The New John Deere 4000 Twenty Series
John Deere Introduces 4120, 4320, 4520, 4720
Article by Muhammad Chishti, Photos by John Deere

July 26, 2004 - © 2004 TractorByNet.com - Contact author for reproduction rights.

Recently I had somebody ask me what I thought the most significant development in compact tractors was over the past ten years. I thought for a minute and said that without the customers to buy so many tractors, we wouldn't have half of the features that are on tractors these days.

In 2003 alone, the under-40 horsepower tractor market grew by a staggering 28.2%, to more than 125,000 units per year (with the 40-100-horsepower tractors growing 12% to 60,000 units sold). We are, right now, in the middle of the greatest compact tractor boom in the history of the market.

Fortunately for us as buyers and owners of compact tractors, this boom has translated into extensive R&D and new product development investment by all of the major tractor manufacturers. John Deere is no exception. In fact, they're one of the leaders.

John Deere's position in the market has always been strong, thanks to their unshakable reputation as the American tractor company; the company that started it all with the steel plow in 1837.

Despite their rich history, John Deere offered just eight compact tractors in two series through most of the 90s, while a certain orange-colored tractor from Japan offered almost twice as many models, and gobbled up the market.

Things changed with the introduction of the 4000 series in 1999, manufactured at John Deere's 200-acre Augusta, Georgia spread. The 500,000-square foot factory in Augusta was built in 1991, but another 206,000-square foot factory was added in 2001 to accommodate the growth of the compact tractor market. In 2003, John Deere produced its 400,000th compact utility tractor---a 2210.

The 4000 series took John Deere's compact utility tractor line into the 21st century, both literally and figuratively. Much-needed design and feature improvements over the aged 55 and 70-series compacts came along with more models. While they always had a presence in the market, the 4000 series seemed to mark John Deere's rebirth in the marketplace.

John Deere's commitment to the growing compact utility tractor market was made apparent by the development of the 4000 Ten series compact utility tractors, which replaced the 4000 series, and offered a variety of feature upgrades and updates. We were so impressed with the 4000 Ten series that we named the 4310 the 2001 Tractor of the Year.

Now, about three years after the 4000 Ten series' introduction, comes the 4000 Twenty series. Will the 4000 Twenty series compact utility tractors raise the bar in the 40-60 horsepower market segment? Read on.

Out With the Old, In With the New

The new 4000 Twenty series consists of the 4120, 4320, 4520 and 4720, which pump out 43, 48, 53 and 58 gross engine horsepower, respectively.

The 4000 Twenty series use a turbocharged version of John Deere's PowerTech™ 4-cylinder diesel engine, which is new to John Deere compact utility tractors, and manufactured in the United States. By comparison, the 4000 Ten series use normally-aspirated Yanmar engines manufactured in Japan.

For 2004, the 4010, 4110, 4115, 4210, 4310 and 4410 models still remain in production, while the 4510, 4610 and 4710 have been discontinued and replaced by the 4000 Twenty series. This results in a net gain of one model for the John Deere compact utility tractor line. Including the 2210 subcompact, 90 series economy models, 110 construction TLB, the 4000 Ten series, and now the 4000 Twenty series, John Deere now offers 14 different compact utility models from 20-58 horsepower; nearly double what they offered in 1994.

To put these new models to market, John Deere has employed what I'll call a rather interesting model naming strategy. For most buyers, there will be a slight bit of confusion in the model designations for the 4000 Twenty series, and which models precede those from the 4000 Ten series. I'll try to make it as clear as possible so buyers can compare apples to apples.

When I first read the model numbers, I thought that the 4120 would be a replacement to the 4110 or 4115---right? Wrong. Very wrong.

The 4120 at 43 HP actually replaces the 4510 (39 HP), and is roughly twice the physical size of the 4110 (20 HP), which is still in production.

