GreenMtnMan
Silver Member
glennmac, it seems to me that your #2 negates #6. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Deere reliability?
- Thread starter varmint
- Start date
- Views: 4223
JClark
Silver Member
Comparing my old '89 950 to my new 4110 may be unfair but I will anyway. The 950 was absolutely trouble free and bullet proof. The new 4110 is already creating numerous trips to the dealer. It seems pretty fragile compared to the 950 and the engineering on the 4110 seems to have been left to the interns at Deere. Prior to taking delivery on this 4110 I would not consider an orange tractor even though I know the local Kubota dealer well and am confident in his abilities. Now I am considering ridding myselft of the green one for an orange one. My sense of it is that Deere's marketing department and bean counters probably have too much influence on the consumer level products and they are not as good as they used to be. But I could be wrong.
yellowsocks93
Veteran Member
JClark I agree with you completley. The old JDs are built better than the new ones. Today we got another 4410 HST in for a faulty solenoid. The one 4410 we have for sale on the lot started leaking hydraulic fluid all over the place. They are no better than the old 4000 series. I have had no problems with my 4300 the thing runs like a champ but I prefer the 50, 70, and 90 series compacts to the 4000 TEN series for the excellent build quality and all metal. By the way my 272 mower came in looks real nice. I would recommend them to everyone who needs a good mower. Tomarrow I will try it on the 4300 until my 990 comes in.
Nick
990 4x4 turf, 430 loader, 272 RFM, 25A flail
Nick
990 4x4 turf, 430 loader, 272 RFM, 25A flail
glennmac
Veteran Member
2 trumps 6. Hmmm ....... well, Ken, I am compassionate enough to understand how someone in ... uh.... denial could reason that way.
Hey, it's just my opinion. If I could prove it, it would then be a universal intergalactic fact. But I did form the opinion before I invested any time, money or psyche in buying my first tractor. I am now on my third upgrade in size--just to show how lousy my current opinion is in some areas--and each time I upgraded I looked carefully at JD. The TEN series looks very attractive.
Hey, it's just my opinion. If I could prove it, it would then be a universal intergalactic fact. But I did form the opinion before I invested any time, money or psyche in buying my first tractor. I am now on my third upgrade in size--just to show how lousy my current opinion is in some areas--and each time I upgraded I looked carefully at JD. The TEN series looks very attractive.
SageBrush
Gold Member
Just buy a few of each. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I shop model not brand. John Deere makes a fine 310SG and the 455 loaders, I love them. Cat makes great excavators, I prefer Case skid steers, Dodge Trucks, Chevy vettes, Lexus full size cars, honda small engines and generators, Stihl chain saws, Icom HF and Yaesu small radios, Ruger, Marlin, Mossberg, Armalite, Colt..... They all have great products, I would hate sticking to single brands.
This forum is great, because we can all share our opinions and learn about others. Knowledge is dangerous, lack of knowledge is boring. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
On the orange verses green thing, I think the dealer prep makes a huge differance. I've had zero problems with my new Kubota and even my Dodge truck (my first problem free truck), after 5 years no issues, same with my farm equipment. My Belarus monsters have been flawless execpt for small oil leaks which are normal for that brand. I hope it continues, if not, I buy from dealers with good service who will take care of it.
I shop model not brand. John Deere makes a fine 310SG and the 455 loaders, I love them. Cat makes great excavators, I prefer Case skid steers, Dodge Trucks, Chevy vettes, Lexus full size cars, honda small engines and generators, Stihl chain saws, Icom HF and Yaesu small radios, Ruger, Marlin, Mossberg, Armalite, Colt..... They all have great products, I would hate sticking to single brands.
This forum is great, because we can all share our opinions and learn about others. Knowledge is dangerous, lack of knowledge is boring. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
On the orange verses green thing, I think the dealer prep makes a huge differance. I've had zero problems with my new Kubota and even my Dodge truck (my first problem free truck), after 5 years no issues, same with my farm equipment. My Belarus monsters have been flawless execpt for small oil leaks which are normal for that brand. I hope it continues, if not, I buy from dealers with good service who will take care of it.
GreenMtnMan
Silver Member
Glenn, it has nothing to do with denial, just pure logic /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Before I bought my new 4310 I did a lot of research and looked closely at Kubota. I will concede that Kubota may be slightly more reliable than Deere. I went with Deere because I found the operator ergonomics to be superior and our Deere dealer is far more responsive and trustworthy than the Kubota guy. I'm not worried about perceptions, only real world livability. I've bought enough crappy products that were top- rated by Consumer Reports to know that what other people say about something must be taken with a huge grain of salt.
