Whats been the typical life span for JD tractors?

Bob_S · Jun 29, 2004

With the 4X20 series coming out, I was wondering how long the 4X00, 4X10 and other models were in production. I purchased my 4310 almost two years ago and at the time I was under the impression that the 4X10s were introduced about a year earlier. If so, is 3 years a typical life span? I had hoped that the 4310 would have been produced for several years making long term part availability and knowledgeable repairs less of an issue. Are we seeing a new trend in tractor marketing? /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

cowboydoc · Jun 29, 2004

I think what you're seeing is mostly marketing. To entice the CUT crowd you have to offer something new and better than last year. Most farmers don't care much about that kind of stuff but just like new cars are introduced every so many years you're seeing the same thing with tractors. People in this CUT category are used to trading and not thinking twice with vehicles when the newest vehicle comes out. I think CUT dealers are trying to take advantage of this.

With the competition getting tougher and tougher in the CUT market I think manufactuers are doing everything possible to take advantage of sales.

As far as long term parts and repair knowledge I wouldn't worry about that. There is none better than JD parts and repair. JD still makes parts for every model made and they work on them too. You won't ever be left in the dark.

beenthere · Jun 29, 2004

Also, I don't think the 4x20's coming out this year are replacements for the mid-size CUT, but instead are replacing the 4510-4710. Now, saying that, I don't know how soon the replacements are coming for the 4210-4410 either, which I have heard rumored to be the 3x20's. The smaller CUT's, being the 2x20's, that may be a follow-up to the 2210's out now. Only Deere knows what the plan is.

The 4300 I have came out somewhere around 1999. The 4000's were selling from the very beginning about 3-4 times the numbers that were planned for, so if a change has to do with numbers rather than years, then that may account for the series changes. I don't worry too much about it, but when they change quickly, it makes planning (shopping?) more difficult. Never can catch up (maybe this has to do with good marketing). /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

OkieG · Jun 30, 2004

<font color="blue"> Are we seeing a new trend in tractor marketing? </font>

The x55 series was the hydrostat predecesor to the 4xxx series. The Parts Catalog for my 855 starts with the 1986 model and goes through 1997. I think the last x55s were built in 1998. So, that's 13 years for that series of tractors.

Now, 6 years later, we've had 4x00s, 4x10s, 4x15s with 4x20s on the horizon? Hmm. Seems like something is going on.

OkieG

yellowsocks93 · Jun 30, 2004

Even if you keep your 4310 you will still be able to get parts for it for your whole life and probably mine. You can get virtually any part off any JD implement made through your dealer.

om21braz · Jun 30, 2004

Thanks to the research of timb, rockyridgefarm and others many of the parts on the new 4X20 tractors are the same as those from the 4510-4710 machines. Unfortunately for timb, draft control was not implemented back into the machine - but other than that lots of the updates are merely appearance-wise. As for the engine - I'd assume (yeah, I know about assumptions) that the Powertech Deere engine would be an improvement - no ? Well, at the least the turbo will allow it to burn fuel more efficiently/cleaner.
I'd have to agree with others though, seems changes are made to the CUT line to sell a new tractor to a fellow with one only a few years old. Seems to be working too.

Soundguy · Jun 30, 2004

Wel.. I've got a JD-B from 1950.. does that give you any idea of lifespan? I walked into the dealer the other day and said I need an oil filter for a jd-B.. I figured the part guy would make a face and have to look it up... He merely reached to the shelf behind him and grabbed the correct filter of fthe shelf.. Said that that filter is a commonly used on even on the later models..

Soundguy

timb · Jun 30, 2004

Yeah, but fortunately for timb - the dealer came through and left a message that he tracked down a Ten series in Vermont. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Still don't know if it's a 4710 or 4610 (I finally said I'd take either) as he was out on a sales call when I called back. Now I get to wait out set up and delivery!

Bob S - From most folks I've talked to locally and nearly everything I've been able to pick up on line - (whatever else they might say) Deere is in a tier by itself when it comes to current long-term support for their products. There are other majors that still can do a pretty darn good job, even for 'absorbed' lines - but they're not in Deere's league. I think you pay for some of that keeping inventory around that long in the expensive green paint - but it does hold a certain comfort level. Knock on wood - I don't plan to trade in this tractor in five, ten, or even twenty years, so one reason to pick Deere was the sense that I'll still likely be able to get some oddball widget or linkage arm I accidentally break 20 years from now. I know I can still get most of the more likely to wear or break parts for my Deere garden tractor - and it's 17 years old. Sometimes the price is scary - but at least it exists.

Ledgemere Farm · Jun 30, 2004

You will get sick of it and trade it in for something else before it ever craps out on you. "Nothing runs Like a Deere!" /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

755inNY · Jun 30, 2004

<font color="blue"> so one reason to pick Deere was the sense that I'll still likely be able to get some oddball widget or linkage arm I accidentally break 20 years from now </font>

Tim,

While I agree with you about the benefits of long term JD part support it does have its limitations. I have a 1987 JD 755 and bought the parts book for the tractor, loader, MMM etc. Most times it seems the part numbers have been superceded. The part with the new number is usually identical but not always. The replacement for the belt tensioning rod for my MMM was shorter than the original. This placed more tension on the spring which broke after a few weeks. When installing the third spring I added an extension link to compensate for the shorter rod. When it came time to replace the bucket on my loader I was given a good price of around $250 and then the bad news that it was no longer available.

Jeff