Traded off the 790

[Nitro-Fish]

Yeah, it's an open station. Cabs are nice, but would interfere with how I use a tractor.

770's and 790's are great machines...I hope this 4400 gives me as good service as my 670 (770's little brother) and 790 did.

Congrats on the new tractor Roy! I recently stepped up from a 790 with the 419 to a 3320 with the 300cx & Power reverser set-up, I too was impressed with the reliability and the simplicity of the 790 and hoping the new unit works out just the same. The linkages on the 3320 seemed loose to me too, but I'm getting used to the difference (I think I'm right around 75 hours now); the reverser is a bit noisy compared to the 790, but seems pretty stout. I had the shims in the relief valve on the 790 & even at that the lift capacity is not even in the same league (I think your 430 should be in the same class as the 300cx too). I have more comfort features now than before as do you, I just hope our new machines prove themselves as reliable/trouble free as the ones we stepped up from. Now get out there and get that thing DIRTY!

 

[RoyJackson]

Roy, you have a syncreverser, correct?

on my 4300, for the range selection, the decals say (from front to rear) A N B C....now that i think of it, it might be A B N C...whichever way it is labeled, it seems like B and N are reversed from the label. i have a hard time finding B range. the detents aren't very pronounced....do you find it the same w/ B on the 4400?

Hi Defed,
Front to rear, it's A-N-B-C. The detents are there, but they're subtle. I think it's mostly a learning curve, plus being used to the very distinct shifting of the 790. These levers have a lot more linkage and feel spongy...reminds me of shifting the old VW Beetles, actually.
The reverser lever positions aren't distinct either. Since this is probably the most used control, the linkage may require new bushings (if it uses bushings).
I'm pretty sure both of us will get used to this and learn how to use the controls. I just hope I don't do anything too stupid while in that learning curve.

I did try a 3320 reverser a couple years ago. That felt tighter...but it was new, plus it was the E-reverser (is that the name?).

 

[RoyJackson]

So how does your wife like her newer, smaller tractor? You haven't had to use that had for self defense yet have you? Thankfully, you had a little time to plan various escape routes, etc.
Chuck

She was OK with it, actually. I didn't spend much money (about $2500) for the trade.
Anyway, she knows me after 15 years....I don't buy "smaller" tractors.

 

[JESSE1]

I traded in a '99 4400 for my 997 ZTR two years ago. The 4400 had a 60" belly mower. It also had the sync reverser trans. Never had any problem with the trans linkage. In general it was a good running tractor.

 

[Rob-D]

She was OK with it, actually. I didn't spend much money (about $2500) for the trade.
Anyway, she knows me after 15 years....I don't buy "smaller" tractors.

Roy, nobody breathing sizes down! Good luck with the new rig.

Rob

 

[sixdogs]

Roy---Oh, my--I have been gone for a few months (work, getting ready to retire and difficult cataract surgery) and was sort of shocked to see you traded off the JD 790 for a JD 4400. Knowing how well you think things through I know it's a wise move but is is still shocking in a manly-man sort of way. Your advice helped me buy my JD 790 TLB that I really like.

What is your opinion and observation now of the JD 4400 after a couple months of use? Still fully happy? Any downsides that were not apparent at first? I know you love the reverser but if you take that out of the equation, what do you think? Any more input or info you could add? Sounds like a good $$ deal and the JD 4400 sounds like a cream-puff.
But how will you remove all those JD 790 tattoos from your arms and legs?

Seriously, congratulations on your new-to-you JD 4400. Please update when you can.

 

[RoyJackson]

What is your opinion and observation now of the JD 4400 after a couple months of use? Still fully happy? Any downsides that were not apparent at first? I know you love the reverser but if you take that out of the equation, what do you think? Any more input or info you could add? Sounds like a good $$ deal and the JD 4400 sounds like a cream-puff.
But how will you remove all those JD 790 tattoos from your arms and legs?

So far I really like the 4400.
However, there are a couple things:
I really liked the size and weight of the 790. Physically, the 4400 isn't much larger (maybe 10%), but it does weigh about 800-1000 lbs more then the 790 so compaction of the grass is an issue.
Frankly, the 4400 is way too much tractor for my 2.5 acres since the majority of work is mowing the lawn. Might change my mind on that if we get another blizzard this Winter though.
I prefer the very direct controls of the 790 (i.e. the shift lever went right into the gear box, PTO lever attached directly to the PTO transmission). The 4400 has more linkages to worry about. Those linkages are longer too.
All of the 790's castings are steel or iron. As we all know, Deere uses aluminum castings on their newer designs. However, those aluminum castings appear to be quite robust.
I prefer the vertical exhaust stack of the 790. There was a kit to modify the 4xxx series machines, but I doubt I change over (assuming it's still available).
I don't care for the sliding anti-sway links at the draft links. The 790's turnbuckle links were easier....but maybe I just don't have the knack at using the 4400's anti-sway links yet.

What do I like:
Obviously, the reverser!!
Many more (12, to be exact) options when it comes to reverse speed.
The hydraulics are much stronger. I just really noticed this a couple days ago when I pulled my rotary cutter out of the shed. I have to "tow" it out (rigged to the loader bucket hooks) due to limited access (although I can back it in and drop it off the 3PH). With the 790, I'd rig chains (to the loader bucket hooks) and tow the cutter across the lawn, tail wheel bearing most of the weight. Once on the hard pack drive, I'd rig it to the 3PH. When doing this task with the 4400, I was halfway across the lawn before I realized the cutter was completely off the ground. That might not impress anyone else, but I was impressed (790 could lift the cutter, but I'd have surely known it was off the ground!).

I guess that's about it...

As far as the tattooes, no problem...they're just the Deere logo, no model numbers (I plan ahead).

Added:
"I don't care for the sliding anti-sway links at the draft links. The 790's turnbuckle links were easier....but maybe I just don't have the knack at using the 4400's anti-sway links yet."
Just a thought...I wonder if the difficulty of rigging those anti-sway links may have a causal effect on the failures of those transmission castings. Being difficult to insert the locking pins, I'd guess some folks don't use 'em. That would result in more sway, thus more cycling stress on the draft link attach lugs leading to more stress on the castings. I'd just read in another (unrelated) thread about a casting breakage and castings don't do well with cycling stresses (which they don't). As long as that implement is rigged at all points with minimal sway, the design is working...remove two of the attachment points (anti-sway links), more stress on the other points.
Or, maybe I'm just talking out my butt...

 

[Nuru]

Roy, congrats, even though I wished you would have joined the 3x20 team. But you have a very good looking unit and yes that is a huge mower!:thumbsup:

 

[Rob-D]

Roy, congrats, even though I wished you would have joined the 3x20 team. But you have a very good looking unit and yes that is a huge mower!:thumbsup:

Now wait a minute Nuru! 3320's are for manly men. Roy has raised some concerns in this area!

Rob

 

[RobS]

I can't believe it Roy! Though I will admit a slightly envious green cast...

I have always thought reversers were cool. Still manly in my book. Congrats!