Need help choosing between 4120 and 4610

toyseeker · Oct 7, 2004

Hi all,

I am new to TBN. I am trying to decide between the 4120 and the 4610. The price is going to be about $1300 more for the 4120. I had a chance to drive both today. Impressions are as follows. I did not notice huge changes in visibility. The hood looks longer but narrower on the 4610 vs. 4120. The tractors did not have a loader so I can't say about how easy it is to see the bucket. The new parking brake is a winner in my book. I drove the 4120 first and got used to it then switched to the 4610. The 4610 was noticeably smoother and quieter than the 4120. Though at PTO speed the 4610 runs at higher RPM and may be just as loud. Other than that they feel the same. I did not like the looks of the 4120 as well as the 4610 from pictures I saw, but in person, the 4120 kind of looks really cool. I worry that the 4610 wont hold value as well now that the 20 series is out. On the flip side I worry about an engine that is not proven in a tractor with the 4120.

These tractors are harvest rental returns with about 80 hr on them and I need to decide pronto before someone else snaps them up.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Dan

timb · Oct 7, 2004

Sheesh, I knew I wasn't getting much seat time - but hearing that someone managed to get a Twenty Series AND rack up 80 hours already really rubs it in! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

The engines in the Twenty Series are not new - they go back years in JD skid steers. I forget the model series, but if you go to JD Parts, look up the motors for the Twenty Series and do a 'where used' you'll come up with the (discontinued?) skid steers they were used in before the Twenty series. That said, I have heard just a few rumors that those motors were not spectacularly reliable - unlike the Yanmars in the Ten series that most everyone seems to consider bulletproof. I did not confirm that when I was looking, but myself I'd try to find out more scoop to confirm/dispel that if I were looking at the Twenties.

Actually - besides esthetics and the motor, there is very little of real difference between the Twenty series and the late model Tens. Just a few relatively minor things like the parking brake as you noticed (advantage Twenty series), the fuel fill (advantage Ten?), the steering column and tilt (possible advantage Twenty?). The one piece hood on the Twenty seems like a mixed blessing. Less panels to move to get at the motor, but I think that you have to drop the hood guard every time to even open the hood, unlike the Ten - and I understand it takes up more room overhead if you're in a cramped shed.

I wouldn't worry about the loaders - very little real world difference but if you like the new 400X better than the 460 - it can be fitted to the 4610.

I also wouldn't be too worried about relative resale values - there doesn't seem to have ever been much of a penalty on older Deere series when a new one is out. Look up used 4000's versus the 4000-Tens, or the 70 series versus the 90's (770/790 or 970/990). Seems like hours and condition are much more relevant than the series designation.

Personally - assuming that both have the same tranny and it's apples to apples - I'd take the 4610 and put the $1300 into an implement or two I needed. Good luck, both are likely to be very good tractors.

rockyridgefarm · Oct 7, 2004

Tim is dead on!

You can find something about each to sway you, but whichever you have will perform well!

Mark4510 · Oct 7, 2004

I would agree with the others. Save the money and get additional implements.

My 4510 has been great to have and it would take a significant change in features to get me to switch. I use the tractor almost everyday and its been a work horse. I would have liked the extra HP that the 4610 provides so I can go up a gear while dragging the arena but that would be the only thing.

If you are going to get implements do so when buying the machine and negotiate with the dealer to get a package price.

Mark

Mark

Dutch445 · Oct 7, 2004

You might want to look at loader specs between the loaders. If you are doing a lot of digging or lifting work with the loader, the 460 is a bit stronger. Most likely some of the specs are due to the new design of the boom, sticks out further forward of the tractor a bit. But the curl function is significantly heavier on the old 460,,, 3270 vs 4370 lbs.. again, depends on what your duties will be.
Engine differences are hard to say which will be better. The Yanny has definately proven itself, but Deere engines have good reputations also.
In my eyes, the difference in price should be greater. Probably the fact that these tractors have hours on them has something to do with that.

They are both strong tractors, I'm sure you will be happy with either.
/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

rockyridgefarm · Oct 7, 2004

Some of the differences in loader specs MAY have something to do with a change in the measuring stick. I notice the 400X lists some spec that the 460 doesn't...

toyseeker · Oct 8, 2004

Thanks for all the opinions. I “think” I have decided on the 4610. I will be getting the 400x loader. The dealer says he has them and that they are having a hard time even finding the 460.

A couple of impressions I forgot to mention. I do indeed like the new steering wheel and column tilt of the 20 series better. Lastly the power steering pump on the 20 series sounds nasty! At first I thought there was a rattle or buzz on the dash. After a while I figured out that it was just the power steering pump. I drove three 20 series tractors, and they all sounded the same. When I switched to the 4610 it was a lot quieter.

Dan

Mark4510 · Oct 8, 2004

Dan,
I dont think you can go wrong. If you are looking at using the loader for digging you might look at getting a toothbar. I think most folks that have one would not dig without it.

Post pictures when you can of your new purchase.
Mark