Just bought a 4300

Anonymous Poster · Jul 18, 2001

Hello. I just bought a JD 4300. I had a need but really didnt know what I was doing. This board made a diffence to me in my purchase. So, I thought I would give my impressions for the next clueless joe that comes along looking for a small tractor.

I live in Oklahoma paid 18,600 for a new 4300 HST, 430 Front End Loader and 513 Cutter. The dealer I used was 1500-2000 lower than the nearest other bidder.

I have 35 hours on it already and have had no mechanical problems with it. I have been very pleased with the power the machine has for its size and the lifting ability of the 430. It burns about a gallon an hour for me. Its very maneuverable. I cant imagine buying a compact tractor with a FEL without the hydraostatic transmission.

There are a few "minor" things I wish were different on it:
-The power range shifter arrangement is a linear A-N-B-C. The notches are close together which makes it hard to move from A to Neutral without overshooting to B or C. I would like the N to be at the corner of an L.
-The block on the 3-point shifter handle is a bolt and wing nut system so its hard to set the cutter to return to the same spot after raising the 3-point since it slips alot, is hard to tighten and has no notches. Our old 4430 had some adjustable blocks in the slot that were nice to have.
-The engaged parking brake does not prevent the tractor from moving if you step on the hydro pedals while it is in gear. (I know that's really operator error but I dont like it)
-The fenders are plastic and they "give" a little when you climb up on the machine.
-The plastic hood scratches easy.
-There's one other little thing too but it escapes me right now.

Over all, I really like this machine. It been a positive experince. Thank you to the posters on this board for helping me make my descision.

cowboydoc · Jul 18, 2001

Flatlander,
I've got the 4600 and I'd have to say, with the exception of the HST, don't have one, I agree with your comments. I love the rest of the tractor but I'm not crazy about the fenders always bending when you pull on them. Haven't had any problems but just kind of a cheesey feeling to them.

Branch · Jul 19, 2001

Ditto what Doc said. I will add though that the fenders "giving" a little works both ways. Being hit by something that "give" might save some expensive repairs.

Branch

kerr · Jul 19, 2001

Flatlander,congratulations on the purchase of your new rig. the undisputed tractor of the year for 2000.T.B.N.Dont worry about the kevlar fenders giving a little.Mine always return to where the were the day i brought my 4200 home,14 mo. ago.

BrentB · Jul 19, 2001

I have a 4200. Just curious...do you ever intentionally go into the neutral range of the selector? Why?

kerr · Jul 19, 2001

Dangerous place ta go.Keep implements on the ground when ya do.I only change ranges on flat ground "ripping"I go to low,rest of the time i stay in mid range.

cowboydoc · Jul 20, 2001

Brent,
Whenever I get off the tractor I put everything into neutral and put on the parking brake. I've seen too many cases at the hospital and personally where people left something in gear and it accidently slipped in somehow and people got hurt. Just not worth it to me not to take the extra second to make sure everything is in neutral.

Also if you ever tow it you want to make sure it's in neutral.

glennmac · Jul 20, 2001

I wouldnt park my HST in neutral. I have more faith in the HST resistance than the parking brake. If there's any sort of incline I use both.

I cant say I use neutral for anything.

glennmac · Jul 20, 2001

Oh, if Doc meant getting off while the tractor is running, yes his procedure would be safer.

Boondox · Jul 20, 2001

I always put Clementine in neutral since the dogs often jump onto the deck expecting a ride. Only a question of time before one of them steps on the HST pedal.

Pete

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