John Deere JD4400 Reviews
Nothing Runs Like A John Deere At 3100 Hours
Model Year: 1999
I bought this tractor used with just over 3000 hours. I can't give a detailed history on it, but I can give an honest review of a tractor that is 20 years old and with over 3000 hours on it. First, this tractor runs like a top. It has easy starting, the hydro is responsive, no slipping on the power take-off, and no blow by or oil consumption. I don't even have any seal leaks which I had fully anticipated with a tractor with this many hours. The steel floorboards have some surface rust and some of the plastic panels had cracks that were repaired. I have no doubt this tractor was well maintained by its previous owner. I know a lot of people will say a tractor with 300 plus hours is nearing the end of its service life, but I have no reservations saying I feel I should be able to get another 2000-3000 hours out of this. These higher hour tractors can be had as some great deals. You just have really look them over well and try and get a little history on them.
Pros: Last of the models before going to e-hydro, mechanical lever engagements over more modern push button
Cons: Attaching front mount snowblower requires removal of mid-mount mower rear lift bracket to accommodate clearance for mid power take-off shaft
Model Year: 1999
I bought this tractor used with just over 3000 hours. I can't give a detailed history on it, but I can give an honest review of a tractor that is 20 years old and with over 3000 hours on it. First, this tractor runs like a top. It has easy starting, the hydro is responsive, no slipping on the power take-off, and no blow by or oil consumption. I don't even have any seal leaks which I had fully anticipated with a tractor with this many hours. The steel floorboards have some surface rust and some of the plastic panels had cracks that were repaired. I have no doubt this tractor was well maintained by its previous owner. I know a lot of people will say a tractor with 300 plus hours is nearing the end of its service life, but I have no reservations saying I feel I should be able to get another 2000-3000 hours out of this. These higher hour tractors can be had as some great deals. You just have really look them over well and try and get a little history on them.
Pros: Last of the models before going to e-hydro, mechanical lever engagements over more modern push button
Cons: Attaching front mount snowblower requires removal of mid-mount mower rear lift bracket to accommodate clearance for mid power take-off shaft
John Deere 4400 Compact Tractor
Model Year: 2001
Great tractor. I use it as a farm tractor and at a hunting club in rural South Carolina. I use it with a bush hog. tiller, disc, soil aerator, and from time to time a backhoe attachment which works great. The clamshell front end loader has never been off because it is so handy. When we built the pond I moved 60 tons of rock with no problem. It is a shame to make such a great tractor and wrap it in plastic. I could not give it 5 stars because of the plastic.
Pros: Great tractor and just the right size
Cons: Plastic wrap is junk
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Model Year: 2001
Great tractor. I use it as a farm tractor and at a hunting club in rural South Carolina. I use it with a bush hog. tiller, disc, soil aerator, and from time to time a backhoe attachment which works great. The clamshell front end loader has never been off because it is so handy. When we built the pond I moved 60 tons of rock with no problem. It is a shame to make such a great tractor and wrap it in plastic. I could not give it 5 stars because of the plastic.
Pros: Great tractor and just the right size
Cons: Plastic wrap is junk
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Handy Sized Reliable Little Tractor, Plastic Is Pathetic
Model Year: 2003
I purchased this tractor used with around 19xx hours on it from a local dealer. With the amount of hours it had, I knew I was taking a chance, but I have been satisfied for the most part. After a year or so, I had problems with low power output and the 3-point. The problem ended up being metal shavings/bits of screen loose in the hydraulic system. SEVERAL flushes and screen changes later, my power problem disappeared and have had no further issues with the 3-point or hydraulics. It is a workhorse for its size and the Yanmar power plant is extremely fuel efficient. Anything that is metal is built and engineered like a tank. The plastic is a pathetic joke. Everything that is plastic is literally disintegrating and because it's green it is expensive to replace. It's always been parked inside since I've owned it.