The 4320 (48 HP) replaces the 4610 (44 HP), while the 4520 (53 HP) replaces the 4710 (48 HP), and the 4720 is a new model in the line, with 58 horsepower. Got all that? Didn't think so. Here's a chart that explains the new models and which models they replace:

New Model		4120 (43 HP)	4320 (48 HP)	4520 (53 HP)	4720 (58 HP)
Old Model		4510 (39 HP)	4610 (44 HP)	4710 (48 HP)	-

When you consider the power increases, there is a bit of misalignment in the replacements---especially when you consider the price difference from old to new models.

While John Deere's official stance on the issue is that the 4320 replaces the 4610, I would probably advise buyers to compare the 4320 and 4710, since they have the same gross horsepower. In light of that fact, and the pricing, I have compiled a detailed comparison of those two models (the best apples-to-apples 4000 Ten vs 4000 Twenty comparison you will find) at the end of this article.

Perhaps this confusion will all be sorted out when John Deere releases their new mid-range (20-40HP) compact tractor line, rumored to be called the 3000 Twenty series.

4120 vs 4320 vs 4520 vs 4720

The 4000 Twenty series tractors are fundamentally the same, with different horsepower engines. In fact, the engines are the exact same model, and when you look at the specifications, the only differences you will see are in engine horsepower, torque, and PTO horsepower. Otherwise, the tractors are identical.

It's up for debate, but the most obvious guess would be that the turbo boost was increased to produce the extra horsepower.

The Significant Changes

As you already know, the 4000 Twenty series feature turbocharged engines. John Deere claims that the 4000 Twenty series produce up to 30% more torque than the comparable 4000 Ten models---and if you know anything about turbo charging, you know that turbos = torque. And in tractor talk, torque = fun... err, power! Torque = power. And power = fun. There we go.

In our example comparison at the end of this article, you'll see that the 4320 produces 127lb-ft of torque at 2,400RPM, compared to 86.3lb-ft at 2,600RPM for the 4710. However, the 4710's torque does peak at 108lb-ft 1,700RPM. However, John Deere claims that the 4320's torque is available from 1,400-2,400RPM, making it more powerful at most operating speeds.

Considering the addition of the turbos and increase in gross horsepower, the 4000 Twenty series promise to be significantly more powerful---and more productive---machines. There's really no doubt that they will in fact be more productive with the gobs of torque they have.

In addition to raw power increases, the 4000 Twenty series gets a boost in hydraulic pump capacity; while the comparable 4000 Ten models produced 10.6 gallons of implement flow per minute and 5.3 gallons of steering flow per minute (for a total of 15.9 GPM), the 4000 Twenty series' implement pump produces 12 GPM (13% increase), and the steering pump flows at 5.1 GPM (a 4% decrease that we'll blame on efficiency, thus making it an increase). Total hydraulic flow on all 4000 Twenty series machines is 17.1 GPM, a net gain of about 7.5%. In this comparison, the only difference you should look at is the implement pump.

Two of the implements that take advantage of this increase are the new 400x front-end loader, and 448 backhoe. Both offer improved performance over their older (but smaller) brothers, the 460 front-end loader and 48 backhoe.

Performance Tracking System

The other significant update found on the 4000 Twenty series is an all-new performance tracking system, accessible from the instrument cluster. The new "on-board computer" allows the operator to quickly check the tractor's vitals through a digital hour meter, digital speedometer (eHydro only), air filter restriction indicator, 4WD engagement LED indicator, and a diagnostic control center that alerts the operator to problems with the tractor.

You're probably thinking, "this sounds like my F-150!" And that's basically the idea. By bringing not just "big tractor" features to compact utility tractors, but even automotive-style controls and features to the 4000 Twenty series, John Deere has gotten a leg up on the competition. It's too early to know if this will be the beginning of the "computer age" of tractors, but the 4000 Twenty's performance
tracking system does sound like a rather useful feature.

