Installing 400cx on 4320 - How hard is it?

[Zinno87]

I have a 4320 and am going to be purchasing a 400cx loader soon. Having the dealer install it is complicated and expensive, so I'm thinking about doing it myself. I was wondering if anyone here has done it themselves? How about if I included the 3rd function on the loader? What's involved with that? Are there electrical connections involved?

Thanks

 

[AKfish]

Are you planning on having the crated loader delivered to your place? Do you have an overhead chain hoist or a heavy duty engine hoist, etc.? Got a good 1/2" drive torque wrench - 350 ft/lbs? Some pretty good sized metric sockets - up to 32-34mm?

The owner's manual for the JD 80 FEL and the JD 430-460 illustrate the steps to put the loader together for the 1st installation. Based upon those comparison's - I don't believe it would be a real complicated exercise - IMO.

The 3rd function lines are steel lines that run down the inside of the loader arm. There are quick-connect ends and a mounting bracket at the horizontal base arm of the loader near the bucket. No electrical connections on the loader.

You'll have to do some research to determine exactly how you might plumb the 3rd function FEL SCV's into the hydraulic system of the tractor. The simplest solution is if you have a rear SCV and plumb short sections of hose from the rear of the tractor to the hard lines on the loader.

A more complicated approach would be an electric over hydraulic valve (JD diverter valve) or a Fasse valve. These involve a significant outlay of $$.

AKfish

 

[kennyd]

AK spelled it out pretty good...It won't be "hard", but there is some heavy lifting involved.

As for the 3rd function on the loader, it is just steel lines that attach to the inside of the loader arms, very easy to install. BUT-as far as plumbing, the JD kit just includes long hoses that go under the tractor and plugs into the rear remote, it does not tie into the hydraulic system independently. I will attach a picture below. No electrical connections whatsoever.

Parts from this kit could be used to add a true independent 3rd functions on the loader or a diverter that will "split" the dump/curl circuit for use with a grapple or snowplow-but that is more complicated and can be discussed more in detail if you need that later.

 

[Zinno87]

Very helpful, thanks. I was expecting the 3rd function kit to include a little more...diverter, etc.

 

[AKfish]

One very important consideration before you jump into a "roll-yer-own" loader install.

You will likely be assuming all liability for anything defective with the loader. If you have a defective cylinder, a missing component, an incorrectly bundled component, or something damaged during shipment - you're gonna be the one guy arm wrestling with everyone else to get any problem resolved.

And your local dealer won't be taking a very active role; unless you can convince him that the problem was not your mistake or screw-up.

If there's any warranty period for the new implement - you need to clarify what installing the loader yourself might mean for a valid warranty.

Best of luck.

AKfish

 

[Zinno87]

Another good point - I'll be sure to discuss. I just spoke to the dealer today and he agrees that it's pretty simple. I thought I was set on the 400cx, but he suggested that it's not worth the additional cost, versus the 400x. He mentioned that the self leveling option was nice, but really only necessary for loading truck, etc. I know that the cx is supposed to be more powerful, but the last time I looked at the specs, the added power didn't seem like it was really going to make much of a noticable difference, with respect to where it is available, etc. Thoughts?

 

[AKfish]

When I wrangled thru the quote process for a new tractor - the CX was around $400-500 more.

I wanted every lb. of lift that was available.

I had already determined that I planned to go with the optional Skid-steer attachment and the optional 3rd SCV to run a grapple. I wanted the pallet forks, too. Loading hay bales and pallets onto trucks. The self-leveling feature was OK for my needs.

Skid-steer attachments are typically heavier duty construction implements. Having the extra lift capacity was worth the money - IMO.

Most folk's here on TBN will tell you --- rarely will you kick yourself --- for having too much horsepower and too much hydraulic capacity or too much lifting capacity...

They'll also tell you -- when you'll kick yourself -- (see above)!!

AKfish

 

[Spudland_Dave]

You will likely be assuming all liability for anything defective with the loader. If you have a defective cylinder, a missing component, an incorrectly bundled component, or something damaged during shipment - you're gonna be the one guy arm wrestling with everyone else to get any problem resolved.

And your local dealer won't be taking a very active role; unless you can convince him that the problem was not your mistake or screw-up.

I'd think this is a dealer specific item....I see it no differently then purchasing any other kit (many of which are perfectly acceptable to be end user installed)
I've self installed the 3rd SCV, Rear Wiper, etc.. and the dealer has been very helpful. Deere forgot the 3rd scv decal for the console and my dealer ordered one up for me next day no charge...
Some people fight with a dealer on a Dealer Installed loader on things like leakdown, etc.. and other people get taken care of very well by their dealer.
Me...with my dealer, I'd have no qualms installing the loader myself.

 

[AKfish]

I'd think this is a dealer specific item....I see it no differently then purchasing any other kit (many of which are perfectly acceptable to be end user installed)
I've self installed the 3rd SCV, Rear Wiper, etc.. and the dealer has been very helpful. Deere forgot the 3rd scv decal for the console and my dealer ordered one up for me next day no charge...
Some people fight with a dealer on a Dealer Installed loader on things like leakdown, etc.. and other people get taken care of very well by their dealer.
Me...with my dealer, I'd have no qualms installing the loader myself.

Yup... I agree Dave. I'm just suggesting that it would be a sensible thing to discuss with his dealer before he runs into some kinda hangup...

Communicate and clarify likely problems before they're problems. I'm sure the dealer isn't telling the OP - don't BUY this loader - and install it yourself.

AKfish

 

[Cidertom]

On the 400x vs cx issue:
I use every bit of lift the CX has to give. Search back through my posts for pix on the 2700 lb culverts I was moving. I also use the forks a lot so for me it is worth the ...

One big DISADVANTAGE on the CX. While the book value for roll back is about the same between the two models, the effective rollback is much less on the CX. With the regular loader as you lift the load the bucket appers to roll back further. With the CX what you start with is as much as you get. So carrying heaped loads any distance with the CX is equal to spreading the material along the route.