Looking at a 4300

[Cidertom]

I started with a 4300 sync-reverser. Good tractor. The issues I had: 3pt drop-recover. Fixed under warranty; Hyd sump intake screen got into a gear some how. Fixed under warranty.

While I used it fairly hard, I also realized it was not a construction tractor nor a bull dozer. Seeing some of the damage others complain about, I think they don't understand limitations of equipment. Occasional excursions to the limits should survive. But running it at the limits, with excursions over will tear anything up. That was one reason I upgraded to the 4520. Working the new place, I found myself at the edge all the time. With the 4520 there have been few times I think I'm even working it hard.

I would look at the BH 3pt (esp top link) and FEL mounts for damage.

 

[cv63usafsfs]

Hey Guys,
Thanks for all your feed back. I went to see it the other day. Looked pretty good, started and ran nicely. Had some rust on a few of the exposed, unpainted metal pieces. There was also a little bit of a wobble in the front end when I took it for a ride down the road, is that normal? The tires in the front were a bit low, could that be the problem? Other than that my only other concern is with the tires. It has R1 tires and I plan to use it around my yard and on my lawn. Are those tires going to damage my lawn badly? How easy are they to switch out from R4s or turfs?

 

[RoyJackson]

Hey Guys,
How easy are they to switch out from R4s or turfs?

It's easy...all you need is $$$$$$$$$$!

 

[kennyd]

Hey Guys,
Thanks for all your feed back. I went to see it the other day. Looked pretty good, started and ran nicely. Had some rust on a few of the exposed, unpainted metal pieces. There was also a little bit of a wobble in the front end when I took it for a ride down the road, is that normal? The tires in the front were a bit low, could that be the problem? Other than that my only other concern is with the tires. It has R1 tires and I plan to use it around my yard and on my lawn. Are those tires going to damage my lawn badly? How easy are they to switch out from R4s or turfs?

It's easy...all you need is $$$$$$$$$$!

Sure do! The R4 tires will not fit on the R1 rims...so you need new rims also. R1's will tear up the lawn pretty good-especially if wet. The wobble may have been just the tires since R1's ride pretty rough on pavement.

 

[radman1]

Changing out tires and rims gets pricey on these tractors. I have mowed with subCUTs and r1 tires. However, a 4300 is a bit on the heavy side for mowing with r1 tires, if you still want a really nice looking yard. It is the turning that will cause the issues.

 

[cv63usafsfs]

I probably wont be using it for much mowing, probably mostly loader work. Other than the tires do you think shes a good buy, or should I wait for something else to come along?

 

[rekees4300]

Only you can decide if the tractor is a good buy. I have owned a 4300 for 10 years and have been very happy with it. Don't have a backhoe (wish I did) but my 430 loader has moved many tons of snow, dirt, and gravel without a hiccup.

 

[foggy1111]

When I bought my 790....it came with an extra set of FRONT wheels and tires in turf tread. They were properly sized to the same outside diameter as the R1 tires on the tractor (.....so don't get all crazy with mixed tire size warnings....).

I never used the turf fronts, but the guy before me evidently used them in his yard and I have read a few posts about other guys using turf fronts. They went along with my recent sale of the 790....so I cannot comment further on their use.

This could be an option for you when operating on your lawn....and not breaking the bank on buying the rears too....as they are the more expensive part. Also, you would not HAVE to use 4WD with the front turfs on. They change-over pretty quickly. It may be an option for you if you like the other aspects of the tractor.

(Personally?....there is too many tractors out there...I'd wait and find the one I with ALL the right stuff for my purposes. :thumbsup

 

[stuart]

I have owned a 4300 since 2000. It has 400 plus hours and I have been very happy with its performance. I do not have a BH and really would not like to have one because of all the added stress it might cause to the frame. I would buy another one tomorrow.