John Deere 4310 Reviews
Broke Mine In Half!
Model Year: 0
I loved this tractor, right up until the point it broke in two. The model 48 backhoe is a bit bigger than it should be. As mentioned by others, the center casting is the only support between front/engine and rear end. It has a very thin casting wall less than half inch. The backhoe kit does not include any extra bracing to the front. It bent two internal shafts and the output shaft on the hydro unit- which cannot be repaired, John Deere just sells you another unit for $5,000. The repair cost at the dealer is close to $10,000. I am hoping that I can get a used hydro unit and repair for $5,000.
Pros: Very powerful for the size
Cons: Terrible support by John Deere, very disappointed
Model Year: 0
I loved this tractor, right up until the point it broke in two. The model 48 backhoe is a bit bigger than it should be. As mentioned by others, the center casting is the only support between front/engine and rear end. It has a very thin casting wall less than half inch. The backhoe kit does not include any extra bracing to the front. It bent two internal shafts and the output shaft on the hydro unit- which cannot be repaired, John Deere just sells you another unit for $5,000. The repair cost at the dealer is close to $10,000. I am hoping that I can get a used hydro unit and repair for $5,000.
Pros: Very powerful for the size
Cons: Terrible support by John Deere, very disappointed
Great Tractor For Multitude Of Chores
Model Year: 2003
I postponed this review until I had the tractor long enough to give it a solid assessment. Overall, I am very pleased with this tractor. It has handled every chore I have asked of it with the implements attached. Some of the implements, to name a few, are a 6.5 disc, 5-foot tiller, power take-off manure spreader, 6-foot bush hog, John Deere 47 backhoe and front-end loader with bucket, pallet forks and grapple. The version I have is the e-hydro, which essentially is a shuttle shift tractor so I can't comment on a full hydro but the e-hydro works well. The only flaw is sometimes when the shuttle by the steering wheel is not in neutral and you put the tractor in gear it will flip an error code and not move. It is easy to reset. Just move the selector to N and it resets and off you go. The 47 backhoe takes about 10 minutes to hook up from 3-point setup to backhoe once you develop a good routine. The backhoe itself has good hydraulic flow for quick responses. They are strong enough that usually the hoe will move the tractor itself before they will stall out. The model comes with either a 420 or 430 loader. Mine has the 420 and I have yet to see where this loader has made me wish I had the 430. The breakout force and lift capacity are more than adequate for a tractor of this size. Removing or installing the loader usually takes 5 minutes with the hardest part being connecting the hydraulic lines. Model 59 snow blower - The tractor is fully adequate with the 60-inch front mount snow blower. I have used this to move frozen snowbanks by my mailbox and as long as it is moving slow, it will handle it without problems. The only time I broke a shear pin was at first snow and I caught a piece of sod in the impeller of the blower. The blower, while it is not difficult to attach it, does take some time to line things up and connect pins. I do wish it were as easy to attach as the loader is so that the two implements could be switched with less effort. Cons- I have had two issues. One was that an N safety switch on the transmission went bad. I solved it after doing a test with a voltmeter and I eventually ran a jumper to bypass the switch. The other was that an electrical connector on the power take-off had backed out at one of the terminals due to the wires being so short. They were small problems that were cheap fixes, but if I had to have it taken to service, they most likely would have been costly repairs. Overall - I am pleased with the tractor and its capabilities. This is just a personal preference of mine in that I prefer older tractors with less safety switches and more linkage to engage things instead of pushbuttons with solenoids to engage, just because I prefer dependability over cockpit layout. For the majority of users this tractor would serve their needs nicely, but if they were going to be constantly working in heavy brush where wires could get broken I would recommend an older gear driven tractor with manual power take-off engagement.
