Buying a 4310

knightracing · Oct 30, 2003

I am in the process of purchasing a 4310 4wd with Hydro and I am trying to decide on which FEL to go with. I have been searching this site and have noticed that a large number of the 4310 owners went with the 430 vs. a 420. This leaves me with the impression that there must be a very good reason why I shouldn't go with the 420. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Jon Knight
Westfield, IN /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

yellowsocks93 · Oct 30, 2003

The 430 can lift more. If you don't plan on doing very heavy lifting the 420 would work but the 430 is best if you can afford it.

bebster · Oct 30, 2003

I'd recommend the 430 FEL simply because it can lift so much more (about 25% more) and higher by over a foot. Also, strongly recommend you get it with the 4N1 bucket which is so versatile. The 430 and 4N1 bucket is a great addition to a 4310.

Waldo · Oct 30, 2003

I don't have my BABBY GREEN yet, so I can not offer any "real" help. I can say that if you let these TBN'ers know exactly how you plan on using your machine, thay can steer you in the right direction. Here is a quick over view of the pros as I see them:

430 has more lift and moves slightly faster
420 less expensive and has slightly more reach at max height

As I am beginning to learn, it all comes down to "is the added cost worth it for your aplication".

Hope that is usefull,
Waldo

rockyridgefarm · Oct 31, 2003

( 420 less expensive and has slightly more reach at max height )

Uh, I THINK that has to do with the max height not being as high. Lower the 430 from max a little and I am pretty sure that it reaches farther...

The frame on the 430 is just bigger. The other thing is that Deere lists far more attachments for the 430 than the 420. Just the little differences may be enough for some of them to work.

I had the 420 and upgraded to the 430. I can't tell you there was a huge difference, but that is an area that I didn't want to skimp.

bebster · Oct 31, 2003

Waldo, the specs I have show the 430 FEL has a higher reach than the 420 (which makes sense since it is larger overall). I show reach in inches for 420 is 86.5 and for 430 is 101. In summary, the 430 should reach 14.5 inches higher than the 420. Yet another reason to go with the 430. That extra height comes in handy from time to time.

Waldo · Nov 1, 2003

You are correct, I should have written it like this:

420 FEL max lift height is 86.5" and reach at max height is 30.3".
430 FEL max lift height is 101.4" and reach at max height is 26.0".

But, as rockyridgefarm said ( I THINK that has to do with the max height not being as high. Lower the 430 from max a little and I am pretty sure that it reaches farther... )

I was just trying to give another positive statement for the 420 other than the cost savings. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

I hope I have not confused anyone /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Waldo

blurrybill · Nov 17, 2003

Bebster is right -- I have used the 4in1 bucket constantly on my 4310 and can't imagine life without it. I also purchased a heavy duty bucket and added a tooth bar, but I have had it on the loader only a couple of times. The 4in1 is incredibly versatile.

Bill

Old_Hickory · Nov 17, 2003

I have a 4 in 1 bucket,430 loader on a JD4400 and I have used the loader/bucket and tractor like I am sure no one else would,I have harvested over 12000 board feet of lumber on my farm (in the last 3 months)using my JD 4400 to do it all and loaded 16' 18' 20' logs on a 16' trailer. I can pick up a 16' long log with the grapple on the 4 in 1. I mean pick it up in the center and stack it on my trailer,if the log is too heavy I can pick up 1 end and start it on the trailer and go around to the other end and slide it on the trailer.
I took one overloaded trailer load in last Friday with over 1000' board ft.
I can use the 4 in 1 to clear brush,grade roads,use the 4 in 1 like a box blade etc.
My only complaint with my JD is the differental lock will not hold up to my use and on occasion the rear wheel bolts loosen up.Other than that the tractor,loader,bucket has done more for me than I ever dreamed a compact tractor would do.