Has anyone successfully modified a 4120

dunhamg · Apr 17, 2010

I know it's been discuss in several threads previously, but has anyone been able to modify a 4120,4320 or 4520 for more horsepower after their warranty was up?

Thanks,
Grady

Spudland_Dave · Apr 19, 2010

This has been discussed many many times, but I dont think anyone has actually ever gone out and done it.

From a purely technical standpoint, it wouldnt be hard to do.

JimmyDee · Apr 19, 2010

Just out of curosity and being a little nosey, what are you using you 4x20 series tractor for that requires more HP? Mowing or bush hogging maybe? My stock 4520 seems to have lots more power than traction as it is now.

Have a great day!

ctlguy · Apr 19, 2010

JimmyDee said:
Just out of curosity and being a little nosey, what are you using you 4x20 series tractor for that requires more HP? Mowing or bush hogging maybe? My stock 4520 seems to have lots more power than traction as it is now.
Have a great day!

Same here, also keep in mind possibly being in Uncle Sam's cross hairs if caught changing calibrations to the fuel delivery system. Not that it would happen, but all it would take is a high and mighty fuel shop doing some work for you to tattle. Seems like any more once some one tattles on a guy to the gov it is assumed as correct and is up to you to prove otherwise. My 2 cents!

dunhamg · Apr 19, 2010

Don't have one yet, but trying to see if I get the 4120 and ever end up with a need for more horsepower that I could make it happen. Right now I've got a 3320 that I'm looking to trade in.

Grady

Spudland_Dave · Apr 20, 2010

ctlguy said:
Same here, also keep in mind possibly being in Uncle Sam's cross hairs if caught changing calibrations to the fuel delivery system.

Huh?
If that were true, there would be no farmers left in Northern Maine...they'd all be on death row for being "serial fuel system tamperers"....

joes_427_vette · Apr 20, 2010

Good point. I haven't fought off the fuel injection police in a while. First offense is only 10 years, hard labor.
As long as one does not play with their fuel tax they are happy to see you use more.

jbarker855 · Apr 20, 2010

This is an interesting question. I have searched this board extensively looking to see if anyone has reported successfully increasing the hp of their 4 x 20 series. I have not found a single thread stating such. I guess part of the problem is that lots of guys can tinker with a diesel, but very few would have access to a dyno to prove their tinkering was a success. Now I guess someone could report a subjective improvement in power, but a before and after dyno pull would be very interesting.

dunhamg · Apr 20, 2010

I was thinking that maybe someone would have done this modification now that at least a couiple model years are out of warranty. Apparently, if no one has done this, there must not really be a need to get anything bigger than the 4120.

Grady

CrownHawg · Apr 21, 2010

I think the reason there are no threads covering this issue is these little tractors already have MUCH more power than weight. I know my 4120 has plenty of power to get me in trouble QUICK. Also, with the cost of these machines, I for one would defiinitely not want to risk the possible damage to the turbo, injectors or even the hydraulics for a few more HP. If you "think" you may need more HP, look for a 4170 to START with. Never heard anyone complaining of too MUCH power. Just my .02 .