Deere 4300 question

[RoyJackson]

I'm looking at a 1998 John Deere 4300 w/ sync-shift, MFWD, no mid-PTO. The machine has industrial tires on it.
Tractor is out of state, so I've not seen it yet. I've talked to the dealer a couple times (e-mail, actually) and I wouldn't buy the machine without operating it a bit. But, it's a few hour drive, so I'd like to be sure before I go.

I know there were some issues with the early years of the 4xxx series machines. Would some of you folks refresh my memory, please?

Oops!! This should have been in the Deere forum!!

 

[MJB]

The early 4300s had the lawn scuffing front axle unless that particular unit has already been updated. The old axle is easy to identify, it has a double ended steering cylinder with a short tie-rod to each front wheel. The newer axle has a single ended cylinder that runs from the chassis to the right front wheel and then a tie rod that crosses over from the right wheel to the left. Some early 4300s also has an issue with an improperly hardened washer in the transmission. If I recall correctly, this was only on the collar shift models. There were also some complaints about dash fogging and hydro controls that required too much foot pressure. Deere also made some changes to the range shift linkage to make it easier to change gears. Hope this helps.

 

[tractorhal]

If you have another dealer, or ask that dealer what "pip" programs were for that tractor and other updates. If you can get the serial # and give it to a dealer they could run the # and tell you what has been done to it. I have heard the 4300 and 4400 have a lot of the same problems. check 4400 problems and others under owning and operating.