If somebody is shopping only based on reliability I'd say Kubota may have a slight anecdotal edge, but a lot of other factors that go into making a purchase like this.
Before I bought my new 4310 I did a lot of research and looked closely at Kubota. I will concede that Kubota may be slightly more reliable than Deere. I went with Deere because I found the operator ergonomics to be superior and our Deere dealer is far more responsive and trustworthy than the Kubota guy. I'm not worried about perceptions, only real world livability. I've bought enough crappy products that were top- rated by Consumer Reports to know that what other people say about something must be taken with a huge grain of salt.
If somebody is shopping only based on reliability I'd say Kubota may have a slight anecdotal edge, but a lot of other factors that go into making a purchase like this.
Mike_S
Silver Member
Glenmac mentioned that there were significant problems reported in the first two years of the 4200+ Deere line. I had a Kubota B8200 hyro for ten years and spent a whopping $10 for a tachometer cable and that was the only repair on that tractor /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif. My Deere 955 went two years without a repair. My first 4400 with belly mower and 430 FEL was an early model and suffered from significant engineering and quality control problems /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif such as: bad front end, millings were not removed and got into the hydro fluid causing brake problems, hydraulic problems, and transmission failure. The suction screen was covered with the filings. Linkages were replaced and I don't remember all of the "DTAC updates." My Deere dealer was excellent in upgrading and/or repairing the many issues of that Green POS, but then there were problems with hydraulic fluid leaks. Deere would not consider replacing the lemon or even helping out on a trade, but they were willing to make the repairs and upgrades--yet my "pride of ownership" which to me is important, was damaged. Because I liked the size and capabilities of the 4400 and its controls layout, I took a big beating financially /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif and traded it off on another 4400 that was manufactured 2 years later and it has been a gem for over two years so far. I think a point that was made about Kubota containing Kubota-made parts and being manufactured in a Kubota factory has some merit since that creates better quality control, although that does not guarantee great engineering. The dealer is an extremely important component and I have been blessed with two excellent dealers. It appears that some models of Deere have excellent reliability records and those models have been mentioned by several others posting to this thread. Some models of Deere have deplorable records in their early years due to poor engineering and quality control and a corporate concept that makes the owners of the early models do the field testing. When people ask me about recommending a compact diesel tractor, I suggest that they visit dealers of the orange, green and blue tractors and get to know the dealers AND the models of tractors, read Tractorbynet threads and then make their own decisions--I will make no recommendation as to a Deere or other brand but will be glad to share my experiences if they are interested. Michael S.
glennmac
Veteran Member
Even if reliability statistics were a known fact rather than anecdotally based opinion, that still would be just one factor to weigh in a purchasing decision. I take it as a proven fact that Toyota has had better reliability than Ford over the past 20 years, yet I buy Fords and not Toyotas. I take it as a fact that a Lexus is supremely reliable and Jaguar is notoriously unreliable, yet, if I could afford it, I would buy a Jag over a Lexus.
Buying a tractor is in the end, and should be, a subjective decision--a decision as factually informed as possible, but a subjective decision nevertheless. After you understand as many so-called facts as you care to research, then go for the one you "like" best. Just as with cars and trucks ... and wine, women and song.
But if you are going to ask me my opinion as to whether Toyota or Ford makes the most reliable cars, on average, my answer is Toyota.
Buying a tractor is in the end, and should be, a subjective decision--a decision as factually informed as possible, but a subjective decision nevertheless. After you understand as many so-called facts as you care to research, then go for the one you "like" best. Just as with cars and trucks ... and wine, women and song.
But if you are going to ask me my opinion as to whether Toyota or Ford makes the most reliable cars, on average, my answer is Toyota.
Hebbster
New member
For those who are interested, here is a little story.
A friend of mine bought a new JD 4210 in 2002. It has the 150 hours on it with the syncshift trans and he has had the trans rebuilt 4 times. The dealer admitted that they didn't know what was causing it but admitted it was not operator related. It was explained to me, but I won't even attempt an explanation here. It has something to do with the syncronizer binding on something?? He has a rear mounted snow blower and the problem happens when he is snow blowing in reverse.
Now, after the 4th rebuild, my friend excalated it to JD. The area rep. was at the dealers within two days. He basically asked what my friend wanted which was a another tractor without the syncshift trans. The next day they called to say they were replacing the tractor with a new 2004 (2 years newer) 4210 with hydrostat. He has to pay $1250Cdn in the difference. Now he's looking at upgrading to the 4310 and just pay the difference.