Minor Changes

The 4000 Twenty features a new front-end look with wrap-around headlights and minor updates to the overall design of the tractor (grille guard is optional equipment).

The 400x front-end loader features sloped lift arms (similar to those on Case-New Holland front-end loaders), and the 448 backhoe features a smooth, angular boom (similar to the one found on John Deere's construction TLBs).

The 4000 Twenty series also features a one-piece, sloped hood that tilts up, eliminating the need to remove side panels for servicing, and increases frontal visibility (mainly useful for front-end loader operators).

Rounding out the productive improvements is a larger fuel tank, up to 14.5 gallons, from 12.5 on the 4000 Ten series.

Standard & Optional Equipment

Other standard equipment on the 4000 Twenty series includes 4WD, dual mid selective control valves (DSCV), a rear differential lock, folding rollover protective structure (ROPS), and a tilt steering wheel.

The main options on the 4000 Twenty series include eHydro (standard on the 4720), a mid PTO, cruise control (eHydro only), a third SCV, top-and-tilt kit, and power beyond hydraulics (for backhoe use). Cosmetic options include seat armrests, a vertical exhaust pipe, and a sunshade canopy.

Price

The 4120 hits dealers this summer at an MSRP of $23,198 for a 4WD model with 12/12 PowrReverser transmission, R1 ag tires and dual mid SCV hydraulic valves. If you want the silky smooth eHydro, tag on another $1,200. The 4320 comes in at $25,252, the 4520 $26,999, and the 4720 $29,625 (with standard eHydro).

The 400X front-end loader lists for $4,029 with a 73" multi-purpose bucket. Six different buckets are available, from 61" to 85" in width. The 448 backhoe lists for $7,819, with a 12" bucket, which represents a $390 increase over the 48 backhoe, as found on the 4000 Ten series. Add $61 for an 18", or $127 for a 24".

It should be noted that both the 400X front-end loader and 448 backhoe are compatible with both the 4000 Twenty series, and the 4000 Ten series.

4000 Ten vs 4000 Twenty Price

Since price is such a big issue when buying a compact tractor, it's important to compare apples to apples. As I mentioned earlier in this article, I feel that since they offer the same horsepower (48), the best comparison between the 4000 Ten series and 4000 Twenty series is the 4320 vs. 4710.

For a field-ready model loaded with eHydro, dual mid SCVs, 4WD and R1 ag tires, the 4320's MSRP is $26,252. That price represents a decrease of $357 from the 4710's MSRP of $26,609 (for a comparably-equipped model). We salute John Deere for introducing an improved model at a lower price.

That said, this is an MSRP comparison. For buyers shopping today, the 4710 will still be an appealing option. While the 4710 has been discontinued, it's still available at dealers, and we've heard reports of 20-25% discounts off of MSRP; some dealers are even advertising this.

On the flip side, the 4320s are hard to find right now, and will demand a much higher price (just as the 4000 Ten series did when it was first introduced). My estimate is that a 10-15% discount off MSRP will be the going rate for a 4000 Twenty series for the next few months.

This translates into a difference in market price of roughly $2,000-$2,500 between the 4320 and 4710, with the 4320 likely to cost more at this point in time. Whether it's worth it to you to have the latest, greatest, turbocharged John Deere compact utility tractor, or if you can settle for the retired style, is all up to you (and your checkbook).

Availability

The official release date for the 4000 Twenty series was July 1st, and we have heard reports of the tractors turning up at dealers across the country earlier this month. Check with your local dealer for availability. If they don't already have the 4000 Twenty series, expect them within a few weeks.

The Bottom Line

When all is said and done, the 4000 Twenty series will be a more productive machine than its predecessor. If you are considering buying a tractor in the 40-50 horsepower range, the high-torque turbocharged engines found in the 4000 Twenty series could be the best thing since, well, the 4000 Ten series. Certainly worth considering waiting (and paying) for.

Photos (Click for larger view)