Pros: Hydrostatic drive is nice, work all day on 5 gallons of fuel
Cons: Anything plastic or connected to plastic, shame on you John Deere
Model Year: 2003
I purchased this tractor used with around 19xx hours on it from a local dealer. With the amount of hours it had, I knew I was taking a chance, but I have been satisfied for the most part. After a year or so, I had problems with low power output and the 3-point. The problem ended up being metal shavings/bits of screen loose in the hydraulic system. SEVERAL flushes and screen changes later, my power problem disappeared and have had no further issues with the 3-point or hydraulics. It is a workhorse for its size and the Yanmar power plant is extremely fuel efficient. Anything that is metal is built and engineered like a tank. The plastic is a pathetic joke. Everything that is plastic is literally disintegrating and because it's green it is expensive to replace. It's always been parked inside since I've owned it.
Pros: Hydrostatic drive is nice, work all day on 5 gallons of fuel
Cons: Anything plastic or connected to plastic, shame on you John Deere
Work horse
Model Year: 2000
I mostly bush around ten acres about ten times a year, grade my 1000ft. Driveway and others for friends. Mine has the430FEL. I use it for picking up every thing as I have a bad back. I sit in bucket to trim limbs around field and use it to get on roof. It has plenty of power, more than I expected. I also till about a acre garden with a five foot rear PTO tiller. I love this tractor all except the plastic. I have replaced the hood, cowl, and grill. The side panels need replacing but will have to wait. All hydraulics are stout and no leaks. I have had a number of electoral problems but I really think that's due to previous owner. The battery tray sucks and the battery did damage but not a big deal to fix. It's not too bad to do all the service work yourself except getting to radiator drain.
Pros: Strong and reliable
Cons: Plastic is junk don't know who ever thought all that plastic was a good idea
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Model Year: 2000
I mostly bush around ten acres about ten times a year, grade my 1000ft. Driveway and others for friends. Mine has the430FEL. I use it for picking up every thing as I have a bad back. I sit in bucket to trim limbs around field and use it to get on roof. It has plenty of power, more than I expected. I also till about a acre garden with a five foot rear PTO tiller. I love this tractor all except the plastic. I have replaced the hood, cowl, and grill. The side panels need replacing but will have to wait. All hydraulics are stout and no leaks. I have had a number of electoral problems but I really think that's due to previous owner. The battery tray sucks and the battery did damage but not a big deal to fix. It's not too bad to do all the service work yourself except getting to radiator drain.
Pros: Strong and reliable
Cons: Plastic is junk don't know who ever thought all that plastic was a good idea
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John Deere 4400
Model Year: 2002
Good tractor. We use ours to bush hog a 5 acre pasture. Purchased used with 1500 hours in May 2014. Had to replace the thermistor for the fuel shut-off solenoid. Beyond that, very reliable.
Pros: Great tractor for bush hogging and landscaping. Surprising power.
Cons: The body panels are plastic and become brittle with time. You need a full set of metric tools to work on the YANMAR motor.
Model Year: 2002
Good tractor. We use ours to bush hog a 5 acre pasture. Purchased used with 1500 hours in May 2014. Had to replace the thermistor for the fuel shut-off solenoid. Beyond that, very reliable.
Pros: Great tractor for bush hogging and landscaping. Surprising power.
Cons: The body panels are plastic and become brittle with time. You need a full set of metric tools to work on the YANMAR motor.
A Small Tractor on a Small Island
Model Year: 2000
I live on Water Island off St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Size 2 1/2 by 1/2 miles. I use my JD 4400 compact tractor to keep the island's brush pile (5 acres) pushed back and clear lots of trees and brush. The tractor works well and can get around the small island. We also use golf carts and other ATVs for transportation.
Pros: Runs very well and has a lot of pulling power for 6" trees.
Cons: Hard to get parts and things fixed. Have to keep up with rust.
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Model Year: 2000
I live on Water Island off St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Size 2 1/2 by 1/2 miles. I use my JD 4400 compact tractor to keep the island's brush pile (5 acres) pushed back and clear lots of trees and brush. The tractor works well and can get around the small island. We also use golf carts and other ATVs for transportation.
Pros: Runs very well and has a lot of pulling power for 6" trees.
Cons: Hard to get parts and things fixed. Have to keep up with rust.
