Upgrading-Front Loader question

HorseMom · Jun 26, 2003

We're almost decided on upgrading our '85 JD850 to a new JD4310. We're slowly turning 80 acres of pine trees, creeks, and (some) pasture into a horse farm and retirement home.

The 850 has done its job well as our first tractor (2.5 years). We have bushogged many walking paths, mow the 9 acre pasture, keep the road leveled with the box blade.

However... we've just had some pines cut, and we have a mess to clean up. Limbs strewn, piles to burn, ruts from the heavy equipment. Also, in the areas where we had the pines pushed, we're ready to "prepare" the land for planting.

We need more tools!

After reading many of your posts, and consulting with our JD guy - we're focusing on the 4310 (debating between a low hours used and a new one), here's what we're adding to our toybox:

1) disc cultivator
2) all purpose plow
3) spreader
and...

FEL
The barely used 4310 has a 420 loader. If we order new, we have the option of getting the 430 loader for about $600 more. Also, we are considering purchasing ($375) some "teeth" that can be attached to the loader bucket, to make it dig better.

Can I get some feedback on loader choices for the 4310? We want to move brush, dirt, manure, haybales, possibly timber. We have areas with dips that we'd love to make smoother. Our JD guy says that the 430 is mainly more useful with a bigger tractor than the 4310, and that the standard bucket will suffice. What do you think? Anybody have the add-on teeth?

Thanks for helping.

jdeerestl · Jun 26, 2003

I just got a toothbar for the 2210. It is amazing what that thing will do. I would not hesitate to get one. You will never dig without it.

Golfgar4 · Jun 26, 2003

Can't really give you any advice on which loader to consider, but based on the description of the kind of jobs you'll be doing, I'd think you might want to consider a 4 in 1 bucket (with teeth!) for whichever loader you select. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

rancar · Jun 26, 2003

Welcome to the JD forums HorseMom...

"...Can I get some feedback on loader choices for the 4310? We want to move brush, dirt, manure, haybales, possibly timber. We have areas with dips that we'd love to make smoother. Our JD guy says that the 430 is mainly more useful with a bigger tractor than the 4310, and that the standard bucket will suffice. What do you think? Anybody have the add-on teeth?..."

I believe the 430 FEL is the standard for the JD 4310 mid-size chassis. To go higher, you would want the 460 FEL. These though are made for large size chassis like the 4510 through 4710. With all the work you have planned out for that FEL, no, you would want to upgrade to the heavy-duty bucket.

Attached is a pic of a toothbar on my HD bucket attached to my 460 FEL. I would certainly recommend one of these toothbars with the FEL work you have planned.

...Bob

rancar · Jun 26, 2003

...and here's another pic of another toothbar that's on my 4in1 bucket.

...Bob

HorseMom · Jun 26, 2003

we didn't inquire about 4-in-1 buckets. Can you tell me what they will do that a regular bucket doesn't?

rancar · Jun 26, 2003

In simple terms, 4in1 is analogous to four functions that this type of bucket performs. Functions are: 1) FEL bucket (when in fully closed position....just use it as one would use any other bucket), 2) grapple (clamshell opens in middle...one can pick up rocks, material piles, logs, etc), 3) dozer (clamshell opened and bottom back edge is used as dozer blade when in forward movement), and 4) boxblade (clamshell opened and back edge of opened clamshell is used when back dragging).

...Bob

rockyridgefarm · Jun 26, 2003

( Can I get some feedback on loader choices for the 4310? We want to move brush, dirt, manure, haybales, possibly timber )

The 430 will give you more options in buckets, and is rated for small round bales. The 420 is not. I upgraded and am glad that I did.

If I were to use the 420 that way, and it had a problem, I would be using it outside the manufacturers stated use, and could be liable.

You don't mention MFWD and HST. I think both are a real plus, and the HST is a very important safety issue. Get a full bucket and going down hill, it'll stop if you take your foot off the pedal, in a gear model, you can get a hairy ride. (or worse)

JerryG · Jun 26, 2003

Get a full bucket and going down hill, it'll stop if you take your foot off the pedal, in a gear model, you can get a hairy ride. (or worse)

Yes, normally HST will stop the tractor if you take your foot off of the pedal. But where do you get a hairy ride from a non-HST. Sometimes, I think from listening to the HST guys, that the tractor companys are wasting their time and your money by even putting brakes on HST tractors. I usually don't get into HST vs Standard issues, but something the preceived benefits of HST are vastly OVER stated. This is not just directed at you rockyridgefarm.

rockyridgefarm · Jun 26, 2003

A really experienced operator would always know to be in a low gear before pointing a heavily loaded machine down a hill. A less experienced one might figure out too late that they're on a runaway ride. If someone doesn't know which camp they are in, it is probably the latter.

I have used my brakes, several times...