300x vs 300cx?

[jhortonvt]

2 months ago I bought a 4310 with a front mounted snowblower, used LX5, and a 300x FEL. My dealer had to order the 300x, which is now in, although I have not taken delivery of it yet.
I was thinking of calling him up and asking what he would charge me to upgrade to the 300cx.
I looks like the retail price difference is about $540 (300x retail is $3159-not what I paid- and 300cx retail is $3699
So the max I think he would charge is $540, I suspect it would be $450 to $500.
People seem to rave about the 300cx, is there that much difference? Should I even bother? Should I definitely upgrade? Should I stop asking questions?

I love the tractor and can't wait to do some real meat and potatoes work this spring.

 

[dmp437]

I would upgrade in a heartbeat. A tractor is a long term asset and a little extra money up front is money well spent. To maximize what your 4310 can do it will help to have the extra capacity of the 'cx'.
A higher loader capacity at a minimum means bigger hydraulic cylinders (larger bore), something you can't change economically if you're dis-satisfied. And re-sale of the "small" loader for a tractor series will be dismal.
Are your rear tires loaded?

 

[rockyridgefarm]

PLEASE get the CX!!!!

 

[beenthere]

I would also say get the CX. But I would consider what trouble I have caused the dealer as well. He will have to order another loader, and if it doesn't come with a tractor, he may not get the deal he did on the one you already bought. Just a thought to be thoughtful of your re-consideration. Hope it works out okay for you.

 

[dmp437]

I wouldn't feel real sorry for the dealer who snookered me into the "small" loader. It's early in the model run so he'll eventually get rid of it; it's not like it's a 420.
My dealer pulled the same gig on me, started writing up a quote and slipped in a 420 loader. I explained that I was history unless it had 430 on it and it turned out it was only another couple of hundred dollars.
Whish brings us to Deere. Why even bother with a 420 or a 300c loader in the first place? Offer one model, the heavy duty model, and prices slightly decrease due to economy of scale and the need to stock fewer spare parts (the parts for the smaller loaders). If you want to be seen as a segment leader don't bother with light duty loaders. <rant over>

 

[jcmseven]

jhorton,
I would concur with the other posters about the 300cx loader. I have the 300cx loader and would not consider not having one. I would hold out for the loader that you want. This can be done with consideration to your dealer also. Keep in mind, a small gesture by your dealer to help you get the attachment of your choice now will potentially keep you coming back and pay big dividends for the dealer later. My understanding also of the corporate philosophy of JD is the same: please the customer. In defense of the dealer though, part of the issue is JD's fault. My dealer, who is very good, did not know a 300cx existed when I requested my 4310 be fitted with one. This was a few weeks ago, but he thought the 300x was the midframe equivalent of the 400x for the large frame tractors. John Deere at that point had not provided him adequate information about the differences, so he had ordered several of the 300x loaders for the upcoming 3000 series machines. He promptly changed that order from the factory upon hearing the information. Your dealer will, however, be able to sell the 300x loader, so politely hold out for the one you want and nothing less.

John M.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

I got a 420 with my tractor, but wanted the 430. The dealer charged a little extra to swap out, but I was glad he did.

Look at the configurator on Deere.com, and compare the options for the 300x and 300cx. You will see that the cx has a lot going for it!

 

[jhortonvt]

My dealer got back to me with a price for the trade up. We got down to an additional $460 for the upgrade, it looks like I'll do it.
Thanks for the scoop.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

That is so much more than fair!! Sounds like a great dealer...

You will be glad that you did upgrade!

 

[txhawg]

Where do I find the specs for the 300CX loader? I can't find anything on Deere.com except that I am able to select it as an option for the 4310. I would like to compare it to the 430.

 

[jcmseven]

txhawg,
There is not an assessment currently on the consumer website. I would suggest going by your dealer and having them print out a spec comparison for the various loaders. My dealer was able to print out a comparison sheet directly from the John Deere dealer website.

John M.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Go to the Configurator choose the 300cx. at the top, click on "features"

300CX Loader
Specifications Per ASAE 301.3
Measured @ Pivot Pin:
Lift Capacity 1598 Lbs. (725 kg)

Lift Height 102 In. (2593 mm)
Boom Breakout 3327 Lbf. (14800 N)
Dump Angle - 41.1 Degrees

Rollback Angle - 31 Degrees
Quick-Tatch Loader
Quick-Tatch Carrier
Mounting Frame
Hood Guard
Bucket Level Indicator
61 In. (1550 mm) Materials Bucket

You can also compare the attachments....

 

[txhawg]

Thanks, Rocky. Looks like the 300CX gives you around 350 LBs more lifting capacity over the 430. I think I want that! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[rockyridgefarm]

300 Series Loaders

Yup, but the coolest feature is the grease zerks.

 

[KASBJS]

Don't forget about the additional attachments available for the CX only: 72" grapple bucket, 72" blade, 84" blade, 72" 4-in-1 bucket, 60" 4-in-1 bucket and hydraulic angle kit for front blades. There is also a skid steer attachment carrier for the CX loaders.

 

[Jim_n_Motown]

I have found that the configurator isn't totally accurate especially regarding things like attachments for the loaders. They might leave things out intentionally to get one to buy the more expensive model.

Before the 300 loaders came out I was comparing the 420 vs the 430 and after double checking with the dealer I found out that some of the attachments that weren't listed for the 420 were actually compatible such as the front blade. The same thing happened with the 300x vs the 300cx.

If one is buying the more expensive model based on a specific attachment it would be a good idea to double check with a dealer first. It might save cash!

 

[keeney]

<font color="green"> RE: I have found that the configurator isn't totally accurate especially regarding things like attachments for the loaders. They might leave things out intentionally to get one to buy the more expensive model. </font>

They may also be leaving things out that are not recommended to be used togtheer even though they can physically be mated up. Many of the larger attachment options mentioned might fit on the loader quick-attach just fine (most of the modern JD bucket attach are all the same), but the lift capacity and sturdiness of the smaller loader frame might not be appropriate for the heavier attachments.

In other words, it might fit fine, but you may not be happy that 50% of the loader gross lift capacity is used up just lifting the largest 4-in-1, HD bucket, for example.

- Rick

 

[KASBJS]

I have not checked the configurator out yet on the 300 series loaders but keep in mind that these are new products like the 3020 and 4020 series tractors, the are not a replacement they are actually new and totally different pieces of equipment. If it is not correct it will be soon. Keeney made an excellent point, just because the 300 series loaders will have the same coupler does not mean that they can carry the same implements. If you want an attachment for a 300X and only shows to be compatible with the CX I encourage you to talk to your local dealer about your specific application for that attachment. You might be ok, for example I have sold loaders with two-wheel drive 790's. Deere does not recommend that but it works for the customer's application.

 

[Jim_n_Motown]

I guess I should have been more clear. When I said compatible I meant I had the dealer look things up in the manuals to make sure it was supported and warranted by Deere even though it wasn't listed in the configurator.