John Deere 430 I just bought

[arto98607]

I bought this 1987 430 which has under 800 hours, to eventually replace the 1976 JD 300 we have been using for over 30 years for all-around hauling of small stuff and mowing of rough areas, where I don't want to take my Kubota F mower and tractor with flail mower & loader would not easily fit.

The JD 300 has served us very well and is still in excellent condition, but I have wanted to switch to Diesel with power steering for some time!

The 430 is now parked in my shop with the sheet metal removed and I am in process of inspecting everything over time, changing fluids and repairing or replacing anything that is needed.

This is not meant to be restoring project - just inspect & repair as needed, and will probably be completed sometime this fall or winter.

Trusty old 300:

Cheers

 

[dj1701]

I bought this 1987 430 which has under 800 hours, to eventually replace the 1976 JD 300 we have been using for over 30 years for all-around hauling of small stuff and mowing of rough areas, where I don't want to take my Kubota F mower and tractor with flail mower & loader would not easily fit.

The JD 300 has served us very well and is still in excellent condition, but I have wanted to switch to Diesel with power steering for some time!

The 430 is now parked in my shop with the sheet metal removed and I am in process of inspecting everything over time, changing fluids and repairing or replacing anything that is needed.

This is not meant to be restoring project - just inspect & repair as needed, and will probably be completed sometime this fall or winter.

Trusty old 300:

Cheers


View attachment 881696

I bought a used one a few years ago. It had some problems, but it was a beast.

The hydro lever creeped, the power steering leaked, and the pivot on the front axle needed a bushing which I could not find. It would wonder all over. Finally sold it after a year and bought a Kubota BX2680.

 

[bigtiller]

I love the exhaust sound of the 430 when pulling a Brinly 10 or 12 inch moldboard plow.

 

[dj1701]

I love the exhaust sound of the 430 when pulling a Brinly 10 or 12 inch moldboard plow.

My Dad's 316 pulled one for many years.

 

[BravoXray]

I bought my 430 in 1993 with ~200 hours on it. I've used it for mowing and snow removal ever since, still has only ~1100 hours on it. I pulled all the metal off a couple of years ago and had it blasted and powder coated JD green, also had the hood painted and new decals all around. Since I bought my BX2230, the 430 is dedicated to snow removal, which has been pretty rare in the last few years.

 

[arto98607]

I bought mu 430 in 1993 with ~200 hours on it. I've used it for mowing and snow removal ever since, still has only ~1100 hours on it. I pulled all the metal off a couple of years ago and had it blasted and powder coated JD green, also had the hood painted and new decals all around. Since I bought my BX2230, the 430 is dedicated to snow removal, which has been pretty rare in the last few years.
View attachment 881770View attachment 881771View attachment 881772

Nice looking 430 but I hope I will never need a snowblower or a plow again - been there done that.
Sorry couldn't resist - just kidding!

I noticed the tire chains in your photos and am bit concerned about traction (or lack of) in 430 with the Diesel engine up front. My old JD300 has it's traction limitations, but I have learned to live with it over the years and will use a 4x4 tractor or ATV when heavier hauling is needed.

I ordered cast iron rear wheel weights and hoping those together with the differential lock will be sufficient most of the time.

The last time I had to plow my driveway was December 2008...

 

[dj1701]

My dad bought a JD 140 H3 back in 1969. The wheel weights you see on my pic of the 316 are the ones he bought. Was in the process of selling that tractor when I wondered if those weights would fit my new Kubota BX 2680. Well, they fit like a glove. Nice to know I still have some of dad's tractor with me.

 

[bg71361]

I run a rear weight bracket, like the one pictured, and have no issues with traction running an ag pattern tire.

 

[arto98607]

Tire chains, ag tires and suitcase weights would improve traction a lot no doubt, but are not suitable for the kind of use I have planned this JD 430 for.

It will have turf tires and wheel weights and hopefully will have traction similar or better as JD 300 shown in post #1 above, even when the grass is wet?

 

[beenthere]

arto
It will.

I only put windshield washer fluid in my rear tires for weight. Add chains for winter snow in case I need the blade for a job.