2003 4310

Eyehelp · Apr 30, 2006

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 · Apr 30, 2006

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 · Apr 30, 2006

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 · May 1, 2006

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 · May 1, 2006

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 · May 1, 2006

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 · May 1, 2006

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 · May 1, 2006

</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 · May 1, 2006

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

RoyJackson · May 1, 2006

"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!