New or Used large frame compact

[nitewowl]

I need to pick up round bales so it appears I need the equivalent of the 460 or 400x loader. The deals I'm getting involve everything from the 4400-4700 used, 4510-4610 and now the 4120-4320. The 00's have anywhere from 200-600 hours, and the rest are essentially brand new. Price differences are only about $4-5K topping out around $27k with extra implements. Has there been any troubles with any of these machines and are there any features that you'll really miss out on if you go with the used 00 series vs. the 10 or 20??? Truely appreciate all the comments and help everyone on these boards provide and I look forward to hearing your thoughts/experiences on this!!

 

[homeworx01]

I have no idea, just thought I would atleast let you know someone has read your post. I'm trying to decide on a jd790 or a tc30. (homeworx01 above your post) any comments?

 

[dmp437]

The TEN series is a refined 00 series with more electronics and better diagnostics. The TWENTY Series uses a different engine and is more costly compared to the others.
As far as problems, there are bound to be few if any with the TEN Series and very few with the 00 series. After you choose a model you may want to contact a Deere service department and find out if there are any recalls on that given model. Also use the "Search" function here on TBN to look for issues regarding a given model.

 

[AZRocks]

The TWENTY Series uses a different engine and is more costly compared to the others.

 

[timb]

What else are you looking to do with the tractor, and are you thinking gear tranny or hydro?

There's a lot more alike than different over the run of 4000 to 4000-Twenties. But there have been small changes - and a few not-so-small. But whether they're 'improvements' or not is in the eye of the beholder. Depending on you druther's you may lean more toward the older units or new.

On a broad scope the 4000's were a little simpler and more mechanically straight-forward. The newer the series, the more electronics have been introduced - with some interesting benefits but potentially more to go wrong.

If you think you may end up using this tractor on a broader range of small ag duties - and prefer mechanical over electronic mechanisms, the original 4000 series is probably slightly more desirable. The original front axle design was thought to be slightly stronger than the current unit by some owners - but had a reputation for scuffing lawns so was changed to the current design by Deere. There were less electronic controls on the 4000's.

Along with the axle change, the 4000-Ten's did away with the creeper option on the PowerReverser tranny, and added electronic pushbutton control of the MFWD for instance. On the hydro side the e-Hydro of the 4000-Tens became more fly-by-wire than the original design with some ergonomic benefits.

The 4000-Twenties lost the draft control option and swapped the bullet-proof Yanmar diesels for slightly bigger and more powerful Deere diesels.

 

[nitewowl]

Thanks for these details. I tested a 4320 yesterday and it's a nice machine though it definitely made me want to stay with the pwr reverser vs. the hst. Don't like the response of the hst or the fact that it involved 2 pedals vs the ease of working with the left hand. Just more intuitive for me I guess. Also, since I will be mowing about 3-4 acres a few times each year, the gear drive of the pwr rvr would seem a benefit. I will also be getting a box blade to work about 1300 feet of drive areas and I would like to get a backhoe if affordable. I seen all the notes that say go with the 48 so I think that's a foregone decision, now it's just a matter of ponying up the $$. The decision seems to be driftng towards a 2000 yr model 4600 with about 522 hours and rear hydraulics vs an '03 4610 with 159 hrs, a canopy and warranty still in place. The price difference for the 4600 would buy the backhoe so it's tempting.

Since I'm asking so many questions, might as well add one for mowing - finish vs. shredder style - primarily pasture though I also have 1 1/2 acres of forest. This makes me lean toward the shredder for now with the possibility of adding a finish if I can't the pastures up to a better grass grade with more care than previous owner - they will get seeding, fertilizer and more frequent mowings for the new 2 seasons to see how things improve.

Once again, all comments welcome!!