jd 4100 and 410 loader

[texblonigan]

Has anybody heard any negatives about the 4100 JD with a 410 loader? Specifically, it looks like not much really holds the loader onto the brackets. The local JD dealer said that I should avoid the 4100 because he had had a few "problems" with them. He didn't go into details, but he hinted at the loader. This dealer does not have a 4100 on the lot, which makes me think he is trying to sell me a new 4000 TEN series, versus me going to another JD dealer for a leftover 4100.

 

[Cdash]

I have had one for 3 years now. The only problem I have had with it is a wire that came loose from the seat cut-off switch. Dealer sent someone out at 3:00 on a Saturday to take care of it. Other than that, NO problems. Moved plenty of dirt, cleared brush, even made forks and a snow blade to attach. I've had the rear wheels off the ground (not recommended), all with no problems. If you want one, look for one. They are good little tractors, will do much more than you could ever imagine.

About 2 years ago, I got a warrenty part in the mail. It is an extra part that ensures the loader cannot come off. This may have been what the dealer was talking about. If you look closely at the way the loader hooks on, you will see that the rear brackets resist downward and rearward forces (no way the attachment can slip that way) and the front plate takes vertical force. I think some loaders may have poped off, and JD's fix was the new bracket. What caused the loaders to pop off would be an incorrect adjustment of the front plate. That plate is controlled by the handle on the loader and that handle screws in and out to hold the front plate snugly on the tractor front mount. If this mount was out of adjustment, ie. too much play, it could spring off. This warrenty part was a bracket that ensured that no matter how out of adjustment things are, the plate would be rigidly fixed to the mount.

Don't let this scare you. If you look at a loader, you will see what I am talking about. I don't use the bracket, I just check the play in the mount as part of my walk around inspection, while I am greasing things up and checking fluid. It sounds worse than it is, and anyone that takes care of thier tractor would never have it happen to them. Just figured you should know.

 

[TerryinMD]

I have a 4100 with the 410 and have had the left mount "pop" off or come loose once. I attribute it to operator error. I remounted the FEL and have not had any real problems. Well, except for a male hydralic fitting that began to leak. Called the dealer and he sent a new one to me at no cost.

I've moved nearly 50 cubic yards of materials in the past year, if not more. Soil, stone, asphalt millings, reclaimed soil, boulders, trees, you name it!!. I purchased a toothbar and the amount of work that can be done with it is amazing. I have removed 4" trees and stumps. It's great for clearing brush, multiflora rose, vines, .... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif You get the picture.

Sounds like the dealer wants to get you into a newer model. What the heck!! Go for it...

Terry

 

[forestcreature]

what brand of toothbar did you use?

 

[TerryinMD]

forestcreature,

Can't remember the actual fabricater, but I got mine through K.C. Canary. JM III recommended them and that's who I dealt with. Very nice people.

Here is the <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showthreaded.pl?Cat=&Board=jdown&Number=41683&Search=true&Forum=All_Forums&Words=Canary&Match=Entire%20Phrase&Searchpage=0&Limit=50&Old=allposts&Main=40697>link</A> to the thread with the particulars.

Terry

 

[jimgerken]

On a related note, ... As I used my loader on Sunday, I noticed how the left side "tower" kind of dances around on the mounting bracket. It sways side-to-side at its resonant frequency due to the input to the tractor frame from the tire chains, best I can tell. I get the feeling the loader integrity could be greatly improved by adding a cross-link, between the tops of the two towers. I see a couple of holes there already (7/8" or 1" holes). Is there a J.D. part? Would there be any problem installing or removing the loader with a cross-link added? On full-size loaders for larger tractors, we always had or added a cross-link for stiffness. Simple flat metal (1/2" x 2") was all the link consisted of.

 

[TerryinMD]

Jim,

Let me ask you a question about the left side of your FEL.

Does the left side seem lower than the right side? mine appears to be an 1" to 1 1/2" lower on the left side. This sometimes leads to the left side biting first. I haven't had the chance to try and loosen up some of the bolts to "level" the bucket.

Terry

 

[Cdash]

I'm pretty sure the holes are there for access to the grease zerk for the lift cylinder (your talking at the top, right?).

I don't notice any sidesway with mine, but I don't run chains either.

 

[jimgerken]

Haven't noticed any difference in the height of the two towers, but will start to look or measure. If you're talking about the bucket itself, then yea there seems to be some welding distortion in it making one side different than the other, showing up as difficulty inserting the linch pin on the right side. I will start to measure things before making any changes, and write back if I see something.

 

[jimgerken]

Yea, there are holes in the top of the arms for access to the zerks. But the holes I am thinking of are in the vertical rear-face of the towers. From the operators seat, I am looking right into these holes, a couple inches down from the top of the towers. A cross-member attached here would be a few inches above the fuel cap.

 

[TerryinMD]

Jim,

I believe they are access holes for the zerks. But then again.... I'd have to look at the FEL. Can't picture the other holes ...

Terry

 

[forestcreature]

excellent, thanks!
[waiting on the mud to dry out...]

 

[forestcreature]

terry is right, those 'operator directed' holes are for the zerk fittings.

 

[JBell]

I also have a 410 loader on my 4100. I remember reading about the potential problem of the loader coming off. However, I believe that the conclusion of the various discussions was that this was a problem on the 4200. Besides, I believe that the loader clamp is adjustable so that if it does get out of adjustment it may be able to slip off. I have also hauled over 50 cu.yds of dirt and rocks over the last year with no problems at all.

 

[texblonigan]

Very informative guys-- thanks. It sounds like that loader could use a little re-engineering. I put this on the "price/buying" board, but what do you think of this price: 4100 4x4 HST, 410 loader with standard bucket, 54"MMM, block heater, hood guard-- delivered to my house, for 15023. I'm wary of that loader setup, I must admit.

 

[jimgerken]

that's a great price. I paid a thousand more for the same thing. I did not mean to scare you off the loader. I think it is about the best engineered attachment JD sells for the 4100. The ease of install/removal is incredible. The quick-tach bucket is a dream for the other manufacturers. And the 410 is well-sized for the 4100. I guess the price for such excellent on-off convenience is the occasional accidental detachment possibility. I have not had any problem with mine, but look it over carefully after attaching and before lifting. I am still very impressed with this tractor, after owning it for a few months.

 

[texblonigan]

Jim, I see you live in Minnesota. Did you pay 1000 more with tax or without tax figured in?

 

[jimgerken]

without. Price not including tax was, simplified, $12K for tractor w/ HST, Turfs, DSCV. Add $2K for each attachment (FEL, MMM, 51 Brush). Next closest bidder would not touch this and he said "That's tighter than Charlie's bottom!". Never heard that one before. I got one of the last 4100 tractors available in my area from four dealers.
Maybe the prices are starting to come down now that there might be some urgency to get those 4110s on the lot.

 

[Cdash]

Even though I started this, I am the first to say don't be leary of the loader. I was just letting you know some history. I am amazed by what it can do and by the ease of putting it on and taking it off. I think it is a well engineered piece of equipment. Anything that substantial that can be removed in mere minutes (most of the time spent getting on and off the tractor), is very well thought out. The only problem is that it is only 95% idiot proof instead of 99%. Don't be afraid, be excited!! With the loader, you will wonder how you ever did anything without it. You will even invent new things to do with it, just so you can play!!

 

[TxBillyed]

Yes, I notice that last weekend when I parked the 4100 on the back patio. (Wife loved that but I was going out of town and bad weather was expected) the right side dropped lower than the left. What's with this?

Bill