Backhoe Backhoe Mounting Brackets for JD 4720 Cab

[OrangeAgain]

My 4720 (model year 2011) was delivered just before Thanksgiving last year. The 485 backhoe wasn't attached because the dealer didn't have the PowerBeyond kit.

Last week the dealer picked up my 4720 and installed the PowerBeyond kit but evidently discovered they needed different mounting brackets to install the backhoe. The dealer says "I have to share with you that the brackets that mount the back hoe to the tractor are wrong. We have attempted to install your hoe and not been able to do so. We are working with Deere to get it sorted out. Model year 2011 information is not out for all the implements and there has been conflicting information."

They returned my tractor and it will need to go back when the mounting brackets arrive.

It seems odd to me that my 4720 didn't have the correct mounting brackets and that my dealer didn't know it needed the different brackets.

Any ideas what is going on?

 

[JohnNewYork]

This is interesting, I just bought a 4320 with a cab and my dealer is about to install the 485 for me next week.

This make me concerned as my dealer ship has been horrible when it comes to small details


I know there is two different bracket assemblies used ( one is for the cab tractor the other is for the open station)

If you go to the build your own web site they are listed there,
see web site:
http://configurator.deere.com/servl...lID=Model_US534&baseCode=&futureProduct=false


please keep me informed. john

 

[AKfish]

There's been a significant upgrade to the hydraulic options for the 4000 series machines beginning with the 2011 model year.

Of course, it's not backward compatible; either, for earlier year models. One of the changes was with the Power-Beyond circuit.

AKfish

 

[JohnNewYork]

I sent my 4320 cab tractor ( MY2011) in this morning to have the 485 backhoe installed. I will let you know how it turns out. I should have it back by this Saturday.

I hope it does not become a disaster for me. ( like my snowblower, see seperate thread)

 

[JohnNewYork]

well, the dealer called and said the have the wrong Power beyond kit for my 4320. This will delay Saturdays promised delivery date.

Yet another insult to my dealers performance.

 

[OrangeAgain]

My dealer picked my 4720 up last Tuesday, its second trip to the shop to attach the bh, as they now had the right parts to attach the 485 backhoe.

The dealer emailed me today saying "We are waiting for a hydraulic fitting to finish up your back hoe installation."

Ugh!

I had a phone conversation with the dealer and understand it is not totally their fault. They discovered that the hydraulic fitting they had used previously, didn't work anymore. It seems that JD, a mature company, didn't follow through properly with their dealer network on what changed on the MY2011s at least for the backhoe attachments. I wonder what else JD hasn't told their dealers about changes?

I was hoping to spend some time maintaining my 1000' driveway this weekend as it is starting to dry out here in Vermont.

 

[JohnNewYork]

Keep the updates comming, good luck with the install.

Do you know what bracket caused the mounting issue for them in the first place. ( looking for part number if possible)

I get the impression my dealer started installing the Power Beyond first, they have not said anything about brackets.

I 'm just looking to avoid another issue.

thanks

 

[OrangeAgain]

I don't know the bracket PN.

I would recommend, if your tractor is a MY2011, that your dealer have a conversation with JD to assure they are aware of all the changes that affect the bh attachments.

 

[JohnNewYork]

Thanks, yes my tractor is a MY 2011. Everything my dealer does goes wrong for them I expect this to be no better.

The highlights:
Missing lights from sales order - on day one
Snow blower breaks down within 45 minutes of use - twice
Sold used equipment as new with 5 year old hoses on it - that didn't go well
Power Beyond incorrectly ordered

the list goes on and on

 

[Glen Watkins]

Hey John just curious what dealer are you using?

 

[OrangeAgain]

The dealer called Friday and said they found the hydraulic fitting they needed to complete the installation of my 485 backhoe. They returned my 4720 yesterday.

I prefer not to say who my dealer is as I don't fault them for this odyssey as much as JD who should have communicated the changes to the dealer to assure they knew what parts they needed. My dealer has been very responsive to my needs as a new owner.

 

[JohnNewYork]

Lakeland in Avon - thanks for asking

 

[Glen Watkins]

Thanks John good to know! I deal with Hall and Macedon Stores.

 

[JohnNewYork]

Well I got the call tonight...

The dealer said they installed the correct "Power Beyond" hydraulic lines but then quickly discovered they have the wrong "weldment plate bracket". Appearently this bracket weighs over 200 LB and needs to be truck freighted to the dealer. ( yet another delay)

I think I reached my limit for careless mistakes. Prior to this issue with the backhoe I asked the dealer if they double checked the brackets and they insisted they had.

Could this be the end for me... I know this can be solved but it should not take three weeks to install a new 485 backhoe on my MY2011 4320 tractor/wcab. dealer offered $200.00 discount on price for this error.


any thoughts?

I don't trust my "trusted John Deere Dealer" anymore :laughing:

 

[AKfish]

Within the past 4-5 months I encountered a near-universal lack of understanding of the new, 2011 hydraulic options for the 4000 series of tractors.

I asked dealers in at least 5 different states and not a single one could give me a definitive answer of the configuration, setup or price for the power-beyond circuit or the optional electrical-hydraulic SVC's.

Sad state of affairs that I can only conclude comes from "mother Deere" herself given the number of dealers with the same lack of information.

Long story - short; I'd withhold judgement for awhile longer regarding your local dealer.

"Ammunition is pretty cheap - a good dealer is priceless"! :laughing:

AKfish

 

[JohnNewYork]

Thanks for the feedback: Mother Deere does have some responsibility here.

It is sad to see how the dealer does not know their product. I can understand the Manager not knowing the small details, but the veteran salesman (+15 yrs) and the service manager / parts guy should be up on MY2011 4XXX series equipment. This is a huge dealership with a lot of huge farm machinery. I felt they would be best dealer suited for this type of sale. I feel sorry customers for when the MY 2012 tractors come out.

It seems Mother Deere was able to produced in large quanities the tractor and accessories. I would expect the tractors serial number to be tied to every purchase and it be verified that accessories are valid for that piece of equipment.

I know the "build your own" feature of the website warns customers to always verify the MY2011 serial number and "See Sales Manual for Additional Required Service Parts"

The bigger rub comes from the constant continuation of issues on a brand new tractor/ first time customer.

When I go to the Kenworth dealer to buy parts the first thing the counter guy asks me for is the serial number.


sorry to rant, JF :confused2:

 

[sunnyside360]

I went thru a similar experience about one year ago with a new 2010 4320. I wanted to use my 485 BH and 400X FEL from my older/traded 4320. The dealer had to change a lot of the hydraulic stuff on the new tractor to allow the older attachments to work. I don't know all details since the dealer had the tractor for about 2 weeks but do know he had a problem with the hydraulic/connections. I firmly believe mother deer shouldered most of the blame.

 

[Glen Watkins]

John you might want to give Andrew a call at the Macedon store. Tell him the ordeal you have gone through. He is the manager there and I bet he can help you out!

 

[JohnNewYork]

Glen, The dealer gave me a choice accept the tractor and the delays or walk away...

I walked away this morning. The dealer didn't seem to care if they sold the unit or not. This is one way to deal with a first time customer.

The dealer was at my house within two hours to pick up the loader bucket. This is the fastest thing they did right yet.

I will give props to Andy the "driver" he treated the tractor with care and was a pleasure to deal with.

 

[Glen Watkins]

Oh Boy sorry to hear this John! So you told the dealer to take the tractor and the whole deal is off? So what is next? Do you start looking at a different brand maybe? Sounds like there is some major confusion over this [upgraded?] 4000 series.