John Deere 4100 Tractor

[ToroLandscaper]

I was lookind through some ads in the paper today a came across a tractor for sale and it was a JD 4100 diesel 130 hours thats about all it said and it showed a picture would this a ideal tractor for landscaping etc.....I know they only have like 20-25Hp witch seems a little low. But the thing i like about them is they are compact. Do you think that one of these would be big enough to put a loader and backhoe atachment hoe on and scoop mulch and that kind of thing? ANY comments appreciated. BTW the tractor was 2 wheel drive i think and was $7,500

ANY COMMENTS APPRECIATED THANKS

[ToroLandscaper]

Help ANYONE?? PLEASE HELP

[start2finish]

a 2wd tractor especially of that size is going to disappoint you. If you buy it to move loose mulch I would be sure you would try and move dirt (not digging basements for sure, but building bed and such) with 2wd you will get into predicaments that will force you to drop your load and make a mess. When you load a loader to its operation cap. you remove a significant amount of weight from your rear wheels. Front wheel assist or MFWD or 4wd however you like to call it is the only way to go if you are using a loader. $7500.00 sounds a little high as well. JD is now in the "30" series 4630,4430,4130 etc.. that tractor is probably 5 years old or so. I would shop around, ebay,heavy equipment trader, local dealers, newspapers, and also auctions before I bought this. If you are in dire need for a tractor right away then rent one for the job and invest a little time shopping time. Feel free to PM me and I may be able to locate one in NC if you are interested. I am not a dealer, but have many local guys that buy and sell regularly. :)

[Smalltimer1]

The 4100 were never available in 2 wheel drive. They are all 4x4's, you must go up to the 4300 to get a 4x2. The 4100 I believe was introduced in '99 or '00 and was made until the end of '02. It was replaced by the 4110. A 4100 @ $7500 is a real good price, especially with that low of hours. I looked at one with 800 hours a few months back and it had a 60" deck and it was in rough cosmetic shape and they still were asking $9500 for it.

[ToroLandscaper]

The 4100 were never available in 2 wheel drive. They are all 4x4's, you must go up to the 4300 to get a 4x2. The 4100 I believe was introduced in '99 or '00 and was made until the end of '02. It was replaced by the 4110. A 4100 @ $7500 is a real good price, especially with that low of hours. I looked at one with 800 hours a few months back and it had a 60" deck and it was in rough cosmetic shape and they still were asking $9500 for it.


Thats good to know about the 4 wheel drive the ad didnt say 4 wheel drive so i really didnt know and also it has no attachments so how much do you think a loader would be for one. Becouse thats about all i would really need maybe a back hoe later but not really that soon. Also where could i look into gettin a good cheap used loader attachment

[ToroLandscaper]

Also can you even get a backhoe for one becouse i have been looking online at them and none of them seem to have a back hoe attachment and do you think i could move mulch since its 4 wheel and would be a good all around tractor for landscaping etc....??

[Itsgottobegreen]

I have a Kubota B7500 the JD 4100 equivent. Let me say this. That little machine has done more than I ever thought it could. Its the best thing since a 10 cu ft wheel barrow when it comes to mulch. We did a 50 yard mulch job with a ton of bed work in 10 hours with 3 guys. The bota did all the hard work.

The 4100 can't accept a back hoe. Deere didn't make one. Since it will crack in half if you did. But a loader can be fitted. It would be worth it. $7500 it better have a mower deck or snow plow on it. A loader will run you $2500. :D

[ToroLandscaper]

I have a Kubota B7500 the JD 4100 equivent. Let me say this. That little machine has done more than I ever thought it could. Its the best thing since a 10 cu ft wheel barrow when it comes to mulch. We did a 50 yard mulch job with a ton of bed work in 10 hours with 3 guys. The bota did all the hard work.

The 4100 can't accept a back hoe. Deere didn't make one. Since it will crack in half if you did. But a loader can be fitted. It would be worth it. $7500 it better have a mower deck or snow plow on it. A loader will run you $2500. :D


So there isnt anyway that i could get a backhoe put on one......thats kinda a bummer

I was looking on deeres site at 20Hp tractors and you can put a backhoe on them do you think you could get one of those to fit on the 4100
And also does it have a hook up on the back of it to put a bush hog on

How many HPs are the 4100s i was thinking 20Hp

[ToroLandscaper]

Also the 4100 was replaced by a 4110 and you can get a backhoe on them so i would think you might be able to on a 4100

[Itsgottobegreen]

nope the frame can't handle it. I saw a home built backhoe split a 4100 in half. The 4110 has a newer stronger frame.

All JD compacts have 3pt hitch and a 540 rear PTO. So you can run a 4' wide brush hog. I would recommend a woods brush hog. My landpride is really beat up.

[ToroLandscaper]

Do you guys think i should try to gety one of these or just wait for a year or two and get a bigger better one........or should i try to go ahead and try to get it

How much would some one use a back hoe any way?

