JD 4230

[Dan0602]

I have a Ford 5900 open station 72HP 65HP at pto that I have been using for the past 3 years. I am not a mechanic so I like the fact it is pretty simple to work on - I don't need a specialist with a computer but any of my mechanic friends can help. I am considering getting a similar HP tractor, or maybe just a bit more HP, but with a cab as I would really like to be able to mow my 124 acres without my sinuses killing me and let's face it, it's more comfortable and while I'm not old, I am getting to the stage I appreciate little comforts .

One of my friends who does tractor repairs has a JD 4230 for sale that he has done quite a bit of work on. I have driven it around and the engine has good compression and "sounds" right to my admitted novice ear. There is nothing obviously "wrong" with the tractor. It has a JD 148 FEL with the JD quick disconnect. I have been reading on here and don't see a whole lot of complaints about these tractors other than they can be hard to start. This one has an engine block heater.

I like this tractor because it is, like my Ford ( I know - heresy on this board, but it's been a good tractor, especially for me to learn on) it appears to be easy to work on. I think even with my limited mechanical skills I can do basic maintenance.

Besides the fact it is an older tractor, anything I should know about these or look for specifically?

I use the tractor for road maintenance (about a mile of gravel road with my grader constantly torn up by oil trucks), mowing about 65 acres of pasture with a 15 foot batwing (which is slow going with the Ford), hauling large round bales for the cows, and general carry work - firewood, tree clearing etc.

I know there are "bigger" tractors but at 100HP this 4230 is big enough for anything I can imagine doing. He's asking $22,000 for it and has put in a new seat, new LED lights to replace the existing lights, joystick for the FEL, and a few other odds and ends. No, it hasn't been repainted and I'm happy with that. I juse want something that will do the job and will hopefully last a while.

 

[Wagtail]

More info on the 4230: TractorData.com John Deere 423 tractor information

Have fun!

 

[jd110]

The 4230 is a great tractor. $22,000 seems a bit high to me, but it depends on how good the condition is and what transmission it has. Also condition of the loader. Machine finder has 4230's listed for anywhere from $8999 to $29999. Some with loaders and some without. If it has good sheet metal and paint, mechanically sound, and good rubber, it may be worth the $22000 with loader. The powershift transmissions typically command a higher price than Quad Range or SynchroRange.

 

[Dan0602]

I believe it does have the power shift transmission. I know they come in a lot of price ranges, and I will admit i feel like im paying on the higher end of the scale but what I believe I am getting is a repairman who stands behind his work, he has worked on my Ford but he is mostly a JD guy, and I can't afford to buy new. So this seems to be a decent compromise.

 

[MayesFarm]

I love my 4230 starting is the main issue, but there is a line inside the trans (on quad range) that can break or come loose. It's a fairly easy and inexpensive fix .

 

[Tx Jim]

$22000 sounds way too high for a 4230 even with a 148 loader. How many hours of use is this tractor suppose to have been used? Power shift are very good trans but can be very expensive to repair.

 

[Will_C]

It does seem to be high. I spent some my time on my cousins 4230-kind of the new generation 4020. They had it for 25 years or more and wore it out-probably had 10,000 hours on it. I'd be leery about that power shift-more things to break and if I remember right, with only 8 speeds they would slam you forward or back when you tried to shift at full power.
Will

 

[Dan0602]

Well, I went ahead and bought it. Sure makes mowing with my batwing faster/easier

 

[Wagtail]

Good stuff & congratulations!

 

[Plantation Paul]

They are good tractors and coveted by the hay and pasture people. I'd say you got a decent deal as long as it is in decent shape, good tires, working heat and AC. The only major problem I have had are the plugs on the wiring harness plugging in at the RH side of the cab that power the AC/Heat, etc. They can corrode and give intermittent trouble.

The power shift is expensive to rebuild. Last one I had done, it was over $7K, but it had over 10K hours on it. And the starting, just make sure you have good cables, good/charged batteries, and a good starter. You'll be fine. My 30 and 40 series tractors spin over maybe three times before lighting.