2000 JD 4400 w/ 430 FEL Opinions?

   / 2000 JD 4400 w/ 430 FEL Opinions? #1  

dlgak

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I'm about to purchase a "looks like new" 4400 and would appreciate any comments pro/con regarding this tractor and the "heavy duty" 430 FEL...

Also, if anyone has a backhoe which fits that tractor - what is it and how do you like it? Or recommendations for a hoe?

Thanks a lot, Dave
 

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   / 2000 JD 4400 w/ 430 FEL Opinions? #2  
dlgak said:
I'm about to purchase a "looks like new" 4400 and would appreciate any comments pro/con regarding this tractor and the "heavy duty" 430 FEL...

Also, if anyone has a backhoe which fits that tractor - what is it and how do you like it? Or recommendations for a hoe?

Thanks a lot, Dave

More info would be nice, such as hours on the tractor, the asking price and so forth.
Also, maybe a bit about your intended uses.

The mid sized Deere's are solid machines. The 4400 used a Deere #47 or #48 backhoe.
 
   / 2000 JD 4400 w/ 430 FEL Opinions? #3  
Welcome to TBN Dave:D
That sure looks like a nice machine! Not sure what you want to know about the loader, but 2 were offered for this machine, the 420 and the 430. The 430 has more lift capacity and lifts to a higher height if I remember correctly.

The 47 or 48 hoe are the ones that were offered to fit this machine, they have now been replaced by the 447 and 448 models. Expect to pay +/- $6000 for a hoe.
 
   / 2000 JD 4400 w/ 430 FEL Opinions? #4  
I have a 4410 -- just one generation newer than the tractor you're looking at. I don't know the differences, but I love mine. If you get a hoe, get a 48 instead of the 47. Side by side the 47 looks like a kids toy. I have a 48 and it amazes me every time I use it.

Not to contradict kennyd, but I think the 48 is still in production. It is not promoted, but I think it is still out there. Also, if you decide you like the curved style of the 448, I think it will fit your tractor. I know it was up to me when I bought mine, as it was the point where the 448 was being introduced. I could have gotten either one, but I liked the more traditional styling on the 48 and wondered if all the bugs were worked out of the new design (they seem to have been, I've never heard a complaint about a 448).
 
   / 2000 JD 4400 w/ 430 FEL Opinions? #5  
I just put a 447 JD BH to basically that same tractor(only mine,s a 2000 4300 same chassis,three HP less,with 430 FEL).I really dont have a lot to compare too,but I,m quite happy with it.I agree more reach would be nice,so you dont have to move the tractor as often.
The reason I got the 447 over the 448 is JD,s recommendation for a subframe on 4300/4400 and 4310/4410 ( does not apply to 3-20 series).Per JD the 447 recommends subframe for rental and commercial use and 448 requires the subframe for all applications.The subframe is NOT compatabile with MMM (or any of the mounting hardware) and I didn,t really feel like a two hour change over every time.Without the subframe,only axle plates ,mounting only takes under 10 minutes.
I gave $5900 cash and carry for my 447 complete with powerbeyond kit and 13" bucket.The install was fairly simple,but does require the removal of both back tires ,fenders(if you dont want to drill holes in them)and the seat.
One note,if you have the old style 3rd SCV and install the NEW style powerbeyond,some of the hardware is not compatible and will require some modification.
Sorry for rambling,I,ll stop now Jeff
 
   / 2000 JD 4400 w/ 430 FEL Opinions?
  • Thread Starter
#6  
Well, I discovered that (thanks to input from the forums) there were a number of PIP issues not addressed on the 4400 tractor and that the probably fixit cost was in the neighborhood of $2000... I have had a number of recommendations to stick with gears and a non bells & whistles tractor given that I have to float it to the island on a raft!... Hauling to the repair shop is not a simple matter...

So, 870, 790,970,990... any comments... I really liked the power of the 430 FEL and the solid feel of that 4400 tractor. If service were not an issue, it'd be on the barge right now to a new home.

There's an 870 coming available Friday... anyone with opinions of that tractor and it's cost? Thanks for the help... Dave
 
   / 2000 JD 4400 w/ 430 FEL Opinions? #7  
My comments are in bold...

