Viewing a thread - Neighbor has a JD 4230 for sale.... (2024)

John SD

Posted 12/13/2012 14:53 (#2749804) Subject: Neighbor has a JD 4230 for sale....

I searched for old threads and did find a few with some pertinent infomation. The gist I got out of those threads was the 4230 overall is a good tractor, especially with QR. Weak points include poor cold starting and being somewhat of a fuel hog. Is is possible/economically feasible to upgrade the rotary fuel pump with a better pump? What about a turbo? Not being a JD guy, I'm assuming the 4430 is basically a 4230 with a turbo.

Don't know any particular mechanical details on this tractor but neighbor generally takes pretty good care of stuff so it's probably above average condition. I might call and visit about the tractor just for kicks. I would use it for winter snow removal with the loader and snow blower and stacking bales in summer. Possibly also a baler and stackmover tractor.

silver

Posted 12/13/2012 15:10 (#2749823 - in reply to #2749804) Subject: RE: Neighbor has a JD 4230 for sale....

n.w. iowa

I have a 4630 and updated the starter, one that turns much faster, now starts much better, Cannot remember where I bought the starter from, maybe sloans express,not sure but online, it was worth it.

danwarner

Posted 12/13/2012 15:11 (#2749824 - in reply to #2749804) Subject: Re: Neighbor has a JD 4230 for sale....

MN

I had a 4430 with loader, in the winter you need the following: 1. block heater that works 2. plug the block heater in. I had mine on a timer, ~3 hours or so plugged in and it started fine-no ether. Otherwise if it was below 45* it needed ether. Can't help you on changing the pump, but I think I have seen some with turbos added. This might cost more than just getting a 4430. All I needed was a 4030 or 4230 but there are more 4430s out there and the price was so close it was just easier to go that way, something you may want to consider if you actually need the HP. DixieDeere

Posted 12/13/2012 15:13 (#2749827 - in reply to #2749804) Subject: Re: Neighbor has a JD 4230 for sale....

Jackson County, AL

We've used and abused one since new in '75 and its only had injection pump and in-frame as major work in 10000+ hours. Pretty bullet proof overall but ours has the syncro-range. Lots of them around and are pretty easy to work on. Don't know of anybody around here getting a lemon in any of the 30 series. iseedit

Posted 12/13/2012 15:28 (#2749841 - in reply to #2749804) Subject: RE: Neighbor has a JD 4230 for sale....

central - east central Minnesota -

I don't know what your intended use is, but since youasked about a turbo, I will relate this - I used a 4230 and a 1256 side by side, the 1256 was a much better tillage tractor then the 4230. The 4230 had fluid in the rear also, 1256 didn't. 4230 seemed pretty gutless when it needed to lug a little and a down shift would be neccessary.
As others stated, the 4230 liked southern weather - they were real southern tractors, when it comes to starting. lol
Other then that, they were pretty good tractors, for the time.

John SD

Posted 12/13/2012 15:38 (#2749852 - in reply to #2749841) Subject: RE: Neighbor has a JD 4230 for sale....

See Also

Rare JD 4030s

I asked about the turbo for reasons of increasing fuel economy. Don't care so much about increasing HP as I wouldn't be using it for a tillage tractor. As long as it had enough grunt to run the round baler, that would be fine.

Cold starting is important, but I guess as long as it's plugged into the juice that shouldn't be an issue. I'm used to that because my Fords aren't the best cold starters either. The engines are willing, but the starters are too puny to crank fast enough when it gets cold.

alnciowa

Posted 12/13/2012 15:43 (#2749856 - in reply to #2749804) Subject: Re: Neighbor has a JD 4230 for sale....

nw/nc iowa on the banks of West Buttrick Creek..

Had a 4430 and 4320 side by side 35 years ago pulling same machine, why do people want to buy a underpowered fuel hog tractor and then try to make it a bigger tractor. Just buy a 4430 or better yet a 4440 and have something good. I learned that 40 years ago, but I also bought blue crap that had a poor resale value, to add to the problem. Buy bigger and don't look back.
va1377

Posted 12/13/2012 15:49 (#2749864 - in reply to #2749856) Subject: Re: Neighbor has a JD 4230 for sale....

Northern Kansas

For what you want it for it will work on bale duty and snow removal. We have one and keep it plugged in during the winter and never have to use ether. We use it about 2 hours everyday pulling a feed wagon and have never had any issues. This tractor has 13K hours and i am pretty sure it will outlast me on the farm. I would go for it if you know where it came from and the history. Herbie56

Posted 12/13/2012 15:51 (#2749866 - in reply to #2749841) Subject: Re: Neighbor has a JD 4230 for sale....

