What is the build quality on the new JD line?

[JDCAN]

Well now after all my reading and finally picking a machine ( this is my first Tractor & JD product) This question is for all the existing owners of newer John Deere products, what is today’s build quality like on John Deere?

It is clear John Deere has a great reputation for quality but I want to really know what the real user thinks about John Deere today, so for everyone with a unit any input on the build quality, fit and finish? Anything you found disappointing etc? Does the old saying apply “they don’t make them like they use to”

Let’s hear the good and the bad.

 

[Z-Michigan]

Two months ago I bought a 5105 tractor and 522 FEL. I believe they were both made in mid to late 2006 (were sold as new from a dealer). The tractor is assembled in Georgia and I believe the FEL is made in Canada somewhere. Both have been top notch; the only problem in 42 hours of operation is that the range shift knob came loose, which the dealer promptly repaired. No other problems. It starts right up and runs great. I think the build quality is excellent, and in fact looking really closely at several brands is a significant reason why I bought Deere instead of another. One interesting part to look at is the 3ph construction, especially how it all fits together. It's a totally un-sexy thing which most people wouldn't spend any time looking at, but it really matters in terms of durability and ease of use. When I compare the 5105 3ph to that on a Kubota M5040, I see the JD as being much better designed and built.

 

[SFish]

Hi JDCAN, I got a new 3320 about 6 months ago. I am not really very concerned with fit and finish, but this rig looks pretty good. My comments are mostly about design features.

I have 160 acres of very rough, steep, and wooded northern California coastal range property. Many of the roads are very old logging roads sometimes hung on the sides of slopes that could be called cliffs. I really like the precision of the e-hydro dual pedal control, especially with loadmatch and cruise control, for working tight and dangerous places. I am hoping this system will be as durable as my previous all mechanical machine.

My biggest ergonomic gripe is with the seat suspension. I am fairly heavy and not real tall, and I have found that adjusting the seat height for comfortable foot position on the e-hydro pedals is difficult. The seat tends to bounce and move my feet on the pedals. I am thinking of altering the spring tension mechanism to be an absolute height adjustment because most of my work is slow and doesn't require a suspension. I also don't like how close the backhoe seat is to the tractor seat so that one has to be flipped up when I am sitting in the other, or the tractor seat has to be very far forward.

Many here have commented on the lack of a reasonable tool box, or even a good place for one. My tractor is starting to look like a traveling hardware store with tools, chains, etc. hung all over.

I am struggling with dressing loader hoses where they connect to the tractor near the mast so they don't get snagged.

There is too much slop in the loader bucket so that it moves too much when working it or traveling with a load.

No right side step and the loader control is in the way when getting on or off (this has also been talked about here).

I would really like a park position on the transmission because of transmission creep when stopped on slopes. The parking brake works, but not well enough to notice when I take off with it on.

Overall I am very pleased with this machine because it is so competent and strong. It is handling all the dirt moving I am doing easily, but I will eventually find its limit with logging because I have several 4ft diameter firs and 3ft diameter tanoaks to deal with.

Steve

 

[fgross335_2210]

I have a 2210 with 150+ hours. It was an early build unit, first or second batch, bought new in Feb 2003. Other than the infamous top-link plate leak (fixed under warranty), it has been 100% trouble-free. Nothing has broken, worn out, snapped, etc. Performance has been consistent and I have only needed to do routine maintenance each season/year.

What I cannot comment on is the electronics, the 2210 is 100% mechanical, no sensors or electronic trans controls. There have been a fair number of posts at TBN from people who have had issues with the electronics, but no worse than any other "new" technology.

 

[proglassco]

We have owned several pieces of JD equipment, but my favorite (and most commented on) is the 4720. While we have had one major problem (engine), JD was VERY quick to respond, and I feel has taken care of the problem in a timely manner.

The thing with a JD is that you really start to admire the engineering after you have purchased it. In the case of the tractor, F911 mower, and 6x4 Gator, you will notice things like special drain holes/chanels that will flow used motor oil away from your filter/plug. It is the little things that JD does that makes it worth buying a green machine.

 

[orlo]

Hi:

I have a 3320 (50 hrs) and a 2305 (90 hrs). I'm trading in one of them (Probably the 3320) for a 3720 Cab.

