The John Deere 7520, a renowned four-wheel-drive (4WD) tractor produced from 1972 to 1975, holds a prominent place in the world of agricultural machinery. Hailing from the reputable John Deere brand and built in Waterloo, Iowa, USA, the 7520 stands as a testament to innovation and power in the farming industry. With its robust mechanical components, hydrostatic power steering, and optional air-conditioned cab, it exemplified the commitment to operator comfort and efficiency. Powered by a turbocharged intercooled diesel engine, this tractor delivered impressive performance in the field. Beyond its technical capabilities, the John Deere 7520 has earned historical significance as a symbol of progress in agricultural technology, making it a sought-after collector’s item and a cherished piece of farming history.
| John Deere 7520 |
|---|
| Years of Production | 1972 – 1975 |
| Type | Four-wheel Drive (4WD) Tractor |
| Total Built | 4,661 |
| Original Price (1975) | $26,400 |
| Power |
|---|
| Drawbar (Claimed) | 160 hp (119.3 kW) |
| PTO (Claimed) | 175 hp (130.5 kW) |
| Drawbar (Tested) | 160.46 hp (119.7 kW) |
| PTO (Tested) | 175.82 hp (131.1 kW) |
| Four-wheel drive |
|---|
| Steering | Hydrostatic power |
| Cab | Standard, Air-conditioning optional. |
| Liquid-cooled inline |
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| Displacement | 531 ci (8.7 L) |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.75×5.00 inches (121 x 127 mm) |
| Fuel System | Direct injection |
| Air Cleaner | Aspirator and dual paper elements |
| Compression | 15.4:1 |
| Rated RPM | 2100 |
| Operating RPM | 1500-2100 |
| Starter Volts | 12 |
| Oil Capacity | 26 qts (24.6 L) |
| Coolant Capacity | 40 qts (37.9 L) |
| Intake Valve Clearance | 0.018 inches (0.457 mm) |
| Exhaust Valve Clearance | 0.028 inches (0.711 mm) |
| Transmission (Syncro-Range) |
|---|
| Type | Partially synchronized |
| Gears | 8 forward and 2 reverse |
| Oil Capacity | 76 qts (71.9 L) |
| Transmission (Syncro-Range Hi-Lo) |
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| Type | Partially synchronized |
| Gears | 16 forward and 4 reverse |
| Oil Capacity | 76 qts (71.9 L) |
| Tires |
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| Ag Front | 18.4-34 |
| Ag Rear | 18.4-34 |
| Ag Front | 23.1-30 |
| Ag Rear | 23.1-30 |
| Dimensions |
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| Wheelbase | 120 inches (304 cm) |
| Length | 220 inches (558 cm) |
| Width | 95.9 inches (243 cm) |
| Height (Cab) | 123 inches (312 cm) / 131 inches* (332 cm) |
| Shipping Weight | 16,790 lbs (7,615 kg) |
| Operating Weight | 22,320 lbs (10,124 kg) |
| Capacity |
|---|
| Fuel | 156 gal* (590.5 L) |
| Hydraulic System | 19 gal (71.9 L) |
| Hydraulics |
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| Type | Closed center |
| Capacity | 19 gal (71.9 L) |
| Pressure | 2250 psi (155.1 bar) |
| Pump Flow | 21 gpm (79.5 lpm) |
| Power Take-off (PTO) |
|---|
| Rear PTO | Transmission |
| Rear RPM | 1000 |
| 7520 Serial Numbers |
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| 1972 | 1000 |
| 1973 | 1615 |
| 1974 | 3054 |
| 1975 | 4999 |
| Final | 5705 |
| Electrical |
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| Ground | Negative |
| Charging System | Alternator |
| Charging Amps | 55 / 72 * |
| Charging Volts | 12 |
| Batteries | 2 |
| Battery Volts | 6 |
| Battery AH | 204 |
The John Deere 7520 is a truly special and unique tractor that distinguishes itself from others in several key aspects. Its significance lies in its exceptional power, innovative features, and historical value.
John Deere 7520 Advantages
Impressive Power: The John Deere 7520 boasts remarkable power, with a claimed drawbar of 160 horsepower and a PTO of 175 horsepower. This made it a force to be reckoned with in the field, allowing it to handle a wide range of heavy-duty agricultural tasks.
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD): The 7520 was a 4WD tractor, which provided superior traction and stability, especially in challenging terrains and adverse weather conditions. This feature made it highly versatile and capable of performing effectively in various agricultural operations.
Engine Innovation: Equipped with a turbocharged intercooled diesel engine, the tractor was ahead of its time in terms of engine technology. The direct injection system, coupled with aspirator and dual paper elements for air cleaning, contributed to its efficiency and performance.
Operator Comfort: The inclusion of a standard cab, with the option for air-conditioning, demonstrated John Deere’s commitment to operator comfort. This was particularly advantageous for long hours spent in the field.
John Deere 7520 Disadvantages
Complexity: The 7520, with its advanced features and technology for its time, could be considered complex to operate and maintain compared to simpler, older tractor models. This complexity might have posed challenges for some users.
Size and Weight: Its substantial size and weight, while providing stability, could be a disadvantage when maneuverability in tight spaces was required.
Historical Value:
The John Deere 7520 holds immense historical value in the world of farming and agricultural machinery. It represents a pivotal era in the industry when tractors were becoming more powerful and sophisticated. Its introduction marked a significant step forward in agricultural technology, influencing subsequent tractor designs. Collectors and enthusiasts prize the 7520 for its role in shaping the future of farming.
Comparison with Similar Models:
When compared to other tractors of its time, the 7520’s key advantages were its innovative engine technology, 4WD capability, and operator comfort features. It outperformed many of its contemporaries in terms of power and efficiency. However, its complexity and size might have been considered disadvantages when compared to smaller, simpler tractors used for specific tasks.
Sumarizing, the John Deere 7520 stands out as a unique and historically significant tractor due to its exceptional power, innovative design, and the era it represents in agricultural machinery. While it had certain complexities and size considerations, its contributions to the farming industry make it a prized collector’s item and a symbol of progress in agriculture.