Well, I discovered that (thanks to input from the forums) there were a number of PIP issues not addressed on the 4400 tractor and that the probably fixit cost was in the neighborhood of $2000... I have had a number of recommendations to stick with gears and a non bells & whistles tractor given that I have to float it to the island on a raft!... Hauling to the repair shop is not a simple matter...
I wouldn't discount this tractor just for the PIP's if it looked OK otherwise. I suggest you find out what the PIP's entail (and why they were issued)...maybe some of them do not have to be incorporated (unless safety related) to do your tasks.
Also, the cost of the PIP's could be negotiated with the current owner (based upon your posts, I'm assuming this is a private party sale)


So, 870, 790,970,990... any comments... I really liked the power of the 430 FEL and the solid feel of that 4400 tractor. If service were not an issue, it'd be on the barge right now to a new home.
All great tractors... The 970's are kind of hard to find. The 790 may be too small (considering you were looking at a 4400). The 990 would be the closest in power to the 4400 and has a loader with specs comparable to the 430 available (if you buy new...or the loader can be retrofitted to a used 990).
Boy...I'm sounding sorta like Goldilocks here, aren't I?


There's an 870 coming available Friday... anyone with opinions of that tractor and it's cost?
The 870 is also a nice machine. The engine and PTO power are about the same as the 790 (maybe 1 or 2 less, but you won't notice that). The 870 does have considerably more hydraulic capacity then the 790 (makes me wish I'd found one of these before I bought my 790). The 870 is quite a bit heavier then the 790 too.The 870 uses a 9x3 syncshift just like the 990 (so does the 970, BTW).
In fact, the 870 is closer to the 990 series then the 790. In comparison to the 4400...the 870 specs are equivalent to the 4400's less powerful stablemate, the 4200.
This would be a very good tractor to look at! Cost is hard to determine. It depends on how old the machine is, condition, hours on the meter and what tractors go for in your area (which might be higher or lower then my area, southern Pennsyvania).
There is a very nice CD-ROM workshop manual available for this machine. Cost is about $50.
This might be the one to buy...if the tractor looks good and especially if you expect to do some of your own work


My first response to this thread asked about your intended uses. If those uses require a robust tractor, any of the ones you suggested will do the job (including the 4400). The 790, a great tractor, is not in the same class as the others, but would probably be cheaper to purchase then the others.

Good luck in your selection!
 
   / 2000 JD 4400 w/ 430 FEL Opinions? #8  
Welcome dlgak,
I have the exact tractor you are considering. I can't be more pleased with how it has performed for me. I have had to move some very large and heavy pieces of broken up concrete foundations and the tractor and loader have performed way above my expectations. Just be sure that you have good ballast. I usually hang my bushhog or post hole digger off the rear end if I am going to do any heavy loader work. (a ballast box project is planned)
A lot of my research was done here on TBN and I received a lot of excellent advice. I also tried the major tractor brands and gave them all serious consideration. I bought the 4400 based on quality, reputation, the fact that it fit my needs and I liked the way the controls were laid out for me. Plus the price was within my budget.
Probably the most important things to consider are;
What you plan to use the tractor for.
Price.
Ease of self service if you are so inclined.
The location of the dealer or other appropriate service facility if required.
Good Luck making your choice. Let us know what you decide.
 
   / 2000 JD 4400 w/ 430 FEL Opinions?
  • Thread Starter
#9  
Well now... I decided to pass on the 4400... the PIP issues were the "fix" for the transmissions & PTO's breaking, the 3 point pump problems and a ROPS issue... the owner of the machine did not receive notice of the problems and so, JD will only pay 3/4 of the parts and none of the labor... approximately $1500 ... more importantly, the tractor will be so exposed to the salt air (and we do get substantial spindrift when the northerlies are kicking up) and with all the electro-micro-connector/interlocks on (bells & whistles) the 4400 actually the 4000 series... the probability of failure of the connections/switches is pretty high. That's why the 790... but even with the R4 tires, it isn't the heft of the 4400. And darn, the 870 sold while I was talking to the salesman...

Anyone know of the McCormick GX40 machine? Back home in Minnesota everyone had a McCormick Deering combine or mower or rake or something... their new tractors look pretty spiffy... here's a link to their brochure...

GX Series Tractor

I'll report back later today after a test drive...

Thanks to you all for your help, I really appreciate it...
 
   / 2000 JD 4400 w/ 430 FEL Opinions?
  • Thread Starter
#10  
Well, I've bought the McCormick GX40 and look forward to receiving it in Kodiak... I did test drive the Hydro version and was really impressed with the "feel" of the tractor...

Once I get it rafted to the island and some seat time in I'll report back on the tractor and the FEL, hoe and mower bought with it... Thanks for your help
 

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