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Look at the bottom of the page!My 4100 is definately not enough for that!! A small model would be ideal for land clearing!!

Land clearing Tim Taylor style
Mowers Field and Finish
Replies 1 Post by Craig Dashner

Jim, I made my own forks (to go on my JD4100 loader) and intended to make 3pt brackets but never did. I got two 48 forks from a scrapyard, and made a carriage out of 4x3x3/8 angle iron. The forks are the type that ride on a plate rather than a rod. I designed them for 1000# with plenty of fudge factor involved (I am a structural engineer). They seem pretty solid and were simple to make. I am making a second set(with 3"x30" forks) because the first set was pretty heavy due the the 4"x48" forks. The attachment used up too much of my tractors capacity which is not too great to begin with. I was planning on selling the first set(enough to cover the cost of the forks and a 12 pack for my troubles). If you are relatively close to SE Michigan and interested shoot me an email, if not let me know and I can shoot some pic's for you. It was an extremely easy build. I was considering building my own forks with 2x2 or 4x2 tubing as well, but when I found the forks, I decided not to.

Craig

making a 3 point carryall fork need help
Operating and Attachments
Replies 23 Post by Craig Dashner

I don't know anything about the tractors or quality of them, so I won't comment on that! But, what I did notice, and would turn me away, no matter how the low the price is the one year parts only warantee. I saw that in the last catalog I got from Northern. Does not mean the tractor is junk, it just means you have to pay for repairs. That makes me like my 2yr Bucket to 3pt warantee(even though I didn't really use/need it).

HAS ANYONE SEEN ONE
Website Operations Howto
Replies 5 Post by Craig Dashner

Alan,

One thing I would like to point out. If budget is a concern, as it was for me, don't be afraid of the smaller tractors. I bought a 4100 gear drive. Other than a Kubota Sub-compact (they did not have those when I bought mine) it is the most economical one out there. GET A LOADER!! I have moved much dirt, mulch, firewood etc. with mine. As far as implements, you can put practically anything on it. Sometimes you have to leave the loader on for counterbalance. These little tractors will do a lot and the bigger tractors do the same work faster!

what brand and size of compact tractor
Operating and Attachments
Replies 11 Post by Craig Dashner

I have the 4100 w/ gear trans. Believe me, you won't go wrong either way. The 790 will give you more bang for the buck and do the work in a shorter time. As far as reliability, I don't think there will be much difference between the two. I think either of them, properly maintained, will last as long as you need it. If the gear vs hydro has you thinking, drive one. I did and was suprised at how easy the gear shifts. They will both do the same work, the 790 will just do it a little bit faster.

JD790 vs JD4100
John Deere Tractors
Replies 27 Post by Craig Dashner

Check out this tractor I found. Front and rear 3 points and pto's. With the dump box, this thing would be great. Can probably even drive it to work. Do you think that with the loader, the tractor can load itself?

Check this out interesting tractor
Parts and Repair
Replies 2 Post by Craig Dashner

I have a JD4100 for close to the same situation. Get the JD4100 with loader, or whatever Kubotas equivalent is. I don't think that you will be sorry. I mow about an acre, clear trails on the other 4 acres, plow driveway and 1/2 mile of private road, move dirt for all of my wifes landscaping project, haul firewood, and anything else I can think of doing just to play with it. I bought it, because I believe it will be around for 30 years if not longer. So even though they are pricey, I figure in the long run it is worth it. These tractors outclass the garden tractors. The difference is night and day. A 20hp garden tractor feels like 2hp next to a compact with 20hp.

which brand and what size tractor
Operating and Attachments
Replies 10 Post by Craig Dashner

You can get by with a small tractor. I have a JD 4100. I am pleased as punch with it! The loader works great, have moved much dirt with it. I have a 5' finishing mower in back and as far as the power is concerned I don't even know it's back there. I even have a steep hill I mow up and down. I can mow uphill(20%-30%grade), with grass taller than it should be with the engine barely bogging at all.I am sure it would run a 6' if I could keep the front wheels on the ground. :-) I like the size and manuverability of this tractor. It does everything I ask of it with no complaints and comes back for more. Bigger certainly is not going to hurt, but I think you could start at the bottom with no problems either. I think it is important to state that I have never run out of power. You lose traction way before you ever run out of power with these things. If you are used to a "riding mower" with a 20hp engine, these compacts with a 20hp engine will blow you away. If you have reservations about size, try to set up a demo, or even rent a unit. I would suggest getting it with a mower, if that is the bulk of what you plan to do, so you can see what it is going to be like. Whatever you chose you will be happy!

