L4200 or L4310 HST

[Anonymous Poster]

My original posting appears to be in error. While at the
dealer, I found out that their 2000 L4310 HST was actually
a 1998! The tractor has 4wd, factory cab, R4 wheels, and
a loader with under 200 hours on it - all in very good condition for $21,600.

A local farmer has a 1997 L4200 GST with factory cab, 4 wd, Ag tires, sync reverser, and a loader with 350 hours - garage kept for about the same price. The L4200 (unlike the L4310)has additional hydraulics in the back which could be useful.

Which tractor is a better value for hobby farming? Does the
newer L4310 have features that the L4200 does not - other
than than the hydraulic drive?

Your opinions are greatly appreciated.

 

[JJT]

I'd still recommend the L4310, HST is the way to go. If you don't want the cab give me a call. Spend some time on both if you have the chance.

 

[BOTAMAN]

Other than the transmission the L4310 has the telescoping stabilizers, a dual air cleaner element, and a nicer seat. Being a newer model, depending on condition, the L4310 should have a better resale value. The remote hydrulics would add several hundred dollars to the cost of the tractor, dealer list is $722.00 on a single remote valve, this does not include installation.
As far as the difference in the transmissions go if I were going to be doing a lot of loader work I would prefer the GST transmission. Because of the controls on the hydro it would be hard to opperate the loader control and throttle at the same time, but if I were going to be using the unit for mostly mowing the hydro would be really great.

 

[MChalkley]

BOTAMAN - If you're using the loader, why would you want to operate the loader controls and the throttle at the same time? The HST works best at a medium-to-high rpm, anyway (1500 or so up), and so does the loader? So set it where you want it and go. What could be simpler?

From my experience, loader operation is where HST really shines.

MarkC

 

[JJT]

Botaman - "if I were going to be doing a lot of loader work I would prefer the GST transmission"? I prefer the HST, the right foot controls the speed and the right hand controls the FEL. I think most folks will agree - for loader work HST's the way to go.

<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by JJT on 11/17/01 06:14 PM (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[radman]

If prices are about the same, I would certainly go with the 4310 unless you are doing serious pulling work. The 4310 has fewer hours, R4's, HST and newer. If you can get the price on the 4200 about $2500-$3000 less than the decision is much more difficult. How many rear hydraulics on the 4200? As I stated in an earlier post, the price on the 4310 is still an excellent price even if a 1998 model.