6430 jd or older machines

kelby · Mar 24, 2012

tossing around a new tractor.. A new 6430 4x4 cab loader r&p axles, or go back to an old 40 series,, 4240 . mostly used for making hay and feeding.. any thoughts

pjbci · Mar 24, 2012

I personally think the old 40 series JD tractors are the best and most reliable tractors JD ever has ever built. The 50 series started the introduction of electronics into their machines. And then the 00 series (6000's 7000's etc) introduced modular frames, lighter weight, and lots of plastic. If you want a really sharp looking, easy to operate tractor that you cannot work on then get a new one. If you dont mind not having all the bells and whistles on a super dependable machine then go with the old 40 series.

D7E · Mar 24, 2012

I'd have a 3155/4450 and 7810 of the greens please

AKfish · Mar 24, 2012

There's pros and cons for both arguments. The newer tractors are electronically, computer controlled and not made for most "home-made" repairs. But, they're very reliable and many problems are quickly tracked down via the computer data record.

That said, most operator's are busy enough with their operations - they aren't configured to do full-on rebuild/repair work of their tractor's or other large equipment. They do routine maintainence and repairs and leave the big stuff for their dealer or a HD diesel shop.

If you're one of those owner/operator's that have the shop area and the equipment and tools to split a tractor into sections and work your way through a transmission or rear end or hydraulic system rebuild or engine overhaul -- then the older, 40 series tractor could be a real working asset to your farm operation.

But, if you're like many other owner's - when it gets past filters, fluids, belts, hoses and tire changes - you call the dealer; then a 6430 might be the better option for your farm.

AKfish

kelby · Mar 24, 2012

our farm, like many others, don't have a big shop for repairs, and also work off the farm for main income

kelby · Mar 25, 2012

keep leaning towards a new 6430 just for that reason. not enough time for repairs,, but like the bells and whistles,, hate the price of new one

pjbci · Mar 25, 2012

I see you found the 6430 communication error thread. Search 6430 on this site and see what I mean about not being able to work on it yourself and why I really like my older machine. I have driven the new machines and really love em. In fact I have a 2006 JD dozer that I bought new. Its a very dependable and easy to operate machine. I just find it very frustrating when a sensor malfunction shuts you down and there is nothing you can do about it. I have also seen faliures of ENGINEERED TO FAIL parts on this machine. From what I hear from JD mechanics is that the newer ag equipment has even more of these parts than the construction equip. My opinion is that these ENGINEED TO FAIL parts border on being criminal. There is no excuse for them on any machine.

AKfish · Mar 25, 2012

pjbci said:
I see you found the 6430 communication error thread. Search 6430 on this site and see what I mean about not being able to work on it yourself and why I really like my older machine. I have driven the new machines and really love em. In fact I have a 2006 JD dozer that I bought new. Its a very dependable and easy to operate machine. I just find it very frustrating when a sensor malfunction shuts you down and there is nothing you can do about it. I have also seen faliures of ENGINEERED TO FAIL parts on this machine. From what I hear from JD mechanics is that the newer ag equipment has even more of these parts than the construction equip. My opinion is that these ENGINEED TO FAIL parts border on being criminal. There is no excuse for them on any machine.

No argument here, about the "criminal" behaviour of companies that build durable equipment with "ENGINEERED TO FAIL" parts!

But... it's EVERYWHERE! Cars, trucks, houses... Where are you gonna turn?? Gotta pick what particular battle you're willing to fight - and push forward- whether it's a new dozer or a new tractor.

What's good is when you know ahead of time a little something about what's likely to go wrong... as compared to not knowing what to expect and then gettin' "whacked upside the head"! Serves to just p!ss you off and convince you to only get into something you figure you can deal with. But, sooner or later... ya' gotta crawl back out on that limb for one reason or another!

AKfish