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JD 4400 Compact Utility Tractor---Good for Homeowner
Model Year: 2001
This tractor provides all the power, attachment options, and functionality that I need to manage my 38-acres property in New Hampshire. Snowblower, 60" commercial mower deck, three-bag material handling system, front-end loader, dozer blade, PTO-driven 55-gallon sprayer are the implements I have purchased to do the work I need to do, and they have all performed well over the years. The durability and reliability of the mechanical parts is great, and by and large, the serviceability is good. Albeit with a couple of caveats. The stopcock to drain the cooling system, for example, is not easily accessible. I created my own specialized tool to make this infrequent device easy to open and close. While somewhat time-consuming, changing implements is relatively easy, even for one person. I have been extremely pleased with this tractor and would recommend it to any property owner who uses it primarily for routine maintenance. I cannot comment on how it would suit a commercial user's demands.
Pros: Reliability, durability, range of implements, ease of owner service.
Cons: Plastic trim is not consistent with other build quality. Design for serviceability could be better.
Model Year: 2001
This tractor provides all the power, attachment options, and functionality that I need to manage my 38-acres property in New Hampshire. Snowblower, 60" commercial mower deck, three-bag material handling system, front-end loader, dozer blade, PTO-driven 55-gallon sprayer are the implements I have purchased to do the work I need to do, and they have all performed well over the years. The durability and reliability of the mechanical parts is great, and by and large, the serviceability is good. Albeit with a couple of caveats. The stopcock to drain the cooling system, for example, is not easily accessible. I created my own specialized tool to make this infrequent device easy to open and close. While somewhat time-consuming, changing implements is relatively easy, even for one person. I have been extremely pleased with this tractor and would recommend it to any property owner who uses it primarily for routine maintenance. I cannot comment on how it would suit a commercial user's demands.
Pros: Reliability, durability, range of implements, ease of owner service.
Cons: Plastic trim is not consistent with other build quality. Design for serviceability could be better.
4400
Model Year: 2001
I purchased this tractor used after loosing my 970. It is basically the same tractor except the 4400 has the shuttle shift which is really nice. It is the manual transmission and not hydro. Next tractor will be hydro. This tractor does everything I need it for, it just feels cheap compared to the 970 because of the plastic fenders and hood. My hood has a crack in it already and color is fading even though it is kept inside. I have never owned any other tractor than the JD's so it is hard to do a comparison. I am now looking for a new tractor, one with a mid PTO as I want a front end snow-blower. If my JD had mid PTO I would not be looking for a new tractor. I do have the 47 backhoe with this tractor but have just not used it that much even though it is much easier to put on than the one for the 970 was.
Pros: Reliability, power.
Cons: Plastic.
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Model Year: 2001
I purchased this tractor used after loosing my 970. It is basically the same tractor except the 4400 has the shuttle shift which is really nice. It is the manual transmission and not hydro. Next tractor will be hydro. This tractor does everything I need it for, it just feels cheap compared to the 970 because of the plastic fenders and hood. My hood has a crack in it already and color is fading even though it is kept inside. I have never owned any other tractor than the JD's so it is hard to do a comparison. I am now looking for a new tractor, one with a mid PTO as I want a front end snow-blower. If my JD had mid PTO I would not be looking for a new tractor. I do have the 47 backhoe with this tractor but have just not used it that much even though it is much easier to put on than the one for the 970 was.
Pros: Reliability, power.
Cons: Plastic.
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John Deere 4400 Hydro Compact Tractor
Model Year: 2007
Overall a good machine. Problems have been terrible plastic. Got brittle and cracked. Replaced almost all of plastic including hood. Instrument cluster paint issue. Initially a lot of metal shavings in hydraulic system. Hydraulic oil and filter changes way ahead of schedule cleaned it up. Had an early issue with the range selector which dealer took care of under warranty. Battery acid damage to cooler was and issue. Cleaned up and fixed with glass mat battery.
Pros: Engine and drive train very reliable.Good power and maneuverability. Good starting even in cold weather.
Cons: Plastic, instrument panel paint.
