Buying Advice Taking Deliver - 4710 Advice

timb · Jul 1, 2004

Well all,

Two years after I started pestering people here for information - the decisions are made and my dealer came through and found me a new 4710 reverser in Vermont so Deere corporate is coordinating getting it back to PA. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

A BIG thanks for all the help I got here along the way!

Now the other components/options are ordered in and will be shipping in to the dealer to meet up with the tractor. Nice that while I'm pre-approved on JD credit - this is all being done without my actually signing anything yet!

I'm getting -

4710 reverser, R1's loaded with RimGuard, upgrading to the 55 amp altenator, draft control on the 3pt., extendable draft links, and the 3rd SCV.

460 FEL with HD 73" bucket w/replaceable edge, toothbar, level indicator. Added in the ballast box for those times it will help - doesn't add much $$$. (I decided not to try to get a 400X even though it should work with the 4710. The 460 is a known quantity for better or worse and I figured with my luck the 400X would turn out to have some peculiar aspect when used with a 4000 Ten I wouldn't know about until it was too late.)

MX6 rotary with the normal chains and slip clutch.

No ETA yet - I'm sure I'll be getting plenty anxious waiting.

Any advice for specific things to look for / over / test once the tractor is set up at the dealer before I sign off - or when it's delivered? Especially anything that may be specific to these particular models? How can you positively tell the HD bucket from the standard 73" unit if you don't have the two side-by-each?

Geez I better clean out the barn to make room!

thebigc · Jul 1, 2004

Congrats on the new unit!!

About the 400x loader, it seems like the increased bucket visibility alone would make it worth taking a chance on. After six years using a 410 FEL on my 4100 and not seeing the bucket at all when it's leveled for digging and scraping, I know I'd really appreciate curved arms. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Also, the easy access zerk fittings are a plus!!

I can't wait for the new small chassis models to arrive /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Donny

timb · Jul 1, 2004

Actually it played out this way - I decided I didn't really care on the loader - I could see +/- maybe either way so whatever turned out to be available would be ok with me. Actually was surprised there is supposed to be a 460 on the way - I had a hunch the 460's might already have also evaporated.

With the minimal pictures available so far - it's tough to compare the two exactly. Doesn't look to me that there will necessarily be better sight lines to the bucket - although the curved arms couldn't hurt. On the other hand it almost looks as if the loader projects further forward than the 460 (on the ground) and that could also have benefits or drawbacks or (more likely) could be my imagination. Since I've never had any kind of a loader on a tractor before I'm sure I'll be happy as a pig you know where for a long time.

rockyridgefarm · Jul 1, 2004

Whew Tim! We are SO HAPPY for US!!! Glad its going yer way!!!!

There are some pics of heavy duty buckets posted here. They have extra plates and stuff.

If you can, Have em add the power beyond and/or rear remotes. Plumbing's cheaper done at purchase.

Good choice on those telescoping links. I GOTTA get them... I am no wimp, but I can't budge the MX6...

Amazing that deere is getting it all that way for you...

Dutch445 · Jul 1, 2004

Timb,
Congrats on the new tractor!
The way to check for the HD bucket is to look at the top of the bucket, it should be solid steel, about 1-1/4" thick, maybe 6 or 7" wide. The other areas, reinforced side edges, and underneath, look for 4 support straps that wrap under the bucket from back to front instead of just 2.
You might want to double check for the fluid, crack a valve stem and see if it bleeds.
Don't forget the wheel torque specs, after 50? hrs... maybe double check that even sooner.
I'm sure you will check the obvious stuff, fluids, etc. Somebody should come and show you operation/safety/maintenance points anyway.. salesman or somebody else qualified. (sometimes the truck drivers don't have time and really don't know the tractors inside and out like a salesman or service tech would)
Good luck, I'm sure you will be happy with it. It's a nice package you have there.

/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

timb · Jul 1, 2004

Mike - I've got the 3rd SCV being run to the rear. I asked several times if it would help to set up power beyond now. I do plan on getting the 48 or 448 BH some time next year, but I won't have any other need for power beyond until then. (Eventually I'm sure I'll do something else with it). Anyway - the salesman keeps telling me it will be the same costs either way so I left that off the list for now.

Dutch - thanks for the info - I'll have to take your notes with me.

BillyP · Jul 1, 2004

Congratulation Tim, I've followed your hope to be and now purchase for a long time. You'll lose some sleep and get a little antsy before it comes in but the wait will be worth it /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Kevin37 · Jul 2, 2004

Tim

Great news for you AND team GREEN. Welcome, and don't forget the pics on the big delivery day.

I recently got a 4710, 460 FEL, MX-6 and ballast box. One suggestion I would have is the iMatch option, if it's usable with the draft control and and extendable links? I've put about 30 hours on my tractor so far, and hooking and unhooking the cutter and ballast box is a breeze with the iMatch.

The other things I would mention to you are:

Be sure and check the wheel bolts OFTEN during the first ten hours. FYI, a new one costs $1.39

If using the loader a lot, get the small knob for your steering wheel. ($10.99 at JD)

When you take your first break after an hour or so on the tractor, get down and crawl all over and under it!! Check all fittings, nuts, bolts and lines. You may be surprised what you find.

Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!! I still get a stupid GRIN /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif every time I climb in the seat.

Kevin

timb · Jul 2, 2004

Thank Kevin - I think the I-Match would still work with the extendable links, although there might be a little interference as you would pull back on one side more than the other and 'jamb' the I-Match a bit. I'd have to look at the hitch side of the I-Match lower link connecting points to tell. THe draft control shouldn't matter - in mounting or in use it should remain compatible.

