4105 vs 4120 opinions?

USMC2531 · Jul 3, 2009

Hello,

Brand new here and lots of great information !

I am looking into buying a new tractor and initially I was sold on a 4105 because of the size & hp for the price.

My intent was to put a 60" Frontier grapple bucket on it, but I guess after speaking with the dealer there is no way to upgrade this tractor with the extra hydrolic line to operate the grapple bucket. Needless to say I was very disappointed. I have NUMEROUS usages for a grapple bucklet, but I'm not sure if I really want to take that 4k leap forward to a 4120 just so I can have a grapple? Starts to get a little pricy..........

Any thoughts, information, opinions would be great.

Thanks,
Steve

kennyd · Jul 3, 2009

Welcome to TBN Steve

First, you can add a extra remote to that machine, probably not with JD parts/kits, but it IS certainly possible. There are a couple way, including running long hoses from a factory installed rear remote(called a 3rd SCV by JD), or add one of two types of electric solenoid valves that can be operated from a switch of the joystick. The price to add a remote to your FEL will be anywhere from $150 to $700 or so...

Also, I would suggest you look at Markham Welding's grapples, they will be more than half the price of a Frontier bucket-my 48" was delivered for just under $1000.

Take time and do some searching on these terms for HOURS of reading on this very subject:

Markham
diverter
3rd function
WR Long
grapple

USMC2531 · Jul 3, 2009

Hello,

Many thanks for taking the time to reply ! I really appreciate all the information you provided me with.

Would you have any pro's or con's of a 4105 ? Or anything I should now about? I plan on getting one with the 300cx loader, 375 back hoe, MX5, and a 655tiller? As much as I would like a 4120 I just can't swing it or I could buy the 4120, but with no attachments lolol

Thanks,
steve

kennyd said:
Welcome to TBN Steve

First, you can add a extra remote to that machine, probably not with JD parts/kits, but it IS certainly possible. There are a couple way, including running long hoses from a factory installed rear remote(called a 3rd SCV by JD), or add one of two types of electric solenoid valves that can be operated from a switch of the joystick. The price to add a remote to your FEL will be anywhere from $150 to $700 or so...

Also, I would suggest you look at Markham Welding's grapples, they will be more than half the price of a Frontier bucket-my 48" was delivered for just under $1000.

Take time and do some searching on these terms for HOURS of reading on this very subject:

Markham
diverter
3rd function
WR Long
grapple

kennyd · Jul 4, 2009

I can't comment on the tractor, I just know a little about the hydraulics and how too hook everything up.

ctlguy · Jul 4, 2009

The 300cx loader is capable of 3rd function hydraulics it is the tractor that is lacking with multiple functions. This could be handled with the use of a diverter valve (electical would be handiest) so that you push a switch or button to toggle from dump function to grapple function. The other downside would be the additional weight of the bucket attatchment with a grapple on the 4105 wich does not have near the hyd capacity that the 4000 20 series tractors do (12 gpm approx on 20 series) nor the higher end lifting capacity of the 400 series loaders.

USMC2531 · Jul 5, 2009

Good stuff I appreciate you taking the time to reply.

Any more pro's or con's of the 4105 wouldbe welcome.

~S

ctlguy said:
The 300cx loader is capable of 3rd function hydraulics it is the tractor that is lacking with multiple functions. This could be handled with the use of a diverter valve (electical would be handiest) so that you push a switch or button to toggle from dump function to grapple function. The other downside would be the additional weight of the bucket attatchment with a grapple on the 4105 wich does not have near the hyd capacity that the 4000 20 series tractors do (12 gpm approx on 20 series) nor the higher end lifting capacity of the 400 series loaders.

bpsooner · Jul 5, 2009

When I was looking for a tractor, I had the same types of questions that you have. Some advice was given to me that really helped me make my decision. Purchase a tractor based on your current needs and possible future needs.
If you are needing a grapple bucket and have projects that require it, I would get a tractor that can handle it. You do not want a year from now needing that larger tractor and having to look for another one. You do not want to regret your purchase.
If you can possibly afford it I would recommend purchasing the 4120. Having too much tractor is always better than not having enough...

jenkinsph · Jul 5, 2009

I agree with bpsooner's above post, get the 4120 or larger tractor and buy the add on implements over time. In the long run you will be much happier with the 4x20 series.

Steve

kennyd · Jul 5, 2009

ctlguy said:
The other downside would be the additional weight of the bucket attatchment with a grapple on the 4105 wich does not have near the hyd capacity that the 4000 20 series tractors do (12 gpm approx on 20 series) nor the higher end lifting capacity of the 400 series loaders.

The Markham grapple I reference earlier weighs in at about 400lbs, not that much more than the bucket. There are PLENTY of people using them successfully on even smaller machines than the 4105.

The OP can buy a lot of implements with the 4K he would save.