L4400DT

[weiser]

Hey all,

This sure is a great site - glad to find it. It's really cool that so many people are interested in sharing their time a knowlege with others...

I am really interested in the L4400 (w/FEL) - almost bought on end of last month - glad I waited too, thanks to the improved 36 month financing...

I am almost certain to buy one of these very soon. Can you recommend options, etc? Expected pricing?

I'll be mostly doing small stuff on a non-farm: cut grass, move lots of dirt, clear snow (southern Indiana, long driveway) probably light tilling for a large garden - and whoknowswhatelse later. I am not sure about transmission preference, but might like to try the GST deal in the larger tractors, just for kicks.

Also, what loader?? I guess I want a quick attach - what format? I might see my way to a front blade for snow some day, or possibly rent skid loader attachments from an equipment rental place here.

Any thoughts on remote hydraulics??

Thanks in advance - no reply too long (except the glowplug epic of course - just kidding: I am a lot like you charles - except with way less money apparently...)

Thanks again!!

 

[art]

Remote's are a must two would be the max.

 

[weiser]

Thanks.

I am considering the Woods loader with quick attach (skid loader style) option. If I rent skid loader accessories that require hydraulics, should I have a front remote, or rear with extension hoses??

 

[texasjohn]

I do recommend the quick attach.

Hydraulics for FEL should be separate from rear remote hydraulics.
There are hydraulic ports for this already available on the tractor.

I'd have at least two rear remotes, 3 is nice for those few occasions when you would need all 3. I only have one remote, wish I had two minimum.

 

[Z-Michigan]

What are you doing with all those hydraulic remotes? I have one on my tractor (separate from the FEL control valve) and I don't know when I'm ever going to use it.

Weiser, your planned uses make me think that you would be happier with a HST transmission, which is not available on the L4400. It is available on the L3400 and on the "Grand L" series (Lxx30 and Lxx40 models).

 

[texasjohn]

One remote is dedicated to the hydraulic top link.

That leaves none for a disk harrow, or seeder, or other hydraulic operaton. I'd install a hydraulic tilt if I had another remote. Now, I have to set the top link, disconnect it and connect other hydraulic equipment. Inconvient and messy.

 

[weiser]

Thank you both for your comments.

z-michigan - good point on the hydro - I am looking at those as well. Don't want to go down to the 3400, and am looking at grand-L's now.

I am not absolutely certain on the remotes - which is why I need some real-world input. One thought comes from renting skid-loaders (bob cat's) last summer. some attachement - like the landscape rake (I have a lot of earthwork to do) require hydaulic hookup to operate. If I have a port for this near the QA attatch (front) I can rent the rake, and have at with the tractor.

I am looking for more input...

texasjohn - what's the top link? what else requires hydraulic remote? and most important: if I need the hydraulic up front (above and beyond the FEL two) what's the best way to skin that cat??

 

[texasjohn]

First, Welcome to TBN... just saw that you only have a few posts and are now getting down to the questions that are really important to you... which is what TBN is all about.

I'd strongly suggest that you settle into your computer chair, grab a bottle of kikapoo joy juice and settle in for a long read of existing TBN threads.

Your question is easy to ask.... and many, many factors go into the answer. Much of this has already been covered in prior posts, so all you have to do is read all about it.

The search feature on TBN is reasonable... all you have to do is to include the specific words you are interested in, then be willing to read a number of threads on the topic.

you asked..what's the top link? It's the top connection of the 3 point hitch going back to a piece of equipment connected to your 3 point lift arms. Typically, it is an adjustable screw device allowing it to be made longer or shorter. I and others have replaced this with a hydraulic cylinder that allows length adjustment from the tractor seat using hydraulics. To learn more, search TBN for TOP and TILT and read the many threads.

you asked about hydraulics for additional FEL attachments. Again, many, many posts on TBN about this. Many different connection approaches, each with pros and cons, some of which are tractor dependent. There is a lot to learn. To get you started, check out this thread about adding a grapple.

 

[Kendall69]

I use three remotes for the rear. Two for the top and tilt ( permanently plumbed in), and one for the road scraper up and down. Next time I'm going with four - three for top tilt ( left right and up down Permanently plumbed ) and one for the road scaper up and down with quick disconnect.
I guess I could go with quick disconnect with all, then I would only need three, but what's one more when your doing it anyway.
Remote valve for a grappler with a button on the lift control.

 

[Bob_Young]

L4400 options? I feel the following are mandatory:
1) Rear Remotes-for tilt and top and the occasional pull-type implement that has a cylinder to raise it. The tractor will handle a larger pull-type bush hog than it will a 3 pt., that's true of some other implements as well. The pull-types generally have a hyd. cylinder to raise them for transport. Three Remotes would be ideal and are probably the L4400's limit; get at least two.

2) Block heater-if you live anywhere that gets cold for sustained periods. They're not needed to get the tractor started; but they certainly take the pain and the clatter out of warmup. Can't help but think the engine will last longer as well.

3) Bucket hooks-Invaluable for lifting and moving stuff with the FEL. The dealer will weld them on for you. Used to be a freebie, last ones cost me $30 apiece...but still well worth it. Get one in the middle and one on each end of the bucket.

4) Filled Rears-The L4400 is powerful, yet light. Fluid in the rears helps you get that power to the ground and also acts as a counterbalance for the FEL. Without the fluid, you're going to be toting an implement on the 3pt. all the time to get the weight.

Besides these things, you'll probably want a bolt-on toothbar for the FEL bucket. Helps a lot with digging and with getting under brush & stuff you want to scoop up.

You might also want to look at a bucket grapple if you'll be cleaning up brush. ATI makes a good one as do these guys: the W e s L o r group....Excellence in Metal Processing

All the above applies if you decide to go upscale with a Grand L.
FWIW
Bob