The John Deere 4230, belonging to the Generation II Series, was a row-crop tractor produced by John Deere from 1973 to 1977. Manufactured in Waterloo, Iowa, USA, it was introduced as the successor to the popular John Deere 4020. This tractor was known for its versatility and various engine options, including a 6.6-liter 6-cylinder diesel engine and a 5.9-liter 6-cylinder gasoline engine (available only in the 1973 model year). One notable feature was the availability of a row-crop tricycle front-end configuration. The 4230 offered different variants, including the standard row-crop, high-clearance (Hi-Crop), and low-profile (LP) models. This tractor marked the end of the tricycle option at John Deere’s Waterloo factory and was part of the company’s commitment to delivering reliable and powerful farming equipment.
| John Deere 4230 Specs |
|---|
| Production Years | 1973 – 1977 |
| Series | Generation II Series |
| Tractor Type | Row-Crop tractor |
| Production |
|---|
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
| Total Built | 33 (Gasoline), 90 (Low-Profile) |
| Note | The John Deere 4230 replaced the popular 4020 and offered a row-crop tricycle front-end option. It was the last tractor from Deere’s Waterloo factory to have this option. |
| Variants |
|---|
| 4230 | Row-Crop |
| 4230 Hi-Crop | High Clearance |
| 4230 LP | Low-Profile |
| Diesel Engine Option |
|---|
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
| Engine Type | 6-cylinder, liquid-cooled, inline horizontal-shaft diesel engine |
| Displacement | 404 cubic inches (6.6 liters) |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.25×4.75 inches (108 x 121 mm) |
| Air Cleaner | Dry with secondary element |
| Pre-heating | Ether injection, optional coolant heater |
| Compression Ratio | 16.2:1 |
| Rated RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) | 2200 |
| Idle RPM | 800-2400 |
| Operating RPM | 1500-2200 |
| Firing Order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Starter | Electric |
| Starter Volts | 12 volts |
| Oil Capacity | 17 quarts (16.1 liters) |
| Coolant Capacity | 24 quarts (22.7 liters) |
| Gasoline Engine Option (1973 Model Year Only) |
|---|
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
| Engine Type | 6-cylinder, liquid-cooled gasoline engine |
| Displacement | 362 cubic inches (5.9 liters) |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.25×4.25 inches (108 x 108 mm) |
| Rated RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) | 2200 |
| Firing Order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Starter | Electric |
| Starter Volts | 12 volts |
| Power |
|---|
| PTO (claimed) | 100 hp (74.6 kW) |
| Drawbar (tested) | 83.95 hp (62.6 kW) |
| PTO (tested) | 100.32 hp (74.8 kW) |
| Tires |
|---|
| Ag Front | 9.5L-15 |
| Ag Rear | 18.4-34 |
| Dimensions |
|---|
| Wheelbase | 104 inches (264 cm) |
| Length (2WD) | 165.6 inches (420 cm) |
| Length (4WD) | 169.3 inches (430 cm) |
| Width | 89.625 inches (227 cm) |
| Front Tread | 48 to 79 inches (121 to 200 cm) |
| Rear Tread | 60 to 94 inches (152 to 238 cm) |
| Weight |
|---|
| Shipping | 8,100 lbs (Syncro), 8,500 lbs (Non-Syncro) |
| Operating | 10,800 lbs |
| Ballasted | 14,150 lbs |
| Height |
|---|
| Steering Wheel | 86.7 inches (220 cm) |
| Cab | 109.875 inches (279 cm) |
| Exhaust | 151.75 inches (385 cm) |
| Serial Numbers |
|---|
| 1973 | 1000 |
| 1974 | 13000 |
| 1975 | 22074 |
| 1976 | 28957 |
| 1977 | 35588 |
| Final | 42331 |
| Electrical |
|---|
| Ground | Negative |
| Charging System | Alternator |
| Batteries | 2 |
| Battery Volts | 6 |
| Option:John Deere 148 Loader |
|---|
| Option | John Deere 158 Loader |
| John Deere 148 Loader |
|---|
| Loader Model | John Deere 148 |
| Lift Capacity (Full at Pin) | 3100 lbs (1406 kg) |
| Breakout Force | 4700 lbs (2131 kg) |
| Dump Angle | 38° |
