JD 4120 info

[lizardman]

I am new here. I tried to search, but must not have done it right.

I want to do a little research so I dont look like a fool when a go to my local JD dealer.

I have been bouning between the 4005, 4105, and 4120. I am seriously considering a 4120 with FEL because I think like the JD 4 cyl turbo engine better, although I am not sure I should.

I have 21.5 acres, 15 of which are wooded(I will be cutting the timber when timber prices improve). I have used a JD 850 for 24 years, and am familiar only with the transmission on it. High/Low range and 4 gears each as well as being 2wd only.

Which of the transmission options do you think I would be most happy with. Moreso, how do you actually use either system. Hydro sounds simple(I have used it on a LX280 mower and I guess it is similar in use), but do you have different power/speed ranges. The other is powerevser(?) with 12 f/r speeds.
Is there cruise control for 3 hour long finish mower sessions for either tranny?
Will either tranny work well with the FEL? It seems the hydro would be best for that use, but I am looking at overall use of the tractor.

I beleive the 4120 uses the 400 FEL. Which of the series should I go for?

On a side note, I read several reviews of the 4120 that there were smoking issues and leaks. Is this even a concern? I have read only good things here on TBN

What do you think?

Rod

 

[WH401]

With the E-Hydro transmission you get 2 pedals down by your right foot, and a range lever over toward you left with the choice of A, B, and C range. A being the lowest and C being the highest. Basically just hold the brake and move the range lever to one of the three ranges, than you just push the corresponding pedal for forwards or reverse.

With the PowrReverser transmission you get a clutch pedal to your left foot, the brake pedals to your right, a Reverser lever on the left side of that dash that changes between Forward, Neutral, and Reverse, a range lever to your immediate left side of the drivers seat, and a gear shift lever to your forward left side of the drivers seat. First depress the clutch and select the range you want. You have 3 to choose from, A, B, or C, with A being the lowest and C being the highest. Next choose your gear, you have 1, 2, 3, 4. Now the next step would be to begin moving in either forwards or reverse, but that can be done in one of two ways.

The first way is to keep depressing the clutch after you have selected your range and gear. Push the Reverser lever on the dash to forward/reverse so that it goes to the forward/reverse position on the selector, depending on which ever way you want to go. Then slowly let off the clutch as you would with any manual transmission and your moving.

The second way is after you select your range and gear, let your foot off the clutch. Now flip the Reverser lever to forward or reverse, depending on which ever way you want to go, and your off. The PowrReverser transmission has two hydraulically controlled clutches that enable the transmission to be shifted between forward and reverse without ever having to use the clutch. If your going forward and you all of a sudden want to go backwards, just flip the lever to backwards and all of a sudden you'll be going backwards. It's best to come to a complete stop, unless your going very very slow, because the tractor will have no problem throwing you out of your seat if it does a sudden high speed direction change. Also the gear speeds on the tractor (1- 4) are all synchronized so you can change your speed on the fly without stopping. The ranges however, (A, B, & C), are NOT synchronized so you must come to a complete stop before shifting them.

When I bought my 3320 I knew that I wanted the PowrReverser. I had always grown up with straight gear mesh transmission and always liked them for the fact that you could putt around all day at 1/3 throttle and they wouldn't have a problem. I also liked the fact that a manual transmission puts the most usable power to the ground. I had driven hydro's before and wasn't really impressed by them. Both transmission have there pluses and minuses, but as far as loader work there both basically the same. You can move from forward to reverse very rapidly in both transmission models. The one thing with a hydro is that you can usually get moving around a lot faster. The PowrReverser tends to be geared slightly low so I find myself running around controlling the speed more with the engine foot throttle than I do the gears. With a hydro you just mash it and go.

Most of my work is grass cutting so in the respect I would have to give the hydro the edge, but only slightly. The areas where it excels for that are quicker direction changes in backing up because with the Reverser you need to downshift to 1st or 2nd gear because of the sheer jolt from rapidly backing up in 3rd or 4th gear will whip the wheels on the finish mower around so fast that it rips up the turf. It also excels in direction changes when you get to the end of a narrow row because your able to slow down easily.

Another thing I liked about the Reverser was the fact that it stays the same speed on it's own while cutting a long row and you don't have to have any constant input from your feet. While you can get Cruise control with the hydro, I feel that for long distance, wide open cutting, the Reverser is a better machine, but for general, constant speed changes, the Hydro is the machine you want.

