4200 vs 4300

[Anonymous Poster]

Need some advise. I have about 20 acres of trees to mow around mostly high grass and thick brush most under 1" diameter. Plan on putting on a front mount blower and a bucket. Is the 4200 big enough to handle a 5 ft. brush cutter and 59" blower? Or should I spend the extra money and get the 4300. Any opinions would be appreciated!
Mark

 

[Muhammad]

Either can do the tasks you mentioned, but the 4300 will probably do them with less effort if they are heavy-duty or above average in quantity or size. You might not push even the 4200 to its limits very often.

+ For 4300... Takes the 430 loader, which has better performance than the 420.

+ For 4300... Will take up to a 6-foot light duty, or 5-foot medium-duty rotary cutter... 4200 takes 5-foot light duty max.

+ For 4300 if a backhoe is a remote possibility at any time during your ownership of the tractor... The 4300 takes the 48, while the 4200 takes the 47.

The 4300 is slightly larger, heavier, with higher hydraulic flow, and about 500lbs more 3-point lifting capacity. 4300 also has the optional 12x12 SyncReverser if you're not a 'hydro man'.

Basically, you get what you pay for if you do upgrade to the 4300. But the real question is not that, but rather if you need the extra power/capability.

It is common to see folks upsize... and upsize. Sometimes the extra power goes unused and isn't really needed for the realistic, common chores you'll use the tractor for. Since the choice is yours, can you justify extra cost for extra power that might be there just for fun? I wouldn't doubt the 4200's ability to serve the needs you described.

Hope this helps...

 

[luther]

I have 13 acres that I must cut and take care of. The 4200 is too small for anything more than 5 acres of work. Go with the 4300 but make sure it was manufactured March 2000 or later. I have a 4300 that I purchased in April with 130 hours on it and have had NO PROBLEMS! When I purchased the JD the dealer was the one that pointed me in that direction for the date of manufacture. Also, make sure your dealer is a confident one and that his service is above your expectations. Ask questions about how quick they can resolve any problems and if he seems genuine in his talk. This is important as many of my neighbors have purchased other brands and the service is terrible. My JD dealer has visted me twice since my purchase to make sure all is OK which it is. Also, if you purchase a JD, make sure you read the owners manual backwards and forwards to know all that you must do to make it a Lean Green Machine that it is! Good luck on your Deere hunt and keep us advised!

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Thanks to Muhammad and Luther for your comments. The 4300 is probably the best route to go, but its always tough to spend the extra money when maybe the less expensive 4200 will work. Hate to find out the hard way that it does not have enough HP.

 

[Muhammad]

There is always the 'try before you buy' demo some dealers are willing to let you do, if everything but which model of the two you want is settled. Depending on the dealer, some bring the tractor out to your property and let you 'demo' it for a few hours... most are convinced and don't want the dealer to take it away after that. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Hey, it is not like the extra power will hurt anything but the ground you'll be tearing up.