Pros: Very user friendly, plenty of power, easy starting, John Deere front-end loader quick attach is quick and painless to switch implements
Cons: Safety switches, wiring harness, snowblower attachment requires more effort to attach than I would like
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Model Year: 2003
I postponed this review until I had the tractor long enough to give it a solid assessment. Overall, I am very pleased with this tractor. It has handled every chore I have asked of it with the implements attached. Some of the implements, to name a few, are a 6.5 disc, 5-foot tiller, power take-off manure spreader, 6-foot bush hog, John Deere 47 backhoe and front-end loader with bucket, pallet forks and grapple. The version I have is the e-hydro, which essentially is a shuttle shift tractor so I can't comment on a full hydro but the e-hydro works well. The only flaw is sometimes when the shuttle by the steering wheel is not in neutral and you put the tractor in gear it will flip an error code and not move. It is easy to reset. Just move the selector to N and it resets and off you go. The 47 backhoe takes about 10 minutes to hook up from 3-point setup to backhoe once you develop a good routine. The backhoe itself has good hydraulic flow for quick responses. They are strong enough that usually the hoe will move the tractor itself before they will stall out. The model comes with either a 420 or 430 loader. Mine has the 420 and I have yet to see where this loader has made me wish I had the 430. The breakout force and lift capacity are more than adequate for a tractor of this size. Removing or installing the loader usually takes 5 minutes with the hardest part being connecting the hydraulic lines. Model 59 snow blower - The tractor is fully adequate with the 60-inch front mount snow blower. I have used this to move frozen snowbanks by my mailbox and as long as it is moving slow, it will handle it without problems. The only time I broke a shear pin was at first snow and I caught a piece of sod in the impeller of the blower. The blower, while it is not difficult to attach it, does take some time to line things up and connect pins. I do wish it were as easy to attach as the loader is so that the two implements could be switched with less effort. Cons- I have had two issues. One was that an N safety switch on the transmission went bad. I solved it after doing a test with a voltmeter and I eventually ran a jumper to bypass the switch. The other was that an electrical connector on the power take-off had backed out at one of the terminals due to the wires being so short. They were small problems that were cheap fixes, but if I had to have it taken to service, they most likely would have been costly repairs. Overall - I am pleased with the tractor and its capabilities. This is just a personal preference of mine in that I prefer older tractors with less safety switches and more linkage to engage things instead of pushbuttons with solenoids to engage, just because I prefer dependability over cockpit layout. For the majority of users this tractor would serve their needs nicely, but if they were going to be constantly working in heavy brush where wires could get broken I would recommend an older gear driven tractor with manual power take-off engagement.
Pros: Very user friendly, plenty of power, easy starting, John Deere front-end loader quick attach is quick and painless to switch implements
Cons: Safety switches, wiring harness, snowblower attachment requires more effort to attach than I would like
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4310
Model Year: 2004
It has been a great tractor. Only problem has been a faulty temp gauge that could only be fixed by replacing a $400.00 instrument cluster. I am a BMW mechanic and can tell you that the John Deere parts rival BMW parts prices.
Pros: Great tractor.
Cons: Expensive parts.
Model Year: 2004
It has been a great tractor. Only problem has been a faulty temp gauge that could only be fixed by replacing a $400.00 instrument cluster. I am a BMW mechanic and can tell you that the John Deere parts rival BMW parts prices.
Pros: Great tractor.
Cons: Expensive parts.
The Little Tractor That Can
Model Year: 2005
JD 4310 32hp,430 FEL,JD bucket,JD scraper,Brush Hog 5ft rotary,Brush Hog 5ft finishing mower,Markham 48" grapple,Harbor Freight 3-pt hitch. 40 acres of fields and woods in the Shenandoah Valley. Best investment was the 3rd set of hydraulics and the Markham 48" grapple. Also the 3-pt hitch. I'm astounded at how much this tractor can do with the grapple and 430FEL, which I find myself using at least 50% of the time. The only time I wish I had more HP is that first mowing of the fields w 4 foot high thick grass.
Pros: Does great for 90% of what I use it for
Cons: Brush Hog needs more HP for mowing thick tall grass (Hay)
Model Year: 2005
JD 4310 32hp,430 FEL,JD bucket,JD scraper,Brush Hog 5ft rotary,Brush Hog 5ft finishing mower,Markham 48" grapple,Harbor Freight 3-pt hitch. 40 acres of fields and woods in the Shenandoah Valley. Best investment was the 3rd set of hydraulics and the Markham 48" grapple. Also the 3-pt hitch. I'm astounded at how much this tractor can do with the grapple and 430FEL, which I find myself using at least 50% of the time. The only time I wish I had more HP is that first mowing of the fields w 4 foot high thick grass.
Pros: Does great for 90% of what I use it for
Cons: Brush Hog needs more HP for mowing thick tall grass (Hay)
Happy As A Pig in Until Today
Model Year: 2003
Am having a problem with the rock shaft control. It has lifted my mower to the limit and will not let it go. Let the tractor set for a while and the mower will be on the floor, with the lever in the down position, and start the tractor with the lever still in the down position and the mower goes up by its self.
Pros: Overall a great product.
Cons: Very hard to find exact info to repair myself.
Model Year: 2003
Am having a problem with the rock shaft control. It has lifted my mower to the limit and will not let it go. Let the tractor set for a while and the mower will be on the floor, with the lever in the down position, and start the tractor with the lever still in the down position and the mower goes up by its self.
Pros: Overall a great product.
Cons: Very hard to find exact info to repair myself.
John Deere 4310
Model Year: 2003
I bought this tractor to work around my house and to put in food plots. For the most part I am happy with the tractor. I just wish I could find cheaper implements.
Pros: E-hydro, 4x4.
Cons: Factory battery location, hood, wires under tractor getting snagged.
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Model Year: 2003
I bought this tractor to work around my house and to put in food plots. For the most part I am happy with the tractor. I just wish I could find cheaper implements.