Which brings up a question - is there any real difference between the JD I-Match and the aftermarket units? (TSC, Nothern Tool) - I remember thinking the TSC unit was about 1/2 or 2/3 the cost of the JD. Always something I can get down the road.

There will be a lot of other implements eventually, including either a 48 or 448 backhoe by this time next year.
Wheel lug torque - good point. Seems like that's common problem on CUTs regardless of color or size. I never quite undertood that - I set the lug nuts on my vehicles with a torque wrench to spec - check them 20-25 miles later and they stay put until I rotate tires again. Anyway - while I think one of my current torque wrenches goes high enough (barely) for the wheel bolts - probably not high enough for some of the other tractor specs. Who has a decent, fairly accurate, but affordable click-type wrench that reads that high? (say 150-180 ft-lbs).

cowboydoc · Jul 2, 2004

Tim,

Only suggestion I would make is drop the ballast box and get yourself a good heavy boxblade. There are a 101 uses for a box blade and it makes a good ballast when you don't need it for something else.

Dutch445 · Jul 2, 2004

Timb,
About the I-match, there are several threads that talk about Deeres hitch, vs the competetion. If you plan on only using Deere sold implements,, (Frontier, Deere), then I-match is ok. But without an adjustable top link, it can be a lot of hassle to get it to work on non spec implements. Most other hitches have the top hook that is adjustable up and down. Pat's easy change system is an easy alternative, for about the same price.
Have Fun!

/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

timb · Jul 2, 2004

Richard,

I hadn't asked to even include the ballast box on the initial quote - but the salesman itemized it at something like $150 or less so I thought what the heck. Probably be of some use here and there - it is pretty compact. But, a good-sized box blade will definitely be in the shed sooner or later as well.

Dutch - that's a good point. I never studied these that close.

timb · Jul 20, 2004

72 hours and closing...

Went to visit my 4710 at the dealer and finish up the paperwork. It's nearly ready to go - they need to finish up the toothbar installation, load the tires, and give her a bath. Delivery is this Friday! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif (only 2 years, 2 weeks, and 450 messages after I started this search...) Thanks to everyone who gave advice along the way!

(Notice this ex-Vermont tractor had the formerly optional 16.9x24 R1s. Big tires.)

Kevin37 · Jul 20, 2004

Timb

That is one GREAT looking tractor.......I should know. (re-pic)
Mine is on the way to the dealership to have the 48 backhoe installed. It'll be like Christmas all over again when they deliver it AGAIN /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

You will LOVE that 4710. I'm at 33 hours and I still relish every minute I spend in the seat!

Have fun......Be safe.

Kevin

rockyridgefarm · Jul 20, 2004

Is that an Orange tractor in that Dumpster!???

Great looking 4710! Cool tires!!

timb · Jul 21, 2004

Hmm... Kevin, your tractor does look a little familiar...

Yeah, Mike - there were scattered parts of orange and blue tractors everywhere... it wasn't a pretty site! (Just kidding folks!) /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Hey - even Deere's aren't unbreakable. Just inside the shop to the left behind the 4710 was a pretty dusty 4500 opened up for some obviously major surgery. I asked the mechanic who set up my 4710 what was wrong. He said the owner had been having trouble getting into and out of 4WD for some time so had taken to just ramming it in or out or more often than not just leaving it in (whether on hard pavement or not). Eventually several things broke, gears in the front end, linkages in the rear. Going to be an expensive repair. FYI the 4500 had 5000 hours on it and according to the mechanic got the snot beat out of it every day of it's life by the owner.

One set-up conflict. The tootbar doesn't fit well with the replaceable cutting edge on the HD bucket at the same time. Either I had to have the toothbar set up with a bit of a compromise positioning - or have things rigged so I mount the edge OR the toothbar, not both at the same time. Since I don't think the cutting edge will accomplish all that much 'wear prevention' of the bucket edge with the toothbar in place - I chose the latter. I'll just switch between them as chores dictate.

(2nd shot attached - if you look close you can just see the draft control setup at the centerlink position. I'll have to post more shots after delivery. Big tires.)

timb · Jul 21, 2004

Semi-computer enhanced close-up of draft control area... I'll post better shots later.

SteveH_CT · Jul 21, 2004

I had the same issue with my toothbar on my HD bucket. I have the replaceable edge on it. I didn't like the idea of pulling one off to use the other - so I bought a used bucket and had the toothbar mounted on that. Now it's just a quick swap of the bucket to go from one to the other.

Good Luck with that gorgeous looking machine... I'm convinced now that I prefer the 4710 to the current replacement models.

timb · Jul 21, 2004

( I'm convinced now that I prefer the 4710 to the current replacement models. )

Compared to this 4720 that was parked out front - Absaposolutely !

But that is not a bad idea at all on the 2nd bucket. I want to get a fork lift attachment (not bucket forks) but I hadn't thought of having a whole second 'regular' bucket around. New those things are close to $800 - how much did you have to pay for a used one?

SteveH_CT · Jul 21, 2004

/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif $200 - it was used, but not abused. They gave it to me cheap since the salesman felt it was his fault for ordering the wrong toothbar - he forgot I had the cutting edge on the HD bucket. BTW - the used one is a regular duty bucket, which seems just fine for what I'm using it for with the toothbar - but it is lighter than the HD bucket... it's gets dented and bented /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif easier.

Take Care,