Hello, looking at getting a JD tractor

csnow · Jun 5, 2016

Just wanted to say hello as I will probably be asking more questions in the future, I am currently in the market for a 30ish hp tractor, looking for maybe a 43xx series tractor with loader and hydra stat trans. I was curious as to how many hours you guys had on your similar models and what issues you've had so I know what to look out for. I am coming from owning a 1952 To30 ferguson that I sold and bought a 1966 IH 424 with loader (way to heavy for my liking) and just sold it. Appreciate the advice in advance

ArlyA · Jun 5, 2016

Hi, We are considering a 4052r. I just looked for the 43 series JD tractors but could not locate them. What I'm I doing wrong?

csnow · Jun 5, 2016

they are kind of rare, I have found several on craigslist and machinefinder. I don't think people are getting rid of them is the issue

beenthere · Jun 5, 2016

I've a 4300 and it is rock solid, and a better rig than any of the newer ones. IMO

But they are rare on the used market.. I've looked many times for friends who want the same.

I too had a TO 30 Ferguson at one time.. liked it. Then had a 420 utility John Deere tractor, before getting the 4300. Never yet had a problem with the 4300, and new in '98. Don't have any of the electronic problems that the later models have at times.

csnow :welcome: to TBN

csnow · Jun 5, 2016

beenthere said:
I've a 4300 and it is rock solid, and a better rig than any of the newer ones. IMO
But they are rare on the used market.. I've looked many times for friends who want the same.

I too had a TO 30 Ferguson at one time.. liked it. Then had a 420 utility John Deere tractor, before getting the 4300. Never yet had a problem with the 4300, and new in '98. Don't have any of the electronic problems that the later models have at times.

csnow :welcome: to TBN

Thanks beenthere, I actually miss the TO30. I am trying not to get into a big hurry to find something but I have needs for one lol.

Wagtail · Jun 5, 2016

G'day Mate and welcome to TBN from Downunder.

Enjoy the site.

Here's some info on the 4300: TractorData.com John Deere 43 tractor information

TractorData.com is a very handy site when it comes to general tractor specs.

csnow · Jun 6, 2016

68BULLITT said:
I've had my 4400 for about 5 years and my 4320 for about a year. The 4400 is nearly identical to the 4300, though the engines aren't the same model power output is similar; dimensionally they are the same. I found though that I needed more lift capacity, more digging and wanted a "new" machine. I knew I wanted nothing to do with tier iv so that put the newest machines out. What I really wanted was the cab, but alas the tractor I bought was too good of a deal to pass up so another open station. What is it that you are looking to get out of your machine? I like the electric engaged pto much more than the manual lever on the 4400 it is a soft smooth start. Having the electric over hydraulic switch for the 3rd function is a big a huge improvement over a separate lever. I mostly use the 3rd function for a grapple and it is very ergonomic to have the actuator right on the loader joystick.

Using both tractors all year long, I've found that the 4320 starts much quicker and less labored than the 4400. The new machine is quite a bit bigger and the operator station too reflects this. If you want the features of the 4020 series but the size of 4400 go with the 3020 series machine. A well optioned 3720 will have only a slight increase in capability over the 4400 but has the option of a factory cab. The 4320 is about 12" wider and 5" longer compared to the 3720/4400 though I don't find that there are any areas where I work that I can't access or maneuver through. There is a big difference in the weight however and I have to wait longer with wet soil unless I want to tear up grass on the slopes or leave imprints on the flats.

The one real knock I have against the 4400 was the thermistor problem. This thing would heat up and then prevent the fuel shutoff solenoid from withdrawing to start the tractor. It took me awhile to figure out that was the culprit, thought the fuel shutoff solenoid itself gave me fits. It would fill up with oil and then couldn't pull back to start the tractor. I'd have to pull the solenoid off and then depress the plunger and clean out all the oil. I wound up epoxying an o-ring to help. Anyway I hope all this helps.

well anything newer will be an improvement over my older tractors I had. the main thing I think I want is hydro trans, the pto engagement I don't think matters as I am used to manual levers on my other tractors. I am basically wanting to be able to bush hog about 2 acres now and then a couple years later help finish mow the entire 6 acre lot. use it for moving dirt (adding a turn around in driveway) and move snow with it. possibility of garden tilling in future maybe, the open cab doesn't bother me much.

ArlyA · Jun 6, 2016

Guys, I'm contemplating posting my own "JD tractor needs criteria" but shouldn't it be in the "John Deere Buying/Pricing" thread??? Let me know your thoughts.

richardhorne · Jun 6, 2016

I looked at second hand tractors but then the very low finance rate offered by jd persuaded me to go new. Ive just bought a 3033r. I am on 11acres on a hillside. So far have just done grading and FL work. Seems very capable. The hst is great. When you look at the pto engagement over other or older tractors you would be sold. There is a good you tube video of jd vs kuboto. The 3033r also has a centre pto which is great if you wver want a mower deck. I did hrs of research and spoke to sales guys at different jd dealers just to try and get common advice so i was sure they were not just trying to push what they had in stock.