Coles County, Illinois

We had 2 when they were new models. We turbo'd both. +1 on cold starting problems. The stock pump can have the shims removed and you'll get 160 hp out of the tractor. Not that you can actually use 160 hp as cooling will limit the duty cycle. 4230 did not have the underside of the pistons sprayed with oil like the stock turbo'd engines so there is more risk of pistons melting in them. With the injector pump turned up to the max we had trouble with the injectors and we had to have them rebuilt. I think we would have been happier staying around 130 hp. A late model 4430 had no issues running 180 hp. The early ones had rear planetary problems and deere widened them after 1975. Markwright

Posted 12/13/2012 16:05 (#2749873 - in reply to #2749852) Subject: RE: Forget the turbo. Just crank the pump

New Mexico

up about 10 to 12% and run it at 110 to 115 hp.
That makes the fuel go farther and no melt down risk.

4430 has the big bosch pump ( lasts forever ).
4230 has the rosamaster pump ( have to rebuild em periodically ).

just leave it stock. mo.

Edited by Markwright 12/13/2012 16:08

Indianajones

Posted 12/13/2012 16:07 (#2749876 - in reply to #2749852) Subject: RE: Neighbor has a JD 4230 for sale....

Dad has a 4230 with a turbo added and it is still fuel hog. Not turned up much but still burnt better than .5 GPA pulling a 6 row planter at 1500 rpm.
INDY BenP

Posted 12/13/2012 17:00 (#2749937 - in reply to #2749804) Subject: Re: Neighbor has a JD 4230 for sale....

Central Nebraska

Grandpa bought one new and has about a billion hours on it. It's mainly a loader/little job tractor now. Does really well for loader work. It'll work ok pushing snow, but I always wish I had a MFWD loader tractor for that. Can get exciting at times. His has a powershift that has been rebuilt at least once, he's had the engine overhauled, and the rear axle snapped once, but that was kind of his fault. It's been a good tractor for him overall. Tommy

Posted 12/13/2012 17:36 (#2749977 - in reply to #2749804) Subject: RE: Neighbor has a JD 4230 for sale....

Iowa

yes, a fuel hog. A late 4020 will work side by side w a 4230 on WAYYYYY less fuel, guaranteed.
yes, they start hard in cold. a late 4020 with start WAYYYY better.

so why not a late 4020 w a cab?--do you value your hearing? if so, don't. the 4230 has a decent cab (for the time anyway, won't make your ears ring). In good weather, my 4230 sits and guys use the 4000-4020. In winter, no one cares about the fuel economy, the 4230 does it all--better than freezing on an open 4020!! So mine is a winter tractor almost exclusively.

the injection pump needs work every 3000 hrs if you want the tractor to run really well, but it's cheap.

If you want a 4430, buy a 4430, don't start cobbling up a 4230 trying to make it a 4430 (and you'll still have the round inj pump)

If you're going to put on enough hours that fuel economy is important, go to at least a 40 series, and go up to a 4440.

If not enough use to worry about fuel economy, buy it and keep it in a warm shed or plugged in from 45 degrees on down, and it will be a dependable tractor. Very dependable, just won't start when cold and sucks fuel.

the comparison between a 1256 and a 4230 is ridiculous--my 8300 will outwork my 4250.......

blackfox

Posted 12/13/2012 18:57 (#2750089 - in reply to #2749804) Subject: Re: Neighbor has a JD 4230 for sale....

Eastern Wyoming

My uncle has a 4230 with 13,000+ hours on it. Engine, tranny and rearend never opened up.

Bought it new, routine maintenance.

jlv03

Posted 12/13/2012 18:58 (#2750092 - in reply to #2749804) Subject: Re: Neighbor has a JD 4230 for sale....

Grew up with both 4430 and a 4230. Both had no cabs, both with quad range.

I always thought the 4230 was the easier starting tractor. Could have been the difference in starters or batteries, but it always felt like the 4430 struggled to turn over whereas the 4230 spun up quick and lit off right away.

A 4230 is a good step up from a 4020 operator feature wise, but about the same power. The quad range makes it much handier all around for matching speeds. We had the 4230 on a Harsh feedwagon for awhile, but a NF 4020 was easier to navigate.

Buster 50

Posted 12/13/2012 20:08 (#2750244 - in reply to #2749852) Subject: RE: Neighbor has a JD 4230 for sale....

North West IA/western AZ

If you get it, change it over to 12 volt batteries instead of the 2 6 volt. I did it with my 4440 (actually only used 1) and it really helped. SDFarmboy

Posted 12/13/2012 20:17 (#2750270 - in reply to #2749977) Subject: RE: Neighbor has a JD 4230 for sale....

