Price Check Ford 4630 or 3930

[ah64_ip29]

Well, I've been looking around in circles for the last year, older tractor, newer tractor, bigger, smaller, and have come to something in the middle. I've decided I want 4x4, at least a shuttle shift for loader work, and about 50hp (about 2000lb lift with loader). It seems the most reasonable tractors in cost that meet that criteria are the 90s Fords, either the 4630 or 3930.

They both came with 192ci 3 cyl diesels, have an 84.5 in wheelbase, weigh just over 5000lbs, available in an 8x8trans with shuttle shift, have 8 gpm valve flow, and have the same size rear wheels 13.6-28. What is the difference between these tractors?

I'm currently looking at 2 3930s without loaders with ROPS and canopy ($10K and $13K(w/7' bush hog))(non dealer owned) and a 4630 with a loader ROPS $13.5K (dealership). I think on all 3 the hour meter is broken, so I don't really know have many hours they have, though the 3930 with $13K is estimated at 1700hours.

The 3930 for 10K may have a key switch problem. Unfortunately, they are all about 4 hours from me, in different directions, but plan to pick one to look at this weekend, probably the 4630 w/loader, since adding a loader will cost at least $5K.

I'll check the oil, rad fluid, PTO shaft for play, make sure it operates and shifts into all gears, check the lift on back. Anything special I need to look at on these?

Is this about the right price range for a 4x4 with 8x8 trans w/shuttle?

As always thanks for the help.

[sweettractors]

Quote: a 4630 with a loader ROPS $13.5K (dealership) Quote:


Sounds better than the other 2, however, they all need to be checked out thoroughly. After it runs for about 15 minutes, you want no grey smoke upon acceleration, no blowby at the bottom breather pipe. The 3 point should be able to lift 1500 lbs and then some. Check all gears. Put in a high forward gear, hold on both brakes and open wide open and slowly let the clutch out. The tractor should stall completely out. If it slips the clutch is out of adjustment or out completely. Move some heavy stuff around with the loader. Tires should be 75 % or better (they are getting real expensive to replace nowadays) I would want to keep a eye on the oil pressure as it gets hotter. Ken Sweet

[Soundguy]

I'd hope the 3pt lifts a whole lot more than 1500#,, my 1920 was specced at something like 1800#

figure closer to about 3000-3100# for those models 3pt lift. also.. the 4630 is about 60 engine / 55 pto.. and the 3930 about 50 engine, 45 pto

soundguy

[sweettractors]

I'd hope the 3pt lifts a whole lot more than 1500#,, my 1920 was specced at something like 1800#

figure closer to about 3000-3100# for those models 3pt lift. also.. the 4630 is about 60 engine / 55 pto.. and the 3930 about 50 engine, 45 pto

soundguy

It will lift more if all is right. When I test drive a tractor on a dealers lot, I try to find a 3000-4000 pound tractor with front weight box and I back 1 lift arm under the front of the tractor and gently try to raise the front of the tractor. If it lifts, it passes. Just don't let the dealer see you doing this Ken Sweet

[ah64_ip29]

Is the 3930 and 4630 built on the same frame? Is the TN New Holland series, like the TN65 a completely different animal?

[Jerry/MT]

Well, I've been looking around in circles for the last year, older tractor, newer tractor, bigger, smaller, and have come to something in the middle. I've decided I want 4x4, at least a shuttle shift for loader work, and about 50hp (about 2000lb lift with loader). It seems the most reasonable tractors in cost that meet that criteria are the 90s Fords, either the 4630 or 3930.

They both came with 192ci 3 cyl diesels, have an 84.5 in wheelbase, weigh just over 5000lbs, available in an 8x8trans with shuttle shift, have 8 gpm valve flow, and have the same size rear wheels 13.6-28. What is the difference between these tractors?

I'm currently looking at 2 3930s without loaders with ROPS and canopy ($10K and $13K(w/7' bush hog))(non dealer owned) and a 4630 with a loader ROPS $13.5K (dealership). I think on all 3 the hour meter is broken, so I don't really know have many hours they have, though the 3930 with $13K is estimated at 1700hours.

The 3930 for 10K may have a key switch problem. Unfortunately, they are all about 4 hours from me, in different directions, but plan to pick one to look at this weekend, probably the 4630 w/loader, since adding a loader will cost at least $5K.

I'll check the oil, rad fluid, PTO shaft for play, make sure it operates and shifts into all gears, check the lift on back. Anything special I need to look at on these?

Is this about the right price range for a 4x4 with 8x8 trans w/shuttle?

As always thanks for the help.

I have an '82 4610, the predecessor to the 4630 with 1800 original hours on it that I use on the ranch. I paid $11,000 for it in 1999 with 1100 hrs on it.Then sheet metal was as staright as a new machine. I added an EzeeOn Loader in 2001 that I paid like $2700 back then and I installed it myself. It has a ROPS and I added a Perry Canopy. It also has 2 rear remotes. It has been a trouble free machine and and doses all the heavy work on our ranch. I would not part with it for any less than $16,000.
If you can get a "good" 4630 ("good" being defined by the performance tests outlined by Mr. Sweet and Soundguy) with a loader and 4WD for $13,500, go for it. I'm always suspicious fo the nonfunctioning hr meters but you can examine the machine and if the loder pins are sloppy and the 3 point hitch is plum wore out, pedals show a lot of wear, etc you can tell that the tractor has high hours. Everybody worries about the engines but the transmission and the final drive is more expensive to repair than anything else on the tractor so pay particular attention to that.
good Luck in your search.

[Soundguy]

Is the 3930 and 4630 built on the same frame? Is the TN New Holland series, like the TN65 a completely different animal?

completely different animal.. the 4 digit units that came out before any of the 'T' series were good old heavy duty iron with metal hoods.. etc. fast forward a bit and you get these fiberglass encased jobs..

soundguy

[Soundguy]

It will lift more if all is right. When I test drive a tractor on a dealers lot, I try to find a 3000-4000 pound tractor with front weight box and I back 1 lift arm under the front of the tractor and gently try to raise the front of the tractor. If it lifts, it passes. Just don't let the dealer see you doing this Ken Sweet

I have done that many times using my truck or the rear of my trailer as a test weight.. yep.. the dealers don't like to see that either

soundguy

[ah64_ip29]

I've added pics of the 4630 (a picture is worth a thousand words, as they say).

[sweettractors]

I've added pics of the 4630 (a picture is worth a thousand words, as they say).

I love it. If it runs out as good as it looks, you have a winner. Don't let that trim ring being broke around the right front headlight hold you back Ken Sweet