Generation II Platform

[2510Paul]

On the Generation II 30 and 40 series, is the platform and seat hard mounted to the tractor like the 20 series? I am talking open station now. L5 disc is about gone, I need a real good ride. Or am I looking at a much newer tractor to optimize ride. Paul.

 

[Tx Jim]

Seat on 30 series rowcrop is spring on shockabsorbed similar to 20 series. Seat on 40 series is hydraulically cushioned. Have you considered an air ride seat?

 

[cornerpost]

Think he is talking open station
tractor. FWIW the hydraulic seat on our
4440 is MUCH more comfortable than the
air seat on our 7140 N
Magnum.

 

[Tx Jim]

You may be correct but open station 30 & 40 series are not very plentiful so OS never crossed my mind.

 

[2510Paul]

Thanks a bunch guys. That answered my question. Paul

 

[2510Paul]

A little more explanation, as explained in an earlier post I put an air ride seat in my 4320 which helped my back a lot. However, noise and vibration still cause issues after a couple hours. So I had posted about cab removal, but since the 4320 is becoming a collectors item I am hesitant to remove the cab. I am thinking I might park it and look for a similar tractor but much newer and much much quieter and vibration free (or almost free).

I was wondering if a Generation II OS might be a step up for back comfort but it does not sound like it will be enough. I am not fond of the Generation II cabs and hydraulic seats. I tested this on my neighbors 4450 with cab. The cab does not fit me well and the seats are not enough to satisfy my back. So, my hunt continues.

What ever I do I will use mirrors and a rear view monitor like Mr. Case Guy to minimize twisting.

I sat in the cab of a 7330, wow! So I am thinking I want to move to something in the JD 7000 models. The local Case-IH dealer has a Maxxum 110 Pro for sale. Nice tractor but it has a 93-94 inch wheel base, like a JD 6330 Premium. I am concerned about that wheel base with my 4200 rollover plow. It is very heavy and I wonder how much rocking I would end up doing. Also, a longer wheelbase will be better on the hills I work on. I was, however, told fluid would greatly help that short wheel base.

Yes, some will say I am over thinking this but I don't want to make a purchase that does not satisfy my need. Otherwise I am done tractor driving.

My neighbor has worse back issues than me, he sold all his sixties tractors and bought two new M Series Kubota's. All power shift, no clutching, he is doing great this year and did more hay than ever. Pretty much a miracle for him, or he would be out of farming.

I am retired, my lively hood is not dependent on farming, but I do love getting on a tractor and going. I do some custom work or just help my neighbors on days they need a little help.

Thanks again for all your help and input. I hope this explanation for all my questions is a little more satisfying. I certainly value the input I get here.

Paul

 

[jeremy in NE]

A couple of neighbors bought 7000 series Deere's due to back issues. They all say the same thing now. Wish I would have done it sooner. What brand of seat did you put in the 4320? Is it just the vibration that causes the issues or is there limited travel?

 

[2510Paul]

Thanks Jeremy for the comment. I am traveling in Des Moines from Wi so I will have to get you the seat information when I get home. I will include some pictures as well. My back issues seem to be at least three areas, just a harsh ride seems to be really bad on my disks and facet joints. Arthritis and bone spurs are a part of this. The air ride seat with fore and aft suspension really helps. Mechanical and hydraulic seats are not helpful.

The second area is twisting to look at my implement behind. My new Chiropractor feels this contributes to some of my continuing issues in my lower left back. My new Chiropractor determined my tail bone is twisted. Treatments to correct this are finally giving me relief in my lower left back. I already mounted a mirrow such that I can see my implement. This has also helped without question.

The third area is plain vibration and noise. I don't understand cause and effect. I can only tell you after an hour or so in my 4320 cab my back stiffens into a board and I can't even turn my neck much. That is why I would like to upgrade for comfort, like perhaps a 7000 series. I really appreciate your comment, it gives me hope my thoughts are in the right direction. Paul

 

[jeremy in NE]

I wish you the best of luck with your back issues. I don't know the exact problems the neighbors have with their backs, but the one guy can't even wear a hat because it causes too much pain. We have a 4040 with a hydraulic seat and a 7810 with an air ride seat and there is absolutely no comparison in ride quality. I thought I was in heaven when we bought the 4040 because before that I spent the day running a 3020. Than we got the 7810 and it felt like you were in your recliner. I don't care for all the computer crap on the newer ones but they have made a dramatic difference in total operator comfort. I know its a lot of money, but sometimes its worth it saving on medical expenses and being able to do what you love.