What is the build quality on the new JD line?

[jdmar]

I bought a new JD 790 in the spring of 2000. I truly like the tractor even though it is limited on performance with the loader (Model 70) and the three point struggles with 800#. These are not my complaints; however, the surging of the Yanmar engine with the slightest lugging, becomes a (PITA), regardless of selected gear, which causes the tractor to start "bucking!!" The solution is to "ride the clutch", which is not an option to me. This happens when working in confined areas under a load, which is why I purchased it. Also, I checked under warranty then, and they said it was the nature of the engine? The engine idles smooth, and I suspect maybe it has one weak injector, but no work was done.

I agree, that is NOT right. That should easily handle 800#. It should be able to lift the front end off the ground without a complaint if you hook up to something too heavy. And the yanny engine should not surge. Yours has an issue, and you would love it if fixed. Sorry you are having problems, friend.

I have a 4300 (32hp) with loader and backhoe and a bit over 600 hrs. I use it way harder than most CUTs are "supposed" to be used. I plow, disc and pull a four row planter on about 15 acres and maintain the rest of 43. I pull trees, push out old stumps, dig drain tile line, level the the drives. I use a 5 foot brush hog but it could easily handle a 6 foot (if not too steep a hill). When it is really working hard (eg plow or 5.5 foot rototiller in thick muck soil) then RPMS may drop but it NEVER surges or complains--it just slows and pulls harder. I have no problems-just normal maintainance duties. It is built heavier (i.e 3ph) than everything else I looked at. I need a bigger tractor so I can cut about 25 acres of hay...but I will keep the 4300 because it is such a little beast with attitude. I'd buy one again in a minute.

Peter

 

[VA Rebel]

What kind of planter do you pull with your 4300?

I think John Deere is the way to go. All the tractors are hp rated according to the Nebraska tests. I have a 1998 4100. 20 hp and have had almost no trouble with it. Ive even pulled a 6' gyra-mor with it. Smokes a little gettin it spinning, but works great after that. A Gyra-mor is an old John Deere pull behind bush hog.

I'm in the market now for a 4720 with cab so my 2 year old can safely ride along. No more riding on the fender of a 3020 like I did when I was a kid.

 

[dsgsr]

I have a 2000 JD 4700 and have put 3200 plus hours on this machine. The fit and finish is just fine but I have been very disappointed in the seals. I've had a problem with the 3pt hitch seal since New, been worked on many times under warranty but not fixed. When JD got tired of working on it they called it (Owner abuse) Remember it was a problem since NEW. I have (at my own expense) had to replace the front end (front axle) seals twice (at the knuckles) all the other front axle seals including pumpkin once. I have replaced the oil pan seal (not because of any damage to the oil pan, just the seal wore out. It is apparent to me that all of these liquid seals were applied in such a thin layer they prematurely wore out. At this point I'm just hoping that the seals in the rear end hold. Other than that it has been fine


David

 

[jdmar]

What kind of planter do you pull with your 4300?

I think John Deere is the way to go. All the tractors are hp rated according to the Nebraska tests. I have a 1998 4100. 20 hp and have had almost no trouble with it. Ive even pulled a 6' gyra-mor with it. Smokes a little gettin it spinning, but works great after that. A Gyra-mor is an old John Deere pull behind bush hog.

I'm in the market now for a 4720 with cab so my 2 year old can safely ride along. No more riding on the fender of a 3020 like I did when I was a kid.

I have a 1240 john deere plate planter. I pull it in muck soil--so it can ALMOST be a no-till! I just finally got a manual for it on ebay. Hoepfully next winter (08-09) I can pull it apart and "restore" it. Not so it looks like show-equipment--but so it lasts the rest of my life. Solid small planter.

Peter