[rblturtle]

I realize the 445 part of this is not correct for this board. If I should post else ware let me know. I have a 420 with a model 44 loader now. I have a chance to buy a 445 with model 40 loader. I like the foot controlled hydro and quieter liquid cooled engine. comments welcome.
thanks,Rich

 

[tomd999]

Hiya,

Why not look for a 430 and swap the loader onto that? In my opinion, an even better option than the 445.

Tom

 

[chuckv]

Rich and Tom,

I think I recall that the loader frame for the 430 is different and unique to accommodate the much longer front overhang of the extended nose on that model. That extra front end length also would make the loader marginally more cumbersome in my opinion.

The foot ground speed control is a very good feature on a loader tractor as with steering and bucket control your hands are pretty full without doing fwd/rev and speed control too. I know from my X495 diesel that the foot control was really sweet when mowing also...

Chuck

 

[coalminer16]

Chuck is right-the 430 sub frame is different then the 420. I have seen a 430 sub frame work on a 420 though. Also the handles for the 430 loader (contols) are longer and bend backwards.

As far which tractor is better-depends on what else you are going to use it for. The 445 does have the liquid cooled engine as well as the loader running from the on-board hydraulics vs the 44 loader a separate system. Foot control is nice.

Don't know enough about the 445 but don't some have 4 wheel steer and some have 4 wheel drive? I know some have a 540 rear PTO and a Cat 1 rear 3 point. As a loader tractor I think the 445 wins. The biggest issues with the 4x5 series is the hoods seem to crack up and break. Depending on the other equipment things may be more expensive-or not. Go for it in my eyes.

 

[3jd318]

I don't think the 445 lifts much.
Gp

 

[jdrye]

I love my 420, but I would think a 445 would make a better loader tractor. The foot hydro would make the world of difference I would think. The 445s also start and run so smooth and I think are more fuel efficient. I do not know if the lifting capacity on a the 445 and loader is less than a 420 and loader. The 445s were not 4wd but some are 4 wheel steer but if I remember right the loader cannot be used with a 4 wheels steer model.

 

[mikeduwe]

Loader goes on and off of the 445/455 tractors in almost no time. The 44, 15-20 minutes.

When I saw it in person, I almost sold my 332/44.

But when you drive a 4x5 into a pile of dirt, the wheels stop spinning...

 

[jdmaninlouky]

Go with the 445 and 40 loader . Never look back . Much better loader tractor for ergonomics . I've had both , and still run a 445/40 loader . Loader soon to be changed over to a 455 .

 

[bob_wallner]

445 with the foot controlled Hydro will be much easier to operate than the 420. With the fuel injection you will have easy starting and less fuel used as well. Suspension seat, cruise control, tilt steering wheel. The one thing you will find annoying (unless you put a modification to it) is the speed of the reverse on the 445. Al 420 is slow in reverse...a 445 is slower yet. Forward...no issue with either tractor. I like them all, but if I had were to choose on function...have to go 445.

 

[mike]

The foot control would make things a lot better however the 40 lifts less. There was a member that had to upgrade the cylinders to get it to lift like a 44.

 

[bj140]

After having a 332/44 and going to my 455/40 I have no regrets. Easy to take on and off, able to run front attachments without having the subframe get in the way. The hydraulics seem faster than my 44 was. With my implement relief psi shimmed up I have had no issue with anything I've wanted to lift.

 

[rustyknuckles]

Ben -
Can you enlighten me as to the shimming process? Part #s for the shim(s)? How many? Thx.

 

[jdmaninlouky]

Jay -

Simple (machine) washers @ 10MM OD. x 5MM ID. Thickness range between .008" to maybe .015" max. , or anywhere in-between . It's all about checking before and after pressures , when adding shims . Stock pressure runs around 950 to 1000 PSI .

After shimming to tighten relief spring , you need about 1250-1300 PSI for a well respectable lift on a 40 loader . Some have gone as high as 1650-1700 PSI without problems , but I always stop at 1300 to be on the (nominal) safety side . Have done quite a few , and it is the only way you will be satisfied (IMHO) with a 40 loader .

Dave

 

[hundojoe]

David, do you have any pictures of the shimming process?