2003 4310

[Eyehelp]

Looking at a 4310 with 130 hours, 300 loader, 4 wheel drive, power reverser for $14,500. I have never had a hydrostatic drive tractor but felt like that was what I wanted. Will mostly be mowing wide open spaces but will be using it to brush cut up in around the trees along the creek banks. That is where i thought the hydrostatic would be nice. Would I be happy with the power reverser? I don't really have feel for it.
Bob

 

[beenthere]

I'd say go with your gut feeling, and wait for the HST.

The HST is more of a 'hands free' experience, which I like. One hand on the steering wheel, and one on the joy stick, or the 3pt lift lever. The right foot does all the forward-reverse chores.

 

[RoyJackson]

I'd definitely test drive that 4310. I think you'd find the reverser transmission does a fine job...just as convenient as a hydro.

i looked into a 3320 with the reverser. I do love my 790, but that old non-synchro transmission has reverse (low range) too slow and high range to fast when working at PTO speed. I really liked the reverser...but, my 790 has only 100 hours and will be mine...mine!!!! in about 18 months. I just don't want anymore debt. Plus, I can do most the maintenance on my old 790.

However, since you're buying a tractor...give that reverser a try. I think you'll find a 4310 a very good fit for your needs.

 

[BloomingtonMike]

You should really look at the capabilities of the 300 loader before commiting to it. a 300X or 300CX is definately where you want to be with the 4310.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

I wil chime in too. I would have no problem considering the reverser, it is a great transmission. I don't think that it is a 300 loader - it won't install on a 4310 - will it? I'll bet its a 300X. But like Mike said, don't bother with a 300. The good news is that they should be bale toeasily swap loaders which would be well advised. Get the 300CX; if possible.

 

[Eyehelp]

Your are right, it is the 300x loader. This is a private sale, no dealer, so unable to swap out loaders for the CX. I think the X will be okay for my needs.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Good, then the biggest issue is whether the manual tranny is sutable for you. It will be great for loader work (as is the hydro) the only real issue that I see is mowing. Several of my friends have manual trannis and have a hard time with mowing. It gets tricky finding a speed that is suitable for the engine/pto/ground speed. (try and keep the pto at ~540 rpm, with suitable ground speed...) I don't think that will be a problem with this machine, but it is something that you want to check out.

 

[BloomingtonMike]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Your are right, it is the 300x loader. This is a private sale, no dealer, so unable to swap out loaders for the CX. I think the X will be okay for my needs. )</font>

Great news!

I own the 300X and it is a very nice loader and has not let me down at all with any of my needs. I even mounted the hydraulic lines on it and use a 72" front blade with no problems at all. It is a very very nice loader. I was in the same position when I bought my 3320 (no option to swap for the CX) but my price also left about 6K in my pocket which let me afford the 3320 and 300X /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Looks like a great tractor and great price.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Yup, when buying new and all things equal, get the CX. But if the deal is good the X should do.

 

[RoyJackson]

"Several of my friends have manual trannis and have a hard time with mowing. It gets tricky finding a speed that is suitable for the engine/pto/ground speed. (try and keep the pto at ~540 rpm, with suitable ground speed...) I don't think that will be a problem with this machine, but it is something that you want to check out. "

I don't think that will be a problem with the reverser transmission. It has 12 forward and 12 reverse speeds.

Even my 8 speed (4 low, 4 high) tranny has not problems mowing in forward. Reverse is the problem...either too slow (in low range) or too fast (in high range).

But, I'm only finishing mowing a little over an acre and brush cutting about 4½-5 acres...and I can't really say I'm in a hurry.

But that reverser...nice transmission!