the wet warranty is in effect). It is a common practise that a diesel shop can handle, but you may never need it...

 

[ddivinia]

I bought a 4720 and the more I use the more I am convinced a 4120 would probably do everything I need to do. Oh well, some wasted money but I should never not have enough power!

What size mower are you looking to get?

D.

 

[rebel300r]

I got the 4120 after the same thoughts had run through my cranium a couple of times. The engine is clearly rated for a lot more than 42hp so I figured that it may last longer at the lower hp. Also, since I have had it (47 hours), I have never lacked for power. I put a large backhoe on it and it has more than enough pump capacity.

Scott

 

[CWP37]

I'll be running a 6' shredder. Probably an MX6. It's one of those deals where I'd like to buy enough tractor now, to last forever. Hopefully, I'll have more land to maintain later on in life.

 

[jcmseven]

Chip,

I have personally owned seemingly every tractor in this line (I haven't, it just seems so) and my thoughts are this: if you are one who likes to have the most powerful tractor you can, go with the 4720. There is no substitute for the feeling of riding on such a machine. That said, I would not do that. I had a 4520, and it was very powerful. My neighbor has a 4320 and it is very powerful (I can say I could not tell much difference between the two). I am sure the 4120 is very powerful also. I sold my 4520 and went back to a 3720, which I am getting in this week (good JD rep). For me, the size of the large framed machines was prohibitive. I needed something that could fit into some tighter spaces that my 4520 would not. They key to me is the frame size. If you feel a large frame is in your need list, go with the 4120 or 4320, they have plenty of power and will save you some money. If not, go with the mid frame. Just my thoughts.

John M

 

[ddivinia]

I have a 4720 and a 5525. I bought the 5525 because my 4720 could not handle a bat wing mower. It was not due to the lack of power, it was the lack of weight and size. So, there are other considerations. I bet a 4120 will do just about anything you could want. If I had to do it over, I would probably still buy the 4720 - because more better.

D.