1025R FILB vs 2720/2032R TLB vs 3x20 TLB (Tractor Loader Backhoe) vs 110 TLB or 4 series.
Ok this is a long post, but there's a lot of info and specs that I've tried to provide a comprehensive picture of what's planned, but I don't know what I don't know.
Im in the market for my first John Deere tractor, Green is the only color Im considering (well a Yellow Deere counts too)!. In planning this new adoption into our family; Ive spent countless hours researching each model in the 1,2,3,4 series and the 110TLB; reading reviews, and forum posts (Thanks GreenTractorTalk.com!), deere.com, current market values (new/used), dealer visits, test drove a 1025r and a 3320. Id like to be around 20k-26k for the TLB, with Box Blade but depending on value proposition there's room to move if i have to, but financing can be an issue for older used tractors with much higher rates.
As you read about my delimma I these basic questions:
1. Considering the size and scope of my project what is your advice on tractor selection?
2. Is the a 3 Series TLB really enough do what I need it to do or will I wish the whole time I had gone larger as I struggle to push it to it's limits?
3. Should I really consider the 110TLB and just enjoy having a big beefy CUT that may have some trouble close quarters but can be managed, or will I not use it as much because of it's larger size?
Here's a comparison chart that I've put together with all the Spec's I could find. I have never found all of this information in one place and thoguht it might help others who are interested in JD TLB's.
Attachment 27878
I have around 10 Acres of dense timber (walnut, oak, maple and cherry; some telephone pole size in diameter but mostly smaller, with a few much larger) that hasnt been managed or maintained in almost 10 years. I have about 2000 of road; 1000' that needs to be upgraded from dirt to gravel and 1000' to cut through the timber. I'll be removing (and planting) hundreds of trees, stumps and moving dirt. I'll also doing a lot of material handling using forks. This property is about 50 miles away from my primary residence where the tractor will normally be stored (right outside my picture window so I can gaze at it), so Ill also need a trailer (tow vehicle no issue it's rated at 14k from the hitch). I have a small yard in town with little need for a tractor, but if its easily accessible Ill find reasons to use it. The plan is to manage the timber to produce firewood, walnuts and/or good lumber. Ill need to cull out a lot of trees to provide better conditions to the best ones. I also need to dig holes for septic, rain water and a propane tank plus trenching for various lines.
I have very little experience operating a tractor (but can't wait to learn), but Im a hands on DIY type and Ive rented a few with good success. The land is slightly sloping with no steep hills. I may do some small food plots for wildlife after the infrastructure is complete. I really dont know what kind of soil I have until I start digging in it, looks like Iowa dirt to me. I also have dreams of digging a small pond after the infrastructure is complete.
Planned Attachments & Upgrades
Initial
Loader & Hoe
Box Blade 4, 5 or 6. 5' if I go with a 3 series, 6' if I go with a 110TLB.
Artillian Forks 42 to start, Thanks to greentractortalk for that great tip!
Kens Bolt On Hooks - ditto above
4-in-1 Bucket and/or Grapple
60 or 72 Brush cutter.
Cart of some sort
Hoe Thumb
Future as needed
PHD, Power Rake, Chipper, Wood Splitter, Top N Tilt, Tiller, Spreader, Sprayer, Snow Blower, Front Blade, etc.
Im currently leaning toward a 3 Series tractor based on the chart above, resources and space constraints. The 110TLB has awesome hydraulics, lifting capacity and digging depth, but going out to a full 6 wide makes storage and squeezing into back yards and dense timber more challenging. I can be convinced either way. Id also need a heavy duty equipment trailer to pull it with which adds a little more expense over a base trailer, but would also be nice for moving other heavy equipment or transporting timber for sale.
