Bucket position indicator for JD 420.

rone · Oct 27, 2007

Where can a person buy a JD 420 FEL bucket position idicator on line? I tried looking on the JD home page with no luck.

kennyd · Oct 27, 2007

Is this for a model 420 loader? If so, you can get it your JD dealer. There are no online places for JD parts.

rone · Oct 28, 2007

Thanks, I'll check with the dealer. I thought that there should be something on the aftermarket. I've got a JD 4200 with a 420 loader & 60" bucket. I plan on using it on snow this year. An indicator would be handy.

kennyd · Oct 28, 2007

There is no aftermarket solution to this. They are however very simple to make if you have basic fabricating skills, it's just a rod from the bucket mounting shoe that slides though a tube mounted on the FEL frame. We can get you pictures if your interested...

But it shouldn't be to expensive at the dealer though.

I have one on my 410 loader and never look at it anymore, I just learned to watch the bucket. The top of the bucket is on the same plane as the bottom, so if the top is level-so is the bottom.

rone · Oct 28, 2007

Had not thought about looking at the top of the bucket. I had been looling at the bottom trying to get a reference plane. Couln't see the forest for the trees, I guess. Thanks for the tip. I'll check the top of mine out tomorrow.

dbdartman · Oct 29, 2007

Rone, I had the same problem a couple years ago when I read on here that the top some buckets are parallel with the bottom. When I stood back & looked, it turned out mine was (430 loader on a 4400), so since then I've been having a much easier time getting the cutting edge where I want it by just watching the top of the bucket.

rone · Oct 31, 2007

Checked out my bucket. Top is level with the cutting edge. End of problem. Thanks everyone for the information.

JamesH · Nov 7, 2007

Rone,
Is this 4200 new to you or have you had it awhile?
If you have recently bought it used you should be aware of the battery problems these tractors have had.
What kind snow removal do you plan to use the scoop for? I struggled with using the scoop and ended up buying a blade.
Regards,
James

rone · Nov 8, 2007

The 4200 is a 1999 model. The tractor had 420 hours on it when I bought it. I checked the cooler after I found out about the problem & it was eaten up. I bought it from a dealer. I went back & had him check the records on the tractor. It has had the battery updated & a new oil cooler put on, under warranty. I told him that the battery change had not taken care of the problem. The battery that was in it shorted out just before I went to the dealer. I bought a new battery from him & he split the cost of a new oil cooler. They sell for $180 so I got it for $80. I thought that that was fair. I will install the new oil coolet this winter. I am going to make a vent system to take care of the problem for good. Some people are buying the dry or gel batteries. I could not find one that would interchange. I love the tractor. It's a real work horse. I bought it in the spring & have used it all summer mowing & doin landscape work.
It's a HYDRO with a 72" deck, & 420 loader with a 60" bucket. I put a quick hitch on it & welded up a 2" receiver hitch to help move things around. I'm going to get a tooth insert for the bucket this winter because I got some big projects to do this coming spring.
I've been told that you don't need a blade if you have a bucket. I don't have enough experience to tell which is best. I'll let you know after the snow falls.