4 in 1 Bucket Operation

Anonymous Poster · Jul 27, 2002

Can someone please describe the use of the JD 4 in 1 bucket. Today my dealer tried to talk me out of a JD 4 in 1. He described the operation of the bucket and made it sound as if there is a second lever on the right fender that was really a diverter. He said it was a hassel to operate.

He recommended a 3rd party bucket where the knob on the control stick was replaced with one that had a button on it which controlled an electric diverter.

Do all of the 4 in 1s work on a diverter concept? I thought the second lever I was reading about was a control for the bucket.

rancar · Jul 28, 2002

Hi Al...

I bought a John Deere 4in1 bucket for my JD4710 and let me try to explain how mine operates.

The 4in1 requires 3 SCVs that control the the 3 4in1 functions...one for lifting-lowering, one for curling, the third one for opening the clamshell of the 4in1. The 4in1 has four basic functions:
1. Regular bucket for lifting and pushing;
2. Clamshell opened for grabbing/lifting for debris/spoils handling;
3. Clamshell opened with pusher blade used as a dozer; and
4. Landscape leveling function as if being used as a box blade.

The second lever is located not on the right fender but on the floor board right in front of the FEL joy stick. See the attached photo. I've never had a problem operating it. The button you speak of is called a Fasse diverter valve and it would be located on top of the FEL joy stick, thus, replacing the lever. This may be easier to operate but it is a much more expensive option by several hundred dollars and requires a skilled technician to install. I was talked out of this by my dealer due to the expense involved. I'm glad I was as I've learned the lever operates just fine and is not that much of an inconvenience.

I would not let the dealer discourage you from buying the JD4in1. I've found it a worthwhile investment and a practical, utilitarian tool much more than the standard bucket. FWIW, I would also go with JD and not any other third party, no brand name bucket.

Hope this information helps.

Bob

Anonymous Poster · Jul 28, 2002

OK..based on your description the dealer either didn't know what he was talking about, or I misunderstood. Based on your description, the second level is not a diverter that changes the function of the joystick, but is an actual open/close control?

I really appreciate the advice as I would have had a lot of hesitancy in going with a 3rd party bucket. If I understand your description of the operation, I'd prefer the lever over the button anyway.

rancar · Jul 29, 2002

Al...

<font color=blue>Based on your description, the second level is not a diverter that changes the function of the joystick, but is an actual open/close control?</font color=blue>

You've got it. All that lever does is open and close the clamshell function of the 4in1. Don't be concerned about the JD 4in1. It's a great bucket. I've used mine several times and while I haven't had it all that long I haven't had any problems with it.

What is important though is getting someone, either the dealer or another technician, to get the hydraulics right. If the dealer tech is a novice, has never done this work before, then you may have difficulties. You may want to question the dealer on this and get their feel on things. If you don't feel comfortable that the dealer has done this kind of work before, I'd suggest someone else or another dealer.

Bob

Anonymous Poster · Jul 29, 2002

Thanks Bob...this dealer has been so informed and willing to spend time with me on every other aspect of the Deere line that it surprises me that he was off on this. Guess nobody's perfect. But hey, I was talking to the owner (maybe not as technically aware as someone else) right after he got off the phone with Deere. I heard him theatening to drive a new 4410 back to Augusta as it was sitting in his shop unable to move. He said that would normally fix a tractor under the warrantee prior to delivery, but felt he'd already seen too many problems with this one. Thought it might be a lemon. After the call he told me that he was getting a tractor transferred from another dealer (which he didn't like to do) to get his customer a tractor in a hurry. He had just about every other model on the lot except for a 4410.

I do have two other dealers within 10 miles of my house and will be spending some time with them in the next week or so. We'll see if either of them are up to speed. Thanks for the help.

blurrybill · Jul 29, 2002

Amen, Bob.

Bill

blurrybill · Jul 29, 2002

The dealer sounds terrific. My experience says don't rule him out without a great deal of thought. Send him to Iowa, if he gets bored.

Bill

JC4HD · Jul 29, 2002

I echo exactly what Bob has represented regarding the JD 4in1 Bucket. The lever used for the operation of the JD unit is not on the floorboard however... it is actually at the base of the Loader joystick... very easy to reach and use. As Bob says the bucket is great and very useful. In my opinion Bob is absolutely correct (boy that Bob Ancar is smart!) in staying with JD for the major attachments i.e. Loaders, Buckets, Backhoes, etc. you are always better off... especially if you have a problem.

Anonymous Poster · Jul 29, 2002

Agreed...thank you gentlemen...Al

rancar · Jul 29, 2002

Al...

Just take your time with these dealers if you can and ask all the questions you can think of. I realize they have that rebate that expires on July 31st and I'm not sure if you feel pressured by that deadline but what I learned in my 4710 shopping experience are two things.

1. Do as much research here at TBN as you can through the old discussion threads on whatever topic you feel you need answers for. As you do this research, you'll likely find yourself knowing more than the dealer.

2. With the knowledge garnered in number 1 above, you can firm up whatever specific questions you need answers for. If the dealer can't address these questions to your satisfaction this is a red flag that warrants further investigation and answer seeking on your part. When you're satisfied in your mind that you have all the answers that you need, then is the time to sign that purchase order. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Hope this helps. Let us know how you do.

Bob