What's a good JD model 30-35hp, 4wd?

[meyerske]

What's a good JD model 30-35hp, 4wd? Would prefer HST, position control, and cruise. Thanks.

 

[Wagtail]

If you haven't already, I'd peruse TractorData.com - John Deere tractors sorted by model to assist in comparing the models.

 

[beenthere]

I have the JD 4300.. best compact utility JD made IMO. Have looked to trade up, but don't find something better than the 4300. No computer, tough, and has good hood/panel arrangement for air flow, etc.
But being that is the case, finding a JD 4300 is very difficult.. I've been looking for a good friend for a long time.

4400 would be good too, but not the 4200.

 

[texasranger556]

Some would argue that the 42/43/4400 have issues. Complaints of HST transmission problems, front axles, and a few other things I'm forgetting. With that said I have a 4300 and 4400. Bought the 4300 first and while searching for a backhoe for it found the 4400 with less hours and a hoe already installed for a price I couldn't pass up. The 4300 will be for sale soon.

The 955 before it was a strong tractor, but they're even harder to find in good condition. The 42/43/4410 came next and introduced more computer controlled stuff like electronically controlled HST. They're nice but more expensive to fix.

I would second the recommendation to avoid the 4200. It's underpowered for its size especially if you want to mow with it and has a smaller hydraulic pump. I don't know much about the models after the 10 series, they were just coming out when I changed careers.

 

[RyeThomas]

I wanted a 43/44 series tractor but as stated they can be hard to find, they command a top end price due to the reputation and the fact it's getting harder to find one without a ton of hours and or being worn out.
I went bottom of the barrel with a 3032e. I know some don't like the e series and Im not saying it's the best tractor but for me it does everything I need it to do and the price was right. Ignorance is bliss as well, I've never had a tractor with a bunch of options so what I don't know I don't know.
I think they are good tractors for the money, JMO.
Remember to take your time and shop around, best of luck. Rye.



texasranger I'm close to Maryland so if you do sell your 4300 let me know, I might know someone interested.

 

[Eric102]

My 3320 has been bulletproof for 9 years now, zero issues other than a warranty repair of the adjustable steering wheel in its 1st year.

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

X2 on the 3320.
Previously had 2008 / 3320 / OS & now have 2007 / 3320 CAB.
No issues with either one.

 

[larboc]

Some would argue that the 42/43/4400 have issues. Complaints of HST transmission problems, front axles, and a few other things I'm forgetting. With that said I have a 4300 and 4400. Bought the 4300 first and while searching for a backhoe for it found the 4400 with less hours and a hoe already installed for a price I couldn't pass up. The 4300 will be for sale soon.

The 955 before it was a strong tractor, but they're even harder to find in good condition. The 42/43/4410 came next and introduced more computer controlled stuff like electronically controlled HST. They're nice but more expensive to fix.

I would second the recommendation to avoid the 4200. It's underpowered for its size especially if you want to mow with it and has a smaller hydraulic pump. I don't know much about the models after the 10 series, they were just coming out when I changed careers.

I was on the fence between a 955 and a 4300 when I bought my 4300. I had a lot of time on x55's but had never seen a 4x00 series before.

I don't know that I've heard of the HST transmission problems you're speaking of aside from the range lever selector shaft being easy to brake if you force a range changed with butted gears.

I also haven't heard of any front axle issues, are you talking about the ackerman angle tearing up grass? I personally think that's got a lot to do with how sharp you can turn it so people turn it all the way. It definitely seems to be able to turn sharper than anything else I've driven.

I really only have two major complaints about mine
My biggest complaint when comparing to a 955 are the fragile plastic hood and operator station covers. (the fender plastic is nearly bullet proof, no idea why they couldn't have used that on everything.)
Second complaint is the thermistor for the shutoff solenoid. I didn't know about it when it wouldn't start one winter day in a near-emergency situation, overdid the ether, and cracked a piston which sent me down a long road to a rebuilt engine. A $0.10 cent part failing, and my own ignorance of the problem cost me ~$1500 in parts and machine work and ~80 hours of my time. x55 series just used the starter to drive the peak coil and virtually no problems. This is how mine will be getting rigged up.

Slightly annoying you can't run the front PTO without spinning the rear like with the x55's but I've never really had an issue with it.

Also a PITA to work on the engine. The tank is HUGE and covers everything which is great from an operational standpoint, but engine accessibility suffers.

Despite the shortcomings I mentioned, I must say I am in love with my 4300 and would never consider getting rid of it. Hydraulics are more than twice as fast as any x55, 3-point capacity is ~3 times a 955, you can road at 15.5mph in c-range, the extra width makes for a much roomier cab if so equipped, the 430 loader is stronger, taller, and easier on off than a 70a, and JDQA is critical for me. I switch from the bucket to forks a lot. Front axle is much larger and able to handle the loader weight well. The whole tractor weighs about half again more than a 955 though so it does compact soil a little more but the much bigger rear tires make up for it.

I think the x55 series was a better designed tractor, but the extra capacities of the 4300 more than make up for the head scratchers for me.

o-and if you can find a 4400 go for it, same as a 4300 but with a little bigger bore engine. There haven't really been any situations where I have felt it was underpowered, but who doesn't like a little more power?

 

[rekees4300]

I have the JD 4300.. best compact utility JD made IMO.

Ditto ... mine has been going strong for 17 years. Takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin' :thumbsup:

 

[JHurt]

I had a 2001 4300 that I bought in 2004 with roughly 1000 hours on it, and just sold it this spring with around 3300 hours. I used it like it was a way bigger tractor! Always had to big of an implement on it. ie:6 ft brush cutter, 7ft blade and box scraper, 7 foot finish mower. Used it one summer to pull fence post with the three point on my 10 acres. It spent more time with the front tires in the air than not. Never gave me an issue the entire time I owned it. It was in rough shape cosmetically when I sold it from sitting outside, but never used a drop of oil, always started, and performed above and beyond for me.