30 Series Engine Flaw

[N80]

My B-I-L has a 4430:

He overheard someone who seemed to know what he was talking about mention some type of inherent flaw in the 30 series engines. He's never had any trouble with his and he didn't hear any specifics. We're on vacation together and when I mentioned this web site he just wanted me to ask.

 

[KENSFM]

That tractor is at least 30 years old. If you have not had a problem by now I would not worry about it.
Ken

 

[nosliw]

x2

if they'll go a year they'll go 100 more

nice looking machine

 

[JDFarmBoy]

My family and I use to own a 4430. It was a very very solid tractor, the only issues I remembered was the hydraulics were a bit weak and it was a bit cold natured. The 40 series were improved on both of these issues. That tractor had over 14,000 hours on it when we traded it in and it still dynoed over 175 horse. Its a good tractor to say the least.

 

[N80]

That tractor is at least 30 years old. If you have not had a problem by now I would not worry about it.
Ken

Well, like I said, this was his question, not mine. He's not a member here, so he asked me to post it. I don't think he'll worry about it, he was just curious. He didn't say it but he may be more curious about how intelligent the guy was who made the remark about the 4430's engine.

 

[jd110]

The 4430 tractor used the 404 cubic inch engine. This sam basic engine was used from 4020's in 1964 through the 4040 in 1982. It was one of the most reliable engines ever produced in my opinion. However, when the 4430 was introduced, a new, higher volume engine oil pump was installed that did cause some camshaft failures on early models. The drive gear on the camshaft was not hardened enough to handle the extra load. If these were going to fail, it usually happened early in life. It is fairly easy to check this by removing the tachometer drive housing from the right side of the engine block. The oil pump gear is very visible and the camshaft gear is directly behind it. If this gear wears too thin, it can shear off the teeth and lose oil pressure. Although this was a possible problem on early models I would not consider it a serious threat now. I don't recall seeing one fail for the past 15-20 years.

 

[art]

Those problems were early on the run and for many they were covered under the warrantee. There also was issues with the transmission and they had an update for that.

 

[N80]

Thanks guys. He bought the tractor used about 8 years ago. And he uses it hard, bailing hay, running fertilizer spreader, etc, and has had no problems.

 

[D7E]

Thousands of these around here and were very good but even dealers will warn of head problems especially artics 8430-8630 i had a couple and were fine , My reason for "no more deere's" Was that inadequate hydraulic system whitch they continued for far too long ( comparing to ford or ih of same era )
But generally there are few better .

 

[N80]

Thousands of these around here and were very good but even dealers will warn of head problems especially artics 8430-8630 i had a couple and were fine

By artics you mean articulated models? What type of head problems and why with those specific types?