4310 Discussion - Are they holding up?

[SteveH_CT]

OK guys – I seriously need to have this discussion, and I hope others will weigh in with facts if their available. Are the 4x10’s weak tractors? I keep seeing threads about slow hydro, recalls, splitting it apart for repairs and so on. This is giving me a serious case of jitters about this $25,000 tool I bought recently. What are the opinions of the group, especially some of the members who seem to work at Deere dealers? If this line is especially problem prone why hasn’t Deere addressed it? There are hints at a seriously updated 4xxx line coming out. Perhaps the point of the new line-up I read about from time to time is to address these issues.

On the “feel-good” front I received a package from Deere last weekend… really nice owners edition hat, and a sincerely written card from the factory where these are made. It made me feel even better about the tractor when you see the folks on the line who are actually building them.

To date I haven’t had a single problem with my 4310, and I’m approaching 30 hours on it, let’s hope that it continues. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Thanks,

 

[rockyridgefarm]

<font color="green"> There are hints at a seriously updated 4xxx line coming out. </font>

I don't think this is an indication of problems, it is just the normal product development process. I almost think that almost as soon as a new design hits the market the design team is already thinking "WOW, what if we did this?!!" Some things fit well to running changes (the updated seat that came with the latest 4x10s, etc)

Bear in mind, that these aren't primarily AG machines, where plain sturdy designs are the reason they are purchased. Most folks buying them are looking for extensive features, which abound, and are always playing against Moore's Law (on a tractor, what a hoot, really) Since the 4x10s came out, there are new lines from Kubota and New Holland. If JD doesn't do an upgrade they will be seen as falling behind.

<font color="green"> I keep seeing threads about slow hydro, recalls, splitting it apart for repairs and so on. </font>
The safety recall gets a lot of airplay. It is a SAFETY thing. There is probably a very remote chance that an issue could cause a safety concern. But Deere is willing to face great expense for your safety as an owner.
I have never heard of a recall on Jimnas, so does that mean they are better made than a Deere? I am afraid it has more to do with the difficulty in getting an attractive settlement for some lawyers than real quality issues. There are some issues, of course, these are fairly complex machines, and that is why they are sold by servicing dealers. Don't forget, most folks don't stand around talking about their machine WORKING, many only show up when there is a problem. Even the techs who work on them end up a little sideways, they see broken machines all the time, and seldom see the stats. It may seem like they are splitting WAY more machines than they used to, but often the stats tell a different story.

My 4310 is fantastic. Even if Deere comes out with a re-invented CUT, it will still be a wonderful machine. BTW, I come from a Kubota background, and was set to buy a NH when I fell into buying a Deere. I may sound like a Deere nut, but I am really a very satisfied owner.

 

[SteveH_CT]

Thanks for posting. I spoke to my dealer this morning about a few issues - this being one of them. He went into some detail about the recall and the number of tractors affected by it - Not so many as I thought. Mine was not one of the units under the recall - and as I have said - it has worked flawlessly for me. I'd be curious if someone like J.D. Powers has stats on quality and dependability with the tractor companies. If not them, then somebody must track it.

I'm a satisfied owner as well. I think my lack of advanced mechanical abilities is what leads me to get nervous about major problems.

Thanks again - It would be good to hear from most/all of the 4X10 series owners out there and see how these tractors are holding up overall.

 

[jackd]

Steve, I do agree with Mike, and am a VERY satisfied owner, with Deere, and, as well, have an excellent dealer. My first tractor was a shift Kubota, and then I went to a 4400 (at the time K had just come out with the hydro) which had the famous axle problem. A year (and 150 hours) later, Deere and the dealer replaced the 4400 with a new 4400, at no charge. I decided I wanted more "oomph", and traded the 4400 for a 4610, which was used (70 hours), and had really been USED!!! Anyway, I have since traded for a new 4710, which I love, have 150 hours on and so far, so good. If there is ever any little thing (at one point the throttle lever slipped, and the dealer was at my farm the next day with a wrench!) I have needed my dealer and/or Deere have been there. Needless to say I am VERY satisfied, and happy with these folks. BTW, I'm sure there are plenty of satisfied customers of the other brands out there, but my experiences have all been great. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

JackD

 

[bigblock]

I've had my 4310 a year in January. Presently have 346 hours on it. Only had two problems so far.

The battery leaked then went dead. Battery was replaced and the corrosion damage repaired without a hassle.

The sending unit on the fuel tank leaked. Took two tries to get that fixed. Replaced the sending unit with a new design on the second try. No longer leaks but reads about 1/4 tank low on the gauge. Prefer that to the leak.

Overall I am very happy with the tractor. I have the power reverser instead of the hydro so I can't address those issues. I have no real complaints. I've worked it pretty hard and it has done everything I've asked of it. For it's size I am amazed at what it can do. I have no regrets about the purchase.

Bob

 

[Tractors4u]

I bought my 4310 at the end of Nov 2003. Because of all the rain we had this winter I haven't been able to put many hours on it. Last week at 29 hours the steering tilt mechanism when south, literally. It got stuck in the doown position. I called the shop to tell them I would be bringing it in later that week. Two days later at hour 31 the front axle started making a clicking sound. I decided to take it in that day, which was last Wednesday. I got a call today that they had it fixed. A pin that holds the front drive shaft had sheared. They said they had seen the steering problem but not the driveshaft problem. My ROPS would not fold from the time I got it, the pins were stuck so I told them to fix that also. They said there was paint on the pins and that they polished the pins up and they went in and out freely now. I also pointed out an area on the rear wheels that the paint was so thin that rust had started so they fixed that too. I pick it up tomorrow. So far, good service.

 

[yellowsocks93]

I saw a few in the shop early on when they first came out with trans leaks but now I have not seen any come back in for a while. I think they are an ok series but I would not buy another 4300 or 4310.

 

[SteveH_CT]

Funny you mention the ROPS pins... I keep a rubber mallet and a short screwdriver around to knock mine in and out. I noticed immediately how tight those pins are. I'm just under 30 hours or pretty hard work - and so far no problems with anything. Good Luck with yours - Please let me know how the service goes.

Thanks,

 

[rockyridgefarm]

The ROPS puts stress on the pins, I support some of its weight when I remove them and it helps a lot...

 

[SteveH_CT]

Actually mine are slightly mis-aligned. I have to lower the ROPS to get it in the garage. So when I put it back up one side may go in OK - but the other will not go in without some "english" on the rops itself and a good whack with the mallet. I'm tempted to get the drill out and slightly loosen up it's fit.