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Model Year: 2007
Overall a good machine. Problems have been terrible plastic. Got brittle and cracked. Replaced almost all of plastic including hood. Instrument cluster paint issue. Initially a lot of metal shavings in hydraulic system. Hydraulic oil and filter changes way ahead of schedule cleaned it up. Had an early issue with the range selector which dealer took care of under warranty. Battery acid damage to cooler was and issue. Cleaned up and fixed with glass mat battery.
Pros: Engine and drive train very reliable.Good power and maneuverability. Good starting even in cold weather.
Cons: Plastic, instrument panel paint.
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John Deere 4400 Compact Tractor
Model Year: 0
Stout little tractor. Have backhoe, front loader, rotary cutter, front blade and post hole digger. All of the attachments age good except the front blade. I do not have the extra weight on the front so the front blade is useless. The weak part is the plastic hood and the cowling piece in which the throttle is located. I have been able to glue and improvise to keep these intact.
Pros: Good power. Easy to use.
Cons: The method of checking the hydraulic fluid level is poor.
Model Year: 0
Stout little tractor. Have backhoe, front loader, rotary cutter, front blade and post hole digger. All of the attachments age good except the front blade. I do not have the extra weight on the front so the front blade is useless. The weak part is the plastic hood and the cowling piece in which the throttle is located. I have been able to glue and improvise to keep these intact.
Pros: Good power. Easy to use.
Cons: The method of checking the hydraulic fluid level is poor.
John Deere 4400 MFWD, Hst, 3pt., Loader.550 Tiller, Plow
Model Year: 0
Purchased new. Great tractor. Previously had an 855 John Deere which also a good performer. Use a John Deere x595 for cutting lawn and blowing snow. I stuck with JD because their equipment and accessories work. However, customer ease of doing own maintenance is terrible.
Pros: Reliability.
Cons: Most expensive.
Model Year: 0
Purchased new. Great tractor. Previously had an 855 John Deere which also a good performer. Use a John Deere x595 for cutting lawn and blowing snow. I stuck with JD because their equipment and accessories work. However, customer ease of doing own maintenance is terrible.
Pros: Reliability.
Cons: Most expensive.
Great Compact With Issues
Model Year: 1999
I enjoy the user friendliness of My 4400 and its ease of use and versatility, but it seems like it has some kind of expensive problem about every year and a half for the last seven years. Everything from the linkage to hydraulics (both ends) have failed in spite of impeccable maintenance. I also run a 1956 JD 70 which, in spite of being temperamental and an antique, hasn't needed to go to the mechanics in decades.
Pros: User friendliness, four-wheel drive, compactness, controls.
Cons: Dependability.
Model Year: 1999
I enjoy the user friendliness of My 4400 and its ease of use and versatility, but it seems like it has some kind of expensive problem about every year and a half for the last seven years. Everything from the linkage to hydraulics (both ends) have failed in spite of impeccable maintenance. I also run a 1956 JD 70 which, in spite of being temperamental and an antique, hasn't needed to go to the mechanics in decades.
Pros: User friendliness, four-wheel drive, compactness, controls.
Cons: Dependability.
Reliable Compact Diesel Backhoe/Loader
Model Year: 1999
We bought this to complete backfill & grading of an equipment barn. Tractor performed admirably except for a few plastic parts that fell off during the season we used it hard. First winter discovered a foot of wet snow stops the 4wd tractor with turf tires. Oh well chains aren't too expensive. When it got cold it wouldn't start reliably. Turns out some idiot engineer used a thermistor in the fuel shutoff solenoid circuit; we bought two. Second summer lost front wheel drive. Didn't think much about it until the implements got sluggish. Turns out the stainless steel steering, implement filter clogs easily. Wanted to change the oil anyhow so we changed oil, the hydraulic filter and cleaned the stainless filter at the same time (you gotta' drain the sump to clean the s/s filter. Backhoe was bought with one leaking stabilizer. Not a big deal but, since the rod was scratched, repeated use really made it bleed. It is fine when parked... though I use a short chain sling hooked from pad to pad to hold both fully up while traveling. A rod costs $150, plus another $50 or so for seals, so we are going to fill the scratch and machine it smooth to repair it (we've had a good hydraulic man for 40 years).
