What is the build quality on the new JD line?

[gary_dsc]

I'm coming from the low end of the JD family. I bought a JD 318 almost 25 years ago for mowing and pushing snow and kept it until 1998. Never had a problem with it. Traded the 318 (had almost 1000 hours) for a JD 445 and later added a loader to it. I only had one problem with it. Something about a plastic gear or cam or something. Not being technical, I don't really remember what the problem was, but I called the dealer and it was fixed in less than a week and it didn't cost me anything even though I was outside the warrenty by several months. This year, I traded the 445 (over 800 hours)for a 2305 and have put 20 hours on it so far. The fit and finish is excellent. The power and utility is everything I hoped for. I have used the tractor for mowing, breaking up a concrete pad, moving logs etc. I have pulled sizable stumps with it. As long as it is ballasted properly, it seems like it will do anything I ask within reason. (After all, it's not much bigger than the 445.) I would recommend JD any time. I'm sure it varies from dealer to dealer, but my experience has been with a good company with good products.

 

[Jaybr]

I purchased a 790 with FEL in 2000. I never had any of the surging problems mentioned above, but had a few irritating problems with the tractor. Battery cables where junk and caused constant starting issues until replaced. Front tires where very weak, small sticks (pencil sized) would puncture them. Blew a few fuses at times.

None of the problems with the JD where major, but the quality was not what I would call outstanding. I sold the tractor in 05 when I sold the property I used it on, this year I bought more acreage and decided I needed another CUT. When I started shopping JD prices here where considerably higher than others, I narrowed my search down to Kubota and Kioti and purchased the Kioti last week.

 

[machmeter62]

That is DEFINATLY NOT NORMAL! Your dealer dropped the ball on this one.

Thanx for your opinion; I purchased it from the owner or manager of the dealership, and he had another strike against him with the loader. The paperwork said a 60" that I ordered; however, when it was delivered I was out of town that week! My boys, all in their twenties accepted the tractor, but didn't catch the six inches on the 54" loader either. He said that loader was standard, and claimed it would cover the tracks when back dragging. Wrong....that only works with the R-1 wheels closest to the fenders, and for our acreage we had to widen them out for safety! I didn't even get a free hat!!? I still like the tractor, and will have the injectors tested; but good dealerships do count in the equation of a purchase. In my opinion, it should have been tested before it left the dealership?

 

[Kahuna]

I have a 3320 with the 300cx loader. There have been zero quality issues. I am a very large person at 6-7 and 350 lbs. One of the reasons I bought the JD was the comfortable seating and operation. I have the standard suspension seat and have not been disappointed. I wanted the cab but in retrospect I am glad I got the open operator station. I am up and down constantly and it is so easy to get on and off, the cab would make it harder for someone my size to get in and out.

The quality is there. I have been a Cub Cadet person in the past and they are nothing but a glorified MTD Wal-Mart tractor. Their quality is slipping drastically. I also operate a large JD farm tractor (170 hp) and I would say the compact tractors are built as heavy (for their size) and as sound as the top line agricultural equipment.

 

[proglassco]

orlo,

When you get ready to get a new Comfort Guard Cab, make sure you get the air ride seat.....there is not a better option on the cab!

 

[EdC]

I bought a 2320 toward the end of Feb 07. I was unsure of which brand to buy so looked around for several months. Ended up with the Deere because of the overall fit and finish of the machine. The position of all the controls is just about where I would have put them had I designed the tractor. Its really subjective but it just fits me. Build quality is very good and my dealer has been great.

 

[sandhill ranch]

I bought a 5205 with a 522 loader in Jan. 05. I have had 2 minor issues with it, one is the shift knob , the other was a failed hydrolic cylinder on the loader. Then there was the major issue of the 3ph. I think it is the very weak link of the tractor. I was grading with the box blade , when I snagged a stump & broke the rear axle housing due to the design of the 3ph. It was not too big of a deal due to warranty , but I know it would be a very expensive repair

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

If your really looking for some meaningful responses, you should post about exactly what product your looking at. Deere makes some good tractors, they also make some pretty mediocure ones as well.

 

[Z-Michigan]

I bought a 5205 with a 522 loader in Jan. 05. I have had 2 minor issues with it, one is the shift knob , the other was a failed hydrolic cylinder on the loader. Then there was the major issue of the 3ph. I think it is the very weak link of the tractor. I was grading with the box blade , when I snagged a stump & broke the rear axle housing due to the design of the 3ph. It was not too big of a deal due to warranty , but I know it would be a very expensive repair

That's funny, the only issue with my 5105 has been a loose range shift knob. Fixed under warranty (about the simplest warranty fix ever).

The 3ph issue sounds ominous. I have snagged some big rocks and buried stumps and the tractor has always won. Unfortunately it appears I may have bent parts of two implements in the process (both of them rated for my 50hp).

 

[JDCAN]

If your really looking for some meaningful responses, you should post about exactly what product your looking at. Deere makes some good tractors, they also make some pretty mediocure ones as well.

MessickFarmEqu , when I made the post I meant new John Deere equipment in general having good build quality. The original question was never guided towards any one model. I wanted to hear from the long term users how the old John Deere compares to the new, by the looks of those responding looks like I got alot of meaningful information.

Keep the rubber side down