tips on buying a 4610

[4010 puller]

Were these good tractors? What is there to watch out for? What are they worth? What is the difference between a 4610 and a 4610 SU?

Tractor looks good, has ~ 5000 hours, 2wd, no loader or cab.

Thanks

 

[RodinNS]

The 4610 was simply the second last revision on the 4000 platform. It's basically indestructable. The 'SU' is a 'special utility'. The only difference is that is has a lighter front axle from the 3610 and a shorter wheelbase as a result, so it will turn tighter. Otherwise the 'AP' and 'SU' are identical.

I'd just watch the basic things on those tractors. Make sure that there isn't oil in the water or water in the engine oil and keep the cooling system up to date on maintenance if you buy it.
Check the hydraulics for function and make sure the arms aren't worn out at the ball ends, etc.
Make sure the transmission shifts properly, etc. They're pretty basic tough tractors.
Depending on the hydraulic options and transmission I'd think the tractor would be worth something in the 7-10 grand range. If it's a basic one pump tractor with no or one remote and the 8x2 transmission then it's going to be at the bottom of that range and if it's got the 8x4 syncro transmission and dual pumps with a couple or more remotes then it's going to be worth a bunch more...
If this one has never had a loader then it's probably pretty basic and probably never got worked too hard.

Rod

 

[Bern]

Good comments by Rob. The SU front ends and steering are JUNK in my opinion, especially if you are contemplating a loader. Otherwise, as Rob said, the 4000 series, like the 5000-7000 series tractors are very solid and reliable.

 

[woodbutcher]

That's good advice. I wish I had thought to ask before I bought the tractor I thought was a 4610. The seller had gone to the trouble of installing a 4610 grill and nose, 30" back wheels, and a few other items that made it look like a 4610. He advertised it as a 1982 4610, but when I found the serial number it turned out to be a 1970 4000. I asked about the ROPS, and he implied that it was removed when he bought it. I'm not happy about being lied to, but this seems like a good-running tractor.
Butch

 

[RodinNS]

The biggest thing you lose with the 4000 is hydraulic capacity... By comparison, there is no real functional difference between an 8x2 transmission 4000 and a similarly equipped 4610 other than about 4 gpm flow and mabey a few hundred pounds lift capacity. The rest is basically the same...

Rod