4320 vs 4310

95fxdl · Jul 1, 2006

I have an '04 4310 with a fel and pwr/rev. transmission. Not really happy with the tractor, (too small). Is it worth trading up for a 4320 with e-hydro? Will I see noticeable power increase? Looking forward to your comments.

jcmseven · Jul 1, 2006

Yes it is worth it.

John M

jeffinsgf · Jul 4, 2006

Though you can't tell it from the model numbers, there is a huge difference between those two tractors. The 4310 would be more correctly compared to the 3x20 series. The 4x20's are a much larger frame tractor. If your 4310 is too small, I would say a 4320 would probably fit pretty well. Try one on!

BloomingtonMike · Jul 6, 2006

Quite a difference in price as well. You definately need to test drive one.

95fxdl · Jul 9, 2006

That really is the question Mike. Will I be getting that much more of a tractor for the amount of money that I will have to shell out?

jcmseven · Jul 10, 2006

The 4320 is a lot more machine than the 4310. It is larger by quite a bit and heavier. It will handle heavier attachments and will do more work much more quickly. Having owned both a 4310 and a 4520 (same size as 4320) and now with a 3720, I can say the difference in the 4310 and the large frame is huge. The bigger question is whether the larger frame machine fits in places that you wish for it to,and whether you have tasks that will truly allow you to use the difference in size and power to its maximum. For example, I really liked my 4520, but about 1/3 of my property was inaccessible to it due to its size, so despite the fact it was twice the machine as my 4310 was, I could not use all it could offer due to restrictions unique to my property. For me also, the ability to trailer my tractor to different places easily was a major concern. With loaded tires, a FEL and a 72" BB, my 4520 weighed approximately 7000#. With my trailer pushing 3300#, even my 3/4 ton pickup had a load. Not for pulling per say, but from braking and handling. A comparable mid frame will weigh about 2000# less set-up similarly. Hopefully this offers some food for thought, but if one had the need and the means by which to get a large frame, one should in my mind. But for me, a higher HP mid frame was a better choice.

John M

rockyridgefarm · Jul 11, 2006

I have a 4310 with R1s set full wide. I am often surprised when I see the same tractor with the small R4s. It looks a lot smaller. There are even bigger R1s that were available than mine.

But a 3720 is likely the best balance for size and power that most users will need. Or at least till John trades agin!

95fxdl · Jul 11, 2006

Unfortunaltely for the 4310 I own, I compare it to the old Massey 235 I have. I don't know the hp. of that old tractor, but it is a hoss with the 3 cyl. perkins. No frills but it has plenty of power.

When I bought the 4310, I thought I would go down on power,(save money) but get better options. That was the mistake, down grading. I typically expect more out of equipment than it delivers. So I try and get the biggest. However, the 4310 is the first new tractor I bought and couldn't afford a bigger one.

Now, I rarely use the 4310 to mow my 10 acres. I still use the old Massey even with the bad power steering unit. I like the Deere 20 series but hate to make the same mistake again.

Bought a Cub Cadet lawn mower last year with a hydrostatic transmission and really like that option. So, If I spring for a new Deere it would be a hydro. This time though I may let the local New Holland dealer also have a shot at getting in my back pocket.

Thanks for a place to vent,
Dennis