300x vs 300cx?

jhortonvt · Jan 26, 2005

2 months ago I bought a 4310 with a front mounted snowblower, used LX5, and a 300x FEL. My dealer had to order the 300x, which is now in, although I have not taken delivery of it yet.
I was thinking of calling him up and asking what he would charge me to upgrade to the 300cx.
I looks like the retail price difference is about $540 (300x retail is $3159-not what I paid- and 300cx retail is $3699
So the max I think he would charge is $540, I suspect it would be $450 to $500.
People seem to rave about the 300cx, is there that much difference? Should I even bother? Should I definitely upgrade? Should I stop asking questions?

I love the tractor and can't wait to do some real meat and potatoes work this spring.

dmp437 · Jan 26, 2005

I would upgrade in a heartbeat. A tractor is a long term asset and a little extra money up front is money well spent. To maximize what your 4310 can do it will help to have the extra capacity of the 'cx'.
A higher loader capacity at a minimum means bigger hydraulic cylinders (larger bore), something you can't change economically if you're dis-satisfied. And re-sale of the "small" loader for a tractor series will be dismal.
Are your rear tires loaded?

rockyridgefarm · Jan 26, 2005

PLEASE get the CX!!!!

beenthere · Jan 26, 2005

I would also say get the CX. But I would consider what trouble I have caused the dealer as well. He will have to order another loader, and if it doesn't come with a tractor, he may not get the deal he did on the one you already bought. Just a thought to be thoughtful of your re-consideration. Hope it works out okay for you.

dmp437 · Jan 27, 2005

I wouldn't feel real sorry for the dealer who snookered me into the "small" loader. It's early in the model run so he'll eventually get rid of it; it's not like it's a 420.
My dealer pulled the same gig on me, started writing up a quote and slipped in a 420 loader. I explained that I was history unless it had 430 on it and it turned out it was only another couple of hundred dollars.
Whish brings us to Deere. Why even bother with a 420 or a 300c loader in the first place? Offer one model, the heavy duty model, and prices slightly decrease due to economy of scale and the need to stock fewer spare parts (the parts for the smaller loaders). If you want to be seen as a segment leader don't bother with light duty loaders. <rant over>

jcmseven · Jan 27, 2005

jhorton,
I would concur with the other posters about the 300cx loader. I have the 300cx loader and would not consider not having one. I would hold out for the loader that you want. This can be done with consideration to your dealer also. Keep in mind, a small gesture by your dealer to help you get the attachment of your choice now will potentially keep you coming back and pay big dividends for the dealer later. My understanding also of the corporate philosophy of JD is the same: please the customer. In defense of the dealer though, part of the issue is JD's fault. My dealer, who is very good, did not know a 300cx existed when I requested my 4310 be fitted with one. This was a few weeks ago, but he thought the 300x was the midframe equivalent of the 400x for the large frame tractors. John Deere at that point had not provided him adequate information about the differences, so he had ordered several of the 300x loaders for the upcoming 3000 series machines. He promptly changed that order from the factory upon hearing the information. Your dealer will, however, be able to sell the 300x loader, so politely hold out for the one you want and nothing less.

John M.

rockyridgefarm · Jan 27, 2005

I got a 420 with my tractor, but wanted the 430. The dealer charged a little extra to swap out, but I was glad he did.

Look at the configurator on Deere.com, and compare the options for the 300x and 300cx. You will see that the cx has a lot going for it!

jhortonvt · Feb 2, 2005

My dealer got back to me with a price for the trade up. We got down to an additional $460 for the upgrade, it looks like I'll do it.
Thanks for the scoop.

rockyridgefarm · Feb 3, 2005

That is so much more than fair!! Sounds like a great dealer...

You will be glad that you did upgrade!

txhawg · Feb 5, 2005

Where do I find the specs for the 300CX loader? I can't find anything on Deere.com except that I am able to select it as an option for the 4310. I would like to compare it to the 430.