John Deere 4300 complete rebuild

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Thank you so much for documenting your rebuild. You have a lot of fortitude and probably not too much spare time for idle hands...

You could have a show and name it "This Old Tractor" or "Tractor Gearz" or maybe "Tractor Time".

 

[jeff408]

If you would show us (me) what your going to do for the subframe. I have a 4300 also with the stock subframe with a 48 BH.

 

[dfkrug]

If you would show us (me) what your going to do for the subframe. I have a 4300 also with the stock subframe with a 48 BH.

I plan to document that process, with pix. If you have the long JD factory
tractor-strengthening subframe, that is great. If only the mini-subframe
that attaches only to the rear axle housings, that's bad. My goal will
be to make a frame that does not use the axle housing bolts AND is long
enough to transfer bending forces to the FEL subframe.

("Tractor Time".....that sounds good.)

Stay tuned.

 

[jeff408]

I have the short one that bolts to the axel. when I got it every bolt holding the subframe on was loose. Its a wonder its still all in one peice. After reading about the issues with it I am a little worried to bolt it back up and use it. If I do I will be very easy on it.

 

[dfkrug]

This photo is from my test drive yesterday. I still have to do a bit
more tweaking to get the hood, grille, and side panels to fit well, not
to mention putting new stickers on them.

Anyway, the engine starts super-easy...the starter engages for only
a second...and no manifold heat at 49 degrees in my workshop. I
drove it around a bit to see if I needed to adjust the HST controls...nope.
Got it right the first time (amazing). The range shift lever worked backwards
so I had to reinstall the shifter bellcrank in the correct orientation. (It was
a 50-50 guess, and I got that wrong.)

I have not been able to get my LCD hour meter working after taking the
instrument panel apart again, so I am thinking of adding an aftermarket
mechanical hour meter. That keeps me from putting the cowl back
together for a while. The rear fenders and seat will have to wait until
I complete the changes I am making to the hydraulic system.

I also discovered the float and arm are missing from my fuel level sending
unit.

 

[dcyrilc]

It's sure looking good! Nothing like it did when you brought it home.

Any plans to show the rental yard what it looks like when it's done?

 

[dfkrug]

Any plans to show the rental yard what it looks like when it's done?

Oh, you bet! My main contact there has seen an interim photo, but I
will send him a more complete shot with all those shiny green panels
installed.

BTW, they are now in the process of replacing their 4300s with Bobcat
CT335s, and they just had the first two delivered last week. (Plastic body
panels, foot clutches, and aluminum rear end castings are incompatible with
rental operation.)

 

[kebo]

Oh, you bet! My main contact there has seen an interim photo, but I
will send him a more complete shot with all those shiny green panels
installed.

BTW, they are now in the process of replacing their 4300s with Bobcat
CT335s, and they just had the first two delivered last week. (Plastic body
panels, foot clutches, and aluminum rear end castings are incompatible with
rental operation.)

Just think, in a few years you can go buy one of those used up, wore out, broken Bobcats and restore it here on this forum!!

Great job though Dave! I'm dying to see a picture (or video) of the 4300 all back together and doing some work!

 

[Wayne_H]

Dave:

Looking good! Yes, when the engine is right it starts right up. I just tap the starter and she starts, never really need the GP's on my 4400, although it does not sleep under the stars...

Wayne

 

[dfkrug]

I just tap the starter and she starts, never really need the GP's on my 4400....

Wayne, you may not know, but your tractor has no glow plugs...it has
a heating element in the intake manifold. These DI Yanmars, going back
to the early 90s, often used manifold heaters.