The John Deere 4430, part of the Generation II Series of row-crop tractors, is a remarkable agricultural machine that left a significant mark in the farming industry during its production years from 1973 to 1977. This tractor, manufactured in Waterloo, Iowa, USA, was known for its exceptional power and versatility, making it a favorite among farmers for a wide range of agricultural tasks. With its turbocharged diesel engine and various transmission options, the 4430 was capable of handling demanding workloads with ease. Its robust design and reputation for reliability have contributed to its enduring popularity among collectors and enthusiasts, cementing its place in the history of agricultural machinery.
| John Deere 4430 Specs |
|---|
| Years of Production | 1973 – 1977 |
| Type | Row-Crop Tractor |
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
| Factory | Waterloo, Iowa, USA |
| Original Price (1977) | $23,000 |
| Variants |
|---|
| 4430 | Row-crop |
| 4430 Hi-Crop | High clearance |
| Power |
|---|
| PTO (Claimed) | 125 hp (93.2 kW) |
| Drawbar (Tested) | 104.99 hp (78.3 kW) |
| PTO (Tested) | 125.88 hp (93.9 kW) |
| Liquid-cooled inline horizontal-shaft |
|---|
| Displacement | 404 ci (6.6 L) |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.25×4.75 inches (108 x 121 mm) |
| Fuel System | Direct injection |
| Air Cleaner | Dry with secondary element |
| Pre-heating | Ether injection, coolant heater* |
| Compression | 15.5:1 |
| Rated RPM | 2200 |
| Idle RPM | 800-2200 |
| Operating RPM | 1500-2200 |
| Starter | Electric |
| Starter Volts | 12 |
| Coolant Capacity | 30 qts (28.4 L) / 32 qts (30.3 L) (with heater) |
| Intake Valve Clearance | 0.018 inches (0.457 mm) |
| Exhaust Valve Clearance | 0.028 inches (0.711 mm) |
| Transmission (John Deere Syncro-Range) |
|---|
| Type | Partially synchronized |
| Gears | 8 forward and 2 reverse |
| Clutch | Hydraulic wet disc |
| Oil Capacity | 44 qts (41.6 L) |
| Transmission (John Deere Quad-Range) |
|---|
| Type | Partial power shift |
| Gears | 16 forward and 6 reverse |
| Clutch | Hydraulic wet disc |
| Oil Capacity | 44 qts (41.6 L) |
| Transmission (John Deere Power Shift) |
|---|
| Type | Full power shift |
| Gears | 8 forward and 4 reverse |
| Clutch | Hydraulic wet discs |
| Oil Capacity | 40 qts (37.9 L) |
| Transmission (Syncro-Range Creeper) |
|---|
| Type | Creeper |
| Gears | 13 forward and 4 reverse |
| Hydraulics |
|---|
| Type | Closed center |
| Capacity | 11 gal (41.6 L) / 10 gal (37.9 L) (Power Shift) |
| Pressure | 2250 psi (155.1 bar) |
| Valves | 1 to 3 |
| Pump Flow | 22 gpm (83.3 lpm) |
| Tractor Hitch |
|---|
| Rear Type | II |
| Rear Lift | 4550 lbs (2063 kg) |
| Power Take-off (PTO) |
|---|
| Rear PTO | Independent |
| Rear RPM | 540/1000 (1.375) |
| Engine RPM | 540@2200 / 1000@2200 |
| Tires |
|---|
| Ag Front | 10.00-16 |
| Ag Rear | 18.4-38 |
| Ag Front | 7.5L-15, 11L-15, 7.50-18, 11.00-16, 14L-16A |
| Ag Rear | 23.1-30, 18.4-34, 20.8-34, 16.9-38 |
| Dimensions |
|---|
| Wheelbase | 106.6 inches (270 cm) |
| Length | 160.75 inches (408 cm) |
| Width | 89.625 inches (227 cm – Axle), 70.8 inches (179 cm – Fenders), 82 inches (208 cm – Cab Fenders) |
| Rear Axle | Rack-and-pinion |
| Front Tread | 48 to 77.9 inches (121 to 197 cm), 52 to 85.9 inches (132 to 218 cm), 58 to 95.9 inches (147 to 243 cm), 64 to 88 inches (162 to 223 cm – 4WD) |
| Rear Tread | Various dimensions |
| Weight |
|---|
| ROPS Shipping | 9,732 lbs (4,414 kg) |
| Cab Shipping | 10,762 lbs (4,881 kg) |
| Operating | 11,350 lbs (5,148 kg) |
| Ballasted | 15,060 lbs (6,831 kg) |
| Serial Numbers |
|---|
| Location | Serial number plate on the rear of the John Deere 4430, right side, above the PTO shaft. |
| 1973 | 1000 |
| 1974 | 17,500 |
| 1975 | 33,050 |
| 1976 | 47,222 |
| 1977 | 62,960 |
| Electrical |
|---|
| Ground | Negative |
| Charging System | Alternator |
| ROPS Charging Amps | 37 |
| Cab Charging Amps | 55 |
| Batteries | 2 |
| Battery CCA | 800 |
| Battery Volts | 6 |
| Battery Group | 5D |
John Deere 4430 review
The John Deere 4430 holds a special place among tractors due to its distinctive features and contributions to the agricultural sector. What sets it apart from other tractors are its advantages and unique qualities:
Advantages:
Powerful Engine: The 4430 boasts a turbocharged diesel engine, providing ample power for a wide range of farming tasks. Its engine capacity, along with direct injection, ensures efficient performance.
Versatile Transmission Options: The tractor offered various transmission options, including partially synchronized, partial power shift, full power shift, and creeper transmissions. This versatility allowed farmers to choose the right configuration for their specific needs.
Reliability: John Deere is renowned for producing durable and reliable equipment, and the 4430 is no exception. It could handle demanding workloads, making it a dependable choice for farmers.
Closed Center Hydraulics: The closed-center hydraulic system with multiple valves and a substantial pump flow enabled the tractor to handle various hydraulic attachments efficiently.
Comfortable Cab: The tractor featured a comfortable operator’s cab with optional air conditioning, which was a significant advantage during long hours in the field.
Historical Value:
The John Deere 4430 holds historical significance as it represents a pivotal era in tractor technology and farming practices. It was part of the Generation II Series, showcasing advancements in power and transmission options. Its popularity during the 1970s marked a transition towards more powerful and versatile tractors in American agriculture.
Comparison with Similar Models:
When compared to similar models of its time, the John Deere 4430 stood out for its power and versatility. It competed with tractors from other manufacturers like Case, International Harvester, and Massey Ferguson. While each brand had its strengths, the 4430’s reputation for reliability, efficient transmission options, and the support of the John Deere dealer network made it a preferred choice for many farmers.
Disadvantages:
Cost: One potential disadvantage was its relatively high cost, particularly when fully equipped with options like air conditioning and advanced transmission systems. This could be a limiting factor for smaller farms with budget constraints.
Weight: The tractor’s weight, especially when ballasted for heavy-duty work, could potentially lead to soil compaction issues, which some farmers had to manage carefully.
In conclusion, the John Deere 4430 is a special and unique tractor known for its power, versatility, and reliability. Its historical value lies in its representation of a significant era in farming technology. While it had its advantages and disadvantages, it remains a beloved and respected model among collectors and enthusiasts, continuing to symbolize the enduring legacy of John Deere in the world of agriculture.