 

[AKfish]

I have been bouning between the 4005, 4105, and 4120. I am seriously considering a 4120 with FEL because I think like the JD 4 cyl turbo engine better, although I am not sure I should.

I have 21.5 acres, 15 of which are wooded(I will be cutting the timber when timber prices improve). I have used a JD 850 for 24 years, and am familiar only with the transmission on it. High/Low range and 4 gears each as well as being 2wd only.

Which of the transmission options do you think I would be most happy with. Moreso, how do you actually use either system. Hydro sounds simple(I have used it on a LX280 mower and I guess it is similar in use), but do you have different power/speed ranges. The other is powerevser(?) with 12 f/r speeds.
Is there cruise control for 3 hour long finish mower sessions for either tranny?
Will either tranny work well with the FEL?

I beleive the 4120 uses the 400 FEL. Which of the series should I go for?

On a side note, I read several reviews of the 4120 that there were smoking issues and leaks. Is this even a concern? I have read only good things here on TBN

Rod

Welcome to TBN, Rod. Great place to spend some "virtual" tractor time!

I worked on clearing trees, stumps, etc. on our 20 acres for nearly 4 years with a JD 970 TLB. It's a step down from the 4005 (formally the 990) in power (40hp vs 33hp) but it had a synchro transmission which - IMO - is a better tranny than the collar shift on the 4005.

We upgraded to an eHydro machine just over a year ago. Best thing goin' - IMO. I can creep, creep around trees and stumps or jump over and grab that pile of brush with a push on the pedal. No featherin' the clutch or ridin' the brake...

And for loader work cleaning out the horse barn or moving snow (you probably don't do that alot.. )- it's a definite advantage over a clutch.

WH401 gave a very detailed example of how/what/where/when with the eHydro transmission. And a good comparison with the Power-reverser tranny, too. If possible, it's a good idea to visit your local JD dealer and spend 10 minutes moving a couple of different machines around the lot. You can better appreciate the likely pros and cons of the various machines.

I've read thru many of the discussions regarding the early 4000 series tractors with the PowerTech engines. There were concerns about smoke during initial startup but it was more a situation of "different or new" than any real problems with the engines. I have not read about any premature engine failures or engine malfunctions with the PowerTech engines here on TBN since the tractors were introduced.

Not familiar with any unusual problems with "leaking", either.

I think your "gut" feel for buying the 4120 is the right move, too.

Best of luck.

AKfish

 

[lizardman]

Anymore info/opinion is appreciated.

Is there any good reason not to like the yanmar engine on the 4005 or 4105?
I know that these models only take the smaller 300 series FEL though.

I have other questions, but will have to wait. Immediately after my original post, my wife went into labor. I now have two girls. So, the coming weeks will be busy with little time for consideration of a tractor. Maybe the girl equation will play into the tranny. I think it would be easy for my girls to drive a hydro as young as I did the 850.

Thanks,
Rod

 

[wolc123]

I have had a 4120 with pwerreverser trans, 400x loader for (4) years and it has been a great tractor. No breakdowns of any kind. The 400 CX will give you an insignificant increase in load capacity and the self-leveling feature. X is better for most bucket loader work, especially stone and such because there is less spillage do to more rollback. CX is better for forks because of self-leveling feature. Since I do mostly open field mowing and some ground-engaging work, the gear trans was my obvious choice. You might just as well flip a coin from the sounds of your task descriptions. That JD powertech engine is nice, and I love the sound of the turbo. Excellent fuel economy and no mechanical issues after some pretty hard use. Some folks complain about the noise of these engines but most of that is probably based on test drives at Idle speed around dealers lots. The engines are actually quieter than many at PTO speed where most of the work gets done. I strongly recommend R1 tires and loaded rears to get the most out of your tractor whichever one you choose. Telescoping links also if you plan on a lot of implement changes.

 

[lizardman]

I noticed on the JD website that you can not run R1, R4, or the turf special tires on the 4120 when using the MMM. I would like this option and I know turfs would do well with the mowing and FEL, but I dont want to run on turf tires. I would like to be able to hook up a disk and still have traction.

So, does anyone have a MMM under a 4120? What tires? Is it too big to feel "right" cutting grass with the MMM? Would a 3520/3720 be better for mounting a MMM even though I would be giving up size and FEL capability?

Oh, and just for knowing, my wife is interested in operating the tractor and I will have to make sure she can drive the tractor(without destroying anything that isnt meant to be destroyed!! LOL). That will prolly mean the eHydro tranny.

