15 replies to this topic

[taweste]

I am new to the John Deere world and I am looking to upgrade from my Craftsman LT1000. I found a 330 and a 420 that I plan on looking at this weekend. They both appear to have normal wear, and the 330 has 727 hours (not sure about the hours on the 420). They are both in the $2000 range (I do not want to spend over $2k). Both have a mower deck and the 330 has a power flow bagger. The 420 comes with a plow and chains. However, I have a plow truck so moving snow really isn't necessary.

 

I am a big fan of anything diesel, and I would like a bagger. This is causing me to lean towards the 330. However, I understand that the 420 has a lot more potential.

 

Is it possible to find a 332 or 430 for under $2000? If so, what should I expect to pay for a bagger if I have to buy one separately?

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

Thanks,

Tim

[JD DANNELS]

Both would be good choices.  I have neither but my brother has ran a 420 for probalby at least 10 yrs and they are nice.

What I can comment on with some experience is the power flow bagger. When I bought my 318 it came with a snow blower and a power flow bagger. At first I was going to have him keep the bagger and knock some off the price.

But being a serious gardener I decided I could use the grass clippings as mulch so took it in the deal.

One of the smartest things I have ever done!!  I use it on my 1 acre + lawn constantly and love it, and the mulch helps control weeds and builds up the soil when I till it in in the fall.

 

The other thing I will comment on is, as much as I enjoy my tractors if I had a plow truck with a heater I would never put a blade on the tractor in winter.

Edited by JD DANNELS, May 06, 2014 - 10:47 AM.

[boyscout862]

Welcome to GTT.  Price is going to be dependent on condition, location, time of the year, and motovation of the seller and buyer. Someone that knows about JDs will be along to help. Are you able to do your own repairs? Good Luck, Rick

[Trav1s]

Attachements are easier to find for the 330 since it shares them with the 120/140/300/312/314/316/317/318/322/332.  The down side of the 330 is NO power steering and one remote for the hydro.  

The 420 is a much bigger tractor that has unique attachments.  

 

I would go with the 330 considering all things equal.

[olcowhand]

I have went all diesel on my "working" GT's.  Just so much more dependable, plus waaay less fuel consumption.  No power steering on the 330, but the steering gearbox is very heavy duty compared to almost any other GT ever built.  And the sound of a diesel is almost worth it by itself! 

[Username]

Make sure the hour meter works as you might get to haggle on price if it does not.Steering will be a little easier with the bagger hanging on the back.

 

The 330 will likely use less than half the fuel per hour than what the 420 uses.

 

You could likely sell the plow from the 420 for $350-450.

[taweste]

Thanks for all the replies. I agree that the bagger is a valuable tool for gardening; not only for mulching, but composting as well.

 

I am comfortable doing my own repairs.

 

I have my mind set on a diesel and I think if I go with a gasser I will be in the market for a diesel in a few years. However, I am impressed by the size and potential of the 420's.

 

It looks like a 430 would be my ideal tractor. Can you find 430's for under $2000 in New England?

[taweste]

BTW, the 420 has 500 hours.

[twostep]

I've seen a couple of 430's in that range but they are few and far between!

 

You've mentioned the 420's potential... what do you mean by that? what do you plan to do besides mow?

[taweste]

Presently, I would be using to mow and haul wood and yard debris. I can could use a FEL but it is not a necessity nor would I have the means to purchase it anytime in the near future. A snow blower could be useful at some point if I ever get rid of my plow truck.

[Username]

You will need lots of patience and an honest seller to find a fair condition 430 for $2000.I have found several through the years but the deals did not go through after the sellers discovered that they would bring a lot more money due to the replies.

[twostep]

I would opt for the 330 only because of the diesel and the availability of attachments.

[Trav1s]

I would opt for the 330 only because of the diesel and the availability of attachments.

 

[JDBrian]

The 330 is a Diesel but is a basic tractor. One major drawback is it only has 1 set of  hydraulic outlets. So, if you want to use a 54 blade with angle it can't be done on a 330 without modification.    It was only made for 2 years and when the 332 came out it had all the goodies that were on the 318. 

  If the tractor will meet your needs as is then I'd go diesel. It really is a step up from a gas engine IMO.  If you put many hours on it you will save a lot in fuel costs.  You can't lose really. Either tractor will hold it's value well if you don't like it and decide to sell. 

[Trav1s]

The conversion to H-2 would be pretty straightforward using parts from other H-2 tractors of the same vintage.  Several people out there have done the conversion.