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John Deere 4400 scuffing problem

LenCravens Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 10 Montana

2009-01-09          159242

I keep hearing about a "scuffing" problem in the front axle of the JD 4400.

So what exactly is this "scuffing"? Is it a sound or a vibration?
Was this a problem only with mower deck attached?
Was it a problem in the earlier models (1998,1999) that was remedied in later models (2000,2001)?

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John Deere 4400 scuffing problem

Murf Join Date: Dec 1999 Posts: 7249 Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada   Pics

2009-01-09          159244

Len, first off, WELCOME!!!!!

The term 'scuffing' refers to just that, the front tires leaving scuff marks on hard surfaces like concrete or other paving, on turf it usually meant torn up grass.

Some tractors, including the early JD4400's had the steering geometry such that the front tires would not turn at the same rate, and so one wheel would almost drag through a corner.

Some were so bad that if you made a hard turn on soft turf you would leave a bare strip in a semi-circle pattern in the turf every single time.

Hope that clears it up.

Best of luck. ....

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John Deere 4400 scuffing problem

LenCravens Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 10 Montana

2009-01-09          159245

Thanks Murf,
That makes sense. Sounds more like an aesthetic problem than a fuctional one. Not all too serious ....

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John Deere 4400 scuffing problem

Murf Join Date: Dec 1999 Posts: 7249 Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada   Pics

2009-01-09          159253

Quote: Originally Posted by LenCravens | view 159245 Sounds more like an aesthetic problem than a fuctional one. Not all too serious

Not necessarily at all Len.

As the old saying goes "Beauty is in the eye of the beer-holder." LOL

I know of several instances where it became quite serious indeed.

The first was a local manufacturing company, family owned & operated, known for the beautifully manicured grounds and gardens around their facility. They bought a 4400 from the local Greene store for grounds-keeping, grass cutting and snow removal and such. On the first cut with the new machine they did $32,000 worth of damage to the turf. Luckily for the maintenance guys it was the owners 15 year old daughter at the wheel.

In another instance a local landscaper bought a similar machine (and from the same dealer!!!) and one of his summer students demolished the turf and badly marked the driveways of a few estate lots before a VERY angry client called him about it and he could stop the crew.

I guess if the machine you are looking at has been updated, or you don't plan on using it on a 'finished' surface it might not be a problem.

Best of luck. ....

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John Deere 4400 scuffing problem

jamihalko Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 3 United States

2014-10-18          191229

I own a 1999 John Deere 4400HST tractor and have never encountered the scuffing problem that has been described. It was used extensively on lawns and pavements and never left any marks. ....

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John Deere 4400 scuffing problem

Murf Join Date: Dec 1999 Posts: 7249 Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada   Pics

2014-10-20          191244

Have you owned it since new?

There was an update 'mod' that pretty much fixed the problem.

It was policy that a tractor that got back to the dealer for major service or at trade-in the mod was done.


Best of luck. ....

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John Deere 4400 scuffing problem

jamihalko Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 3 United States

2014-10-20          191246

I am the original owner but will ask my local dealer about the issue. Thanks ....

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