Buying Advice When did metal fenders stop?

[logdog]

I have begun to look at some used compact tractors. I know the plastic vs metal fenders is a source of some controversy. I would prefer to buy something with metal ones though. The ones I have seen that were a year or two old have plastic so I was wondering where I should focus my search. I would prefer 4 wheel drive, and a loader is a must.

 

[jenkinsph]

To each his own but my five year old 110tlb had plastic fenders and I suspect that these plastic fenders have been around for a few more years than that. I suspect it isn't a matter of saving money as much as limiting rust, vibration and harshness and cracked fenders. The Deere plastic fenders are not cheap, don't know what the others are using.

 

[logdog]

I understand many heavy duty products are made with plastic. I just prefer metal.

 

[gauthier]

When bill clinton became president,or shortly there of.

 

[Johndeere3720]

My tractors have metal fenders while my dads has plastic. There really isnt much difference IMO. They do what they are supposed to, protect the operator from dirt/mud from tires, keep operator station clean(er), and occasionally have a cup holder for your drink of choice. the JohnDeere fenders are definatly not lightly built, in some cases are stronger than the metal ones on my tractors and they dont rust. Metal fenders were on the 4x00 series Deere tractors since my neighbor's 4100 was in a barn fire and it still had the fenders on it. Metal fenders have there up sides but also are prone to dents which is something a plastic fender cant get. Im not sure, to me, they are just fenders. That is my opinion. If you want metal fenders, look at the smaller units in the 4x00 series. I am pretty sure the 4x10 series has plastic fenders since i have driven a rental 4310 and seen 4115's with them too. One new(er) canadate for metal fenders would be the 790/3005, and 990/4005. Or even the 755-955 and the 650-1050.

 

[beenthere]

The 400 series Deere have metal (cir '95 - '02) as in the 425, 445, and 455. The X series went with plastic.
The 4100's were Yanmar's painted green with metal fenders. Larger such as 4200, 4300, 4400 and up were plastic (1999 + ).

That is as I remember it anyway.

 

[logdog]

My tractors have metal fenders while my dads has plastic. There really isnt much difference IMO. They do what they are supposed to, protect the operator from dirt/mud from tires, keep operator station clean(er), and occasionally have a cup holder for your drink of choice. the JohnDeere fenders are definatly not lightly built, in some cases are stronger than the metal ones on my tractors and they dont rust. Metal fenders were on the 4x00 series Deere tractors since my neighbor's 4100 was in a barn fire and it still had the fenders on it. Metal fenders have there up sides but also are prone to dents which is something a plastic fender cant get. Im not sure, to me, they are just fenders. That is my opinion. If you want metal fenders, look at the smaller units in the 4x00 series. I am pretty sure the 4x10 series has plastic fenders since i have driven a rental 4310 and seen 4115's with them too. One new(er) canadate for metal fenders would be the 790/3005, and 990/4005. Or even the 755-955 and the 650-1050.

Thanks for the info. Due to time limitations I do not get to go to dealers as much as I would like to actually check out the tractors. I hope to get together a list of models to research on the internet, narrow down and then hit some lots to check them out. You gave me a great place to start.

 

[joes_427_vette]

Metal vs plastic fenders is your only concern ? Life must be easy . I wouldn't get too stressed out on that option. And I was comparing engine, transmission, hydraulic failures........... silly me.

 

[logdog]

Metal vs plastic fenders is your only concern ? Life must be easy . I wouldn't get too stressed out on that option. And I was comparing engine, transmission, hydraulic failures........... silly me.

It isnt my only concern it was just a preference. I figured I would look at the metal fendered tractors first and go from there.

Its kinda like when I bought my 2500 Silverado. I wanted a manual transmission but knew I might end up with an automatic because they were more common. So I looked for when they stopped putting a stick behind a gas engine and worked from there. I did end up with a manual but looked a quite a few autos.

Hopefully I didnt just start a stick vs auto or gas vs diesel thread.

 

[RoyJackson]

For Deere CUTs, I'm pretty sure the 1998 4000 series machines were the first ones with plastic fenders/hoods.
The 3005/4005 tractors still use metal fenders and hoods.