Thinking of buying a JD 4300

merlin30 · Jul 17, 2008

I have been looking at a 2003 4300 with FEL. It is a 32 HP and is excellent condition. It only has 68 hours on it. The dealer is asking $11,500 for the unit. I have done a lot of looking and everything is pointing towards a good or great deal at that price. Any thoughts from the experts?

The same dealer has a 28 HP 4210 Ehydro with FEL. It is a 2005 with 100 hours on it. Looks like it just came off the lot yesterday. He is asking $12,900 for this one. I have seen a few negative things about the Ehydro. Any thoughts which is the better tractor? Pros and cons on either?

Thanks for any advice you might provide.

kennyd · Jul 18, 2008

Welcome to TBN

I won't comment on the price to much-but it's very dependant on where you live so having that info may help others comment on that...but you can search machinefinder to get an idea of what the general price is.

My preference would be the 4300. They are bulletproof tractors-very well designed and very rugged. Those and the 4310 where among the best selling CUT's JD had!

The 4200 and 4210 series is the same physical size as the 4300, but with lower horsepower (28 I think) and seemed a bit underpowered for it's size. Plus the 4210 your looking at has all the electronics on it with the eHydro tranny that can have a few quirks-but mostly has been successful.

RogerH · Jul 18, 2008

Note that the 2003 production date for the 4300 isn't correct as production of these units ended in 2001 when they were replaced by the 4310. That detail shouldn't affect the value of a well cared for tractor.

If you have a serial number there are people on this forum that should be able to tell you that actual manufacturing year.

Mighty Dodge · Jul 18, 2008

I've got a 4200. It does everything I need and has worked flawlessly. Tractor Data has some info on hp hydraulic flow and a s/n list.
TractorData.com - John Deere 4300 tractor data

M.D.

merlin30 · Jul 18, 2008

I am leaning towards the 4300 based on everything I have read. I also agree that the 4210 is really nice but I am hesitant due to all the electronics on it. Since the 4300 is more machanical I think it would be less to repair if needed. I have looked at the 4300 on machinefinder and tractorhouse it seems to be in line but a little below what is being asked on these sites.

I am planning on going to the dealer today and I will get the serial number. What should I be looking for on the tractor to make sure it is all on the up and up?

merlin30 · Jul 18, 2008

Sorry I forgot to mention that both are located in VIRGINIA.

dieselram · Jul 18, 2008

That is a good price and the hours are real low, make sure it has the 430 loader. Read my sig., I sold my 4310 to get my 4300 and I love it! I agree with kennyD on everything he said, these are great tractors. My father in law has a 4200 (26 hp?) and it is a bit underpowered. With the 4300 you could get the 430 loader and 48 hoe where as the 4200 or "10" you could only get the 420 and the 47. Don't know why because they seem the same size chassis but that is Deere for ya!

merlin30 · Jul 18, 2008

Ok I got the serial # off the tractor today. LV4300H332820. Looking at the website that Mighty Dodge attached it appears that the machine is a 2000 if I am reading it correctly.

I went by the dealer (distant family member) and placed a hold on the tractor until I get my home equity line completed. My decision was made up but someone bought the 4210 today anyway.

Any particular areas that I should look for problems on the tractor? Is the 4300 known for any issues. I have not read about any.

Thanks!

Mighty Dodge · Jul 18, 2008

Check the tranny cooler behind the battery. Make sure it's not being corroded by the battery. The battery and tranny cooler are behind the front grill.
Mine had a little corrosion which I cleaned up. If you don't catch it in time it can eat a hole in the tranny cooler. Some have put gel batteries in their tractors to correct the problem. I cut a piece of rubber roofing a little higher that battery and wrapped it around the battery to keep any acid and or outgasing from getting to the cooler. So far so good.

M.D.

AKfish · Jul 19, 2008

I seem to recall some discussion here on this forum regarding a front end issue with the 00 series JD tractors.

Something to the effect that the front wheels wouldn't track correctly when turning short and would grab and gouge lawns and turf pretty badly.

Don't remember exactly what Deere did to remedy the problem. Since this particular tractor is a 2000 year model; it could be that Deere had engineered a technical fix for the later models.

A search here should turn up some info.

AKfish