Quote on a 4320 Tractor ++

[Dissolute]

In a completely unexpected turn of events my wife is as excited about buying a tractor as I am.

After multiple visits, test-drives, research on the Internet, and soliciting the advice of other tractor owners, I obtained the following quote:

4320 Tractor w. telescoping links, mid SCVs, Power + Beyond, Industrial tires, 400 cx self leveling front end loader, add't rear remote; 448 back-hoe with oil cooler and frame mounting kit = $34,000 set up and delivered.

I intend to keep shopping but would like to know if this is a good deal.

Thanks

 

[mike223]

I drove a 4320 last week and got the following quote from my local Deere dealer.
4320 tractor, open station with standard seat, eHydro, R4 tires, dual mid scv, and 400x loader for $25,100 out the door. This was contingent on showing him the quote from the Kubota dealer for an M4800 w/ 702 loader for $25,200. I'm not sure it was an apples to apples comparison, as the Deere had the eHydro, which is very nice, v. the Kubota with the syncro shuttle manual trans. The Kubota has 50 HP and is normally aspirated, which is one for them. I'm still looking at the Deere 4320, Kubota M4800, and New Holland TC45DA. I really like the HP on the Kubota, the eHydro on the Deere, and the visibility and SuperSteer on the New Holland. So far though the price and dealership support is going to New Holland. Ergonomically the New Holland also is better than the Kubota, and the Deere is a close second to the New Holland. I guess I need to make up my mind before long, cause I'm gonna have to start cutting the field before too much longer, or hire it done one more time.

 

[Dissolute]

I've not considered the M series Kubotas. Have you driven one? I found the Deere 4320 to be quite nimble in 2wd.

Sounds like my dealer is close on price with $21, 701 on Tractor and $4225 on self leveling FEL.

Let me know what you think of the driving characteristics of of the Kubota M class.

Thanks

 

[Dissolute]

However, my quote was w/o the hydro... transmission. So it sounds like you're coming substantiall cheaper than I am.

 

[BloomingtonMike]

So I went the JD's websit and built this configuration. List price is $34,852.00. People are always on the quest to save between 5% and 12% off list. I am not saying that is feasable in your area but that is a target number some members like to use. I just wanted you to know about the configurator on JD's site.

One other question - did you get just telescoping draft links or the diverter kit as well. If you got the kit add in $1100 - $35,952 for list.

 

[Dissolute]

I tried the JD configurator and came up with $37,827, but am not certain I could repeat the process and come up with the same number.

--Should the subframe for the backhoe be included in the price for the 448 hoe?

--Should the oil cooler be included in the price of the 448 hoe?

--The configurator also didn't allow for the self leveling FEL (model 400cx), only the 400x

What does the diverter kit include?
--The local dealer assessed $774 for a "rear remote" in addition to the "Power Beyond". From the configuration, it appears I could get an additional two SCVs for $1100, in the diverter kit.

Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[BloomingtonMike]

I believe I forgot to add in teh 400CX!!!??!! Sorry about that. That makes the tractor a ton cheaper. Look at it like a free loader then!!

Boy, I thought my number looked too close. Sorry about that. I feel much better about your quoted price now.

 

[mike223]

Dissolute,
Yes, I've driven the M4800, as well as the Kubota MX5000, the Mahindra 4110, the Kioti DK55, the Deere 4320, and the New Holland TC45DA. I like the Kubota because it is normally aspirated and stone simple. Not alot of electronics and doodads to go wrong. It also has steel fenders, and seems to be quieter and smoother than some of the others. I also liked the Mahindra for some of the same reasons, as well as more weight. I'll be cutting on some slopes and wider track and more weight seem to be good things for that. Another reason why I want 4WD as well. As I stated earlier, the NH and the JD are ergonomically superior to the others, but are more "complex" machines; i.e. more stuff to break. The JD and the Kioti are turbocharged, which is also something else to break, and needs some care when cooling down and changing oil. I absolutely loved the JD eHydro, and NH's HST/SuperSteer, which is not available on either of the Kubota products, but again, it's a matter of tradeoffs. I don't expect to be doing alot of loader work, mostly cutting fields and plowing for food plots and a truck garden and some small orchard work, so I'm unsure how important the HST option is. The Kioti and Mahindra are second tier tractors that don't have the resale or longterm dealer support history that the "Big 3" have, but they're nice tractors that can save dollars up front.

These are just my opinions based upon having driven all of the above, and trying to make up my mind as well. I've not actually used any of the above, so take my opinions with that in mind. The only tractor that I've actually used is my granddads Allis Chalmers, and it's not around anymore.

I hope that the moderators don't bust me for talking about tractors
other than JD in the JD section, but I'm just answering your question.

 

[ddivinia]

Is there really that much more stuff that breaks? Sure there is more stuff on these tractors that migth break, but does it? I thought that oringally also, but it seems that very little of this stuff breaks.

I remember growing listening to people saying not to get power windows and door locks on car - too much stuff to break. There is no way I woudl buy a new car or truck without power windows and doorlocks.

I believe the reality of today is that a lot of this stuff doesn't break. They are more complex, but figured out. The John Deere model 40 I grew up on sure was simple, and it ususally started but I would not trade it for one of my new tractors with all the stuff that might break.

D.

 

[mike223]

Well, I don't know if it will break, but I do know that it can. As an old helicopter pilot, I may be predisposed to anticipate failure of gee whiz type of "improvements. The plane that I fly for work now is the old 727. Late 50's stuff, but ultra reliable, especially when compared to the "electric" jets of newer vintage. The question heard most in electronic aircraft cockpits nowadays is "What's it doing now?". I guess my attitude toward tractors reflects this. BTW, I have had electric windows stick in the down position, and in 10 degree weather to boot. If I could still get a new truck with manual window cranks, I would. Some of the electronic devices that they're putting on diesel trucks isn't the most reliable either, and you haven't lived until your electronic "shift on the fly" 4 WD fails to do so. Took a while to get out of that one. In short, I'll give you my corollary to Murphy's Law: Murphy was an optimist.