Thinking of buying a JD 4300

[kennyd]

I seem to recall some discussion here on this forum regarding a front end issue with the 00 series JD tractors.

Something to the effect that the front wheels wouldn't track correctly when turning short and would grab and gouge lawns and turf pretty badly.

Don't remember exactly what Deere did to remedy the problem. Since this particular tractor is a 2000 year model; it could be that Deere had engineered a technical fix for the later models.

A search here should turn up some info.

AKfish

That was a problem with the first production year, and the axles where replaced if the owner complained about it. The 2000 year should not have this problem.
The major issue as MD stated was the battery's leaking...but that is still a problem on the new series as well.

 

[Mighty Dodge]

From what I've been able to find out this was a first year issue and was corrected after that.

M.D.

 

[blaplante]

I bought a used 4300 last fall so Ill try and provide some info. 2000 JD4300 Hydro w/ 430 loader: 675 hours, Turfs, $12,500 from local dealer.

Ive got about 100 hours of mowing, loader work, box blading, brush hogging, raking and snow removal.

I have been very pleased with the tractor overall.

Positives:
Hydro is great for mowing, loader work (primary reason's I purchased)
Very comfortable operating station IMO
Plenty of power for my needs. Friend has a 4200 that he uses for similiar tasks and loves the 4200, the only comment he has ever made is he wishes it had a little more hp which the 4300 has.
Turfs have been fine for mowing, snow removal and loader dirt work 4 wheel drive makes a huge difference- (would prefer R4's but new rims and tires are cost prohibitive at this time)

Upgrades:
My tractor had the issue with the battery acid at some point in it's history, cleaned up the tray and underneath replaced strongbox battery with yellow top optima
I am having an issue with my 3pt resetting- have read about it here and am working towards a fix (adjustment, leaky cylinder or valve). 3pt leaks down slowly while running until position control senses the change and brings it back to orginal position. Hasnt kept me from any work, but is getting annoying.
Apparently there was an issue with the hydraulic filter going to the rockshaft getting dislodged- fix was issued by JH with a new improved filter and some re-routing of hydraulic lines at back of tractor (can read about this here- I did)
Vertical stabilizers for 3 point are a pain in the butt when hooking up 3pt attachments- will be changing over to horizontal stabilizers in the future.

Overall very pleased with the 4300, I would buy again. I liked the idea of the mech. hydro over the electronic but am sure that some of the features on the ehydro would be great to have (loadmatch, etc)

Hope this helps and good luck with your search for a tractor.

 

[merlin30]

Thanks to all for the feedback. I am pretty set on buying the 4300 and look foward to picking it up in a week or so.

Mighty Dodge- I saw your photo gallery. What are the specs on your forks? That will be my first extra to purchase. What did they run you?

 

[merlin30]

blaplante- Thanks for the info it makes me feel even better about my decision. I was also looking at a 4210 Ehydro. The dealer (family member) said basically the same thing about the two tractors. He advised to purchase the 4300 since it was all mechanical and not as many electronics to go bad.

Thanks again!!

 

[Mighty Dodge]

I picked up the forks and frame for $80. The attaching parts from JD were around $60. The channel iron I picked up at an auction for around $10. A few welding rods, a little paint. I figure I got around $160 all tolled. I leave them on all the time now. You can see in my photos that they are a real labor and back saver.

M.D.

 

[Nuru]

I bought a used 4300 last fall so Ill try and provide some info. 2000 JD4300 Hydro w/ 430 loader: 675 hours, Turfs, $12,500 from local dealer.

Ive got about 100 hours of mowing, loader work, box blading, brush hogging, raking and snow removal.

I have been very pleased with the tractor overall.

Positives:
Hydro is great for mowing, loader work (primary reason's I purchased)
Very comfortable operating station IMO
Plenty of power for my needs. Friend has a 4200 that he uses for similiar tasks and loves the 4200, the only comment he has ever made is he wishes it had a little more hp which the 4300 has.
Turfs have been fine for mowing, snow removal and loader dirt work 4 wheel drive makes a huge difference- (would prefer R4's but new rims and tires are cost prohibitive at this time)

Upgrades:
My tractor had the issue with the battery acid at some point in it's history, cleaned up the tray and underneath replaced strongbox battery with yellow top optima
I am having an issue with my 3pt resetting- have read about it here and am working towards a fix (adjustment, leaky cylinder or valve). 3pt leaks down slowly while running until position control senses the change and brings it back to orginal position. Hasnt kept me from any work, but is getting annoying.
Apparently there was an issue with the hydraulic filter going to the rockshaft getting dislodged- fix was issued by JH with a new improved filter and some re-routing of hydraulic lines at back of tractor (can read about this here- I did)
Vertical stabilizers for 3 point are a pain in the butt when hooking up 3pt attachments- will be changing over to horizontal stabilizers in the future.

Overall very pleased with the 4300, I would buy again. I liked the idea of the mech. hydro over the electronic but am sure that some of the features on the ehydro would be great to have (loadmatch, etc)

Hope this helps and good luck with your search for a tractor.

blaplante, you might look for used tires and wheels. When i had my 4310, i found a set of Turf specials and wheels , all 4, for $700 bucks and the tires had less than 20 hours on them, - pretty much brand new

 

[blaplante]

blaplante, you might look for used tires and wheels. When i had my 4310, i found a set of Turf specials and wheels , all 4, for $700 bucks and the tires had less than 20 hours on them, - pretty much brand new

Nuru,

I keep looking- there was a set of new take off R4's + rims on ebay for a bit off a 3320. buy it now 999.00 Problem- they were in wisconsin, Im in NY!! Will try and hold out for that great bargain if it comes along. If not, when comes time for new tires- will prob. bite the bullet and get r4s and new rims from dealer. Just looking for a little more grip for loader and dirt work.

 

[Nuru]

Nuru,

I keep looking- there was a set of new take off R4's + rims on ebay for a bit off a 3320. buy it now 999.00 Problem- they were in wisconsin, Im in NY!! Will try and hold out for that great bargain if it comes along. If not, when comes time for new tires- will prob. bite the bullet and get r4s and new rims from dealer. Just looking for a little more grip for loader and dirt work.

blaplante, The ones I bought were in WI also and I got them shipped to the coast for $237 bucks via truck. I spent a total of ~$937 including shipping. I believe it is the same cost or there abouts going either way.