I think this is exceptional custiomer service. Now, he did have to make a stink with JD, but I've made stinks before and got nothing and the dealer probably should have addressed it before doing 4 rebuilds. Also, in each case the dealer came right away to get the tractor and had it back to him within a few days.
Anyway, after a lot of head scratcing I went with a Kubota L3130DT. The dealer was the closest to me and I liked him the best. He was the last place I went, had the best price, closest to me and has 16 mechanics on the road. JD was a little high and weren't willing to deal. At one place I thought their 4310 price was a little high and they suggested the 790!! Not the same tractor at all. They could learn something in that area but their customer is service looks top notch.
A friend of mine bought a new JD 4210 in 2002. It has the 150 hours on it with the syncshift trans and he has had the trans rebuilt 4 times. The dealer admitted that they didn't know what was causing it but admitted it was not operator related. It was explained to me, but I won't even attempt an explanation here. It has something to do with the syncronizer binding on something?? He has a rear mounted snow blower and the problem happens when he is snow blowing in reverse.
Now, after the 4th rebuild, my friend excalated it to JD. The area rep. was at the dealers within two days. He basically asked what my friend wanted which was a another tractor without the syncshift trans. The next day they called to say they were replacing the tractor with a new 2004 (2 years newer) 4210 with hydrostat. He has to pay $1250Cdn in the difference. Now he's looking at upgrading to the 4310 and just pay the difference.
I think this is exceptional custiomer service. Now, he did have to make a stink with JD, but I've made stinks before and got nothing and the dealer probably should have addressed it before doing 4 rebuilds. Also, in each case the dealer came right away to get the tractor and had it back to him within a few days.
Anyway, after a lot of head scratcing I went with a Kubota L3130DT. The dealer was the closest to me and I liked him the best. He was the last place I went, had the best price, closest to me and has 16 mechanics on the road. JD was a little high and weren't willing to deal. At one place I thought their 4310 price was a little high and they suggested the 790!! Not the same tractor at all. They could learn something in that area but their customer is service looks top notch.
jdmar
Gold Member
I have a JD 4300 with about 450 hours that I bought used at 110 hours. It is a synch reverser gear tranny. I believe it is a 2000 year model. Not one problem. Not one drop of fluid from anywhere. Not one part except routine maintanence...fluids, filters, etc. I also have the 430 loader and 47 backhoe...both have seen a lot of use. Not one problem.
So is the "horrible first two years" of the 4x00 just the hydro?? Did I get lucky? Or does Deere make a good product that has occassional problems (but none for me yet) that the others are also subject too. Don't get me wrong, I think Kubota's are good also (as are many others). I may even buy a used Kubota soon to play with...its not running at all but that is NOT meant as a negative...just an uncared for tractor (or one in need of only a battery i hope!).
OK, Ok so I have had soooommme problemswith the 4300:
1. My seat is dirty
2. Birds in my barn poop on the hood...and the seat.
3. Paint has totally pealed off the inside of my loader bucket.
4. Tires are dirty and fronts a little worn (too much 4wd time)
5. I don't get enough seat time.
6. Give me time I think of more..................
Really, this thing (te 4300) has always and continues to impress the XXXX out of me. It works and NEVER complains (wish I could say the same about myself!) I imagine I would have said the same about orange and blue.
Buy what feels right and makes you happy. Used it hard and change the fluids...they should all last a lifetime.
my 2 cents
Peter
So is the "horrible first two years" of the 4x00 just the hydro?? Did I get lucky? Or does Deere make a good product that has occassional problems (but none for me yet) that the others are also subject too. Don't get me wrong, I think Kubota's are good also (as are many others). I may even buy a used Kubota soon to play with...its not running at all but that is NOT meant as a negative...just an uncared for tractor (or one in need of only a battery i hope!).
OK, Ok so I have had soooommme problemswith the 4300:
1. My seat is dirty
2. Birds in my barn poop on the hood...and the seat.
3. Paint has totally pealed off the inside of my loader bucket.
4. Tires are dirty and fronts a little worn (too much 4wd time)
5. I don't get enough seat time.
6. Give me time I think of more..................
Really, this thing (te 4300) has always and continues to impress the XXXX out of me. It works and NEVER complains (wish I could say the same about myself!) I imagine I would have said the same about orange and blue.
Buy what feels right and makes you happy. Used it hard and change the fluids...they should all last a lifetime.
my 2 cents
Peter
