d40 & jd4310

[griz]

Hello everyone, I am needing some more opinions. As of now, I am looking at the above two tractors and running in circles. I like both but have a few concerns as to which way to go. I will be using it around a construction site (backfill, landscaping, gravel roads) and at home (40 acres 1/2 woods and 1/2 pasture, fairly steep hills and flat) I like the 4310 its smaller wich may be good in getting around tight fits and such. Another advantage is the quick-detach sub-frame JD bh. The d40 would have a 3pt hoe wich I am a little concerned about for saftey of me and tractor. The d40 has 800# more lift capacity on the fel and of course it is a little larger frame tractor with 4cyl. I was wondering if anyone has used the 4310 as I would, or know if I would be disappointed in the fel performance? I guess the kink I'm running into is my budget I can afford the 4310 with fel and bh, but not the d40 with fel and bh.( just fel). The 4510 is way out of my $ range. My bh work would be light -med. duty (trenches, small stumps, etc.) Is it better to go larger tractor with less implements or smaller with more? This is alot of $ for me so I want to do it right. Sorry for such a long post! Thanks Griz!

 

[rockyridgefarm]

I was dead set on the NH. But the dealer worried to me about the FEL (actually the front axle) holding up to my needs. Turned out the 4310 had no such worries.

After seeing the mount on my backhoe, I can tell you that there is no excuse for a thee point mount. The hysics of those hydraulics and levers will make a sorry sight out of a beutiful machine. The Deere mount is also surprisingly quiet. so that the backhoe isn't back there creaking and whatnot, if you have it on suring loader work. Great ballast and you can swing around and relly put some grief to the dirt...

I think the smaller size is a real plus for the tight spots you'll end up in...

I know i sound biased. Oh, well....

 

[rockyridgefarm]

I sent you a private message about a deal I heard of...

 

[Chief]

As you said the 4310 is a smaller tractor which would be an advantage in tight spots. I have a 4410 with the 430 loader and MMM. I have used the loader to pull some very large rocks out of the ground and carry them to more out of the way places on my property. As long as the bucket could get a bite on the rock it popped them right out of the ground without a problem. I think you will be very happy with the 4310 or a 4410 if you can find one at the right price. The 4410's sell for a good bit more. I like the motion match, load match, and cruise control features that come on the ehydro which make loader and tiller work much easier. My suggestion if you haven't already is to actually test operate both of these tractors and go with the model you like best. The 4510 or 4610 would be a more acturate comparison with the TC40D. But is sounds like the John Deere dealer is not very flexible on price? A comparable TC40D should not be that much away from at 4510/4610 in price. I would suggest buying everything you want at the same time and get it all financed. Lots of good offers out there right now. Good luck!