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Neilho
11-18-2006 04:16:40
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Re: 4600 w 460 Loader in reply to Royce TN, 11-16-2006 15:38:19
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I bought a 1999 4500 with a 460 loader a couple months ago. I like it a lot, but it seems to be a first generation product with a few small problems and retrofits. On the bad side- the backhoe attachment brackets were retrofitted, under warranty- the originals cracked. The loader is very convenient and fast to put on, but the rear support connection is loose all the time and wears, there was a retrofit of the latch that locks the loader on, front hydraulic hard lines are routed in such a way as to be exposed to brush or stumps passing under the tractor, the shuttle shift lever is way too long, though it's easily shortened, and was on later models. Small problems mostly, except for the 2 balljoints at the ends of the 4wd steering cylinder. Mine were worn out, badly, after 400 hours. At $250 each, it's not a trivial problem. Subsequent models have a larger steering cylinder and larger balljoints, I think beginning in 2001. You didn't say if the 4600 you were looking at is 4wd or 2wd- if it's 2wd the balljoints aren't a problem, according to my dealer. It also needs some kind of rear weighting when the backhoe is off. On the good side, this thing is a beast. Compared to my 420, this thing will go anywhere, do anything. The Yanmar engine has a very good reputation and so far the tractor has been very reliable. The gearshifts are on the soft, tinny side and take some getting used to, esp if you've been driving tractors from the 50s and 60s. The 4600 is supposed to handle a 6' bushhog, according to the literature. My 4500 handles a heavy duty 5' with ease, and the 4600 is rated at 45 hp, 6 more than the 4500. Don't really know what a 4600 is worth. Used 4wd JDs in that hp range are scarce around here. My 4500 was $17k and came with a 460 loader and model 48 backhoe with 400 hrs. I've been offered more, several times. Hope this is helpfull. Good luck in your search.
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