IS OLDER BETTER THAN NEWER? JOHN DEERE 4066R VS 4720 TRACTORS

I might get rid of my favorite tractor, my 4066R. Now I had one before this one, and I sold it and immediately regretted that decision. Luckily, I found another very similar set up and bought it straight away. Now I once again am considering getting rid of my 4066, this time for its predecessor the John Deere 4720. That's right, I might swap it for an older tractor! Why would I do that? You'll have to watch the video for all the things I'm considering.

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[jean-philippegagnon]

I work at a Deere dealer and as much as I like the 4R, i'd say go for the 4720 just because of that MSL loader and the non-DPF engine, that's just ideal for what you do with the tractor. But as i would say to my customers, why not keep both? hahaha

[Gcousino]

As a 4720 owner, I guess I’m glad to see not much has changed from mine to the 4066 model. I still love my tractor and won’t replace it until Deere makes significant changes- not that they necessarily have too. Thanks and I always enjoy watching your videos.

[deanbarr]

4720 I like it. Very nice tractor. Like you, the age doesn't matter very low hours. The very first kubota l bought was 25 years old when I bought it, it only had 700 hours on it and still a lot of life left in it. They make em pretty good anymore. Great video.

[paulmollise]

Love my 4720, have 3, 4, 5 SCVs, couldn’t justify a new one with the DPF, being a diesel mechanic and dealing with the emissions now I would only go there if I had too

[scottmccrea]

Love my 4720. Bought it 2 yrs ago. It is awesome. Great video!!

[jimhance]

I would go with the older model. I can’t think of any reason to keep the complexity of the new model with the emissions equipment as long as the old tractor is in fine shape. Also, having the capability of the mid mount mower as well as I expect a mid PTO would be pretty cool for a future project.

[TelescopeJunky]

That is so unique seeing a belly mower on such a large tractor! Both look great, tough choice! I cannot wait to see your future videos with either in action. 🙂

[JamesTyreeII]

I bought a brand new John Deere 4052R cab tractor with R-1 Ag tires and had it until late summer 2019 to run a 6 foot bush hog mower for a field mowing business which was basically every year from April through October and I put on more than 300 hours a year. I really like the soft touch Electronics and the nice tight linkages from the R series and your updated cab has the Second step and the handle outside of the cab to get in, which is a big improvement. I agree that the one piece hood as well as the wraparound brush guard on the 4000 Twenty series was better. I had to clean out the air conditioner by having the roof removed pretty much once a year and so that was not a very good design and it’s hard to clean out the small condenser fan area in the back of the cab very well. If it were me, I would keep the 4066R. I have the seat from the 5025 series cab like you have in your 4720 and the cloth didn’t get worn out and loose like in yours, but I really appreciated the adjustable backseat angle. I wonder what it’s like to sit in the soft velour cushion of the seat that comes in the 4066 our long-term… It looks like it would be very comfortable, but maybe not as durable…

[nathandeere]

I have a 4066 with the nsl loader and had a 4052 with the msl loader. Yes the msl is nice for forks but the drawbacks I found with it were taking the loader off was a pain and the biggest was the bucket would not rack back as far as the nsl.

[medsall]

Pre emissions all day! I personhaving deal with these emissions systems in the trucking industry feel one of two things is happening.
1. You playing down the issues
2. They don't have the issues all the other vehicles are having with these systems.
If anyone asked me now if they should get a diesel for towing once and awhile vs gas, I tell them gas. The emissions are not worth the extra cost and headaches they cause, and now out weigh the benefits of a diesel for towing. One day they will figure it all out, but from what I've seen they're not there yet. Cummins has told me the extra back pressure these systems are making basically take 75 to 100 horses to push the exhaust out, which means it doesn't pull as it should as it's being robbed of power. This was 3 years ago not sure if that number has changed one way or another. Take the corvette for example, after the energy crisis in the 70's and emissions being added to gas engines, it took until the 2000's to get the horse power numbers they were making before. Up side fuel economy is way up but it took 30 year's to find the power working with the emissions.

[johnossendorf]

I'll always choose a gear drive with a power shuttle for a general purpose tractor. Hydro's shine slightly brighter in a few specific areas which don't make up for their higher up front, maintenance and fuel costs. Also, be it a lot or a little hydro's costs power.

[aarongaal]

I really like my 2009 4720. It currently ( 2023 ) has 1740 hours on it and I use it for commercial snow in the winter and for my tree service in the summer, I can easily put 8 hrs a day on it and have done all my regular maintenance - with a bit of overkill. Every 200hrs I do a 400hr service ( with the transmission service ) and I find the self leveling loader to be invaluable for the work I do with mine.
I would like a bigger tractor but realistically I don’t “need” a 5 series tractor

[jbvt]

Biggest complaint with my 4320 is the lack of ethrottle. But the MSL loader outweighs that in my opinion. Made almost the same switch as last summer as i had a 4052r with NSl loader.

[lilyt]

Great video. You are right about the choice it could be hard. Another thing your spot on about is the hours. My dad had several compacts starting with a 955, 4400, 4410.3520. model numbers changed but roughly the same or closely the same in the specs. Also just like his ford expeditions people found out he was trading they where lined up to get his tractor or suv because of the way he maintained the car or tractor. Thanks again, have a great day to you guys and be safe. Tim

[E]

I would keep the 4066R. The hours is important, as well as parts availability as the years go by. First off I wouldn't spend the money to equip a 1025R for "lawn mowing" (that's pronounced menial task-hour generating). For what the mower deck costs, you can get 2 JD riding mowers, or 1 zero-turn mower. Why put that kind of hours on a $20, 000.00 machine to cut grass. That means I sure as hell wouldn't do that with a 4 series tractor that's $50k. Not to mention all of the mower linkages to have to work around. Your better connected than about anybody to the JD pipeline. Wait until you find a MSL for the 4066R. My $.02. The hitch assist is way cool too.

[BobsOutdoorActivities]

Interesting video. Overall, keep the 4066.

[phalanx]

there should be a kit to convert the loader to self leveling. all it needs is the connecting arm and the bell-crank the loader coupler has the bracket for self leveling on it already so no need for welding.

[drewfisher]

From my perspective you've already sold yourself on the 4720! Maybe I am wrong, but just the tone in your voice, that's where I am placing my bet! Take it from someone who just talked themselves into a new tractor! Side note, , , I've talked myself into many toys and And I hear that "on the edge of selling myself", in your video! Peace! And enjoy yourself in what ever you decide! Go slow at first and have fun, , , like someone once told me! :^ ) Take care~ Drew

[roblong]

Both great machines, but keep the 4066r. It's already set-up with the add on's you want/need. 👍

[FloridaDeere]

I think the 4720 all day long, ever since the unicorn video, I have liked that tractor, truly a big boy and jack of all trades with the belly mower and the MSL loader. Not to dis the 4066, which of course is very nice.