John Deere JD400 4.40 star(s) (7)

Jd 400 Industrial Backhoe
Model Year: 1970

I bought to spread fill on my property over an old dam. It has done this well. I also have used it to pull out a few tree stumps without any problem. It is built well, but shows maybe signs of age mostly in a couple oil leaks in backhoe which is leaking ram seal. Starts first time always. I've replaced seat and done full service including all filters on machine as I don't think it has been cared for as much as it should have, as the fuel filters had 1983 engraved on side of them! I've also raised the air intake above the bonnet and installed a dust snorkel on it, since this I've noticed it runs a lot cooler than preciously. I still need to repair all dash gauges as only the temp gauge works, however I have used this machine for a few full days of work and haven't had to fill up with diesel yet so is very fuel efficient. For a 40 yr. + old machine it still works very well, i would like to get all gauges working and repaint the machine. I don't think the modern machines would be in as good condition in 40 yrs. time with the torment this old machine has had.

Pros: Sturdy and built solid.
Cons: Bit slow, shows age.

Photo Uploads:

I Love Vintage John Deere L&G Equipment
Model Year: 1978

I bought the 400 tractor with a blown engine. It had been rebuilt by the fellas uncle only 20 hours prior. It was bought with the JD green automotive paint except the side panels. The mower, which was completely rebuilt, had fresh automotive JD yellow. It looked pretty good and everything was there, including the model 50 snow thrower and a set of chains. I paid $900 for it and hauled it home with the help from my friend and his trailer because mine had a mishap. I don't want to elaborate. I promised the seller, a body shop and paint technician that I would let him know what killed the engine so quickly. While disassembling the K532 19.9hp Kohler twin, I found the reason for the failure. Please take note, the front engine cover (timing gears) and spacer plate caused the engine failure. The spacer plate had been welded at some point at one of the bolt holes, one of two that are critical because this is where the two shoulder bolts have to go in order to align/center the cover so the stator doesn't hit the flywheel. The spacer had been welded as I mentioned but not filed down to the same thickness of the rest of the spacer. During assemble the shoulder bolts were not put in the correct two holes and when the cover bolts were torqued there ended up being too much pressure on the cover which is made of aluminum. That stuff doesn't flex. And, you guessed it, the aluminum cracked at the bad spot of the spacer. A piece came off while the engine was running and entered into the crankshaft area and was caught up at the #1 cylinder connecting rod causing it to pinch into the crankshaft thus burning up the rod and finally breaking it. The piston skirt was also broke off. I had a parts engine which allowed me to use the crankshaft, one connecting rod, the spacer and cover. I also used the oil pump and pick up screen. Oh, I used the camshaft because of visual impact damage, just to be safe. Final inspection of the block and all internal parts passed, meaning the block had survived. I bought a NOS piston and rings off Ebay and another set of rings along with a rebuild gasket set on Ebay as well. I did reuse the piston and rod on #2 cylinder---they were like new. I should mention that this Kohler K532 that is 30 plus years old; still had passable stock bores and the OLDER extra engine's crankshaft rod journals were within stock specs! How's that for a testimony? I put it all together and the thing runs like a clock with no oil usage. It's a monster. This 400 runs so good and cuts grass so fine I sold my 420, which has been my buddy for years and needed a rebuild badly. I was a JD dealer technician when young and set up and repaired many a 400. This one is my buddy for life.

Pros: Poor steering radius.
Cons: All the power you need and the mower cuts great and is very heavy duty.

Photo Uploads:

John Deere 400 Backhoe
Model Year: 1970

Recently acquired, so no operating comments as yet, as it requires some repairs before going to work.The obvious are 120 degrees steering free play, hydraulics trying to stall the engine and a wheel bearing.

Pros: Good reputation.
Cons: None yet.

JD 400 Backhoe with FEL
Model Year: 0

Nothing to report until some faults are fixed, such as the hydraulics trying to stall the motor on startup and around 120 degrees free play in the steering wheel.

Pros: Has been working recently.
Cons: Lots of work to improve the driveability until I'm satisfied.

400 Review
Model Year: 1977

It's a fun tractor for restoration because it's fairly heavy duty. I don't care for the odd PTO speed and and some things were under engineered. Overall though it's a good tractor for medium garden work with rototiller. Good for moving snow from driveway with the blade.

Pros: It's a Deere and tons of parts for keeping it alive.
Cons: PTO is an odd speed. All PTO driven add ons must be matched to this tractor because of the one of PTO speed.

Photo Uploads:

Takes a Lickin'...
Model Year: 1978

Keeps on tickin'.

Pros: My baby will last forever.
Cons: 60"deck is a pain.

John Deere 410
Model Year: 1979

Probably about a late 70's model. Has been a good tractor. Had to replace the starter , a hose burst. Both simple repairs. Got the starter off the web, and the hose at a local shop.

Pros: .
Cons: .