The John Deere 4520 is a compact utility tractor known for its reliability and versatility in farming and landscaping tasks.

Here are the detailed specifications, price insights, common problems, engine details, weight, and horsepower for the John Deere 4520:

John Deere 4520 Specifications

Engine:

Type: John Deere 2.4L 4-cylinder diesel engine

Horsepower: 53.1 hp (39.6 kW)

PTO (claimed): 40 hp (29.8 kW)

PTO (tested): Approximately 46.6 hp (34.7 kW)

Turbocharged: Yes

RPM: Around 2400 rpm

Transmission:

12-speed with hydrostatic options available

PowrReverser feature included

Hydraulics and PTO:

Hydraulic system: Open center, 10.3 gallons capacity, 2500 psi pressure

Hydraulic pump flow: 12 gallons per minute (GPM)

Rear PTO: Independent, 540 RPM

Optional mid PTO available at 2100 RPM

Dimensions and Weight:

Wheelbase: 71.5 inches (181 cm)

Length: Approximately 10 feet 6 inches (170.75 inches, 433 cm)

Width: Around 5 feet 4 inches (95.9 inches, 243 cm)

Height: About 8 feet 1 inch (106 inches, 269 cm)

Weight: Ranges between 3,855 and 4,345 pounds (1,750 to 1,970 kg), with some sources citing around 3,855 lbs (1,750 kg) for 4WD models

Performance:

Steering: Hydrostatic power steering

Brakes: Wet disc brakes

Drive: Available in both 2WD and 4WD options

Capacities:

Fuel tank: Approximately 14.5 gallons (54.9 liters)

Hydraulic oil: 10.3 gallons (39 liters)

Attachments and Options:

Optional cab with heating and air conditioning

Mid-mount mower deck (72”)

Front-end loader and backhoe attachments available

John Deere 4520 Common Problems

Some early models had issues with the air cleaner and fuel injectors, particularly on versions equipped with turbochargers.

Hydraulic flow rate sometimes does not meet advertised specifications (e.g., Nebraska testing showed a hydraulic flow around 10.8 GPM versus the advertised 12 GPM).

Other minor issues reported include wear on wet disc brakes and occasional steering component fatigue in high-use scenarios.

John Deere 4520 Price

The price varies significantly based on condition, year, and attachments.

Historical new price data is not widely available for recent models, but used John Deere 4520 tractors commonly range from approximately $15,000 to $30,000 depending on hours, features, and market.

Summary Table

Feature Specification
Engine John Deere 2.4L 4-cyl diesel, turbocharged
Horsepower 53.1 hp (engine), 40 hp (PTO claimed)
Transmission 12-speed with hydrostatic option
Hydraulic Flow 12 GPM pump flow
PTO Rear PTO independent, 540 RPM; Optional mid PTO at 2100 RPM
Weight 3,855 – 4,345 lbs (approx. 1,750 – 1,970 kg)
Fuel Capacity 14.5 gallons (54.9 liters)
Steering Hydrostatic power steering
Brakes Wet disc brakes
Dimensions (LxWxH) ~10’6″ x 5’4″ x 8’1″ (170.75″ x 95.9″ x 106″)
Attachments Available Loader, backhoe, mower deck, cab option
Common Issues Air cleaner and fuel injector problems (early turbo models), hydraulic flow lower than advertised, brake and steering wear in heavy use

What are the common engine issues faced by John Deere 4520 owners？

Common engine issues faced by John Deere 4520 owners include:

Governor surging under load: Some owners report the engine surges under any load, which feels like the governor cutting in and out rapidly, causing rough running or fluctuating RPMs.

Air cleaner assembly problems: Early models had issues where the air cleaner system could fail and even catch fire, damaging the engine. This led to John Deere replacing the air cleaner design in later models.

Injection pump and injector failures: Turbocharged versions of the 4520 reportedly had problems with the injection pump and fuel injectors, which could cause engine performance issues and were a common service concern.

Cooling system leaks: Some owners have reported coolant leaks related to the front end cooler (FEC) connection to the cylinder head, which could affect engine cooling and reliability.

In essence, the most frequent engine-related problems are tied to the governor control, air cleaning system, fuel injection components, and cooling system integrity. These issues are mainly associated with early production models or high-use units and were partially addressed by design updates or dealer interventions over time

Conclusion

The John Deere 4520 is a solid choice for a compact tractor with good power and versatility, suited for a variety of tasks including mowing, loader work, and general farm utility tasks.

It is important to check individual units for known issues, especially older or heavily used machines.