Series Specific Comments
3x20 3 Series
The 3 series in any flavor seems to be a good value and I lean toward a 3520 since used the cost difference is less noticeable as price is more on condition, hours, and the market than sub model differences. For example; I can find a 3720 with 1k hours or a 3320 with 300h for close to the same price. In the used market seeking equipment with 1.5k hours or less. This model would be compact enough to use in town for various things yet powerful enough to get some real work done over a weekend. Im really drawn to the loader capacity with forks vs a 1 or 2 series and the compact size compared to the 110 or 4 series. But since I've never owned a tractor before I don't know if this makes a huge difference or not.
3x20 Backhoe Compatibility (open station), the 3x20 series are compatible with NINE different backhoes that Deere's made over the years. Nice if I pick one up with out a backhoe and want to add it later. It's not preferred since I'll also likely have to find the compatible frame and add power beyond, but there's some out there for a lot less than new. My plan right now is to find one already packaged together, but plans change.
Model dig depth weight bucket Boom Lift
force
47 (Non-Current) - 7'6" 1047 2840 540
447 (Non-Current) 7'8" 1035 2840 595
375 7'8" 1035 2840 595
375A 7'10" 1250 3063 595
385A 8'7" 1390 3752 820
48 (Non-Current) 8'6" 1517 3730 760
448 (Non-Current) 8'9" 1460 3730 820
485 8'9" 1460 3730 820
485A 8"6" 1435 3752 820
Size Overall Length & Width Finding any specs on Deere TLB's has been challenging but they are now listed in the chart above. Since i'll be storing my new tractor in town and hopefully using it frequently the length witdh are factors in the decision, provided the machine is up to the work i need it to do. Any comments on a 3 series vs the 110tlb from a size perspective? Has anyone used both? It only slightly larger than a 2 series.
The 3x20 series has had a long and illustrious life so with that type of popularity there should be lots of parts available, creative mods or add-ons, and a lot of people running them. I believe that it has enough lifting capacity to do 95% of what Id need to lift and would be a fair bit faster than the 1 or 2 series. Its also narrow enough to get into some of the tight spaces Ill inevitably be working in the trees and in town.
2720/2032R
Pros: costs - I could probably afford new. Beefier than 1 series, excellent snow machine for 48 sidewalks, lower cost than 3 series. Capable of running all of the implements that Id like to run, like a regular sized PHD, but smaller versions than what the 3 might pull. Easy to store and use in town. This would be a good economy tractor to start with, essentially just (barely) whats needed. Great mower.
Cons: Low loader capacities compared to 3 series, limited dig depth on backhoe, only low and middle gears.
1025R FILB
Pros: Compact, easy to store and use in town. Great price 20k fully loaded brand new, 15k used. Great at mowing and light duty work. Good for snow around the house. Would assist in 90% of what I need to do
Cons: Small, Low loader and Hoe capacities.
I initially didnt even consider the 1025R FILB as I figured it would be too small, but the folks on this site have demonstrated how these little power houses can complete some impressive work. I just wonder if when I have time to work on the weekends but much slower than a 3 series or 110TLB.
110 TLB I love the 110TLB, and based on the advice from the forum I may indeed go this route.
Pros: Performance will lift way more, and dig much deeper, hydraulics, quick attach skid steer bucket style, thumbs are common, good value, could run hydraulic construction implements off the bucket or backhoe like concrete breakers, or post hole diggers in place of bucket, 4-in-1bucket, weight, pushing 8k lbs I wouldnt necessarily need to fill my tires and gives great leverage. Heavy Duty - I've seen many of these at auction with 5-10K hours on them. Still has 3 point hitch so I can use all of those implements as well.
Cons: Cost even used with high hours are 25-35k, Width (6) will I have trouble getting it into places?,its YELLOW, Id really prefer Green tractor because I just like JD Green! Ive even toyed with the idea of repainting one in JD Green just for fun. Weight its heavy! Great for construction, but it might tear up yards and such very easily.
4 Series
The 4 series are tough tractors that can get a lot done, however if Im going to spend the dough on a 4 series, I might as well go with a 110TLB for the extra capacity since buying one of these new isn't an option.
