4300 mid mower

Anonymous Poster · Sep 7, 2001

I'm still test driving a 4300. I didn't particularly like the rear finishing mower, so my dealer installed a 60" mid mower for me to try. I really like the way it cuts much better, but the lever that raises and lowers the mower is very stiff. Almost takes 2 hands to raise the unit. Also, lowering the mower is very slow. There seems to be a lot of slack in the control. Once the mower is raised all the way and you push the lever forward to lower the mower, it takes several seconds for it to begin lowering, and then it just creeps. Are there any adjustments? Any suggestions other than returning unit to dealer?

deere4600 · Sep 8, 2001

Your critisism of the 4000 series 3rd hydraulic control valve lever is well known. The Dual Selective Control Lever that controls the loader is very well designed on the 4200-4400. I had a problem on my 4600 in that my right leg would hit the lever when I turned and looked back at a three point implement resulting in the bucket dropping. I've got a few "scars" in my lawn to show for it. The 3rd hydraulic control valve used to raise the mower on the 4200-4400 is a cable controlled unit and was not well designed in my view. Everything you mentioned in your post I agree with. On the new 4000 ten series coming out late this year Deere addressed the 3rd hydraulic concern and mounted it right next to the Dual valve control lever. I don't know if the lever is directly connected to the 3rd valve or if it remains a cable operated unit. I would presume it is a direct mount to avoid the "cheesy" feel of the current cable unit. Of all of the changes I was hoping for in the new 4000 ten series a revision of the 3rd hydraulic was the most important to me. I'm just hoping the 3rd valve is a direct mount.

Anonymous Poster · Sep 9, 2001

Didn't I read somewhere that the dual control lever could be used in place of the 3rd valve lever? If so, what would be the disadvantange? I would never be using my mower at the same time I'm using my loader.

deere4600 · Sep 10, 2001

Rap2, You would have a more responsive lift using the DSCV rathern than the 3rd Control valve. The fender mounted 3rd control is a cable unit and has a "spongy" feel to it. The DSCV is a direct lever mount to the valve. As long as you never use the mower and the loader at the same time you should be fine.

Anonymous Poster · Sep 10, 2001

deere4600: Thanks for the help. One more question. If the DSCV is used to lift and lower the mid mower, can it be used for the loader if the mid mower is still mounted? (I'm beginning to feel that I should have waited for the 4310.)

Mike_S · Sep 16, 2001

The 3rd SCV is easy to loosen which solves the problem. Of course, the dealer or owner must take the screws out from beneath the fender and get inside and loosen the nut so that the lever moves freely. As Dr. Deere previously mentioned, don't lubricate it. After I loosened mine slightly, it is self centering and easy to use, considering there is some slop due to the cable system. Mike_S

gewpe · Jun 11, 2002

Mike_s,

I have a very stiff operation of my 3rd scv as well. I did the installtion and did not notice any adjustment except on the cable. Where is the nut you loosened? Thanks

Mike_S · Jun 12, 2002

gewpe--the nut to be slightly loosened is on the bolt on which the 3rd SCV rocks back and forth, which means that it is necessary to remove the black plastic cover through which the selector lever protrudes. As I recall, there are some screws under the fender that when removed will allow disassembly of the 3rd SCV so that you can get at the nut to loosen. Mine self centers as it should. Good luck. Mike S.