Should I buy this used JD model 4100?

dukenyc · Mar 13, 2005

Hello, I am looking to get some opinions on whether or not to buy this tractor with the land. The farmer bought it new in 1999. He has the shop manual,and has kept a maintenance log. He has done all work on it himself, and hasn't had to any major repairs. It currently looks to be in good shape, with only minor cosmetic damage, no major rust.

He has the 54" MMM and the 47" front mount two stage snow blower attachment. To buy the model 4110(replacement for the 4100) , MMM, and blower new will cost about $18,000. He will sell the tractor, mower and blower for $11,000.

What do you think? Is dealer support, a warranty, and "newness" worth the extra $$$$$$?

How durable is this model? Have there been alot of upgrades?

Any thoughts?

thcri · Mar 13, 2005

These tractors vary in price from area to area of the country. If you go back and fill in your profile and let us all know where abouts your from the people in your area will be able to help you best. In my area that is a bit high based on what my neighbor got. Pretty much the same package but more attachments and he got his for less than $11,000 and his is a 2001. But welcome to TBN and fill in your profile. You'll get better answers.

murph

Cliff_Johns · Mar 13, 2005

How many hours? Does it have a FEL?

Without the FEL, I'd say it was a pretty good deal, not great, but OK. If it has a FEL, then its a very good deal.

Still, it does depend on hours. Is it over a thousand hours or is it just a few hundred?

Cliff

dukenyc · Mar 14, 2005

I am in upstate NY, near syracuse. The tractor does not have an FEL, just the mower and the snowblower. he used it to mow the 5 acres of grass and to blow the long drive-way.

It has 500rhs on it and he has kept a service log along with having the shop manual. Overall, it looks to be in good shape.

creeper · Mar 14, 2005

It may not be a steal, but it sounds like it has not been abused. You will save $7k over new,thats what you should really think about.As far as warranty, I doubt it would ever save you that much money in repairs.About a month ago a friend sold the same year and model with FEL and only 134 hrs for $12,600.

hhw · Mar 14, 2005

In S.C. PA. That price is about right, given the attachments and hours. How extensive is the "cosmetic" damage?

dukenyc · Mar 14, 2005

The machine was well maintained, as far as I can tell. He has the shop manual, and has kept a service log, performing all services outlined in the manual at the specified intervals.

the cosmetic damage is that the mower deck is bent, although it does not contact the blade. the mower deck also has some surface rust. There is 1 dent on the back of the machine, over the right rear tire, cosmetic only.

He used it to mow 5acres of grass and to mow some trails through some old pastures. He also blew the driveway, which is about 1000feet long.

GaryK · Mar 14, 2005

When I bought my 4100 in 2000, I think the basic machine was 11k so that price is no great shakes but from what I have read and heard, the prices in upstate NY and around VT run a little high for green tractors. 500 hrs is not much in tractor life and if its been serviced right along it should last a long time.

keeney · Mar 18, 2005

I agree with the other posters concerning used vs. new.

Is the shine of a show-room new machine worth $7000 to you?

Not to me. A couple of $4 cans of touch-up paint can go a long ways towards making you happy to save the $7000. Heck, you could spend a few hundred and have a body shop fix the dents and repaint the whole thing.

Other than the paint, the real concerns on a used machine are fluid cleanliness, seals, hydraulics, filters, battery, tire wear, joint and bushing wear, basic engine performance, etc. You may be in for a bunch of maintanence tasks to get the machine back up to peak condition. Some of the filters and other maint parts and fluids can add up to a bit of cost.

When evaluating the price, mentally budget a few hundred dollars to replace all the wear-out and maint stuff on the whole machine and you won't be disappointed if it doesn't need as much as you thought.

As far as the mower deck goes, just make sure its not bent so much as to no longer be able to make a level cut.

- Rick

dukenyc · Mar 20, 2005

I am going to go with the used one. I am a bit nervous about going without dealer support (being new to tractors and all) , but I am going to bite the bullet.

SO, I need a good brush cutter and an FEL, and I should be all set.

Any suggestions on a brush cutter for this model?