Thanks for reading this long post! I'm sure everyone's gone through this delimma when it's time to get a new tractor!
Ok this is a long post, but there's a lot of info and specs that I've tried to provide a comprehensive picture of what's planned, but I don't know what I don't know.
Im in the market for my first John Deere tractor, Green is the only color Im considering (well a Yellow Deere counts too)!. In planning this new adoption into our family; Ive spent countless hours researching each model in the 1,2,3,4 series and the 110TLB; reading reviews, and forum posts (Thanks GreenTractorTalk.com!), deere.com, current market values (new/used), dealer visits, test drove a 1025r and a 3320. Id like to be around 20k-26k for the TLB, with Box Blade but depending on value proposition there's room to move if i have to, but financing can be an issue for older used tractors with much higher rates.
As you read about my delimma I these basic questions:
1. Considering the size and scope of my project what is your advice on tractor selection?
2. Is the a 3 Series TLB really enough do what I need it to do or will I wish the whole time I had gone larger as I struggle to push it to it's limits?
3. Should I really consider the 110TLB and just enjoy having a big beefy CUT that may have some trouble close quarters but can be managed, or will I not use it as much because of it's larger size?
Here's a comparison chart that I've put together with all the Spec's I could find. I have never found all of this information in one place and thoguht it might help others who are interested in JD TLB's.
Attachment 27878
I have around 10 Acres of dense timber (walnut, oak, maple and cherry; some telephone pole size in diameter but mostly smaller, with a few much larger) that hasnt been managed or maintained in almost 10 years. I have about 2000 of road; 1000' that needs to be upgraded from dirt to gravel and 1000' to cut through the timber. I'll be removing (and planting) hundreds of trees, stumps and moving dirt. I'll also doing a lot of material handling using forks. This property is about 50 miles away from my primary residence where the tractor will normally be stored (right outside my picture window so I can gaze at it), so Ill also need a trailer (tow vehicle no issue it's rated at 14k from the hitch). I have a small yard in town with little need for a tractor, but if its easily accessible Ill find reasons to use it. The plan is to manage the timber to produce firewood, walnuts and/or good lumber. Ill need to cull out a lot of trees to provide better conditions to the best ones. I also need to dig holes for septic, rain water and a propane tank plus trenching for various lines.
I have very little experience operating a tractor (but can't wait to learn), but Im a hands on DIY type and Ive rented a few with good success. The land is slightly sloping with no steep hills. I may do some small food plots for wildlife after the infrastructure is complete. I really dont know what kind of soil I have until I start digging in it, looks like Iowa dirt to me. I also have dreams of digging a small pond after the infrastructure is complete.
Planned Attachments & Upgrades
Initial
Loader & Hoe
Box Blade 4, 5 or 6. 5' if I go with a 3 series, 6' if I go with a 110TLB.
Artillian Forks 42 to start, Thanks to greentractortalk for that great tip!
Kens Bolt On Hooks - ditto above
4-in-1 Bucket and/or Grapple
60 or 72 Brush cutter.
Cart of some sort
Hoe Thumb
Future as needed
PHD, Power Rake, Chipper, Wood Splitter, Top N Tilt, Tiller, Spreader, Sprayer, Snow Blower, Front Blade, etc.
Im currently leaning toward a 3 Series tractor based on the chart above, resources and space constraints. The 110TLB has awesome hydraulics, lifting capacity and digging depth, but going out to a full 6 wide makes storage and squeezing into back yards and dense timber more challenging. I can be convinced either way. Id also need a heavy duty equipment trailer to pull it with which adds a little more expense over a base trailer, but would also be nice for moving other heavy equipment or transporting timber for sale.
Series Specific Comments
3x20 3 Series
The 3 series in any flavor seems to be a good value and I lean toward a 3520 since used the cost difference is less noticeable as price is more on condition, hours, and the market than sub model differences. For example; I can find a 3720 with 1k hours or a 3320 with 300h for close to the same price. In the used market seeking equipment with 1.5k hours or less. This model would be compact enough to use in town for various things yet powerful enough to get some real work done over a weekend. Im really drawn to the loader capacity with forks vs a 1 or 2 series and the compact size compared to the 110 or 4 series. But since I've never owned a tractor before I don't know if this makes a huge difference or not.
