front axle

kerr · Jul 1, 2001

Whats thew deal with this axle bashing?I have yet to read about one falling apart or failing.If it tore up the grass,take the unit out of 4x4.Did that,O.K.sounds to me like the darn things worked too good!I mow the lawn with my mighty M.T.D lawn mower.I cut the pasture with my 4200+513 cutter.These axles must of had a kick-ass locker in em.I have the new axle on my unit but thats what it came with.I baught 4 W.D. so i could go where i needed to and for safety when using F.E.L.This could be a case of too good a axle,especially for a putting green lawn.All comments welcome that are fact.WHOOP IT ON ME!

Von · Jul 1, 2001

Kerr,
I believe the problem was with the old axles and even when in 2WD and only turning slightly. That is the reason for the new design axles. From all the post it seems that they would rip up the turf when mowing no matter how gentle you would turn the wheels.

Hillbilly · Jul 3, 2001

I have the old style axle,tearing up the turf is the least of my problems,I think the old style looks like a heavier built axle than the new style.My problem is my tractor came with R-4 tires and I wish I had the R-1 instead,for the aggresive traction.

deere4600 · Jul 3, 2001

Von is right. The old axles shredded turf in 2wd while turning at slow speeds. The other posts make valid points in that if the tractors weren't used for mowing the issue of the turf scuffing seldom surfaced. But I bought the tractor to perform a number of tasks, including mowing. John Deere advertises the 4000 series as master mowing machines so it is not unreasonable for an owner of the 4000 series tractor to expect them to be easy on the turf. My previous 855 and 955 John Deere were quite gentle on turf. I realize they didn't turn as short and didn't weigh as much but the useful turning radius on turf was actually less than the 4000 tractors with the old axle. The keyword here is useful. You could turn the 855 as short as it would go (in 2wd) with no turf scuffing. With my 4300 with the old axle any more than about 1/2 of the turnng arc created the problem. The other point to be made is that the other manufacturers were able to increase turning capabilities without turf tearing. NewHolland did a fantastic job with their supersteer axle. If some JD owners like their old axles thats ok with me. I think it is a mistake for someone considering a purchase of a 4000 series tractor that will be used for mowing if it has the old style axle. But for loader and backhoe work the old style is probably just fine. Tractors and other types of machinery have a tendancy to develop reputations, some good and some not so good. At farm equipment auctions John Deere 4020s cost as much as when they were new. JD 318 garden tractors also have held their price remarkably well. But there are others like the 317 garden tractors that had the Kohler KT17 problem that hurt resale badly even when replaced with a new engine. I believe that the same could happen to the 4000 series. I beleive the tractor line will hold its value well but if it has the old style axle and has a mower attached I think there may be a problem.

Hillbilly · Jul 3, 2001

Von,you make a lot of good points.I have thought a lot about the resale value of the axle(old style in my case) I am thinking about trading my JD 4400 in for a larger 4000 series,I have the hydro tranny and it had to be replaced at 175 hours because of metal shavings from a differental lock failure,and I am a little concerned about ever having to foot the bill my self after the warranty expires if the hydro was ever to fail.I am not sure how reliable it will be in the long run.
Thanks for your thoughts on the front axle issue.

kerr · Jul 4, 2001

o.k.,just seamed to me this is the first thing brought up when someone shares with this site that they might consider a J.D.Dont seem like much of an issue unless the prospective buyer is mostly looking for a lawnmower.In this case a lightweight citrus colered unit would be best.And there almost as good as a JOHN DEERE.Im gonna take of my J.D. jammies now and go outside and play with my 4200!

DFB · Jul 4, 2001

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DFB

cowboydoc · Jul 4, 2001

Kerr,
I agree with you. This happened over on another post as well about the JD video. JD had a problem with one batch of front axles, NOT ALL just one set of serial numbers and it's like JD is a crap unit because of that. As soon as JD figured it out they fixed all the ones that were doing it with a new front axle. It was a minor problem though that only affected about 10% of the units. It's not like it was the exploding Pinto gas tank.

Hillbilly · Jul 4, 2001

I thought it was all of the old style axles that were turf destroyers.They did not offer to replace mine(it is an old style axle),it was a matter of complaining to John Deere about the problem until they done something about.They did not approach you,you had to approach them.No one from John Deere said anything to me about serial numbers,it was either you had the old style axle or the new style from what I have been told,the only request JD had was that you actually were using the tractor in a mowing application. I have letter and the gentlemans name from JD who is in charge of the front axle design.

WALTER IN KY · Mar 30, 2007

cowboydoc said:
Kerr,
I agree with you. This happened over on another post as well about the JD video. JD had a problem with one batch of front axles, NOT ALL just one set of serial numbers and it's like JD is a crap unit because of that. As soon as JD figured it out they fixed all the ones that were doing it with a new front axle. It was a minor problem though that only affected about 10% of the units. It's not like it was the exploding Pinto gas tank.

I have a 4300, great unit except for the scuffing issue when turning. Cannot get dealer to fix on their dime, say it is outside serial number range of mandated fixes. Any advice? They are offering to sell and install a new axle, but it will be over 2k. Walter in Ky