445a vs 4400?

I am looking at a 445a with shuttle shift and loader. To be used for general work around the farm and handling bales. The neighbor has had a 4400 for years, and done nothing but abuse it, and it keeps on going. Can I expect the same kind of reliability out of the 445a? Anything else to look out for on the 445a?
Josh

The 4400 was classified as a "Utility" tractor, and it had a heavier duty front axle than the standard 4000, but not as heavy duty as he 4500, which was classified as an "Industrial" tractor. The 445A was classified as an "Industrial" tractor also, like the 4500. Looking at the parts diagram, the 445A front axle is actually the same design as the 4500, which is heavier duty than the 4400 front axle. Unless the 445A has FWD, in which case I don't have any knowledge of that front axle, but it looks pretty beefy. The 445A has a slightly smaller displacement 192 ci engine than the 4000/4400/4500 series, which had the 201 ci engine, and the 445A is listed on external_link as having about 10HP less than the 4000/4400/4500, but I don't think that it would make much difference in capabilities, as the hydraulic pumps on the earlier tractors weren't as capable as the later ones and other than the transmission moving the tractor around, most of the actual work is done by the hydraulic system. I don't have any personal knowledge of the 445A, but it looks to be of the same basic design and capabilities as the 4500, which was more capable and heavier duty than the 4400. I don't recommend abusing it, but if it hasn't been abused previously, and you maintain it properly, the 445A should last you a good long time.

The 445A is just a newer variant of the 4500. Should have a bit better hydraulics than the 4400...
Just the same, it's 30 years old. You check everything over on it well.

Rod

The 445A would be far superior to anything in the hundred series due to the joystick loader valve and the hydrostatic power steering alone. If you just want a dirt and round bale moving tractor the 4x4 torque converter transmission will be great. Just keep in mind it does not have a PTO and one cannot be added. I have a 445D with that transmission and use it for those 2 tasks on the farm and love it. The lack of PTO isn't an issue for me because I have other units with PTOs. You can usually pick up these 445/545(A,C,D) with this transmission fairly reasonably because most people do want/need the PTO.

445D's were most certainly available with a PTO and a torque converter transmission... I believe it was an 8 speed, but it still had a torque.

Rod