John Deere 4230

[Complete Turf Care]

Picked up a 1976 John Deere 4230 today. I've been looking for something a little bigger than my 60 hp tractors but didn't want to spend much. This is sort of a project tractor for me. I want to get it in decent shape and plan to use it around my place a little. I have a 14' Amco disc that's too big for my Kubota's.

It has an oil leak on the power steering valve, but I'm not going to worry about that for now. None of the gauges work, except for an aftermarket oil pressure gauge. I have ordered a fuel sensor and gauge already. I'm considering one of those aftermarket 3-gauge clusters for water temp, volts, and oil pressure. I looked at a tachometer too, but probably won't get that for now.

 

[Jstpssng]

I'm envious!!

 

[Complete Turf Care]

I looked at a 4020 a few days ago but it was a bit rougher than this one. It did have a loader, but all the hoses needed to be replaced and the bucket had rusted through. He was asking $11,500 for the 4020.

I also looked at a Case 970 that has a front dozer blade. It was in similar shape as this tractor, and belongs to a neighbor who I know takes good care of his equipment, but it was a bit smaller than this tractor.

This 4230 is rated at 110 hp.

 

[civilian]

Educate me, please. What is tha rusty metal disc on the right side of the tractor? Thanks, Jon

 

[GrandpaSmurf825]

The 30 series Deere's were quite popular. Unless you have something against OEM gauges I'd go that route. I know they might be more expensive but everything will look correct. Start with Salvage yards. Worthington tractor is a big one. They show two 4230's on their website. I am assuming they are being parted out. The 40 series may still have the same identical gauges. Actually possibly up through the 60 series since they were still using the same basic sheet metal and the sound guard cab. However they changed the actual gauge design some even though the dash stayed the same so I don't know what is compatible and what isn't. Whatever you do post photos of the rebuild.

Yes the 970 Case would be smaller. The 1070 is about the same. The 4230 should have a differential lock where the Case wouldn't have.

 

[LHF2019]

Interesting contraption on the side. Was it used in vegetable farming in its former life?

 

[Complete Turf Care]

Interesting contraption on the side. Was it used in vegetable farming in its former life?

Educate me, please. What is tha rusty metal disc on the right side of the tractor? Thanks, Jon

That contraption is known as a Kelly Side Plow. It is used for making ditches in flat ground, such as rice fields or wheat or soybean fields that are not on rows.

I was most likely used around here in rice fields.