Buying Advice considering a 4120

[tschwerm]

I am interested in buying a used 4120 any inputs on quality issues on the 2004 model year?

 

[wolc123]

I have a 2005 model that I bought new and now have about 300 hours on. I know that aint many hours, but I split the work up ammoung (6) tractors. The 4120 has been great with just one minor issue. About a year ago, it started getting a little intermittant on start-up. It seemed that I needed to wiggle the switch to get it to go, sometimes for up to 5 minutes or so. I even bought a new key switch ($40), thinking that might be the problem, but it didnt make any difference. The tractor never once failed to start, but sometimes the delay was an inconvenience. The trouble turned out to be a little corrosion on the post on the starter solenoid. I cleaned that up, gave it a shot of WD-40, and it has been trouble free ever since. Some folks complain that these tractors are loud, and they are at idle, but they dont get much louder when operated at pto rpm (about 3/4 throttle). I have the 400x loader with heavy duty bucket on mine and that has also been trouble free. I use this tractor, with R1 tires and powerreverser trans, primarily on a 6-ft rotary mower. It handles that with ease, even cutting thick stuff at good speed. I cant imagine why anyone would need more power in a tractor of this frame size. I also use it for a little tillage in the spring with a 2x12" plow or an 8 ft pull-type disc. These implements are grossly undersized for this tractor, but using them I can get out there and get the work done before all the wet spots are completely dried up on my mucky bottomland farm, letting me get my crops in an average of a month earlier than when all I had was 2wd power. It is great to be able to roll right thru the mud-holes and not even need to lift the plow. One time, when I did loose traction with the disc, I just pulled myself out with the 400X loader and never lost a minute getting that field ready to plant. I could never leave a loader on a 2wd tractor while doing tillage as it takes all the weight off of the traction tires. This is my first 4wd and I would never again be without one. It pushes snow with a blade better than any of my 2wd's, even bigger ones, without even the need for tire chains (those loaded R1's are great). This tractor also exhibits almost unbelievable fuel economy, using about half of what the 2wd, Ford 2000 diesel, that it replaced, did while pulling a disc and about 15% less while rotary mowing. All in all, it has been a great tractor and I would not hesitate to buy another.

 

[tschwerm]

Thank you for the reply, sounds like I will continue pursuing the 4120.

I kind of thought in this size tractor this is the smallest one using an actual JD built engine. Maybe waving the American flag a little.

I have also been looking at a T2310 New Holland. I have a completely restored 1959 Ford 601 Workmaster with a Wagner FEL that my dad bought new I am considering trading that in and the New Holland dealer is trying real hard (competitively priced a T2310).

 

[wolc123]

I also looked at NH back when I bought the JD. I found that the JD was a better buy back then because it outspec'd the NH T?40, that I considered, by pretty good margins in almost all categories (hp, loader lift weight capacity and height, hyd flow, etc), and when I priced an optional quick attach bucket for the NH (standard on JD), the tractors cost exactly the same. The JD is not the universal skidsteer quick attach, but it works the same and lets you drop the bucket real quick which I like to do when I am mowing. Leaving the loader frame on but taking the bucket off leaves the tractor almost perfectly ballasted for mowing with a big 6 foot rotary mower on back. This eliminates all the bounce you get if you leave the bucket on, and gives forward visibility nearly as good as if the whole loader was removed. As I said earlier, I cant imagine why anyone would need more power on a gear tractor of this size than this the smallest of the JD powertechs puts out. Stepping up to a 4320 or so might make some sense with the less efficient hydro trans I guess. Hydraulic lift capacity is the same for the 4120 as it is for the 4720, and I know for sure that I can move dirt a lot faster with my 4120 than my nieghbor can with his 4720. (My rear tires are loaded while his are not which makes it tough for him to put any of that excess hp into the ground). Buying American was important to me also and that American engine on the 4120 has never let me down (remember folks, Mexico is part of the American continent). I had to add that last qualifier because the Kubota or NH folks are always quick to jump on me if I talk about a domestic engine. I am not sure if the engine is manufactured in Mexico or not, but it would not bother me if it was. The tractor is painted the right color anyhow, and I know it was assembled in USA, somewhere in GA). This is only the second tractor that was ever purchased new on my family's farm. The first one was a JD M my grandad bought back in 1950 and it is still going strong out at my dad's place. It would not surprise me a bit to see this 4120 go 60+ years like that M has. In most cases I think you would do much better selling an old Ford than trading. I got more for my 2000 than I paid for it when I sold it myself, while the NH dealer only offered me about half that on trade.

 

[radman1]

I am interested in buying a used 4120 any inputs on quality issues on the 2004 model year?