Pros: E-hydro, 4x4.
Cons: Factory battery location, hood, wires under tractor getting snagged.
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First Tractor, New to Me
Model Year: 2003
I recently purchased JD 4310 mainly to mow areas of my property, it has been neglected and overgrown. I also purchased 60" rotary cutter. I have about 10 hrs. seat time so far and and am very much a rookie. I have mowed about 3 acres, the machine seems to do everything for my ability level. I am going pretty slow trying to stay safe. I had pretty much set my mind on a JD and this was definitely in my limited budget. I got it from a dealer who had taken it in on trade.
Pros: Seems to have plenty of power.
Cons: None yet.
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Model Year: 2003
I recently purchased JD 4310 mainly to mow areas of my property, it has been neglected and overgrown. I also purchased 60" rotary cutter. I have about 10 hrs. seat time so far and and am very much a rookie. I have mowed about 3 acres, the machine seems to do everything for my ability level. I am going pretty slow trying to stay safe. I had pretty much set my mind on a JD and this was definitely in my limited budget. I got it from a dealer who had taken it in on trade.
Pros: Seems to have plenty of power.
Cons: None yet.
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Deere 4310
Model Year: 2003
The 4310 is great unit for what we need, came with FEL and 60 brush hog, great deal since Deere sent me coupon for 1000.00 off the best deal I could find. Also have a JD 855 fel, backhoe, tiller and post hole digger, just purchased a 72 belly mower for the 4310 can't wait to try it out. Also a Cub with a 60 finish mower.
Pros: Everything.
Cons: Haven't found any yet.
Model Year: 2003
The 4310 is great unit for what we need, came with FEL and 60 brush hog, great deal since Deere sent me coupon for 1000.00 off the best deal I could find. Also have a JD 855 fel, backhoe, tiller and post hole digger, just purchased a 72 belly mower for the 4310 can't wait to try it out. Also a Cub with a 60 finish mower.
Pros: Everything.
Cons: Haven't found any yet.
Solid Machine
Model Year: 2003
Got mine used, have put 150 hours on it. Works good, just a bit smaller than I would really like. You cannot mow heavy brush, or drive down the road in high gear (Ehydro) and maintain speed. It will bog down going up hills. FEL works great, twin foot pedals are really handy. Just wish is had a size bigger tires and and extra 10 horses. Good homeowner, hobby farm machine.
Pros: Great little loader tractor, suprising what it will do.
Cons: Wish it was 10 hp bigger.
Model Year: 2003
Got mine used, have put 150 hours on it. Works good, just a bit smaller than I would really like. You cannot mow heavy brush, or drive down the road in high gear (Ehydro) and maintain speed. It will bog down going up hills. FEL works great, twin foot pedals are really handy. Just wish is had a size bigger tires and and extra 10 horses. Good homeowner, hobby farm machine.
Pros: Great little loader tractor, suprising what it will do.
Cons: Wish it was 10 hp bigger.
JD 4310 with 300 Front End Loader
Model Year: 0
I have used my JD 4310 for everything from ditch digging to digging septic tank holes. Used it to do the landscaping around our house.
Pros: Perfect size, low fuel consumption, easy to use.
Cons: Cost of some electrical replacement parts (turn signal switch $60).
Model Year: 0
I have used my JD 4310 for everything from ditch digging to digging septic tank holes. Used it to do the landscaping around our house.
Pros: Perfect size, low fuel consumption, easy to use.
Cons: Cost of some electrical replacement parts (turn signal switch $60).
John Deere Can Still Improve
Model Year: 2003
The tractor is very good, much better than many of the others. While not problem free I've had no major problems with it. Most of my issues are with John Deere and the dealer(s). I would have to say the tilt steering is horrible, began malfunctioning within 6 months. The dealer was out of business by then, the mfg acted like they had no idea who I was and the new dealer is was a lawn mower shop. They would only give me prices for the parts and an hourly rate. About a year later, I found out it was a known problem and the mfg was giving out the parts to fix the problem through the original dealer. Of course the original dealer was history and that had already ended by the time I found out about it. Seems I never got a notice (but John Deere credit had no problem finding me). To this day the tilt is still crap and everytime I go to tilt the wheel I hate John Deere just a little more. I refuse to pay to fix their poorly engineered tilt wheel. Even so I still gave the build quality 4 stars. I've had no other trouble and I don't feel it's fair to to the rest of the tractor. I reserve most of my ire for John Deere. At the moment I will not likely purchase another John Deere (in fact, I just purchased a large zero turn mower and didn't even consider JD). Until they fix my tilt wheel I'll never buy anything from them I can get somewhere else. RB
Pros: Reliable, well featured, easy to operate.