Help I need information
Mowers Field and Finish
Replies 21 Post by Craig Dashner

I called my dealer (probably what I should have done in the first place) and found the answer. What I was told is there are two options for the 4100 to have rear hydraulic valves. Option 1- Remote rear(I think that is what he said) is a kit that hooks into the loader hose kwik connects and routes the lines to the back, still utilizing the loader controls. Option 2-Auxillary rear hydraulic kit (~$200) which connects into the hydraulic system (sounds like through the cover I saw) which provides lines to the rear. This set-up would require an open center valve.

So it is possible to have 3 hydraulics on this thing. The way it was explained to me was the Aux Hyd kit, provides 2 lines to the back with the quick couplers and goes to an open center attachment. When not hooked to an open center attachment the 2 lines get connected with a (included in the kit) u-shaped hose with quick couplers at each end. If you wanted a third valve, you would need to get the aux hyd kit and run the lines into an open center valve(deere does not have this supposedly, I find that hard to believe) Then you would have the 3rd set of hydraulics. With the proper plumbing, I am sure you could route lines up front for a grapple set-up or power angle on a loader plow without disabling the bucket cylinders.

Some of you hydraulic pro's out there, does all of this sound legit? Are open center valves common or uncommon?

on 4100
John Deere Tractors
Replies 10 Post by Craig Dashner

I would like comments on the 54" belly mower for the 4100. Am looking to get one(the 60" is too $$$) and get rid of the 5' 3pt finish mower I have due to trees and manuverability. Is the 54" a well built unit? How easy is it to install/remove? I would prefer to take it off between usages. If it is as easy as the loader, I would be sold. Any comments are appreciated!Thanks

54 quot belly mower for 4100
Mowers Field and Finish
Replies 4 Post by Craig Dashner

Maybe I should do some checking....... When I bought my tractor, financed of course, the bank wanted proof of insurance on the tractor. My agent at State Farm told me it was covered under homeowners. That had got me to thinking, and I specifically asked about using it at a friends house as a favor. I was told I was covered there, and in transit as long as I wasn't profiting from it. They provided the bank, and a copy to me, a letter stating the tractor was covered fully by homeowners. The bank was happy with it, so I figured everything was peachy. We know how banks like to protect their investment.

I did not ask about acts of stupidity. I just kinda figure if I do something stupid that damages the tractor, I will pay for my lesson, kinda helps the learning process if you have to pay for it!

re homeowner insurance
Parts and Repair
Replies 22 Post by Craig Dashner

I did that last fall for my little garage 24x32. I did it with my loader and a back blade. Was not that easy, but with patience and perserverence, I got it done. I was striping weeds and small brush off of clay. I probably spent 6-8 hours total doing it. I went down 2"-6", the 6" being where I had to level the base out and get the grade right to bring in 4" of sand to put below the slab. I wish I would have had a tiller, then it probably would have been pretty easy. Break up ground with tiller and push the dirt off with the backblade in reverse with the top arm extended to change the bite of the blade. Just have to go slow to keep the blade from digging too far down. That is pretty much how I did it anyway. Pushed till it was a good sized pile and then used the loader to move it out of the way and then back to pushing. Good luck!

Land Preparation
Barns Pole Barns
Replies 25 Post by Craig Dashner

David, I am not sure what you mean by quicktach plates? I have fabricated my own quick tach implements. What I do is take a pipe, 1 1/4" ID, cut it in half(half circle) and weld it to my implement so it cradels the round rod at the top of the loader arm quicktach and then reinforce with an extra piece of 1/4" plate over top just like on the buckets. Easy to do and works well. I made a set of forks like this and have had no problems with it even when having enough weight to make the back of the tractor "uncomfortably light". Am making a loader mounted snow plow right now the same way. I found that you can buy the bottom pins to weld on from JD, but they cost $10 a piece. I prefer to go to Tractor Supply and buy thier bolt on pins for $2.00. They are pretty close in diameter.

