I would like to share some of my experience with my new JD 4310.

I bought this on a dealer close-out. It had 2 hours and tractor list $20,560 (32hp, 4wd, ehydro, dual SVC, cruise, Turf tires and so on). I picked this one up for $14,300.

As a user of gear shift for a number of years, I was sceptical of the ehydro. Even after the purchase was made, I had buyers remorse. Finally after weeks of deciding what to do - I hook my 72" finishing mower and started using the tractor.

After an hour of usage, I realized this ehydro is worth every penny. I can control that mower with pinpoint accuracy. You do lose approx 2hp from the eshifter model - however you have more efficient use of your available horsepower.

You have to do some real work for an hour or two, before you feel the benefits of ehydro. Just riding around the yard a few minutes - is not enough convince a gear shift user (like me).

One of the negatives I don't like about John Deere and others - You have so many optional items required before you can hookup a MMM. You need the Mid PTO Kit, 3rd SVC Value, and brackets - So you need to spend $800 before you can install the $3000 belly mower (outrageous). For $2000 you can get the Frontier HD 72" rear discharge mower and get fantastic results.

The other negative I found was the Tilt Steering Wheel could of been made more sturdy. I haven't had a problem with it, just feels flimsy as compared to others.

Overall, I'm very satisfied with my purchase. You get what you pay for.

Date Purchased: 2/2005
Purchased: New
Price Paid: US$14300
Pros: Power, Open Platform, eHydro peformance, MFWD
Cons: Steering Wheel Not Sturdy, Too many options required for mid mower
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