JD 4320 or NH 45DA choice

[cjtinkle]

I've read and read, and I think we've pretty much narrowed our tractor choice down to one of these 2.

I've yet to get a price quote back home from the JD dealer, we're parked in our RV in Russellville AR and I did stop for a quote here.

We had a NH45 D previously on our old farm before selling.

On the NH45D, I was quoted $26,790 (-$900 cash incentive) for Hydro, and the 250TL loader. Filled R4's

The JD quote was $26, 629 with the 400cx loader and 60" heavy duty bucket, eHydro, ihitch and rear SCV, filled R4's.

To my surprise, I rather liked the JD better. Any comparisons or opinions on the 2?

 

[wolc123]

Does that NH price include a quick attach bucket like is included standard on the JD? If not, the JD is the clear winner in almost all categories of performance and price.

 

[cjtinkle]

No, the NH didn't include a quick attach setup.

 

[wolc123]

I bought a JD 4120 powerreverser about 1.5 year ago. Test drove and considered the NH 40DA also. Found that they cost the same when the quick attach was added to the NH. The quick attach is a very important feature as it allows you to drop the bucket in seconds which gives you almost as good forward vision as removing the entire loader and leaves the tractor better ballasted to carry rear implements. The JD had the edge in most performance specs but the NH's lighter weight would be good if you use the tractor a lot on your lawn or must trailer it. No breakdowns or complaints after 150 hours use on the 4120. Somewhat difficult to change implements without I-match, but I leave a 6 ft rotary cutter on this tractor most of the time (have 5 other tractors), so this is not a big problem for me. The 4120 has never come close to running low on power on that rotary cutter and I bet that the 4320 would easily handle a 7 footer.

 

[MadDogDriver]

The JD4120 and the TC45DA are very similar. You're getting more muscle with the 4320. I'm assuming you've tried some seat time on both machines. If not, do so. It really surprised me when I was looking at Kubota's, JD's, and NH's. The Orange felt cramped and uncomfortable to me compared to the Green and Blue. Evaluate your dealers and their support carefully. My NH dealer's attitude and convience was a huge factor in my decision to get ol Blue. The JD dealer's arrogant attitude basically forced me to NH, and I have no regrets.

I'm surprised your TC45DA doesn't include the QA HD 72" bucket. As has already been mentioned, the compatability with any SkidSteer QA attachment would make your FEL super convenient.

 

[cjtinkle]

Seat time in the NH45 yes, we've owned one previously. No seat time in the JD, but I'm going to leave that part to my husband. While initially I'll put in a lot more tractor hours than he will, eventually he'll do most of the tractor work, and I want the choice to be his.

I didn't care for the Kubotas at all, so they're not in the running. I was surprised that the JD weighs less than the NH by a few hundred pounds. WOuld that be because of the turbo engine?

 

[HappyCPE]

CJ, I think you really want the 72" HD bucket, not the 60". The six foot dimension matches the front wheel width when they are set wide. Like you, I was surprised at the JD as I was set to buy a TC40. My JD dealer offered me my 4320 for the same price as the 4120 and the rest is history... I like my green tractor but the blue is a great choice too.

 

[cjtinkle]

I confess we're completely torn on a 5' bucket and brush hog (for more maneuverability versus the 6' bucket and brushog that we had before.

Totally different land this time around, mostly hilly and nearly all wooded. There'll be very little brushogging to do, tons of loader work as we plan to set up a market garden.

We haven't chosen a grapple yet. I thought perhaps something after market might be a better deal.

 

[MadDogDriver]

Another reason for a QA bucket. As you've probably seen on TBN, there are many grapple choices. Some are QA, pop the bucket off and put the grapple on, others, like mine are part of the bucket. I like the convience of using the grapple whenever I want (and I use it alot). http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/97412-new-6-function-grapple.html is a link to a thread about my grapple.

Many have found that their grapple has become one of the nicest attachments available. Depends on your needs of course.

 

[cjtinkle]

That's a pretty neat setup MadDog. My next thread is going to be "help me choose a grapple" LOL.