Pros: Starts instantly, low fuel consumption, light weight.
Cons: Fuel circuit thermistor, s/s filter in hydraulics, limited backhoe reach.
Model Year: 1999
We bought this to complete backfill & grading of an equipment barn. Tractor performed admirably except for a few plastic parts that fell off during the season we used it hard. First winter discovered a foot of wet snow stops the 4wd tractor with turf tires. Oh well chains aren't too expensive. When it got cold it wouldn't start reliably. Turns out some idiot engineer used a thermistor in the fuel shutoff solenoid circuit; we bought two. Second summer lost front wheel drive. Didn't think much about it until the implements got sluggish. Turns out the stainless steel steering, implement filter clogs easily. Wanted to change the oil anyhow so we changed oil, the hydraulic filter and cleaned the stainless filter at the same time (you gotta' drain the sump to clean the s/s filter. Backhoe was bought with one leaking stabilizer. Not a big deal but, since the rod was scratched, repeated use really made it bleed. It is fine when parked... though I use a short chain sling hooked from pad to pad to hold both fully up while traveling. A rod costs $150, plus another $50 or so for seals, so we are going to fill the scratch and machine it smooth to repair it (we've had a good hydraulic man for 40 years).
Pros: Starts instantly, low fuel consumption, light weight.
Cons: Fuel circuit thermistor, s/s filter in hydraulics, limited backhoe reach.
2nd 4400HST was a Winner Unlike the First
Model Year: 2001
Let me preface this review by saying that I purchased the first 4400HST that arrived at my dealer -- it was a TOTAL POS -- millings had been left in the transmission housing, mixed with the hydro fluid and destroyed the brakes, transmission, hydraulics, etc. Also, the JD engineers had the front end so screwed up that in 2WD it would leave 30 ft. arcs of dead grass when mowing the yard. I was never permitted to talk to the area JD representative about the piece of green junk that required over $12000 worth of warranty repairs at 50 hours. Fearing more problems after it was repaired, and JD refused to take it back -- I liked its size, features and capabilities well enough to spend $5000 in trade a few months later for the exact same model that had been correctly engineered and it has been pretty rock solid for 10 years -- the two main hydraulic cylinders on the FEL needed rebuilding twice in two years but otherwise, VERY dependable. It has been a real workhorse in mowing, blading and FEL 430 use for myself and neighbors. However, because of the $5000 extra it cost me to obtain one that was built right, that was the last JD product I will ever own. When it came to buying a commercial ZTR mower, green was not even considered. I have had 2 Kubotas and 3 JD compact diesels and admit that the Kubotas were more dependable but had poor ergonomics.
Pros: Powerful, small enough for small acreage, decent ergonomics, 2nd one was dependable.
Cons: The first one was junk without ANY JD support, the 4400 can get pretty tippy when the 430 loader is filled and raised very high.
Model Year: 2001
Let me preface this review by saying that I purchased the first 4400HST that arrived at my dealer -- it was a TOTAL POS -- millings had been left in the transmission housing, mixed with the hydro fluid and destroyed the brakes, transmission, hydraulics, etc. Also, the JD engineers had the front end so screwed up that in 2WD it would leave 30 ft. arcs of dead grass when mowing the yard. I was never permitted to talk to the area JD representative about the piece of green junk that required over $12000 worth of warranty repairs at 50 hours. Fearing more problems after it was repaired, and JD refused to take it back -- I liked its size, features and capabilities well enough to spend $5000 in trade a few months later for the exact same model that had been correctly engineered and it has been pretty rock solid for 10 years -- the two main hydraulic cylinders on the FEL needed rebuilding twice in two years but otherwise, VERY dependable. It has been a real workhorse in mowing, blading and FEL 430 use for myself and neighbors. However, because of the $5000 extra it cost me to obtain one that was built right, that was the last JD product I will ever own. When it came to buying a commercial ZTR mower, green was not even considered. I have had 2 Kubotas and 3 JD compact diesels and admit that the Kubotas were more dependable but had poor ergonomics.
Pros: Powerful, small enough for small acreage, decent ergonomics, 2nd one was dependable.