I've found the quality to be pretty good. I have the same seat gripe as a previous poster. I'm 5'6 and 220 and the seat at the top of the position is a little tall. I haven't done it yet, but I looked and if I made the top travel bumper a little thicker I could fix that and limit the travel at the top.

2305 has been great. No problems at all. A strong, strong little tractor. I especially like the 62C deck. The easiest deck to put on/off I've ever used. Fit and Finish seems to be pretty good. The only thing I ever found was one of the loader bolts (Found this during my 10 hour checkup) was stripped. I simply put a longer bolt (same grade) and a Nut on. I think this probably was an over zealous dealer setup person with an impact wrench.

3320 has been great also. Mostly mowing. The 72" deck works wonders. A little harder to put on and off than the 62C on the 2305. One gripe (minor) is that there is no gauge on the deck height adjustment. (The 2305/2320 have nice dials) so you find yourself measuring the deck height instead of turning a knob. Also changing height on the fly without dismounting isn't possible.

Loadmatch works great with anything, even mowing. The stock cruise control isn't very usefull in my eye since when you shut it off you'll skid the tires. Add the automotive cruise so you can step down the speed. The only other alternative is to push the e-hydro pedals to where you think the speed is then take the cruise off. Motion match works well, but you can still skid the wheels if you try taking your foot off the pedal.

I (as well as others) really like the feel of the mechanical hydro (2305) better than the e-hydro. Loadmatch, motionmatch, cruise is all great, but you can spin with the e-hydro without knowing it. (I've did it many times when I first got my 3320). You don't get any pedal feedback.

I've had no issues with either machine that required dealer service.

 

[gbick]

My 4310 has been a pleasure for 3 yrs. Build quality is nice. The ergonomics and ease of operation (e-hydro with Load Control) can make a mediocre operator look good. I'm comparing to my beloved 1952 Farmall Super C which I owned for 14 yrs prior to the 4310. I could never go back!! Although most all modern tractors will shine when compared functionally with the vintage mules, this Deere has some features that I prefer over other modern brands.(twin pedal hydro, usable steering brakes, etc)
That said, my main gripe is the so-so parking brake, and a few minor annoyances that I dealt with as soon as I got it. Oh, and those green and yellow throw-away lawn"tractors" sold at Home Depot only cheapen the brand and alienate customers. Greg.

 

[Greyfields]

The stock cruise control is pretty cheesey as stated above... there's a lot of plastic on new tractors as well.

As far as build quality, the drivetrain seems solid. I've had a few zerks fall off here and there, but generally nothing too shaby.

 

[machmeter62]

I bought a new JD 790 in the spring of 2000. I truly like the tractor even though it is limited on performance with the loader (Model 70) and the three point struggles with 800#. These are not my complaints; however, the surging of the Yanmar engine with the slightest lugging, becomes a (PITA), regardless of selected gear, which causes the tractor to start "bucking!!" The solution is to "ride the clutch", which is not an option to me. This happens when working in confined areas under a load, which is why I purchased it. Also, I checked under warranty then, and they said it was the nature of the engine? The engine idles smooth, and I suspect maybe it has one weak injector, but no work was done.

The downside with JD, I believe is their pricing structure? Depending on the area of the country one lives in; they are pricey tractors, which leads me to believe you can purchase others, with equal or better quality for less money? It wasn't till after the turn of this century, that JD realized the huge demand for the compact tractor market, and started competing in that segment, and are now filling it with quality tractors. As a new buyer, however, I would check on other manufactures products also, before buying a name brand only!

 

[kennyd]

I bought a new JD 790 in the spring of 2000. I truly like the tractor even though it is limited on performance with the loader (Model 70) and the three point struggles with 800#. These are not my complaints; however, the surging of the Yanmar engine with the slightest lugging, becomes a (PITA), regardless of selected gear, which causes the tractor to start "bucking!!" The solution is to "ride the clutch", which is not an option to me. This happens when working in confined areas under a load, which is why I purchased it. Also, I checked under warranty then, and they said it was the nature of the engine? The engine idles smooth, and I suspect maybe it has one weak injector, but no work was done.

That is DEFINATLY NOT NORMAL! Your dealer dropped the ball on this one.