John Deere JD4300 4.40 star(s) (33)

Not Bad So Far
Model Year: 0

I bought this tractor from an auction house in Northern California that purchased it from a state park somewhere in California. When I got it home, I changed the oil, transmission fluid and filters. It had been worked pretty hard with minimal up keep. So far, I have been beating on it pretty hard around the property and have no complaints so far. The bucket slowly drops on it's own when it is not being used. I am trying to figure that problem out now. The stock wheel spacing is quite narrow for any hillside or uneven ground. I flipped the front wheels and added some Bro-Tech aluminum wheel spacers to the reversed rims on the back. This made a huge difference in the stability. Over all, I am happy so far. Not a huge fan of the plastic rear fenders. Steel would be more rigid when hopping on and off the machine.

Pros: Decent power
Cons: Narrow wheel base, (can be improved with Bro-Tech spacers)

So Far, So Good
Model Year: 2000

I bought from a dealer who claims he bought it from a boy scout camp, so it has probably been through a lot. However, everything seems to work fine except that almost every piece of plastic on the front is broken including the hood, both cowls, and the fuel door.

Pros: Starts first time every time.
Cons: Plastic was a bad choice by John Deere

John deere 430
Model Year: 2001

Good tractor no problems used with snow blower back hoe loader mower and power rake .

Pros: Good power to size
Cons: None

Wrong Choice
Model Year: 2004

Having been a Green fan for over 40 years. It is hard to describe my dissatisfaction with John Deere. On previous posts, I have applauded Deere despite issues with the design of the hydraulic systems. Now and in the last 10 years, we have had catastrophic failures with our 4200, both 4300's, a 4400, 3520 and now our 3720. This post for the 4300 is in lite of the fact that this unit will now represent our last ever John Deere compact tractor. We have been told that the needed repairs will cost more than the tractor is worth. After our nightmare with the last 3520 with less than 100 hr. on it and the poor trade in value, we see no reason to pay the premium for the Green Tractors. We ended up trading our last 4200 for a Kioti 45HSE, and now have over 3000 hours on it without anything other than maintenance. Even if we trade the Kioti and sell it for $100.00, we will still come out ahead. Until something changes at Deere, the only choice for serious landscapers are the Kubota and Kioti. A sad day indeed.

Pros: They look good.
Cons: Reliability, hydraulic performance and stability.

4300 JD
Model Year: 2000

This tractor has done everything I expected and much more! Extremely reliable. I would highly recommend it.

Pros: This tractor did everything I expected, and more!
Cons: The need for more dealer locations.

Haven't Had It Very Long
Model Year: 2000

300CX loader, home made fork lift attachment, 72 mower deck.

Pros: Excellent on fuel, plenty of power.
Cons: None so far.

JD 4300
Model Year: 2000

My tractor has a Great Bend front loader, 4x4, and I recently added power behind for my log splitter. This tractor has been great, but I gave it a three star build quality only because I have had to replace both rear wheel seals, one of them twice only after about 450 hours. I just replaced the front seal on one side. I also had to repair the transmission because it wouldn't stay in gear. I replace the seals because the JD dealer wants about $550 and I can do for about $50.

Pros: Versatile, reliable.
Cons: Wheel seals.

JD 4300 SRT Just Recently Purchased
Model Year: 2000

Just purchased this unit this past spring, and have only put 35 hours on it so far, but have not had any issues. I mow about 6 acres which takes about 4 hour with going around trees and shrubs. I bought this with these attachments, snow blower, tiller, and rear blade. I wish I had a front end loader. Been looking!! It does have a heated cab, that will be nice for snow blowing this winter.

Pros: Easy to operate, I have my wife mowing with it!
Cons: None so far.

Photo Uploads:

Pawpaws Tractor
Model Year: 0

Bought this tractor second hand with only 285 hours on it. FWD, loader (with quick change bucket), and 6' bush-hog for $14,000. Looked brand new. Purchased a box blade and a set of forks (handiest thing I could have bought). Been real pleased with the tractor except for the plastic body parts. Hood cracked way to easy

Pros: Fuel economy, power to size ratio.
Cons: Plastic hood and fenders.

A Reliable Engine, But Not Much Else to Recommend It
Model Year: 1999

Bought the tractor new. The engine has been trouble free. Transmission often grinds when shifting gears and has run rough from day 1. After 5 years the plastic body parts became brittle and started falling apart. Unscheduled maintenance items and approximate hours when they showed up: 25 hours: Bad fuel injector, fixed under warranty. 200 hours; selector started popping out of "B" range, had to hold the lever in position by hand to use "B" range. 300 hours: plastic surround for the range shift lever broke allowing lever to move past the "C" position, causing the lever's internal linkage to disconnect from the transmission and requiring a visit to the repair shop to fix. 350 hours: all plastic cover parts (hood, grill, sides) around the engine compartment started becoming brittle and proceeded to gradually disintegrate over the years. 350 hours: 4 wheel drive lever refused to engage. 350 hours: diode block (V1) in fuse panel failed, replaced block. 400 hours: brakes started not releasing after being applied, was able to temporarily fix by adding a spring on each side to release the brakes when I release the brake pedals. 400 hours: differential lock stopped working. 450 hours: seat's shock absorber failed, replaced seat and shock absorber. 450 hours: clutch safety switch failed, bypassed switch.