Cons: The first one was junk without ANY JD support, the 4400 can get pretty tippy when the 430 loader is filled and raised very high.
JD 4400 Compact Tractor
Model Year: 0
4400 Hydro trans with FEL and MMM. Mechanically tractor has been pretty good. Just couple of problems. TPH lift control linkage froze up and had to be disassembled broken loose and reassembled. Battery corrosion was affecting cooler. Reworked battery mount and installed dry type battery. Plastic parts very poor. The hood and several other plastic parts became brittle over time and cracked. Had to replace several pieces. Guage cluster fogs and paint is peeling inside. Plastic knobs for controls do not weather well.
Pros: Pretty reliable mechanically, good power, starts easy cold.
Cons: Poor plastic, battery too close to cooler.
Model Year: 0
4400 Hydro trans with FEL and MMM. Mechanically tractor has been pretty good. Just couple of problems. TPH lift control linkage froze up and had to be disassembled broken loose and reassembled. Battery corrosion was affecting cooler. Reworked battery mount and installed dry type battery. Plastic parts very poor. The hood and several other plastic parts became brittle over time and cracked. Had to replace several pieces. Guage cluster fogs and paint is peeling inside. Plastic knobs for controls do not weather well.
Pros: Pretty reliable mechanically, good power, starts easy cold.
Cons: Poor plastic, battery too close to cooler.
John Deere 4400 hydro
Model Year: 0
I bought the tractor new. It has the old style axle, is definitely a work horse, but has also had its share of issues. Tie rod ends that hook to axle cylinder fail frequently. 6 lug bolts on rear wheels not enough when running R-1 AG tires, too much grip transfers to too much torque for wheel bolts while tractor is pulling or grading. I have to constantly keep and eye on them and carry a socket to tighten occasionally when out in the field. When under warranty the dealer said the axle bolt/lug holes were bad and replaced axle, I brought the tractor home and the new bolts started becoming loose while grading. There's not enough room between seat and levers and seat belt. The hood, grill, and side grills are all separate and are a pain when servicing,one piece lift up grill/hood would be better. The hydrostat pedal inkage sticks and I have to crawl under tractor occasionally and spray with lube or the forward pedal becomes very stiff and catches a lot. The cruise control also quit working. The axle differential lock has quit working twice and I will not repair it anymore. It's not worth the money spent when it will not last. Throttle accelerator will not stay in a hold position when cold out, I have to constantly keep bumping back up when trying to keep engine RPMS up until tractor is warmed up sufficiently. The thermistor failed 2 different times--trouble starting happened once while under warranty and started was worn out before John Deere figured out the problem. I have a 4 in 1 bucket which is great..
Pros: Powerful/hydro tranny is great/tough.
Cons: Various things mentioned above.
Model Year: 0
I bought the tractor new. It has the old style axle, is definitely a work horse, but has also had its share of issues. Tie rod ends that hook to axle cylinder fail frequently. 6 lug bolts on rear wheels not enough when running R-1 AG tires, too much grip transfers to too much torque for wheel bolts while tractor is pulling or grading. I have to constantly keep and eye on them and carry a socket to tighten occasionally when out in the field. When under warranty the dealer said the axle bolt/lug holes were bad and replaced axle, I brought the tractor home and the new bolts started becoming loose while grading. There's not enough room between seat and levers and seat belt. The hood, grill, and side grills are all separate and are a pain when servicing,one piece lift up grill/hood would be better. The hydrostat pedal inkage sticks and I have to crawl under tractor occasionally and spray with lube or the forward pedal becomes very stiff and catches a lot. The cruise control also quit working. The axle differential lock has quit working twice and I will not repair it anymore. It's not worth the money spent when it will not last. Throttle accelerator will not stay in a hold position when cold out, I have to constantly keep bumping back up when trying to keep engine RPMS up until tractor is warmed up sufficiently. The thermistor failed 2 different times--trouble starting happened once while under warranty and started was worn out before John Deere figured out the problem. I have a 4 in 1 bucket which is great..
Pros: Powerful/hydro tranny is great/tough.
Cons: Various things mentioned above.