Buying Advice JD Review of 4944m & 4044R: New 44R Optio - 3 PH Downward Force Option for Implements

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JD Review of 4944m & 4044R: New 44R Optio - 3 PH Downward Force Option for Implements

I read a review comparing the JD 44M and the 44R. The reviewer described a new option available only on the "R" model that can exert downward force on implements such as cultivators. The reviewer said it was a Dealer installed option priced at around $700. He described it as using electro-mechanical means and was impressed with the capability.

Anyone familiar with this option ? Does it work effectively ? What happens if you hit an obstruction, ie., rock, metal pipe, etc., ? Cost sounds reasonable. I wonder why you couldn't add it to the 44M. I wonder how much force it exerts ?

I've attached a link to see the article comparing the 2 units. It also has the reference to the new option with the 700.00 cost at retail. It's one of the best articles I've read on the 2 units.

2014 John Deere Ride & Drive

Looking for comments, thoughts, on the M & R, as well as the new option.
John

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Re: JD Review of 4944m & 4044R: New 44R Optio - 3 PH Downward Force Option for Implem

I read a review comparing the JD 44M and the 44R. The reviewer described a new option available only on the "R" model that can exert downward force on implements such as cultivators. The reviewer said it was a Dealer installed option priced at around $700. He described it as using electro-mechanical means and was impressed with the capability.

Anyone familiar with this option ? Does it work effectively ? What happens if you hit an obstruction, ie., rock, metal pipe, etc., ? Cost sounds reasonable. I wonder why you couldn't add it to the 44M. I wonder how much force it exerts ?

I've attached a link to see the article comparing the 2 units. It also has the reference to the new option with the 700.00 cost at retail. It's one of the best articles I've read on the 2 units.

2014 John Deere Ride & Drive

Looking for comments, thoughts, on the M & R, as well as the new option.
John

The brochure says up to 450lbs of downward force which sounds good, but this could end up causing problems if the implement being used is not structurally built to take the additional stress of that extra pressure. That is one of the reasons for buying heavy duty implements, the additional weight and strength.

When a person buys a medium duty implement and then puts heavy duty requirements on it for any length of time, the implement ultimately fails, just the way it is.

 

[bigcut]

Re: JD Review of 4944m & 4044R: New 44R Optio - 3 PH Downward Force Option for Implem

The brochure says up to 450lbs of downward force which sounds good, but this could end up causing problems if the implement being used is not structurally built to take the additional stress of that extra pressure. That is one of the reasons for buying heavy duty implements, the additional weight and strength.

When a person buys a medium duty implement and then puts heavy duty requirements on it for any length of time, the implement ultimately fails, just the way it is.

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Thanks Brian, I think I read somewhere that the larger Ag tractor have had this feature for years.

I was also curious as to opinions when the implement inadvertently may strike a rock, stump, etc. What damage might be expected on the PTO, 3PT, etc. ? Even if the heavy implement survives without damage.
Welcome any thoughts or experience.
John

 

[bigcut]

Re: JD Review of 4944m & 4044R: New 44R Optio - 3 PH Downward Force Option for Implem

The brochure says up to 450lbs of downward force which sounds good, but this could end up causing problems if the implement being used is not structurally built to take the additional stress of that extra pressure. That is one of the reasons for buying heavy duty implements, the additional weight and strength.

When a person buys a medium duty implement and then puts heavy duty requirements on it for any length of time, the implement ultimately fails, just the way it is.

\

Thanks Brian, I think I read somewhere that the larger Ag tractor have had this feature for years.

I was also curious as to opinions when the implement inadvertently may strike a rock, stump, etc. What damage might be expected on the PTO, 3PT, etc. ? Even if the heavy implement survives without damage.
Welcome any thoughts or experience.
John