All input has been very helpful.

Thanks,
Rod

 

[Greyfields]

I've had a 4120 nearly 3 years now. You could count my complaints on one hand.

I also get to use a 75 hp 12F/12R power reverser tractor. I would take operating my 4120 with eHydro any day of the week. It's far simpler and easier on your legs after 10-12 hours 'working' (tractors still feel like play time to me).

The one thing about the 4120 which is inferior to the new 5 M/E/D series is weight. My trator is a bouncy ride and is less 'stable' feeling for all work than the heavier tractors. I've also bent the rear sway links at least 3 times. At the same time, at 5,000 lbs, I can run my 4120 on the pasture or lawn weeks to months before someone with a larger utility tractor.

I probably would not put a mid-mount mower on a 4120. Get a drawn one instead if you even need it. My brush hog does a fine enough job when dropped down to 2-3".

Other things I do with my 4120:

1) Pull 10' drawn discs.
2) 2 bottom plow
3) 12' blanket harrow
4) run a MF 1745 round baler
5) 6' brush hog
6) hydraulic post driver
7) 6' disc mower
8) braber TR 300 rake

Things I struggle with:

A) I can only handle 3.5' x 4' silage bales on the spear or baling.
B) I have a 6' scarifier (ripper). I have ot borrow a tractor to pull it.

I really wish they made the new 5 series in hydrostatic. I'd probably upgrade in a year or two.

 

[Burple_X]

I am doing basically the same research as Rod on a JD 4120. This thread has been very helpful, but I am curious as to what the differences might be between the transmissions on hilly terrain? We just bought 50 acres in VA that was select cut a few years back. As you might imagine, it is overgrown with briars and thorny Locust trees covering brush piles and big rock all of which is on moderate to steep inclines. Do any of you guys work on steep grade that might be able to offer your opinions? I found someone's blog (elsewhere on the net) that was 4 years old that said he wished he hadn't bought the hydro because it wasn't geared low enough. Opinions?

By the way, nice site. I've been reading here for a few weeks and found lots of useful info.

 

[WH401]

I am doing basically the same research as Rod on a JD 4120. This thread has been very helpful, but I am curious as to what the differences might be between the transmissions on hilly terrain? We just bought 50 acres in VA that was select cut a few years back. As you might imagine, it is overgrown with briars and thorny Locust trees covering brush piles and big rock all of which is on moderate to steep inclines. Do any of you guys work on steep grade that might be able to offer your opinions? I found someone's blog (elsewhere on the net) that was 4 years old that said he wished he hadn't bought the hydro because it wasn't geared low enough. Opinions?

By the way, nice site. I've been reading here for a few weeks and found lots of useful info.

The one main hill on my property that I cut is a very steep incline. I have never measured it, but I wouldn't be surprised if it gets near 40 degrees towards the top of the hill. One reason I liked the PowrReverser is that a manual transmission puts the most power to the ground. Think of the hydro like an automatic transmission in a diesel pickup, (I'm using that as an option because most tractor engines are diesel and diesels have tremendous torque, even at idle). If you take two of the same diesel pickups, 1 manual trans, 1 auto trans, which one do you think is going to be able to make it up that hill easier with the least amount of throttle...the manual. With the auto your going to have to give it more throttle so as to increase the amount of power being fed to the wheels through the torque converter.

The PowrReverser is definitley a low geared transmission. The only time I find that to hamper it is when you want to get moving at a higher speed, faster. Most of the time that involves switching to a higher gear or range. While changing gears is simple, the hydro is always going to be able to get a higher speed faster. But as far as hill climbing, I don't think the PR can be beat.

 

[lizardman]

I wish you could get this honest of answers from salesmen when shopping!!

I have stalled on the 4120 purchase because of some concern over its overall size in respect to trailerability. I have a max of 7k lbs to work with. Although I have not seen it to measure tread width, it doesn't seem to work as well with a one row planter(very wide rows).

So, I have been looking at the 3720 for the similar horespower. The only problem is that it seems/feels like a dinky little tractor. However, this size does seem better for MMM use.

Without feeling to bad over my true green/yellow roots, I have been looking at a Case DX40/45 at the insistence of my pa-n-law(a retired Case shop foreman) which I beleive is similar to the New Holland of the same HP(yeah, I know...a blue tractor!?). It seems that the Case fits my size and HP needs, and so far is being priced much less than the Deere.

Other than color and price, what real difference does the JD give me over the Case?

Rod