Cons: Tilt wheel poor design, the 3 pt hitch area is crowded, John Deere will ignore you unless a wheel falls off, dealers here are few and far between.
Model Year: 2003
The tractor is very good, much better than many of the others. While not problem free I've had no major problems with it. Most of my issues are with John Deere and the dealer(s). I would have to say the tilt steering is horrible, began malfunctioning within 6 months. The dealer was out of business by then, the mfg acted like they had no idea who I was and the new dealer is was a lawn mower shop. They would only give me prices for the parts and an hourly rate. About a year later, I found out it was a known problem and the mfg was giving out the parts to fix the problem through the original dealer. Of course the original dealer was history and that had already ended by the time I found out about it. Seems I never got a notice (but John Deere credit had no problem finding me). To this day the tilt is still crap and everytime I go to tilt the wheel I hate John Deere just a little more. I refuse to pay to fix their poorly engineered tilt wheel. Even so I still gave the build quality 4 stars. I've had no other trouble and I don't feel it's fair to to the rest of the tractor. I reserve most of my ire for John Deere. At the moment I will not likely purchase another John Deere (in fact, I just purchased a large zero turn mower and didn't even consider JD). Until they fix my tilt wheel I'll never buy anything from them I can get somewhere else. RB
Pros: Reliable, well featured, easy to operate.
Cons: Tilt wheel poor design, the 3 pt hitch area is crowded, John Deere will ignore you unless a wheel falls off, dealers here are few and far between.
E Hydro Problems
Model Year: 2004
Just random works/doesn't work . Computer replaced at least 1x. JD not very helpful. They just want to charge for things!
Pros: Good traction and power when working.
Cons: ehydro a nightmare along with other mechanical problems such as blakes freezing and locking wheels.
Model Year: 2004
Just random works/doesn't work . Computer replaced at least 1x. JD not very helpful. They just want to charge for things!
Pros: Good traction and power when working.
Cons: ehydro a nightmare along with other mechanical problems such as blakes freezing and locking wheels.
Discovered Terrible Design Flaw!
Model Year: 2003
John Deere 4310 tractor can structurally snap into two pieces! Design flaw: The structural component of the machine which connects the engine, front wheels and loader to the rear wheels and backhoe is merely the cast transmission box which holds the transmission fluid. This cast housing carries all structural torque between the front and rear halves and can crack like an egg, causing the machine to break in two. I have seen the destruction at my dealer's shop and was informed that John Deere has a fix kit but won't honor performing the warranty repair.....I think a class action law suit would get their attention!
Pros: I like my machine.
Cons: Don't like a company who won't stand behind their product!
Model Year: 2003
John Deere 4310 tractor can structurally snap into two pieces! Design flaw: The structural component of the machine which connects the engine, front wheels and loader to the rear wheels and backhoe is merely the cast transmission box which holds the transmission fluid. This cast housing carries all structural torque between the front and rear halves and can crack like an egg, causing the machine to break in two. I have seen the destruction at my dealer's shop and was informed that John Deere has a fix kit but won't honor performing the warranty repair.....I think a class action law suit would get their attention!
Pros: I like my machine.
Cons: Don't like a company who won't stand behind their product!
John Deere 4310
Model Year: 2004
I recently purchased a used 2004 JD 4310 with the e-reverser shift. It appears to be a fine machine with no problems noted so far. I purchased the machine with 259 hours on it and have logged only about 30 hours. I wish that it was hydrostatic but it was a deal that I could not pass up. To purchase this tractor I sold mt JD 430 hydrostatic garden tractor(with three point and hydraulic top link), Cub Cadet 7260 utility tractor and a Yanmar 155D. The only one I miss is the 430 which in my opinion is the finest garden tractor ever made.
Pros: Reliability, good power, and well built.
Cons: Not hydrostatic.
Model Year: 2004
I recently purchased a used 2004 JD 4310 with the e-reverser shift. It appears to be a fine machine with no problems noted so far. I purchased the machine with 259 hours on it and have logged only about 30 hours. I wish that it was hydrostatic but it was a deal that I could not pass up. To purchase this tractor I sold mt JD 430 hydrostatic garden tractor(with three point and hydraulic top link), Cub Cadet 7260 utility tractor and a Yanmar 155D. The only one I miss is the 430 which in my opinion is the finest garden tractor ever made.
Pros: Reliability, good power, and well built.
Cons: Not hydrostatic.
4310
Model Year: 2002
great tractor for the horse power I have yarded over 85 cord of wood with this tractor and a farmie winch
Pros: small can reach all controls from ground from either side, great turning radius and tires are only about 50"wide
Cons: always could use more lifting powe
Model Year: 2002
great tractor for the horse power I have yarded over 85 cord of wood with this tractor and a farmie winch
Pros: small can reach all controls from ground from either side, great turning radius and tires are only about 50"wide
Cons: always could use more lifting powe