4000 TEN Series Questions

[EdwardB]

Hi. I am wanting to pull the trigger on a JD Comp Util tractor. (My 4 year old wouldn't let me even consider any other color )

Anyway, I am having a hard time deciding on model and options. I have twenty-five acres of wooded hills in Northern Michigan. There is hardly a flat spot on the property, with the exception of a few old logging trails. I intend on using the tractor primarily for loading, light tilling, backblading and snowblowing. In the future, the uses may expand to light agricultural (primarily an orchard or vineyard) but also general mowing and/or tilling less than 40 acres.

I am looking hard at the 4310. My questions are:

Tires - Am leaning towards industrial as I need traction but don't want to tear up grass. Someone said turf would work well except in mud. Any thoughts. I also want loaded tires for better stability on the hills?

Transmission: I am leaning towards the hydro. Any problems with the pedals on hilly situations?

I also might want to use a three-point hitch chipper. Any info on pro's\con's would be great.

Do I need the third hydraulic valve in back?

Is there anything that I am missing?

Different dealers seem to offer different discounts. I'd prefer to buy local - should I ask them to match the discount?

Thanks!

 

[SteveH_CT]

I'll start from the last question and work my way up and share whatever I can from my experience.

Shopping around Deere dealers for me proved on thing... they're all in on it /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif - seriously though, I didn't find a large difference between three dealers on identical machines. I found out later that CT is divided into regions, and that one dealer called the local dealer and asked if I was their customer. Overall I think there may have been less than $200 difference between the three. It wasn't like pricing cars where the dealers all beat each other up. I'll be curious to know what it's like in your area.

re: 3rd valve - I believe you should get what you need now, and even what you think you'll need as well. It's easier and cheaper while you're buying it new. I used some of these little options as negotiating points - as a way of getting them thrown in the price. At least with my dealer they seemed more willing to throw in things than to move a lot on $$.

Chipper - No Info...

Hydro - You'll love it - no problems on hills. Have you driven any of the eHydro or other Deere CUTS? I can't speak to other brands but I found the pedal arrangement pretty logical - you'll be familiar with it very quickly. The brakes being on the left was a plus to me as well - I use the parking brake frequently when I"m doing BH work... It's all very easy to run. I guess that's the point of the eHydro.

Tires - I've got the R4's and they can still do a number on grass if it's at all soft, especially in a situation where you are pushing or turning sharply. I've learned to cut down on turf damage by only using 4wd when I need it. The tractor is easier on things when it's not engaged, especially tight turns. For the stuff you're talking about I'd personally steer clear of the Turfs.

You have a lot of land - Maybe I'm not clear on how much of it you'll be working. </font><font color="blue" class="small">( but also general mowing and/or tilling less than 40 acres. )</font> Do you mean to say you'll be getting more land or is that a typo? If you're working 40 acres I think the 4310 may be a bit small. I have about 8 acres where I am now, and another 25 I'll be slowly getting into shape in the near future. I could easily be talked into a 4710 (or the new large chassis) when I move over to that lot. I'm not trying to move you to something else, the 4310 is a little monster and it does whatever I throw at it. I guess I'm just not totally clear on the size of your land.

You'll get a lot of useful info here - feel free to post more details.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[Wannafish]

Edward,
What part of Northern Michigan are you from ?

I have the 'baby' of the 4000 series (4010) and find the loaded tires to be of great value. Being here in Michigan you should have no problem getting your tires loaded with "RimGuard" (beet juice). I also have hills and would not want to be without loaded tires for stability and traction in the winter. I was pleasantly surprised to find I didn't need chains with MFWD in the winter.
I find the hydro to be superior in regards to control of the tractor on hills...but that's just MHO.
I have the 'industrial' tread and find that as long as I'm careful on our lawn when it is wet they do fine.

My local dealer had several 4310's and 4710's in stock if yours doesn't.

Good luck in your search, /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[EdwardB]

I only currently own 25 acres, most of which is woods. There is very little to till here. Mainly hauling a trailer to get firewood, grading, digging, etc. However, I can see a time in the future where I may acquire some land to have a "hobby farm" or small orchard\vineyard. At that time, I will need to do more ag stuff. I am trying to balance price with current and future needs. I am a bit concerned that the 4310 may be a bit large for what I will be doing, but small for what I want or may do down the road. I suppose erring on the "big" side is better.

 

[EdwardB]

I live in Manistee County. Have you had any problems navigating hills with your tractor? Stability is a concern of mine.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Stability is great with mine, but I have the R1s set wide. I have some pretty hairy inclines!

The 4310 is fantastic, and works great , even with 80 acres (course, I have critters to help with the mowing)

There are lots of great deals on used utility tractors so if I need bigger that is my plan. But I realy needed something in this size and can't beat the 4310.



Also, that 4 yr. old needs a Perego Gator, they are awesome...

 

[JDgreen227]

Get the E-hydro, period, you will be happy with it, the only time I ever use my brake pedals is to apply the parking brake.

My 4210 has turfs, without loaded tires the traction is great in snow and very good in hardpack dirt, good in mud if I have a load in the FEL bucket and a rear blade for weight. I chose turfs as 90% of my operating hours are mowing time, but if I did serious dirt moving and land clearing I would have chosen R4's instead. Loaded tires are a must for stability on hills, and be sure to get all the hydraulics you might need later on installed from the start.


The 4310 is an awesome machine, but considering the size of your property it may be a tad small as your projects expand in complexity. If you think you may need a bigger tractor in a few years, upsizing now is a good idea. Or, you may wish to go with the 4310 and purchase attachments that can be fitted to a larger JD when you trade up. The odds are good that any tractor you buy to replace your first JD will also be a green machine...I will vouch for that.

 

[yellowsocks93]

If you are getting a mid mount mower anytime soon you need the 3rd SCV to raise and lower the deck. I had it on my 4300. I never had a problem with traction with turfs. It's all I have ever used and they are excellent on snow and ice. You will like the hydro if you are new to tractors for the ease of use. I have a Bear Cat chipper made by Crary and it is the best chipper out there. For more reviews on chippers go to the attachments section where there is a post on chippers. Good luck!

 

[dmp437]

My opinions:
Tires- Loaded R4's. The enhanced stability makes using the tractor less stressful. I've got beet juice in mine and am very happy with the results. On wet ground the front tires due more damage than the rears do due to the narrow width. The narrow fronts are necessary because of MMM clearance.
Transmission: Do not get anything other than the eHydro. Operation is effortless (and programmable) and will add resale value and desirabaility if you ever want to sell it. Very slick for loader/blade work.
Hydraulic valve in back- Get it installed when you get the machine, it's cheaper at setup and useful for a number of attachments, most importantly the mid mount mower.
Other stuff-
Get the spark arrester put on the exhaust; northern MI is notoriously dry during the summer months and it's only about $14.
Get the brush guards for the warning signals along with the extra work lights. Makes a big difference working after dark, especially clearing snow.
Be sure to pick up the die-cast 4310 model for the 4 year old.

 

[Wannafish]

Eddy B,

Welcome Neighbor! I live just south of Cadillac, and both of our counties have approx. the same topography. As far as navigating hills...guess it depends on your "pucker factor" comfort level /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.
It is very stable on hills, especially with the tires loaded. To be safe you need to go straight up or down the steep hills.