New 4410 A Huge Disappointment

Dave4410 · Aug 18, 2004

My new 4410 died on me yesterday after less than 2 engine hours. After I waited more than 5 hours this morning for the dealer to make arrangements for a man to come out to look at it, I told the salesman not to bring it back. When the repairman finally got here, he used my tools and cordless drill battery to jury-rig the eHydro circuits in order to move the tractor to where it can be loaded on to a flatbed. It's now sitting in my driveway waiting to be taken away tomorrow. Is it worth taking a chance on another 4410? From what I've been reading the eHydro has a pretty dicey reputation. Another problem I had was with the backhoe dropping to the ground within 1/2 hour after shutdown. Not things one expects from a $29,000. machine. I didn't really know what to expect of the 4410. The driver delivered it to my house and I when I asked a couple of questions of him he said he didn't know much about tractors, just how to load and unload them on his truck. This afternoon the salesman had the nerve to say he wasn't surprised that the 4410 had problems and that he had originally tried to sell me a Kubota, which is true. He also, when I specified that I wanted HD loader and backhoe buckets, said that he had never seen the HD buckets but that Kubota would never sell a bucket like the standard Deere buckets so it couldn't hurt. What do you guys suggest I do?

Bob_Skurka · Aug 18, 2004

I think you need to go to a different dealership!!!!

beenthere · Aug 18, 2004

Surprises me. I inquired of the head Deere mechanic at the dealership I go to, and he said their experience was real good with the e-hydro's. Save for the first issue e-hydro's (had to reprogram all of them using their laptop, and he said he was surprised how many of them had been sold), he said they just didn't get them in for any electrical issues.
I was concerned going to the e-hydro, as the more electronics, the more that can go wrong.
Yours sounds like a dealer problem, and the 4410 should have been checked out before delivery. But you mentioned you had some problems earlier with getting stories told about delivery times, etc.
As Bob said, look for a better dealer. This'n seems like one that Deere can't be too proud of, IMO. Maybe you will have better luck with the Kubota.
Today I had a new Deere salesman at my dealer ask me if I would go with him as back-up on his new 4x20 series demo's. Come to find out, as simple as the FEL is to un-hook and hook up, it was not registering with him. I may go with him a time or two to get more familiar with customers expectations. May be fun (and a good excuse to play with the new ones before hand, too). I like the changes in the design of the FEL, as the upright posts are cast, and encapsulate the ends of the outrigging posts mounted to the tractor. The latch mechanism consists of two latch's, on on each side, rather than a single one that flips the front plate off the weight bracket. More rugged than the 4000's.

Kyle_in_Tex · Aug 18, 2004

Dave, my 4310 is nearly 2 years old and I haven't had any trouble with the e-hydro. If I "fat" foot it (hit both forward and reverse simultaneously) it gets confused (doesn't move)but I'm glad about that. Seems a dealer selling JD and Kubota could get into some conflicts, especially if the salesman told you "I tried to talk you into Kubota".

I do notice that if I accidentally leave the motion match on, it seems sluggish to move at low RPM's at startup. The engine doesn't bog, it just is slow to get going. Just flipping the switch off cures it.

I am sorry you are having issues with your tractor. I wouldn't and don't recommend ever leaving a tractor parked with hydraulics holding anything up. I feel it is best to relieve pressure on FEL, 3pt etc...

Where do you live, or furthermore, who is your dealer? I think John Deere wouldn't be to happy if they heard your salesman say something like that.

DieselnHooters · Aug 18, 2004

sorry about your experience Dave, a priceless advertisement for good 'ol gear tractors.

JDFANATIC · Aug 18, 2004

beenthere,

The cast "upright posts" also caught my eye on my last dealer visit Saturday. Coming from a casting background, I was glad to see an application of cast technology. Unfortunately, this pendulum seems to swing from "everything cast" to "nothing cast", when the right thinking should be "which is the right process for my (our) needs?"

rockyridgefarm · Aug 18, 2004

Dave

Sorry about your problems.

Skurka and beenthere are right on. Check Skurka's posts and you will NOT find him blindly supporting Deere&Co. He does speak from conviction. (same for beenthere)

Do the same techs and delivery people handle Kubotas at the dealership? Whats gonna cause them to suddenly become competent when the box is Orange?

Tractors are sophisticated machines. That is why they are sold at servicing dealers. (I know you know this!) They have to be prepped properly, and if there are problems, dealt with professionally.

You mentioned it died at 2 hours. How many were on the meter when you got it? I hope at least about 7, for some dyno time and tooling around the lot. My dealer called me and told me I had better get there soon, as he couldn't keep his techs off mine. At least those pesky techs got all the kinks out!!

Sorry, but I have to admit it. Kubotas are fine machines. But I don't think I'd want one from this guy. The only thing he should have said was "We screwd up, We'll fix it! PRONTO!!"

The hydros are fine. I don't even have issue with the buckets. (but if you wanted them, they are not an expensive upgrade, why didn't he get them?)

The dealer sounds like the real loser.

sorry!

rockyridgefarm · Aug 18, 2004

( advertisement for good 'ol gear tractors )

You can see what you want, but I bet the right dealer could screw up anything...

_RaT_ · Aug 19, 2004

You can see what you want, but I bet the right dealer could screw up anything... 

Ditto's, well almost dittos, I would have said "say" instead of "see" /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Dave4410 · Aug 19, 2004

The dealer tells me he'll strip parts from another new 4410 on his lot to get mine going if he doesn't have what he needs in inventory. I told him to take this one back and let me know if he thinks I would better off with another one. Were it not for my threatening to use the 30 day return policy I don't think my dealer would be as willing to deal with me. I won't buy a Kubota. The only other brand I would consider is New Holland. I'm really hoping this dealer makes things right today. The 4410 is what I want. It's performance with the 48 backhoe is very impressive and the Yanmar, although made in Japan I presume, is a bulletproof engine. I've had one in my boat for three years now. To me, the green John Deere with the yellow wheels is America's tractor. Not to get too corny but just having it here on my property feels like a tribute to the history of American farming. I hope to be able to share better news with you guys by the end of the week. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Incidentally, should the front wheels be switched so that the dished side is out and providing a wider stance for loader stability. I've noticed in pictures like the one of the 4x20 on this site that the dished side is out.