known problems with jd4100 hst I should know about

jimgerken · Dec 6, 2001

I am purchasing a 4100. I have read several vague references to "problems with the 4000 series". Would anyone care to share first-hand specific problems they've had with the 4100 model, and include the resolutions provided by your dealer. I also would be interested in knowing of any updates which have been applied, so I can check to see how up-dated this particular 4100 is before taking delivery. I am also interested in the 60 inch mid mower, the 410 FEL, the 51" power brush. Thanks guys...

TerryinMD · Dec 6, 2001

Jim,

I bought a 4100 last March. The only problem that I have had is that a male connector for my FEL. It developed a leak. I called my dealer and he sent a new one to me with no questions asked.

No updates. No recalls.

Just a week ago, the dealer performed a yearly checkup on the tractor. Cost me $78 for time and materials. They provided a signed check list.

So, all in all, my experience with it has been great and my dealer has been very responsive to any questions or problems to date.

As far as 60" MMM, you may want to reconsider a use the 54". Paying somewhere between $600-800 more for an extra 6" is IMHO not worth it. That money could be applied to other implements or accessories you may require.

Terry

jimgerken · Dec 6, 2001

Thanks for sharing your experience with the 4100. It is good to hear you've had good luck with it. As for the mower, I am getting the 60" for $1900. The 60" is the only mower he has left (i think thats the only one he orders or something), and it is part of the package deal so I don't think I get a choice to trade down.

On the other hand, $600 for a six inch extension sounds like a good deal to me /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif.

GaryK · Dec 6, 2001

I got a 4100HST about 2 years ago, no problems to date except for a neutral switch that comes off in heavy brush. Now that I know what it is, no problem. I have the 60" midmount along with 410 FEL. I also pull a 5' box blade and a 4' bush hog. I got the r4 tires, they are easy on the lawn yet give traction with the FEL and blade. $1900 for a 60" midmount is a fiar price. Its a heavier mower and will last you a life time. The 54" is made of lighter steel or so I was told. I find with the 60" its just wide enough that I can get right up to trees etc as it sticks out just enough from the tractor. I have a power rear bagger too to collect grass for my wife's garden but that's a few$$$. I think you will be happy with the 4100 if you do not plan on doing any really heavy work. The problems they had with the 4000 series were with the 4200 and up which were made in GA. As I understand it the 4100 is made by Yanmar for JD.

Nuru · Dec 6, 2001

Re: known problems with jd4100 hst I should know a

Actually I was told all the 4000 series were made/assembled in Georgia.

Nuru

Snowman9000 · Dec 6, 2001

Re: known problems with jd4100 hst I should know a

Nuru, I think the 4100 is the exception, it is shipped over fully assembled from Japan. I think.

jimgerken · Dec 6, 2001

Re: known problems with jd4100 hst I should know a

>"...all 4000 series made in Georgia..." Nope, GaryK is right, the 4100 is a Yanmar painted green. If you go to the Deere web page and look at the operator manual section of the 4100 tractor, there is a "specs" link, i think it is called "specs", and this page lists manufacturer as Yanmar. I understand all the others are made in Georgia.

Nuru · Dec 7, 2001

Re: known problems with jd4100 hst I should know a

Hmmm, so the 4100 and the 790 and 990 are all made by Yanmar? Oh well.

Nuru

Snowman9000 · Dec 7, 2001

Re: known problems with jd4100 hst I should know a

Nuru,

If you are having "buy American" concern about the 4100 you ordered, I can't help you with that.

But if you are worried about the quality of the Yanmar units, don't be. They are excellent.

Nuru · Dec 8, 2001

Re: known problems with jd4100 hst I should know a

Nope I am not worried by the "buy american" Since most Nipponese large businesses have american ownership to the tune of 25%+ I was going off info from some Deere dealers and the Deere PR people I got to speak with. They both indicated that there was some assembly in the U.S. plan for the 4100. Also i am familiar with Yanmar's reputation.

Thanks

Nuru