3x20 Backhoe Compatibility (open station), the 3x20 series are compatible with NINE different backhoes that Deere's made over the years. Nice if I pick one up with out a backhoe and want to add it later. It's not preferred since I'll also likely have to find the compatible frame and add power beyond, but there's some out there for a lot less than new. My plan right now is to find one already packaged together, but plans change.
Model dig depth weight bucket Boom Lift
force
47 (Non-Current) - 7'6" 1047 2840 540
447 (Non-Current) 7'8" 1035 2840 595
375 7'8" 1035 2840 595
375A 7'10" 1250 3063 595
385A 8'7" 1390 3752 820
48 (Non-Current) 8'6" 1517 3730 760
448 (Non-Current) 8'9" 1460 3730 820
485 8'9" 1460 3730 820
485A 8"6" 1435 3752 820
Size Overall Length & Width Finding any specs on Deere TLB's has been challenging but they are now listed in the chart above. Since i'll be storing my new tractor in town and hopefully using it frequently the length witdh are factors in the decision, provided the machine is up to the work i need it to do. Any comments on a 3 series vs the 110tlb from a size perspective? Has anyone used both? It only slightly larger than a 2 series.
The 3x20 series has had a long and illustrious life so with that type of popularity there should be lots of parts available, creative mods or add-ons, and a lot of people running them. I believe that it has enough lifting capacity to do 95% of what Id need to lift and would be a fair bit faster than the 1 or 2 series. Its also narrow enough to get into some of the tight spaces Ill inevitably be working in the trees and in town.
2720/2032R
Pros: costs - I could probably afford new. Beefier than 1 series, excellent snow machine for 48 sidewalks, lower cost than 3 series. Capable of running all of the implements that Id like to run, like a regular sized PHD, but smaller versions than what the 3 might pull. Easy to store and use in town. This would be a good economy tractor to start with, essentially just (barely) whats needed. Great mower.
Cons: Low loader capacities compared to 3 series, limited dig depth on backhoe, only low and middle gears.
1025R FILB
Pros: Compact, easy to store and use in town. Great price 20k fully loaded brand new, 15k used. Great at mowing and light duty work. Good for snow around the house. Would assist in 90% of what I need to do
Cons: Small, Low loader and Hoe capacities.
I initially didnt even consider the 1025R FILB as I figured it would be too small, but the folks on this site have demonstrated how these little power houses can complete some impressive work. I just wonder if when I have time to work on the weekends but much slower than a 3 series or 110TLB.
110 TLB I love the 110TLB, and based on the advice from the forum I may indeed go this route.
Pros: Performance will lift way more, and dig much deeper, hydraulics, quick attach skid steer bucket style, thumbs are common, good value, could run hydraulic construction implements off the bucket or backhoe like concrete breakers, or post hole diggers in place of bucket, 4-in-1bucket, weight, pushing 8k lbs I wouldnt necessarily need to fill my tires and gives great leverage. Heavy Duty - I've seen many of these at auction with 5-10K hours on them. Still has 3 point hitch so I can use all of those implements as well.
Cons: Cost even used with high hours are 25-35k, Width (6) will I have trouble getting it into places?,its YELLOW, Id really prefer Green tractor because I just like JD Green! Ive even toyed with the idea of repainting one in JD Green just for fun. Weight its heavy! Great for construction, but it might tear up yards and such very easily.
4 Series
The 4 series are tough tractors that can get a lot done, however if Im going to spend the dough on a 4 series, I might as well go with a 110TLB for the extra capacity since buying one of these new isn't an option.
Thanks for reading this long post! I'm sure everyone's gone through this delimma when it's time to get a new tractor!