Tommy - 12/13/2012 17:36 yes, a fuel hog. A late 4020 will work side by side w a 4230 on WAYYYYY less fuel, guaranteed. yes, they start hard in cold. a late 4020 with start WAYYYY better. so why not a late 4020 w a cab?--do you value your hearing? if so, don't. the 4230 has a decent cab (for the time anyway, won't make your ears ring). In good weather, my 4230 sits and guys use the 4000-4020. In winter, no one cares about the fuel economy, the 4230 does it all--better than freezing on an open 4020!! So mine is a winter tractor almost exclusively. the injection pump needs work every 3000 hrs if you want the tractor to run really well, but it's cheap. If you want a 4430, buy a 4430, don't start cobbling up a 4230 trying to make it a 4430 (and you'll still have the round inj pump) If you're going to put on enough hours that fuel economy is important, go to at least a 40 series, and go up to a 4440. If not enough use to worry about fuel economy, buy it and keep it in a warm shed or plugged in from 45 degrees on down, and it will be a dependable tractor. Very dependable, just won't start when cold and sucks fuel. the comparison between a 1256 and a 4230 is ridiculous--my 8300 will outwork my 4250.......

Tommy:

I agree with most of your post. I own a 1972 model 4020, and a 1974 4230. I agree the 4230 does well for its HP, and my newly OH'd
puts out105 HP. These are both just chore, auger, mowing,or light duty tractors for me.

Don't add a turbo to any of these, if you want bigger, get the larger tractor, common sense.

kswrenchturner05

Posted 12/13/2012 20:19 (#2750278 - in reply to #2749841) Subject: dont waste the money on a turbo.

Geuda Springs, Kansas

It is not worth the time nor money to put a turbo on this tractor for what your doing. A turbo mainly saves fuel when the tractor is worked hard and the turbo spins fast. One thing to keep in mind, most guys claim this tractor is a fuel hog, it may be because they forget it has a much smaller fuel tank on it. This tractor shouldnt burn any more than a 4020 does. 99MAX

Posted 12/13/2012 20:43 (#2750306 - in reply to #2749852) Subject: RE: Neighbor has a JD 4230 for sale....

Stearns County, Minnesota

Jay in WA

Posted 12/13/2012 20:43 (#2750310 - in reply to #2749804) Subject: RE: Neighbor has a JD 4230 for sale....

Pasco WA.

At one time I owned three PS 4230's that I baled hay with. I always thought they were easy on fuel but I never tried using them for tillage. They start hard. If your wearing a jacket you better have a can of either. I never fixed anything major on them either. The PTO's must be tough too because they held up to 3 tie balers just fine. Can't say that about the balers drivelines. In my opinion they are a solid chore tractor. If you like a 4020 you will like them. If you need more power buy a bigger tractor. TP from Central PA

Posted 12/13/2012 20:48 (#2750324 - in reply to #2749804) Subject: RE: Neighbor has a JD 4230 for sale....

Nothing like a 4230...................Underpowered, fuel hog, and expensive to buy..................Brillant SDFarmboy

Posted 12/13/2012 20:50 (#2750331 - in reply to #2750324) Subject: RE: Neighbor has a JD 4230 for sale....

TP from Central PA - 12/13/2012 20:48 Nothing like a 4230...................Underpowered, fuel hog, and expensive to buy..................Brillant

Tell us more? Have you owned one? I think not.

TP from Central PA

Posted 12/13/2012 21:04 (#2750363 - in reply to #2750331) Subject: RE: Neighbor has a JD 4230 for sale....

One is here...........Has a murphy on it and pumps some water in the summer, runs batwing....................Can't afford to feed it for much else. To much in it to unload it. It is my least favorite tractor by far. Rather use the 4020. 665 Farmer

Posted 12/13/2012 21:44 (#2750470 - in reply to #2749824) Subject: Re: Neighbor has a JD 4230 for sale....

michigan

Dad got a 4430 when I was 6 and had it for about 25 yrs. It was pretty tired when it left but was a good tractor for us.
Ours needed three good shots of ether if it was below 70 for all 25 yrs we had it! Rkd843

Posted 12/14/2012 07:18 (#2750885 - in reply to #2749804) Subject: Change the Cam

SC Sask

Dad and Grandpa did an inflame on ours at 6000. They just had it nicely buttoned up when a buddy told the to put the Cam out of a 40 series tractor in. It was supposed to vastly improve the fuel ecoonomy, they left it as they were tired of working on it. The tractor has about 12000 hrs on it now, but it is looking pretty tired.