Got my JD 4300 today!

[Bob_Trevithick]

And it's awesome! After the GT235 Garden Tractor, this is a whole other world. The work I did today, leveling the driveway, landscaping the lawn, plowing under the garden from last summer, all took minutes. And the machine never broke a sweat..

More tomorrow.. I am going to stargaze with my wife now. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Bob

Bob Trevithick

 

[Harv]

Congratulations, Bob!!! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

I'm an orange kinda guy myself, but from what I've been reading on this board, you got yourself one fine piece of machinery.

Don't forget to pass out cigars and, most importantly, post the "new arrival" pictures. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

 

[kerr]

That grin ya got there will be with ya a while.You got yer self a dandy fer sure!

 

[gator]

Congrats Bob,
For your question about diesels in the other forum, go here and do a search on diesel engines, and it will probably answer alot of your questions.
For everything John Deere go to John Deere Heaven

Wally <font color=green>JD 750 "GATOR"</font color=green>

 

[RobS]

Congrats Bob, that's one fine machine you've got. I looked long and hard at the 4300 when I bought my little 790. Keep us posted on your fun... er, work /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[Thomas]

Sounds like a peaceful sleep tonight for you and a early rise tomorrow,for its not work when you enjoy yourself./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif
Tractor safe.

Thomas..NH /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[Bob_Trevithick]

Thanks folks!

I got most everything I wanted to do done yesterday.. learning as I went. Used that front blade a lot! First read the blade manual to figure out how to lock out the spring trips, then smoothed out the front yard and driveway, then went out and cleaned out the garden area. All of this was in soft dirt and mud, and that 4WD just keeps her chugging right along. The only way I could bog it was by using a lot of downpressure on the blade.. and heck, I've seen bulldozers doing just what I did; keep the hand on the SCV and nudge it up and down a bit. Of course when I bogged it generally was because I was taking all the weight off the front wheels. Even then it would often keep going, especially if I locked the rear diff.

For leveling, I would put some real downpressure on the blade and back over the area.. this worked great. I would let the front wheels down when I needed to turn.

None of this fazed that diesel in the slightest. I don't think it even noticed that work was being done. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Unfortunately, I'm at my day job today.. so can't play! /w3tcompact/icons/mad.gif

I'll try to get some halfway decent pics and post them. I really like the install the dealer did of the rear work light.

Bob Trevithick

 

[TerryinMD]

Bob,

I'm guessing that you got a FEL, correct!!

If you did, it's better to float the FEL to smooth out things. It really makes a big difference in getting the job done faster. Took me awhile to figure that out. Once you get the hang of it, you'll notice the difference.

Now, to float the FEL, all you need to do is curl the bucket so that it's fairly level to the ground, drop the buck about an inch off the ground, and then slap the SCV to the down position (read the manual for particulars - RTFM in techie talk). The FEL will drop the ground and float over the surface. It is amazing to see how it smooths the bumps and fills in the gouges.

Hope this helps.

Terry

 

[Bob_Trevithick]

Hi Terry,

<font color=blue>...I'm guessing that you got a FEL, correct!!</font color=blue>

No, I got a front blade. I agonized over this a bit, but the blade with hydraulic angling won out.. snow, dirt, etc. I don't really have a need for a FEL at the moment, and a big need for the blade. But, maybe someday... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Now I've started looking into chippers. From searching the forums, it appears that the PTO-driven ones aren't cheap.. I guess they figure you want to do some serious chipping if you have one of those. All I need is for brush, leaves, an occassional branch of no more than a couple inches diameter.

It never ends, does it? /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Best,
Bob

Bob Trevithick

 

[Youare]

Glad to hear of another happy tractor delivery, and women say that men don't know what labor pains are like. Happy tractoring.

Randy

 

[beenthere]

The front blade should also have a float position, and using it in float to back drag dirt or gravel will give you the same effects as Terry was talking about with the FEL - and even better in my opinion. The ability to back drag in float, and be able to angle the blade at the same time, gives you a lot of control making something very smooth. Have fun.

 

[Bob_Trevithick]

Well, I've never used a FEL, so I can't compare. But I love this blade. It's hitched right to the frame, down low.. which someone suggested is a big advantage for serious pushing.

And yes, I found backing up with the blade floating worked very well. We'll see how she does with the 3 feet of snow they say we may get soon. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Happy camper, so far!!

Bob Trevithick

 

[Buck]

Bob,

Way to go! The 4300 is an excellent tractor! Keep us informed how the front blade does in snow.

It nice to have a neighbor with a compulsion for tractors. I live in Ontario, south of 104. Maybe one day we can exchange implements!

Buck

 

[Bob_Trevithick]

Hi Buck,

Hey, let's get together and talk tractors sometime. We can bore our wives to tears. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Bob (Williamson, not very far away!)

Bob Trevithick

 

[warrelllj1]

Bob, I have a 13 hp Toro riding mower. Now it shares floor space with the JD 4300. Great machine! My wife and I can't imagine being without Mr.Green and his attachments! Jim in Middleton,Idaho