[dayers]

hi i have found a 400 near me with a cab, blower, 3pt and deck. owner says needs a tune up. not sure what if its worth or if it is going to look at. any major issues to look for never had one this big. not sure of year.
Thanks
Dustin A.

 

[tfgaasch]

Dustin

The best way to look at it is what is it worth to you. You have a good start on what is there. Assuming condition is good.

The 400 is a little tricky being that it has not been produced in over 30 years so some parts are impossible to buy new, some are outrageously priced.

Make sure the engine does not smoke and has good power. Most cost effective is a mini block for replacement of engine (I learned this to late). Check for hydro leaks. Just be prepared for sticker shock on parts. Other then that I love mine.

I wish I had more room so I could get a 430 in addition to my 400, But that is a whole other story.

ID at least go look at it.

Good luck

Tim

 

[grandpajay]

Dustin,
I know there is a lot of talk around the issue of the 400 being pretty attachment specific. So I have committed to build attachments for mine as I need them. Working on mine to restore/modify/accessorize it, I basically consider that it will have virtually no value when I'm done. But it will be a nifty and useful garden tractor for ME. It's a hobby that will cost some money that I won't get back. But it is a hobby that will get the lawn mowed, snow removed, shoreline rocks reset, firewood hauled, and landscape projects accomplished. It will tow the grandkids and neighbor kids on a hayride. My fishing boat won't do any of that and it doesn't catch fish, either.

All that said, the 400 is a pretty good platform to start out. The deck and blower are a good start. That's what I have. Then you add a 3pt hitch and (other than tiller) you have many options. At any one time there are a number of them being parted out on Ebay. I've found some parts there. Other that Deere specific parts, many parts are generic enough to be found elsewhere on the internet.

A 400 is a big and solid performer-worthy of a re-power if you can get it cheap enough and the Kohler is bad. I like mine. It's getting a combo box blade/land plane and a front loader that I'm building. Go for it!

Jay

 

[tfgaasch]

Well put Jay

 

[dayers]

i to would like a 430 but they are not cheep this one is awful cheap i thought (1500) as a package. i have a few 140s and assorted gear drives at my disposal i just thought this maybe a good investment i figured i could get my money back by selling every thing with it and partsing it if it goes south or keeping it and convincing my parents i need another box trailer for my collection when i find a 4340 if i want to keep the 400 that is if i buy it.so in all i thought i would have it as an in between tractor and maybe keep it around for the long haul. but like most with these good old tractors i am not in life for the money if i was i would not be living on a farm and collecting old deeres. i just enjoy it and keep multiple jobs plus sophmore year high school to keep at what i like.

 

[knottyrope]

1500 isn't a bad price for all of that

 

[dayers]

thanks guys.

 

[deereman84]

Dustin-
Another weak point on the 400 was the drive shaft. The original design was a non-greaseable u-joint and almost all the originals are either nearing the end of their life or completely shot at this point. It isn't as big a deal as is used to be. You can rebuild them which takes a little work or buy\build an aftermarket one. I would highly recommend not buying a new one from Deere since they are around $800 now. Check the u-joints to see if any of the yokes have rubbed together. If they have, the drive shaft is junk now. More than anything, have fun with the 400. It is a very heavy built tractor and can take a lot of abuse.

 

[knottyrope]

you can make your own shaft for about 150

 

[halvy]

Dustin,

I 2nd what Jeremy said" It is a very heavy built tractor and can take a lot of abuse." I have one and think it is a great tractor.

 

[jake]

Dustin,
If you don't buy it you'll regret it someday.
Be careful of the (I think it needs a tune-up).
These tractors can run on one cylinder.
Bring a spark plug wrench with you and make sure that both cylinders have SOME compression.
On a side note. The attachments are worth almost as much as the asking price.
Welcome to the black sheep squadron,
Jake

 

[dayers]

brought it home it moves real well in high at a low idle so i think it has both cylinders needs a fender pan around the foot wells starter makes noise when cranking over

 

[E Behm]

Glad to see you got it!

 

[7dad34]

Put an oil pressure gauge on it pronto ! I put mine where the hour meter is on the dash, moved the hour meter to near the battery. Pressure gauge will be your friend.

 

[dayers]

how do you put that on and where do i get one? do these have oil related problems?

 

[tfgaasch]

There are some Allen head plugs at each end on the top of the engine. I removed the one just to the rear of the carb. The gauge I purchased had a fitting and line that I ran from there to the gauge. And for your second question, yes many people have had problem with the oil pressure. It is a good thing to keep an eye on.

 

[tfgaasch]

I Forgot. Any auto parts store for the gauge