Curtis plow
Snowblowers / Snow Plows
Replies 8 Post by Craig Dashner

If anyone is using this setup, can you post or email pictures of it. I am building something and would like to see more detail than what is shown on the website. I have the basics down, but could use a little clarity. Thanks in advance if there are any takers!

Anyone using a curtis blade on a JD Qwicktach loader
Snowblowers / Snow Plows
Replies 4 Post by Craig Dashner

You have reinforced the idea for me that "My tractor is only loaned with operator". I have always felt this to be a good thing, cuz if a friend breaks something they will not be a friend any more. If they are a friend I am always happy to help them.

Loader Maintenance
Parts and Repair
Replies 14 Post by Craig Dashner

I wouldn't worry too much about the recall part. It is just a bracket that will not allow the quick-tach plate to slip off the front bumper. Basically, I believe(this is my take on it) the problem that required this part was innadequate adjustment of the front plate. If you look on the handle, There are threads on the rod. This allows adjustment so the quick-tach plate will be snug against the bumper and not slip off. The bracket does not fit tight, but it will not allow the quick-tach plate to rotate. If the plate and handle are adjusted correctly, there really is no need for the bracket.

Me? I have the bracket sitting on my shelf, because it is a pain in the butt and I understand the importance of keeping things adjusted correctly.

john deere loader
Loaders Back Hoes
Replies 4 Post by Craig Dashner

Both will be good tractors. Shop dealers and make sure that you find a good one. You will most likely need service at some point and saving a couple hundred dollars on the purchase is not worth the stress when you need service.

As far as size, I have a 4100 with 5 acres. I would be comfortable with it on 10 acres. These small tractors can do soooo much! I would expect that your choices would be plenty.

DSCV: They can either be loader outlets, or sometime they can be rear outlets. JD calls DSCV for the loader, then offers, I think, a third, fourth, and fifth which are rear outlets. These would be for implements that have hydraulic cylinders on them, like a back blade with hydraulic blade adjustment. These can always be added at anytime. I think the dealer just adds them on the tractor before delivery anyway. If your pretty sure about a loader get the valves for it with the tractor. If you are unsure about rear outlets, wait.

Hope I helped!

Advice for novice
John Deere Tractors
Replies 5 Post by Craig Dashner

I got mine last night by UPS. It seems like a pain in the butt. It is easy to install, but it seems like it is going to rattle, wear off paint and just be a pain. I will have to get off the tractor to release the lock, get back on the tractor to lift the wheels, unlatch the front plate and remove the loader, get back off to undo the hoses, and put the retainer in its locked storage position.I think that I will keep it in the box, for when and if I sell my tractor, so the next guy can do the same thing! I think I will just inspect the front plate more often to make sure the fit is per the owners manual.I would perfer to drill a hole through the catch plate on the loader, through the front mounting plate on the tractor and have a pin of the appropiate length with cotterpin, that would keep the plate from coming out. In my book, easy fix! And much less expensive than that ugly thing that arrived last night. I can see engineers spending many long nights in designing that part, just so no drilling would be required, when drilling a hole was the best option.

Did anyone get thier JD loader safety upgrade kit
John Deere Tractors
Replies 17 Post by Craig Dashner

I got my tractor back on Saturday. After sitting at the dealer for a week (service department is way behind), it was not making any abnormal noises. The only thing the mechanic could tell me is that it may have got an air bubble in an injector. He told me that usually sounds like a blown rod, but goes away. So the only damage is a week without my tractor which is better than a blown up one!

4100 started knocking something terrible
John Deere Tractors
Replies 5 Post by Craig Dashner

I have a JD4100 and bought a 5' King Kutter(Quality Farm and Fleet). The front end on my tractor is a little light with the mower on, but nothing intolerable. I would expect that the front end of yours would be a little heavier. You should not have a problem. As far as quality, I have had mine for a year and have no complaints. I am not sure what a couple hundred extra dollars would have bought me other than a brand name. I guess in 20 years, I might look back and have the answer, but for now I do not see any problems with the lower priced store models.

Good luck!

Finish mower
John Deere Tractors
Replies 7 Post by Craig Dashner