Fordfarmer

Well-known Member
I've been running a Fox 4310 for 15 years or so now. Mostly use it for corn, but do have a hay head. Always thought it would be nice to have a second chopper so I could mix some hay in with the corn - boost the protein, and it's about impossible to make dry hay here after mid September anyway. So when I saw a craigslist ad for a 4410 for $1500, (uses the same heads as a 4310, and most parts interchange) I decided to look into it. Pulled it home yesterday...325 miles round trip, and 3/4 tank of gas through the V10.
It has seen more use and less inside storage than my 4310, but it is supposed to be in usable condition...and does appear to be. It's raining today, so no combining, so I'll be working on getting the 4410 greased and set up. Worst case, if it dies in a year or two, it becomes a parts donor for the 4310.
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Here's what sealed the deal for me. The seller said he had "lots of parts" that would go with the chopper, "probably $500 worth". Two of those boxes have new gathering chains. Those were $300 each when I bought a set 4 years ago. Plus bearings, sprockets, chain guides, pulleys, a 3-rib belt, fan paddles, blower band, etc. Fair number of used but still usable parts too. And 4 or 5 screens, one of which looks like it was never used. Doubt I'll use any of them, though.
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I don't know much about silage, but that sounds like a great deal. What caught my attention was running only 3/4 tank of gas through your V10. Ford, I assume? My V10 does pretty good, but I'd be running on fumes if I ran 345 miles w/o stopping for gas. Best I've gotten is 14 on the interstate.
 
That is a good deal! Way to go!

Those are a beast of a machine; you can pound them really hard, no problems!

What do you pull your 4310 with?

If you ever have too many idler sprockets, let me know; I am always looking for some!
 
I chop with my 'new' tractor - an '89 TW35. It's rated at 171 h.p., so I'm right near the 175 h.p. max for the choppers. Bought it one or two years after I bought the 4310. Ran it with a Ford 9600 before that.
As near as I can tell, the biggest differences between the 4310 and 4410 are shear bolts on the 4310 and ratchet type slip clutches on the 4410, and the 4410's gearbox speeds everything up 12%, rather than the 1:1 ratio on the 4310. I can outrun the gathering chains on the 4310 without running out of power...maybe the 4410 will work the TW a bit.
Which sprockets do you need? The ones in the lower left of the second picture? I haven't taken a real close look, but I think there are a number of those... I might be willing to part with a few. I did count the screens as I unloaded them. 7, in 6 different sizes.
choppingfall08002.jpg
 
Maybe the manual tranny makes the difference. My 250 auto doesn't do quite that good, but pulls whatever I can hook it to. No complaints.
 
That tractor is a perfect match for your set up, for sure! How are parts for the TW's? I know nothing about them.

18 or 16 foot wagons? It is amazing what another 2 feet can hold.

I am looking for the 7 tooth idlers with the 3/4 bore; the ones with the bearing in it. I found a source for gathering chains, and I will be ordering a whole new set for my 3 row corn head for next fall. I would like to replace the idlers as well. My driving sprockets seem to measure up/fit fine, so I may leave those.

I run a Super D with a 4-71/w RWA, 8 knife drum, and and I love that thing. I also love my ear protection; that engine is loud.
 
I know what yo mean about the noise... I open fields with a Max II FWD with the 671. Between the Detroit and the racket of the 3 row head, there's a lot of noise there!!
 
Yes, a MAX II would be most awesome...and awesomely loud. I run out of motor, in really good corn, with the 4-71. Which is a problem when going up muddy hills; I do not like backing down, or stopping, on a hill, as you never know when you may slide.

In my dreams, I end up owning a Fox 6660, with the 6VT71 (sigh). I do not even know if they sold any in this country; all the pictures I see of them are from Europe. :-(
 
Fellow in Tony, WI, about 5 miles from me, has a
MAX II. Detroit and fwd. Was for sale last fall,
but he still has it. I think he just uses it to
open fields now. I could get his phone number, if
you'd like.
 
I'll have to measure them, but as a guess, I'd say 3", 2", 1 1/2", 1", 3/4", 1/2", and 1/2" with round holes. 7 of them, with two of the smallest size with square holes.
 
No problems getting whatever parts I've needed. so far, at least. Fiat is sure to ruin that at some point though.
My wagons are just 14'. Forage Kings. One my Grandpa bought new in the late '70's, the other two I picked up at auctions for around $500 a piece. Bigger would be nice, but 1) they're more expensive, and 2) I'm often fighting mud, so bigger isn't always better. The one in the picture was a 16', borrowed to finish up that year, as one of mine had broken the main apron. Taught me I don't want a Gehl box, as it cost me $400 to replace a beater before I returned it. Had rotting cross members, too.
 
LOL. Hardly idling. 3rd gear, 2100 RPM (1000 PTO RPM). Has the power to pull it in 4th, but that's too fast for the gathering chains. Makes the spout bounce too much, too.
 
Hmmm. I would not mind having his number.

I will not be buying much this year - not so great of a year for me.

But, there is always next fall to think about. Would not mind finding out about the machine.

Thank You!
 
I have noticed that Gehl is super high on parts prices, too. Since they stopped building ag equipment, prices have soared....not that they were affordable to begin with, but they sure went higher.

It has been very wet by me, and I have only been doing 1/2 loads in 16 & 18 foot boxes - other wise it is too slick to pull them. I only got stuck once this year so far, and I was able to unhook the wagon and drive out.

If you ever have a chance, look into what FIAT all holds interest in; they own a stake in about everything. They start with mining the ore, and control about every aspect to the final sale of their products. Kinda creepy, kind neat.
But, GE and IH used to do the same thing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat_S.p.A.#Metallurgical_products
 
I measured them tonight. The one with round holes is 5/8". The size I have two of is 3/4". The others are 1 1/2", 2 1/2", 3", and 4".
 
Would u be intrested in selling that 7234 head would you I have a 753 3 row narrow but I have wide rows Let me know maybe u know someone who has one for sale 828-231-5729
 

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