JD 4010 arrived. Some Qs.

RalphVa · Nov 9, 2004

They delivered my JD 4010 with 410 loader and LX4 cutter this afternoon. The guy showed me most things and answered all my questions. Then I went back and tossed some mulch with the loader before heading down to cut grass on some trails.

The cutter isn't as smooth as the one on the Gravely, but it surely destroys everything down to cutting height. For fun, I made a swipe through some really tall stuff and heavy undergrowth of fescue. Went through without any strain whatsoever. Also, it cut fine going uphill. Nieghbor with a 4310 says his needs all the power it has to cut uphill.

Haven't figured out how to do the "float" on the loader. Supposedly, full down is float, but all that does is raise the front wheels off the ground. How would one skim it over the driveway for removing snow?

The 3 pt is REALLY hard to remove. Had to loosen the top link, the side link and both turnbuckles to get the drop links off the cutter. May end up getting one of those quick connect things. Otherwise, I have to reset everything every time I remove the cutter. Thinking also of getting a KK carryall from TSC, maybe one of the bigger ones that dump. How are the TSC quick connect gizmos?

Got the loader with toothbar, just to avoid having to recycle the bucket back to the dealer when I wanted to get it. Think I'll remove it for mulch and snow work, easy with only 2 bolts holding it in.

Ralph

Bird · Nov 9, 2004

Ralph, full down is float, but there's a detent; i.e., you push the lever forward until it feels like it stops and that will raise the front wheels off the ground but you've only pushed the lever to the detent, not past it, and if you give the lever a additional firm quick shove, it will go past that detent and be in the "float" mode.

ronjhall · Nov 10, 2004

Ralph
I think Bird answered your question.
Congrat's on your new tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
But where are the <font color="green"> PICTURES? </font> /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Don't forget to update your Bio.

flatheadlake · Nov 10, 2004

I find on my 4310 that pushing the lever forward then a little to the right works well to get it into the float position..

RalphVa · Nov 10, 2004

I got it to work on my driveway. Just sorta push hard when the bucket goes all the way down and rears the tractor up. When it goes on float, the tractor front comes back down. Couldn't seem to get it to go in later working on my mulch pile.

Exactly how to put it on float is left out of the manual.

Ralph

44trxfun · Nov 10, 2004

Congratulations Ralph! I know you've been "shopping" a long time and gone through a few changes in thinking along the way. Hopefully the 4110 will be all you hope for (and then some).

I can't remember who, but I think someone on this forum wrote a really good post on mounting / removing 3PH impliments. I remember they used the term "sweet spot" to describe that never-never land place where things seem to go easy. Maybe a search through the archives would find it quickly.

Enjoy your new tractor!

RalphVa · Nov 11, 2004

Don't like the horrible scraping noise of the naked bucket along the driveway. Think I'll put the toothbar back on to protect it. My Gravely plow has a tooth-like bottom edge that keeps about half of its edge up off the pavement.

Like the iMatch discussion. Think I'll get one and the KK carryall. Some say they had to modify the carryall, maybe at its top link?, to work on the iMatch.

Ralph

stuart · Nov 11, 2004

Ralph look at systems other than I-Match. They are all comparably priced and some come with an ajustable top link and an attachment to allow floating implements like bush hogs to move freely. I bought the Speeco at Northern and am very happy with it. Make sure you get bushings with whatever unit you decide on. Another Virginian.

RalphVa · Nov 11, 2004

So, does the Speeco allow the upper link to move?

Ralph

bigpete · Nov 11, 2004

Hi, Ralph. First off: good choice. Once you have a handle on the finer points, I bet you will become an outspoken advocate of the small-frame compact utility tractor.

Second, be patient with the seeming inconvenience that comes with managing larger implements using an SAE 3-point hitch. Keep in mind that the design is the result of many years of innovative agriculture-based design/development of implements and the resulting creative development of a collateral system that can handle most of those good ideas. Installing and removing a rotary cutter was most certainly an important consideration when the standard was developed and when Deere designed your machine.

By some humble, and probably less complicated example, I've learned how to work with my similar tractor and a few sundry implements without resorting to a "quick hitch." Of course, this doesn't mean that one is not right for you. I'd just like to add that you will likely find out which pieces you will spend the most time exchanging, and which pieces you will need to attach to your 3PH the least. Give it a few months....

Having said all that, and being the owner of a front-mount JD full hydraulic snow blade, I'd say go ahead and take that leap--you won't be sorry. That 4010 of yours will turn snow into a sought-after sport around your house if you don't mind the extra $ 1,$$$,