Buying a John Deere year 2000, 4600 HTT02

stampthief · Apr 8, 2007

Hi Gentleman.

I'm a newbie so please excuse any stupid questions. I live in Canada where for some reason, used equiptment is very expensive. We are in the market for a John Deere compact tractor that I can put a loader on and maybe a mower device of some sort to cut the grass.

I have found what appears to be an okay deal but I'm not sure about the price and whether its's an appropriate choice for a small estate property.

Here's the subject tractor- Year 2000-40HP,JD4600 HTT02, 2 wheel drive, with 1900 hours, extra wide turf tires (It apparently came from a sod farm) dual mid SCV, with a power reverser transmission, and six front weights. (no loader or mower deck)

They are asking $10,000.00 US. for it.They are a very reputatable dealership and they rate it a 7 out of 10 for overall condition on their web page. My questions are as follows:

1) Was this model problematic?

2) Thats a lot of hours. How many hours are they good for?

3) Is this a powerful enough tractor for a loader that can really function without any B.S.? ( they say its 40 HP). Does this model require a 460 loader?

4) What would be the best type of mower attachment to do a really good even cut?

5) I am not mechanical at all. Is this a technically difficult tractor to operate?

6) I know a 4 wheel drive is a better choice, but on flat dry land though, is 2 wheel drive adequate?

7) Would this tractor be powerful enough to pull a full size 12'' Vermeer chipper?

8) Most importantly, What are the thoughts on the price?

Thanks so much guys, I would really appreciate any help. Regards, Grant

Hydroman 17 · Apr 9, 2007

Price sounds ok maybe a little high for the hours and with no attachments. My first compact was a 2000 JD 4600 HST 4wd. It's a great tractor and I never had any problems with it. Plenty of power for the loader and backhoe. Very rarely used 4wd with enough weight on rear even in winter pushing snowbanks back with ice chains on.
Kevin

AKfish · Apr 10, 2007

Welcome to TBN. Great place to learn the finer things about tractors and have lot's of folks help spend your money.

Do the math --- You'd like a loader and a mower in the future for the type of work that is required on your place.

Loaders and backhoes, IMO, I would recommend sticking with JD attachments. They were designed for the particular model of tractor and will perform within the mechanical capabilities of the model.
Nonetheless, 460 front end loader (FEL) -- good condition -- $2,500-$3,000 US.

Personally, I am not "brand loyal" when it comes to mowers. 6' (72") rear mount mower -- finish or bush hog type -- good condition -- $1,500 US.

So, you are, in real terms, committing yourself to spending somewhere in the neighborhood of $14,000 - $14,500 US for this JD 4600 tractor.

I live in Alaska. We typically have a lot of snow and ice during the course of 6 months here. I have chains on all 4 wheels of my tractor. I have been stuck on level ground, with chains and using the differential lock, in deep snow with an icey, hardpacked base in 2WD.

The difference was I could engage the 4-wheel drive and get myself out. I would not consider as a single-unit tractor owner having just one with 2WD. (But, having a large, 2WD haying-baling tractor AND a smaller 4WD utility tractor --- well, now that would be livin' in tall cotton!)

My 0.02 cents. Good luck with your decision.

AKfish

gkk2001 · Apr 11, 2007

I cannot answer all your questions but will attempt an answer for #1.
I don't believe anyone would consider this model problematic. The 2000 model 4600 was about the 2nd or 3td yr of this model. I have the 1st year of the 4100 and the series 4100 through 4700 were very well designed tractors, before JD started to go with more electronic controls.
Are you sure about the 2wd comment, I thought all of the 4600s were 4wd.

The price sounds a little pricey to me considering the hours.

radman1 · Apr 11, 2007

I think that is a little high for that number of hours even if in very good condition. A tractor like that is not in big demand for most people. Offer $8500-9000.

JerryG · Apr 12, 2007

When a tractor is as light as our compacts are and have as short of a wheel base as they do, there will be many, many times you will wish that you had four wheel drive. This will be especially true with a loader. Like the other poster was saying about the demand for a tractor like that, demand is very low. The price should reflect that.