[Itsgottobegreen]

I don't have a backhoe. The kubota B-2910 that we are buying this winter will be getting a backhoe at some point. If I need one now I get my buddies bobcat 337 (cab and A/C) mini track hoe for $250 a day. A backhoe will run you $6000 for a good one, $4000-5000 for a cheap one. The cheap ones hook to the 3pt and put a ton of stress on the rear end. The good ones have a subframe that put the stress across the whole tractor.

But just the loader and tractor get a lot done. You always find an exuse to use it. The brush hog and box scraper are the most used attachments. But the snow plow and blower are the payup making ones. I have a power broom, snow plow, 3pt snow blower, brush hog, box scraper, 6 way rear blade, loader, 60" MMM, tiller, etc.

[start2finish]

Try bush hog, they make aftermarket loaders and backhoes.
Also Woods, they make loaders and backhoes

[Ironmower]

I have a Kubota B7500 the JD 4100 equivent. Let me say this. That little machine has done more than I ever thought it could. Its the best thing since a 10 cu ft wheel barrow when it comes to mulch. We did a 50 yard mulch job with a ton of bed work in 10 hours with 3 guys. The bota did all the hard work.

The 4100 can't accept a back hoe. Deere didn't make one. Since it will crack in half if you did. But a loader can be fitted. It would be worth it. $7500 it better have a mower deck or snow plow on it. A loader will run you $2500. :D

I had a 4100 I just replaced with a 4300 4x4 and that 4100 had a backhoe for 2000 hours and never gave an inch on the frame. I don't see how that would even be a remote possibility unless the backhoe was meant for a 4700 or 4800 type tractor.

[ToroLandscaper]

Well guys i think i am going to want a bigger tractor or a bobcat so i think im goin to wait a year or two and just get something that i REALLY like instead of settleing for less.

[ToroLandscaper]

Another Question Which is better a hydrostatic tractor or a gear tracor???
I would think a hydrostatic

[Smalltimer1]

Another Question Which is better a hydrostatic tractor or a gear tracor???
I would think a hydrostatic

Depends on what kind of work you want to do.

For loader work, a hydro is nice so there are no shifts when changing directions. But for absolute heavy duty work (tilling, plowing, etc.) a gear drive can't be beat, as it is the most efficient driveline. Hydros rob horsepower, and that means less pushing power if you run a loader.

The JD 790 and 990 are great gear drive tractors in your horsepower range. They are the same as the old 755, 855, and 955 models made from '79-'93, just with a more modern control panel and better electronics. They are also cheaper than the 4000 series tractors in the size you are considering.

[ToroLandscaper]

Depends on what kind of work you want to do.

For loader work, a hydro is nice so there are no shifts when changing directions. But for absolute heavy duty work (tilling, plowing, etc.) a gear drive can't be beat, as it is the most efficient driveline. Hydros rob horsepower, and that means less pushing power if you run a loader.

The JD 790 and 990 are great gear drive tractors in your horsepower range. They are the same as the old 755, 855, and 955 models made from '79-'93, just with a more modern control panel and better electronics. They are also cheaper than the 4000 series tractors in the size you are considering.


Ok thats very helpfull i think i want to look at gear driven ones...another question i am looking at between 25 - 32 Hp whats a good tractor and also what do you think about Kubota and Deere

[Smalltimer1]

Ok thats very helpfull i think i want to look at gear driven ones...another question i am looking at between 25 - 32 Hp whats a good tractor and also what do you think about Kubota and Deere

The JD 790 is a 27hp model, just right for what you're looking for. The 4x4 model starts at $12,300 (but yes there is a 4x2 790), but when compared to a similar sized 4000 series tractor with similar horsepower as well as a Kubota L-series, the 790 is a much better value being right at $2,000 less than a 4200/4300 tractor and about the same difference less than a Kubota of the same size.

I've had reasonable experience on the 790 and 4300 but I can't really tell you much about the Kubota as far as performance/durability. Personally if I was in your position, the 790 would be the most economical and cost effective machine in the running. You get a few more creature comforts with the 42/4300's and the Kubotas, but you don't need but so much useless crap on a loader tractor, the extra stuff just gets in the way. The 790 is a basic, no frills, utility tractor. It is basically the same machine as the old 655/755/855/955 machines built from 1979-1993.

JD parts will definitely be cheaper than Kubota, just because JD has a lot of parts warehouses around the country and getting a part in won't be too much trouble with JD and they can get it in the next day if you order before 2:30 in the afternoon I believe. Kubota doesn't have as many parts warehouses, so you will have more down time if you have a mechanical problem due to waiting for parts.

[hosejockey2002]

nope the frame can't handle it. I saw a home built backhoe split a 4100 in half. The 4110 has a newer stronger frame.

This can certainly happen, however, most aftermarket backhoes are available with a subframe that ties in with the loader frame and goes all the way back to the hoe. If you go this route, and NOT with a 3-point mount backhoe, you pretty much eliminate the danger of breaking the tractor in half.

