Thinking about upgrading my 4120 to 4066

[Robertesq1]

I did a search and did not see any reviews on the 4066. My 4120 has been great but I want to no-till and it is not big enough... I need 60 horses and have been very happy with the 4120. The few reviews on the John Deere site seem poor but hoping to get feedback from the braintrust here. Thxs

 

[TCowner]

I purchased a 4066r with a factory cab this past January. I couldn't be more pleased. The clean running tier 4 engine is amazing. My previous tractor was a John Deere 3720. While it too was a very capable tractor it did have some significant diesel fuel emissions. It was much cleaner at full throttle use. On start up it would fill me shed with diesel smoke. There is none of this with the 4066r. You can stand next the exhaust on the tractor and there is literally no diesel smell. Its amazing.

I have 60 hours on the tractor and have had no problems short of a "squeaking" left door which was resolved with tightening the latch. I understand that John Deere will be replacing the hydraulic valve that operates the mid control hydraulic couplers. It will of course be covered by the warranty.

I recently upgraded to the optional LED light kit that Deere offers on the 5 series tractors. It was a little "spendy" but the light output compared to the standard halogen lights is as Bernie Sanders used to say "yuge." They are 3" x 7" and look very much like a factory light. That was the main reason I went with them. I'm surprised that Deere doesn't offer them as an upgrade.

My 4066r has the rear hitch assist feature and appreciate this feature more and more each day. Being able to move the tractor and adjust the three point hitch from the back of the tractor is one the design features of the tractor. The Deere folks deserve an "at a boy" for this one.

So, bottom line, while I had some initial concern about the complexity of the engineering required to comply with the tier 4 regulations count me was one who is in full support. I don't think we can breath diesel smoke for 50 years without some health issues down the road. But I guess we will have to see. But for now at least, I'm a believer.

 

[ArlyA]

TC, thanks for the review and your thoughts on the 4066r. I appreciate that very much because we are considering one. My spouse is from northern MN.

 

[TSO]

There have been a few complaints on this forum regarding the new 40xx series tractors. Deere has a problem with the loader valves that they still have not issued a fix on... That is, apparently the tractor has issues with down pressure on the bucket. Also, people have been complaining about "squealing" hydraulics, possibly related to a faulty PRV somewhere in the system.

I think they look like a nice machine, hopefully they fix these small issues.

 

[wolc123]

The 4120's are fetching a good buck used. There seems to be especially heavy demand for those simple (tier 3), American-made JD, Powertech engines. You will likely be able to get nearly as much or more for that, than you paid for it new. The only trouble I have had with my 10 year old 4120 is the factory Bosh starter, which failed due to corrosion at 3 years (replaced with a $120 aftermarket "Powerstrike" starter), the factory battery, which failed at 6 years, and the front Titan R-1 tires. The sidewalls just rotted out on them this year in spite of always being stored indoors, when not in use, and less than 1000 hours operating outside. I just ordered some Carlisle's from Amazon and am putting them on Tomorrow. Fortunately, The Titan rears still look very good.

I heard they are offering a 6 year warranty powertrain warranty on those new foreign-engine tier 4 JD tractors, so that should make "taking the plunge" a little easier for you.

 

[ArlyA]

TSO, I was familiar with these complaints and hope JD gets them mastered asap. Still like to see more user reviews of the 40 series tractors and 30's as well.

There have been a few complaints on this forum regarding the new 40xx series tractors. Deere has a problem with the loader valves that they still have not issued a fix on... That is, apparently the tractor has issues with down pressure on the bucket. Also, people have been complaining about "squealing" hydraulics, possibly related to a faulty PRV somewhere in the system.

I think they look like a nice machine, hopefully they fix these small issues.

 

[jenkinsph]

I would ask the dealer if the problem with the down force has been remedied yet. Deere and the dealers need to know that they missing sales if the problems are not fixed. This has been an issue since the new models were first sold and lots of customers are still waiting for this to be resolved. If you buy one off the lot or order one I would not accept it without verifying the problems had been resolved.

I would either wait on the purchase or consider a Kubota L6060 instead. A lightly used 4720 or 4520 would also work but does not have the new add on hitch features. I have been very satisfied with the 4520 cab 2009 with 60 hp. but assume you are looking for a new tractor. For my own use with topntilt and IMatch the new hitch isn't important.