I don't recall any specific issues with the new series of JD CUTs. Their early attempts (early 4300, 4400, etc) had some issues but those have been resolved. I have had JD, Kubota and Case-IH CUTs. IMHO, the quality of the JDs and Kubota's are equal, the Case-IHs a little less. I had one of the earlier DX29 models Case-IHs and had some issues. I like the HST twin pedal much better in the JDs than the others rocker pedals.

 

[tschwerm]

Thanks for the information.

I am finding there are not a lot to choose from used. I live in Wisconsin and searching the used market has me looking in several states to find something in a price range. This of course is going to make any transaction more difficult since I would rather trade my tractor instead of selling it outright.

 

[tschwerm]

In some of my readings I have seen remarks that this engine in the 4120 is very loud, however one the the local dealers said it quiets down after warming up ( he started a new one to show me some of it's features and it was loud but it was also only about 15 degrees out) any comments would be welcomed!!

 

[wolc123]

I think a lot of the "loud" issue is because, at idle speed, these engines are loud relative to many others including the Yanmar engines on the smaller JD CUT's. As I said earlier, they dont get that much louder at pto rpm where most work is actually done (but where you probably will not operate on a test drive at the dealers lot). Although I usually wear ear protection when operating this tractor (JD 4120) at high rpm, it is no where near as loud at these speeds as the Ford 2000 diesel which it replaced. Also, it is not loud enough at lower rpms to require ear protection. I actually like the sound of this engine and I think it is the turbocharger that gives it the pleasing tone, and also limits the noise level at higher rpms. I actually dont think you are going to find many engines by other manufacturers that make equal power at pto rpm with less noise, especially if they lack a turbocharger. It may quiet down a bit after it warms up but I use a block heater in the cold months so I never really get to hear a "cold" start. Way up north where I am, I would never go without a blockheater. Repeated cold-starting any diesel will severely shorten the time between rebuilds. If I plug her in for an hour or two, it starts just as quiet and smooth when it is 10 below zero than it does on an 80degree summer day.

 

[tschwerm]

Thank you for the update I am hopefully going to get a chance this week to test drive one, and should hear on a dealer that expressed interest in my trade.

 

[radman1]

In some of my readings I have seen remarks that this engine in the 4120 is very loud, however one the the local dealers said it quiets down after warming up ( he started a new one to show me some of it's features and it was loud but it was also only about 15 degrees out) any comments would be welcomed!!

I have a cab 4520 and the noise is no louder than my prior cabbed JD 3720 inside the cab. It is definitely more noticable standing by the engine of the 4520 but not that annoying several feet away. It seems to be more of knock in then sound rather than just loudness. It may just be the quality/pitch of the knock that makes it more apparent. It would be interesting to know if the true decibels are different than other CUTs of similar size. The engine noise may be more apparent when cold, but when the engine is warmed, I don't think there is a dramatic difference in the noise. My prior 1994 JD 5300 open station had the same engine sound. Like others have said, at higher rpms, the engine doesn't seem that much louder.

 

[Double6]

I have a newer open cab 4120 with PowrReverser transmission with a 400CX loader.
I really like it, at 100 hours no problems so far.
As stated by others, I highly reccommend getting a block heater installed if it doesn't have one, starting in cold weather will be a cinch.
Best of luck on your purchase.

 

[tschwerm]

Ok so here is where I am at I just tested out the NH T2310 and I know someone said the hydraulics on the JD4120 is larger output. I was a little disappointed at the speed of the loader I was running it at about 1500 RPM. Regarding loader work I tried the joystick control on the NH and I am used to two lever controls for loader (1959 Wagner loader on my Ford 601) when you try to pull back and in on the lift and bucket tilt on the NH T2310 it does tilt first then lift. Does anyone have an input on how the JD joystick works when you are pulling back and in towards you, does the loader also start with the bucket tilt first then lift?

The only JD that I have seen did not have a loader on it.

In my comparison I have found a used 2004 (350 hours) JD4120 with the 400CX but being a few states away I have not had the luxury of trying it out yet. The 2008 NH T2310 is about a half hour away and it still has warranty left.

I am looking at a $3800.00 difference between the JD4120 and the NH T2310 comparably equipped . JD being higher of course any comments would be greatly appreciated.

 

[AKfish]

Do you have a JD dealer close-by? If so, how do you feel about working with them for the foreseeable future compared with the NH guys?

That simple answer - can have a profound effect upon your overall happiness with your next tractor!!

You didn't mention what transmission types each tractor has. (Although, if you get the chance to operate different tranny's; that may help you decide what you like/don't like, too.)

