Looking at JD 4120 or 4044R - opinions?

[voltedge]

I'm looking into buying either the 4120 or the 4044R to replace my Kubota B series, but haven't been able to actually see either one in person in my area. I am in the Atlanta,Ga area in case anyone knows of either on a dealers lot. Upon my research, I understand that the 4120 uses an actual JD turbocharged engine vs the 4044R which uses a Yanmar non-turbo engine. Is either one better than the other? I always thought a "real" JD is what would be best, but who knows. I also see that the 4044R will have all of the new DPF emissions on it as well. One interesting thing that I saw while watching a Youtube video linked here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFKyOWKRuTU was that the new 4R will offer "Hydraulic Downforce" down pressure which is unheard of on CUT units. Once I priced out a 4044R on JD'd website I couldn't find this option? I guess it isn't available at this time? JD has way too many models and options when shopping vs Kubota which really confuses the crap out of someone like me! Your advice or experiences are greatly appreciated and will be a valuable tool in my shopping for a tractor.
If any of you just recently purchased a 4120 or 4044R, please let me know what the price you paid happened to be. Looking forward to the responses....

 

[arlen4720]

I'm sure the Yanmar is a good engine. I believe it is a 4 cylinder, so I would think it would be as smooth as the JD Powertech. I did not know that the Yanmar was normally aspirated. I really like my JD engine as well. The JD Powertech is a solid design with many years of operation in skid steers, generators, and CUTs. The down force option on the 3 point would be nice, as well as being able to inch the tractor forward and back, and control the 3 point from the rear fender. The new loader is nice too, and I think that will fit the 4x20's also.
The downside is the tier 4.
Pick your poison. If it were me, I would probably go with the 4120, just to avoid the tier 4. I would maybe even go for a 4520 just to get the eThrottle option, and a better fuel injection system than the 4120 and 4320.

 

[harp]

I have a 4120 and like it very much.

 

[voltedge]

I appreciate the replies so far, but I would have thought there would have been more response by now. I guess since the 4044R isn't in the hands of many if any consumers at this point, it may be the reason. At least give me some responses on the 4120 if you have any comments. Thanks again

 

[CrownHawg]

I have a 4120, had it about 4 years now and it is great. I first looked at the 3032 and 3038 but didn't like the smaller frame and non ability to add many attachements. The FEL did not come off the 30XX models either. Overall, the 41XX series in my mind is the absolute best choice for mid sized tractor needs. Not too big that it cannot be transported on a normal trailer, but big enough to handle most everything the small rancher or homeowner can throw at it. Good luck with your search!

 

[jenkinsph]

I appreciate the replies so far, but I would have thought there would have been more response by now. I guess since the 4044R isn't in the hands of many if any consumers at this point, it may be the reason. At least give me some responses on the 4120 if you have any comments. Thanks again

The 4120 is a good tractor, but I would rather have the higher hp models as Arlen suggested. My 110 was the same hp roughly and same frame size as the 4120 and when shopping for a new tractor I knew the 60hp engine was more appealing. While the tractive abilities are about the same the 4520 covers a lot more ground in an hour.

The Yanmar vs Deere engine is not a big deal as both are very good, doesn't matter which one is in the tractors to me. As for the tier 3 vs tier 4 engines I just don't know as I haven't had any experience with them. I suspect it will take a few years for us to know enough to comment on them.

 

[eagleron]

I have the 4120 and love it. Has the Powertech that was built in the engine factory in Atlanta. It is turbo charged and I have not had one bit of a problem. E-Hydro, FEL,R4 tires. I have a lawn and landscaping business and also do bush-hogging, food plots and tilling(6ft). Bought mine with eighty hours on it used from the dealer,(man wanted a bigger one) only used it to mow his deer camp yard, not his plots. Paid 19,000 with loader,(dealer put on new) heavy duty bucket. Tractor was kept locked up in garage not exposed to elements still had factory warranty and owner had purchased extended warranty which passed on to me. Have the Quick Hitch (I-Match) cruise control, MFW, 2 remote valves in back extra lights in front and back. Not cab, but canopy. Could not do without this tractor. Good friend of mine has NH place he was to high, Kubota was higher. I farmed for 16 years ran JD all of the years, combines, pickers, 6030;4840.4850's 225 horse power and up. As the saying goes, Nothing runs like a deer. I have all JD Zero turn's. Tried Scagg once, never again. Get the 4120.

 

[Wobblin-Goblin]

Personally, I think the Massey Ferguson 1600 series CUTs and the John Deere 4X20 series CUTs are the best compact tractor lines ever made. Our family farm has a 1980 JD 850 with a Yanmar engine and it still runs as well today as it did 34 years ago. I'd trust a Yanmar engine even more than a JD one.