jd 4400 reliability

bgshgrr · Apr 2, 2009

I have come across a 4400 locally with 500 hrs, a 420 loader and titan tires. Would go for around 15k cdn$. I think it my be a little big for what I need being 400lbs heavier than a 770 I am also considering. The 4400 would be comparable in price after putting new r4's or turfs on the 770. This makes the 770 seem that much more overpriced. It seems the 4400 has a number of issues such as front tire scalping, instrument panel, 3 pt hitch. Are these issues usually covered by recalls. I really like the more simple tractors for reliablity, but am getting tired of looking for a tractor and want to pull the trigger on one soon. I am flopping around like a fish out of water learning about the different models. Any help would be appreciated. A sedative maybe??

AKfish · Apr 2, 2009

Will you have a chance to demo the 4400 or the 770? That would give you a better idea of how either tractor might serve your purposes.

Couple of things regarding the 4400 -

I recall information here on TBN regarding Deere's efforts to remedy the front tire scalping issue. Deere offered a repair for owner's of those models with a problem. I don't know if that would apply to the 2nd or 3rd owner... Contact a dealer and see where that might go.

I don't remember how the issues with the instrument panel or the 3pt were addressed (or even how serious the problems were). Once again, contact with your local dealer (or a couple of different dealers) should shed some light on how those issues were resolved and if the tractor you're considering would need/qualify for any repairs.

Finally, does the machine have a 420 FEL or a 430 model? Typo? The 430 loader is alot more loader than the 420.

Best of luck.

AKfish

kennyd · Apr 2, 2009

The 4x00 series are great tractors!

Axel: The problem was only on the first year or so models, and where replaced free of charge to those who asked.

Instrument panel: They had problem fogging, also covered under warranty.

3PH: I believe they added a filter to the hydraulic line in the rear over the PTO...

To be sure, just get the serial # and take it to any JD dealer, they can tell you it's entire service/warranty history.

bgshgrr · Apr 3, 2009

AKfish, both tractors are private sales. The 770 is owned by a guy with a million dollar shack who used it for his own landscaping projects. I am waiting for him to have time to let me see it.

The 4400 I just found in the local classifieds. From what I have learned it is heavier than what I want. I also have read more negative than good about this model. According to kennyd this 2001 would have some of the bugs worked out already. There also an 06 l3400 hst with 110 hrs locally for about 13k US. I am dealing with some serious information overload right now.

kennyd I will take that suggestion about the serial number for future use. Great idea!

browns40 · Apr 3, 2009

Hey bgshgrr,

Like Kenny said, I have heard waaay more positives regarding the 4x00 and 4x10 models than any drawbacks, although everyone I ever met with the 420 loader was extremely disappointed with it's performance, and either traded, or wished they'd traded for the 430.

Comparing it to a 770 is really not a fair comparison... the 3400 you looked at would be fairer... the 4400 was a "top of the line" for its frame size vs. a "value" line, and has more capabilities.

Dicky · Apr 3, 2009

I have a John Deere 4300 HST. In 687 hours, I have had zero problems with the tractor. It has never let me down.

dieselram · Apr 4, 2009

Mine has 925 and not a single problem! I have seen them on Ebay with tons of hours, one had 3500+ it was beat pretty bad but it was also in a rental fleet. Seems that most of the rental yards bought these tractors for their fleets because of the reliability. There are always a few problem units but that follows with any brand. As a whole many say the 4000 series, like a 4400were the best built compacts made. I am not real big on electronic stuff so I went older, back to a 4300 and it has been bulletproof! I do side work with it and has gone beyond what I expected, you just have to judge how it was maintained. I am very **** about my equipment because it is expensive! Why not be? I never understood how people could spend 30K on a machine and then beat the crap out of it and not maintain it. Ok, i'm done ranting.

jdmar · Apr 4, 2009

Both are great tractors. I agree I too like the simplicity of the 770. That said I own a 4300 and have had no major problems. I have the 430 loader and have rebuilt the lift cylinders but that runs about $15 in parts. Everything else has been maintainance as I can remember. I have also used the loader for a lot of heavy work--it earned its cylinder rebuilds for sure. I have the fogging dash issue but never cared...it doesn't make seeing anything hard. It just happens. Maybe I am too forgiving! I have never had a 3PH problem and I have used it hard for plowing, discing, 5.5foot tiller and a ton of brush hogging (not always the typical uses for a CUT). I have about 900 hours and plan to keep it as long as I am around. I also have the 47 BH and have used it a fair amount. It is a small hoe but is the easiest shovel I have ever used...my back if fine even with a whole day of "work."

Overall I love the little guy. It has been one of those tools that impresses me everytime I use it. Not trying to start more arguments but I would compare it to a top of the line Milwaulkee V28 versus an off brand cordless drill. One is a quality tool and one lets you down when you need it. I am NOT saying a 770 or other brand would let you down ( I do not think it would-its a great tractor) just that I have used the 4300 and I have consistently been impressed. It is the real thing not a fragile toy. I keep thinking of it as a smaller tractor but it won't accept that. It always seems to be able to more than I can give it. It works all day, never complains, starts in the dead of winter. I would not worry about the size...you always want bigger after you buy. I too just got a 5425 since I needed to manage more acreage. All this is opinion but I just wanted to support the model. The truth is if the tractor is big enough to handle all the implements and jobs you want you will be thrilled with any of the models. I imagine the blue and orange would be great too...they just don't look as good

Peter

bgshgrr · Apr 4, 2009

Sounds like alot more positive than negative. I don't think I would want to settle for the 420 loader for what I have learned here. I think it is heavier than I want anyhow.

bgshgrr · Apr 5, 2009

I ended up buying a 06 kubota b7610 today. LA352 loader, 230 hrs, r4's. I have to admit I felt a little dirty, but yet satisfied. I liked the size and what I have read about it. If I was going new I may have stepped it up on some of the options. I will keep the 332 for grass and so you guys will still answer some questions of mine now and again!