4000 series cab tractor purchase

jenkinsph · Feb 15, 2009

I am thinking about moving up to a 4320 or at the largest a 4720 cab from my older 820 (38 hp diesel with 8-2 collar shift transmission) open station.
Am I missing something as I can't see what the difference is between the three tractors 4320,4520 and 4720? Other than a few minor differences such as the 4720 cab comes standard with the air seat, rear work light and rear wiper. These upgrades come to about 1200 dollars or so but this still leaves a price difference of about $4300 for the increase in power. This seems like a lot to turn up an injector pump and increase the injector oriface.

Also with the economy in the tank can anyone share some input on what % of discounts to expect on a straight sale without trades? I am thinking about keeping the 820 canopy tractor since I have it in excellent shape right now.

I spec'ed out a 4320 cab with all options I wanted an came up with an MSRP of $38,458 and a 4720 cab for $44,002. Add on equipment for either tractor includes R4 tires, telescoping draft links, elec diverter, third selective valve
front and rear weights. No implements or FEL as I have most of the things I need including the 110 tlb with cab, forks, 72"hd BB1284 hyd box blade.
I already have an MX6, 66" tiller, PHD, chipper, rear blade and an L130 mower with 48" deck. The only other tools I may need right now would be a finishing tool such as a harrow or land plane ect.

Any other ideas I need to consider?

Steve

ScottK · Feb 15, 2009

I don't know much about the 4x20 series, but as a JD investor I can tell you that JD exceeded their own goals and analysts' estiamtes in 4Q08 with like 24% growth in sales. In other words, they aren't hurting in the sales dept and I haven't heard of any great discounts right now (I bought my 2320 a year ago and got a steal on it compared to current pricing). They do have pretty good financing available right now and that is because they are huge in the financial industry which as we all know has plenty of troubles of it's own.

WH401 · Feb 15, 2009

The margin on tractors isn't as great as it is on automobiles. I'd take the MSRP price you come up with online and knock 10% off to come up with "your" base price. With the way the economy is you may be able to do more, but 10% is usually the most realistic amount you'll be able to get off.

After you figure out "your" base price, go to your dealer and have him price up the stuff you want based on "his" price. Once you see what he wants, use the price that you came up with as a starting point for negotiating.

Good luck with your purchase.

AKfish · Feb 16, 2009

Previous discussions regarding the differences between the 4000 models served up a lesson for me... there is more than just "tuning" the injector pump. The turbos are different as well.

The Nebraska Test results illustrate these differences; i.e. fuel consumption/hr and lbs. of boost, etc.

Recent posts here on TBN also seem to indicate that the 2009 models have increased in price by 6-7% on average above the 2008 models.

That said, past performance (last 4 years) seems to place the "margin" that many buyers have achieved for new "green" tractors at around 15%. That differs by region, certainly and varies by +-3% at least.

Lastly.... sales and revenue for small tractors (SCUTS, CUTS) are down for all manufacturers. The disagreement comes about when discussions focus upon "how much".

Best of luck.

AKfish

jenkinsph · Feb 16, 2009

Thanks for the replies everyone, I tried out a 4320 last Friday but was not able to speak with the salesman who was out on a demo. My understanding is that the 4000 cab series are all the same dimensions and weight. So my other question is about power, does anyone have one and is this sluggish?
I am looking at adding about 660 lbs to the rear and 350 to the front. I already have a top and tilt kit and may want to be able to use my large box blade with the tractor.

Steve

AKfish · Feb 16, 2009

jenkinsph said:
Thanks for the replies everyone, I tried out a 4320 last Friday but was not able to speak with the salesman who was out on a demo. My understanding is that the 4000 cab series are all the same dimensions and weight. So my other question is about power, does anyone have one and is this sluggish?
I am looking at adding about 660 lbs to the rear and 350 to the front. I already have a top and tilt kit and may want to be able to use my large box blade with the tractor.

Steve

My only experience is with the neighbor's OS 4320 - raking and tedding. It wasn't "earthshakingly" more powerful than my 110; but when the turbo kicked in pullin' up hills it was noticably stronger.

I've read some comments here regarding the drop in useable hp with the AC and added wt. of the cab being a concern for 4320 buyers but not 45-4720 guys!

AKfish

jenkinsph · Feb 16, 2009

AK, most of the tractor work is in town lots which are smaller plots so not much need for speed or continuous use with ground engaging tools. Your right in that the 110 is only 43 hp and about twice as heavy with a cab on it, so I am thinking any of these three from 48, 60 and 66 hp will work. I could easily compromise with a 4520 and think a 60hp tractor is just about perfect for my needs.

As it is one dealer has a 4720 cab and another one has a 4320 cab on the lots.

Steve

jgrreed · Feb 16, 2009

Hi,

My 2005 OS 4720 has bogged down on nothing so far. I've pulled a 5.5" tiller, a 7' cultivator, a 7' disc, and an 8' backblade. I can move 1200 round bales with no problem.

DDivinia recently went from an OS 4720 to a cab 4520, an from what I've read he's really happy. If I remember correctly the price jump from 4520 to 4720 was significant, 4320 to 4520 not so much.....

If/when I get a new machine (unlikely for a long time) I'd get a cab, the ePTO, and wouldn't be without the eHydro or the automotive cruise. Dunno what to say about the 400x vs 400cx loaders. I have the 400x and it's more than done it's job (lifted almost 3000lbs of 6" fence posts a couple months ago). The 400cx is supposed to be even stronger.

-Jer.

jenkinsph · Feb 16, 2009

Jer, thanks for the reply

Right now I have the older 820 which is enough power (gear tractor) but has the two lever shuttle 8/2 transmission and manual steering. So I can say I would prefer more power as in the 4520 and 4720 but would depend on price.
Not much need for the FEL on this tractor as the 110tlb will handle those tasks.

Steve

jcmseven · Feb 16, 2009

I have used all the 4000 series machines in open station configuration. ALL the PowerTech equipped machines are very torquey. They each have such high torque ratings that I feel one would be happy with any of them, even in cab configuration. I have always been one who wanted more HP, but in these machines, they each have so much useable power that one could probably go down one model from their intended target and still be OK. I have owned an OS 4520 and used an OS 4720. I am pretty picky about perception of power and despite my best efforts I could tell no difference between the two for ground engagement work. I suppose the 4720 would be a bit more powerful under heavy PTO work, but even that might be a slight difference. Even down to the 4120 they are very powerful machines. I think adding a cab might make one want to go up a model from his intented model target. In short, down one for open station and up one for cab should serve the average buyer well in the 4000's. This does not hold true in the 3000s, interestingly.

John M