| Reach with Bucket Dumped | 32 inches (81 cm) |
| Rollback Angle | 11° |
| Height at Pin | 126 inches (320 cm) |
| Clearance with Bucket Dumped | 102 inches (259 cm) |
| Clearance (Level) | 121 inches (307 cm) |
| Cylinder Diameter (Boom and Bucket) | 2.5 inches (6 cm) |
| Weight | 1350 lbs (612 kg) |
| Bucket Width Options | 60 inches (152 cm), 72 inches (182 cm), 84 inches (213 cm), 96 inches (243 cm) |
| Bucket Capacity Options | 0.5 cu yd (0.4 cu m), 0.6 cu yd (0.5 cu m), 0.8 cu yd (0.6 cu m), 0.9 cu yd (0.7 cu m) |
| John Deere 158 Loader |
|---|
| Loader Model | John Deere 158 |
| Lift Capacity (Full at Pin) | 3800 lbs (1723 kg) |
| Breakout Force | 5000 lbs (2268 kg) |
| Dump Angle | 37° |
| Reach with Bucket Dumped | 32 inches (81 cm) |
| Rollback Angle | 12° |
| Height at Pin | 156 inches (396 cm) |
| Clearance with Bucket Dumped | 132 inches (335 cm) |
| Clearance (Level) | 151 inches (383 cm) |
| Cylinder Diameter (Boom and Bucket) | 2.75 inches (6 cm) |
| Weight | 1771 lbs (803 kg) |
| Bucket Width Options | 60 inches (152 cm), 72 inches (182 cm), 84 inches (213 cm), 96 inches (243 cm) |
| Bucket Capacity Options | 0.5 cu yd (0.4 cu m), 0.6 cu yd (0.5 cu m), 0.8 cu yd (0.6 cu m), 0.9 cu yd (0.7 cu m) |
The John Deere 4230 is a highly regarded tractor model that holds significant historical value in the world of agriculture. Produced from 1973 to 1977 as part of John Deere’s Generation II Series, it represents an era of innovation and progress in farming technology.
What makes the John Deere 4230 special and unique:
Historical Significance: The John Deere 4230 was introduced as the successor to the iconic John Deere 4020, which was known for its reliability and performance. As part of the Generation II Series, it played a pivotal role in advancing tractor technology during the 1970s.
Versatile Engine Options: The 4230 was offered with two engine options, including a 6.6-liter 6-cylinder diesel engine and a 5.9-liter 6-cylinder gasoline engine. The availability of both diesel and gasoline engines provided flexibility to farmers with varying preferences and needs.
Row-Crop Tricycle Front-End: One of the unique features of the John Deere 4230 was the availability of a row-crop tricycle front-end configuration. This allowed the tractor to navigate row-crop fields more effectively, making it ideal for a wide range of agricultural tasks.
Wide Range of Variants: The 4230 was available in different variants, including the standard row-crop model, the high-clearance (Hi-Crop) version, and the low-profile (LP) model. This versatility allowed farmers to choose a model that best suited their specific farming conditions and requirements.
Advantages:
High Reliability: The John Deere 4230 was built with John Deere’s reputation for durability and reliability, ensuring that it could withstand the rigors of daily farm work.
Engine Options: The availability of diesel and gasoline engines provided options for farmers with varying fuel preferences.
Versatile Configurations: With multiple variants and front-end configurations, the 4230 catered to a wide range of agricultural applications.
Historical Value: As a collector’s item, the 4230 holds historical value and is sought after by enthusiasts and collectors.
Disadvantages:
Fuel Efficiency: The gasoline engine option, while available for a limited time, may not be as fuel-efficient as modern diesel engines.
Limited Features: Compared to modern tractors, the 4230 may lack some of the advanced features and technology found in contemporary farming equipment.
In summarizing, the John Deere 4230 is a collector’s dream due to its historical significance, versatility, and unique row-crop tricycle front-end option. While it may lack some modern features, its reliability and role in advancing agricultural technology make it a cherished piece of farming history.