The JD specs out better than the NH. And the 400CX loader has a higher load capacity than the more common 400X FEL on the 4000 series. So, on paper the JD is more capable; does that make it $3,800 better... that's the $64 question!?!

If you have a local, JD dealer - go check out his inventory. The 4000 series all have the same hyd capabilities; gpm, psi, etc. So, the 4120, 4320, 4520, and 4720 loader's will all respond similarily. See if you could have 10 minutes of seat time on one of 'em. 'Cause even if you buy that 4120 "long distance" you'll have to work with those guys down the road.

Good luck.

AKfish

 

[tschwerm]

Thanks that is a good idea, Actually I started with the local JD dealer just does not have anything used in my size, but I am sure he could give me some seat time on a new one. By the way both are hydro transmissions.

Interesting comment from the NH dealer I was asking about which gear he uses to mow with his brush hog and he said high if it get to hard the tractor just stops moving forward in that gear. Does that happen on a JD eHydro as well?

 

[tschwerm]

I hoping to get your opinion on the price. The 2004 JD4120 with 400CX (360 hours) with my trade the dealer is asking $18,800 (My tractor is 1959 Ford 601 Fully restored was my dad's originally I have all the papers and manuals). The 2008 NH T2310 with 16LA Loader has 250 hours and about 15 month of warranty price with my trade is $15,000.

What is your thought on the price of each and which would you choose?

 

[AKfish]

Interesting comment from the NH dealer I was asking about which gear he uses to mow with his brush hog and he said high if it get to hard the tractor just stops moving forward in that gear. Does that happen on a JD eHydro as well?

I have eHydro on my JD110. My neighbor has a JD4320 with eHydro. I have used her tractor to rake and tedd hay with. On the hills, when combining windrows, etc. when the tractor pulls down, if you don't step back off the forward pedal it will bog and drop rpm and start to spin the tires.

I've never tried to intentionally stall either tractor.. but, whenever I've been in a situation that the tractor might stall out - it's just as likely to break traction before the engine would ever die.

I don't have enough information to make an educated guess regarding good price/good deal for either of the machines in question.

Depending upon where you live; prices can be generally higher or lower from somewhere else.. And it's a black box regarding how much your trade-in is worth to the dealer or selling it yourself.

You're gonna have to "gather that wool" yourself and do some research.

AKfish

 

[tschwerm]

I found a dealer closer than two states away who is looking through his 4X20 machine inventory to find the kind i am interested in.
He seems interested in my trade as well. Hopefully I will hear from him tomorrow. He is only 3 1/2 hours away.

 

[tschwerm]

New update the closer dealer (160 Miles away) was not quite so true to what he was quoting (seemed too good to be true) and found out I was right the tractor had 1400 hours not 400!

Back to the other dealer I am actually driving 5 hours to try out the 4120.

So I asked both the NH dealer and the JD dealer throw in a set of forks.

NH dealer split the cost $600 for $300 bringing the total on the 2008 T2310 up to 15,300. It still has 18 months warranty. the JD dealer said he can give me the Frontier HD 48 in. forks at cost $675 bringing the 2004 4120 total to $19425 he did agree to deliver the JD 5 hours away at that price, but no warranty.

That price by the way includes my 59 Ford restored 601 workmaster with Wagner 150 loader. any inputs?

 

[radman1]

New update the closer dealer (160 Miles away) was not quite so true to what he was quoting (seemed too good to be true) and found out I was right the tractor had 1400 hours not 400!

Back to the other dealer I am actually driving 5 hours to try out the 4120.

So I asked both the NH dealer and the JD dealer throw in a set of forks.

NH dealer split the cost $600 for $300 bringing the total on the 2008 T2310 up to 15,300. It still has 18 months warranty. the JD dealer said he can give me the Frontier HD 48 in. forks at cost $675 bringing the 2004 4120 total to $19425 he did agree to deliver the JD 5 hours away at that price, but no warranty.

That price by the way includes my 59 Ford restored 601 workmaster with Wagner 150 loader. any inputs?

With a newer tractor, warranty and $4K in savings, I would have to consider the NH over the JD.

 

[jenkinsph]

I hoping to get your opinion on the price. The 2004 JD4120 with 400CX (360 hours) with my trade the dealer is asking $18,800 (My tractor is 1959 Ford 601 Fully restored was my dad's originally I have all the papers and manuals). The 2008 NH T2310 with 16LA Loader has 250 hours and about 15 month of warranty price with my trade is $15,000.

What is your thought on the price of each and which would you choose?

I would get prices without a trade, I think you are giving away your dad's tractor. I think it is handy to have more than one, something to consider.