[ToroLandscaper]

The JD 790 is a 27hp model, just right for what you're looking for. The 4x4 model starts at $12,300 (but yes there is a 4x2 790), but when compared to a similar sized 4000 series tractor with similar horsepower as well as a Kubota L-series, the 790 is a much better value being right at $2,000 less than a 4200/4300 tractor and about the same difference less than a Kubota of the same size.

I've had reasonable experience on the 790 and 4300 but I can't really tell you much about the Kubota as far as performance/durability. Personally if I was in your position, the 790 would be the most economical and cost effective machine in the running. You get a few more creature comforts with the 42/4300's and the Kubotas, but you don't need but so much useless crap on a loader tractor, the extra stuff just gets in the way. The 790 is a basic, no frills, utility tractor. It is basically the same machine as the old 655/755/855/955 machines built from 1979-1993.

JD parts will definitely be cheaper than Kubota, just because JD has a lot of parts warehouses around the country and getting a part in won't be too much trouble with JD and they can get it in the next day if you order before 2:30 in the afternoon I believe. Kubota doesn't have as many parts warehouses, so you will have more down time if you have a mechanical problem due to waiting for parts.

Are the 790s hydros or gears becouse i would be using them in smaller areas like back yards etc. and also how much Hp is robbed by the hydro becouse i am thinking a hydro would be better idk what do you think

[Itsgottobegreen]

Are the 790s hydros or gears becouse i would be using them in smaller areas like back yards etc. and also how much Hp is robbed by the hydro becouse i am thinking a hydro would be better idk what do you think
Been there and done that with gear drive tractors and loaders. JD 5210 and JD 1070 at the golf course I worked at. Spend the extra and get a hydro. The hp lost is only 2 to 3hp with a hydro over a gear.

[ToroLandscaper]

Are the 790s hydros or gears becouse i would be using them in smaller areas like back yards etc. and also how much Hp is robbed by the hydro becouse i am thinking a hydro would be better idk what do you think


Also they are diesel right?

[Itsgottobegreen]

all real compact tractors are diesel. :D

[start2finish]

the 790 JD is still made by yanmar. BTW they made all of JD's compacts up until the 4600 series. I don't believe it is available in hydro. Not even shuttle. The only ones I have seen have the shifter between your legs on the floorboard. I am a fan of an open floorboard. Years or experience tell me it is greatly more comfortable and operator friendly (one in the same) If you are in tight spaces then defenately consider a "glide shift(kubota)" or power reverser "twenty series" JD there are other tractors out there but we own one of each I mentioned and love them. HYdros are also availble on Grand L Kubota and on twenty series JD

[start2finish]

the 790 JD is still made by yanmar. BTW they made all of JD's compacts up until the 4600 series. I don't believe it is available in hydro. Not even shuttle. The only ones I have seen have the shifter between your legs on the floorboard. I am a fan of an open floorboard. Years or experience tell me it is greatly more comfortable and operator friendly (one in the same) If you are in tight spaces then defenately consider a "glide shift(kubota)" or power reverser "twenty series" JD there are other tractors out there but we own one of each I mentioned and love them. HYdros are also availble on Grand L Kubota and on twenty series JD

[Smalltimer1]

I like the gear drives for their simplicity of maintenance and durability. Hydros are nice for convienience and for constant direction changes. I just don't like the idea that I could lose a hydro pump if I am pushing dirt with a front end loader for extended periods of time, now I know that the pumps are much more durable than that, but I'm just saying that sometimes if you happen to have an amateur operator or a careless employee that stuff can happen, as we all know. That won't happen with a gear drive. The worst that could happen would be a bad clutch and stripped synchros.

Most of the newer hydro tractors have separate pumps anyway for the transmission and the lift hydraulics, which takes a considerable amount of stress off the main drive pump.

[Itsgottobegreen]

The 4100 to 4700 is aviable in hydro, shuttle trans, electric shuttle trans. The 790 and 990 are gear shiftonly. And its inbetween your legs. Which is a real pain.

Well gears drives are cheaper, but you can easly tear up a gear when shifting. Seen it done. I like the hydro's when your have employees running it. Less likely to damage it. I push dirt all the time with my kubota. No problems yet. (knock on wood)

[Smalltimer1]

It basically boils down to personal preference.

I like the simplicity and durability of a gear drive for heavy work (ground engaging). I don't mind having to shift as I know I'm in full control of the power.

However for mowing, I really like the hydrostatics because its easier to maintain a constant speed, and doesn't damage the grass as much as a gear drive would on wet grass, a hydro is easier to 'feather' to avoid turf damage.

[hosejockey2002]

Definitely personal preference. My own machine is gear drive, and I didn't think too highly of hydros until I ran a Kubota B21 for a day. The hydro took some time to get used to, but after a while it became second nature. When I got back on the gear drive machine it felt awkward and slow.

[iowacatman]

Hydro's use more engine horsepower to run than gear drive machines. That being said, I like hydro's on smaller machines. Small machines are supposed to be maneuverable, and gear drive and maneuverable don't get along to well.