Pros: Reliable engine.
Cons: Transmission, plastic body parts.

J D 4300, 72" Belly Mower, 300CX Loader
Model Year: 2000

Just purchased this unit this summer, and have only put 20 hours on it so far, but have not had a single problem. Very pleased with how fuel efficient this thing is. I filled it when I bought it and just fueled it for the first time the other day. It only took about 7 or 8 gals to re-fill.

Pros: Fuel efficient.
Cons: None so far.

Photo Uploads:

JD 4300
Model Year: 2001

I bought this tractor (4x4 w/bucket) with about 59 hrs. on it. It is a good tractor for my use, but sometimes I feel I could use the next bigger size. I do like the maneuverability of the smaller tractor. My main issues with the tractor is the wheel seals. I had to replace both rear seals after about 450 hrs. One of them twice. There was mud grit getting into the seals right around the outer cover housing that appeared to be the cause of the seals going bad and allowing dirt to get into the oil. I put gasket sealer on the housing and I think I may have fixed the problem. Last fall I installed power beyond using the JD kit. It was easy to put on, but it won't allow use of three point when hooked up. I've heard there's a fix for that.

Pros: Versatile, reliable.
Cons: Dealer repairs are very expensive.

JD HST 4WD 4300
Model Year: 2000

My John Deere 4300 is a great little tool on a small plot. However it will do big work. The HST makes it very easy to use. I have used it around my home as well as my business to do everything from moving dirt, it has the 430 loader, to hauling and loading downed trees, to using a PTO driven post hole diggers, to assemble a fence. I bought it from a friend in 2003 for $12,500. In 2010 we needed some cash, so I sold it for $10,500 to another friend. You know that feeling, like you lost your first love. I bugged him so much that a year later he sold it back to me.

Pros: 4WD gets you out of tight spots.
Cons: None!

JD 4300
Model Year: 2001

I bought this used from a friend with bucket, snow blower, post hole digger, bush hog, tiller, and forks. So far an excellent purchase and reliable for use on my 37 acre property. Uses include firewood, field mowing, brush/stump removal, snow blowing and moving gravel (road building) and large rocks. Tractor has performed well in these tasks.

Pros: 4 wheel drive, adequate horsepower for my needs.
Cons: None yet.

A Great Machine
Model Year: 2000

It' been a great machine. No troubles except a bad battery and a broken hose-my fault.

Pros: Very economical.
Cons: None.

John Deere 4300 HST
Model Year: 1999

Great tractor/ has never let me down.

Pros: Perfect size for my needs.
Cons: Neighbors asking to borrow.

John Deere 4300
Model Year: 0

Purchased tractor used with 200 hrs on meter. Has been a solid machine with just a few issues. - Gauge panel has become foggy. - Front wheel seals have had to be replaced. - Bell housing and foot controls should have skid plate.

Pros: Many great typical JD refinements on a strong platform.
Cons: 410 loader attachment system to tractor continues to loosen.

Photo Uploads:

Good Tractor, Bad Body
Model Year: 2000

The John Deere 4300 is a good all-purpose tractor. It is very easy to attach implements both front and back. It has been very reliable. But the body is made of plastic and the hood breaks from its hinges very easily. I reattached by using long bolts through the hood body to reattach. They redesigned the hood and buying a new one would require a new fuel door and all parts for over $500. Overall I love my JD, but wish it had a better body.

Pros: Versatility, 4 wheel drive, reliability.
Cons: Plastic body, battery in front of radiator.

Bought Used, Well Used
Model Year: 2001

Tractor is made by JD. What else did I need to know? Lift is really whiny and loud. Does not stay in position. Has only 2 positions really: all the way up and hear the pump whining or all the way down---no in between. Dealer wants a ton to just look at it and tell me whats wrong and if it can be fixed. Tractor apparently suffered a lot of abuse prior to my purchasing it. I changed all the fluids and filters including the anti-freeze and replaced the thermostat and gaskets. If you're looking at one of these, you would do well to have it checked out by a mechanic.

Pros: It starts right up.
Cons: Too many to list. Thought it being a Deere, didn't need to know much else. I was SO wrong.

JD4300 Hydrostatic Drive
Model Year: 2000

Purchasing the 4300 was one of the best major purchases I have ever made. I use my tractor for mowing our large 2 acre yard with a mid mount deck in the summer, cutting and baling hay on 23 acres. Running a NewHolland 279 Haybine and a old mod.66 bailer. For two years I also used the 4300 to power a 65 bushel NH feed grinder. In the winter I move snow with in with a 5 foot blower on the back and the FEL on the front. The diesel engine is a great engine on this tractor.

Pros: Hydro drive and easy starting, summer or winter. Have a block heater and plug it in when the temp is 10 f. or below.
Cons: JD discontinued making the front mounted snow blower for this model. ARGGG I want one bad! Also my dash has always fogged up on me. Deere replaced it twice but it still does it.