If you need a row-crop tractor for farming, the John Deere 4440 tractor is your best solution! But why should you choose it among other competitors? Our John Deere 4440 reviews answer your question!
So, if you’re a new farmer or have some John Deere experience, stay tuned to learn all specs and benefits, and test the tractor’s possibilities.
Take Away Key Points:
- The model is ideal for the improved cabin (the 1st tractor with heating, air-conditioner, and radio in the 20th century)
- It offers 130 HP with a six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine for exceptional power and performance.
- The model belongs to the famous Iron Horses Series produced in the 1970s and 80s.
- The hydraulic system & the differential hydraulic wet disc braking system keep the construction fantastic and optimal for robust uses.
Table of Contents
- All About the John Deere 4440 Tractor
- 1. John Deere 4440 tractor history
- 2. John Deere 4440 tractor & general specifications
- 3. John Deere 4440 tractor power
- 4. John Deere 4440 diesel engine
- 5. John Deere 4440 transmission
- 6. John Deere 4440 power take-off shaft
- 7. John Deere 4440 tractor hydraulic system
- 8. John Deere 4440 tractor three-point hitch
- 9. John Deere 4440 tractor tires
- 10. John Deere 4440 tractor electric mechanism
- 11. John Deere 4440 tractor attachments
- FAQs
- Conclusion
All About the John Deere 4440 Tractor
If you’re unsure if you should choose the model for your farm, read the data below and then decide.
1. John Deere 4440 tractor history
The John Deere 4440 row-crop tractor is even nowadays one of the most popular John Deere tractors in the farm world.
The row-crop tractor was first introduced in 1978, and the production lasted up until 1982. The product belongs to John Deere’s Iron Horses Series. The tractors were produced in Waterloo, Iowa, and the machines are popular even today due to their reliability and performance.
The original price for the tractor was $44,000, but today, you can find it between $30,000 and $40,000. In addition, the tractors had various serial numbers over the years. These included:
- 1978: 1000
- 1979: 14820
- 1980: 29539
- 1981: 42665
- 1982: 56346
2. John Deere 4440 tractor & general specifications
The John Deere 4440 tractor is 4030 mm long, 2080 mm wide, and 290 mm high. The wheelbase is 2710 mm, while the tractor weighs 5400 kg.
In addition, the tractor carries a massive amount of fuel in one go. The cabin type is Sound-Gard cab standard. It contains an open operator station. Thus, the tractor uses two 6V batteries for performance.
The John Deere 4440 tractor utilizes 130 HP with a six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine. The machine is durable, with an oil capacity of 15.1 liters. You can use it for all land conditions and light and heavy-duty tasks. Let’s see the full specs.
General specs
| Length | 158.5 inches (402 cm) |
| Width | 96 inches (243 cm) 109 inches (276 cm long axle) 119 inches (302 cm long axle) |
| Wheelbase | 106.7 inches (297 cm) |
| Height (cab) | 117.3 inches (297 cm) |
| Height (exhaust) | 128.7 inches (326 cm) |
| Clearance (front axle) | 24.7 inches (62 cm) |
| Clearance (rear axle) | 28 inches (71 cm) |
| Clearance (drawbar) | 15.7 inches (39 cm) |
| Rear axle | Rack-and-pinion: 3.39 x 96 inches |
| Rear axle | Rack-and-pinion: 3.62 x 96 inches |
| Rear axle | Rack-and-pinion: 3.62 x 109 inches |
| Rear axle | Rack-and-pinion: 3.62 x 119 inches |
| Front thread | 55.7 to 93.2 inches |
| Rear thread | 60 to 130 inches |
3. John Deere 4440 tractor power
Being a row-crop tractor, the John Deere 4440 model has enough HP (130) to ensure complete farm tasks and more robust use. The model provides longer working hours without too many breaks. It is pretty effective for all farming operations. See the data below.
Power specs
| Drawbar – claimed | 112 HP (83.5 kW) |
| PTO – claimed | 130 HP (96.9 kW) |
| Drawbar – tested | 112.69 HP (84.0 kW) |
| PTO – tested | 130.58 HP (97.4 kW) |
4. John Deere 4440 diesel engine
The turbocharged diesel engine is a 4-stroke liquid-cooled inline type. Due to the design, the engine offers an improved cooling capacity, so you use its full power. You don’t have to stop at regular intervals to get it cooled after specific time intervals.
The engine comes with six cylinders driven by fuel. The fuel capacity is 15 liters. The displacement is 7.6 liters, and the compression ratio is 14.9:1.
The engine also offers a coolant capacity of 34.1 l. Thus, the engine is powerful with extremely high output. Therefore, the tractor is an exceptional model of the John Deere series. But let’s refer to the table below for a better understanding.
Diesel engine specs
| Displacement | 466 ci (7.6 l) |
| bore/stroke | 4.5625 x 7.75 inches (116 x 121 mm) |
| Air cleaner | Dry with safe element |
| Pre-heating | Either injection |
| Compression | 14.9:1 |
| Related RPM | 2200 |
| Idle RPM | 80-2400 |
| Operating RPM | 1500-2200 |
| Firing order | 1-53-6-2-4 |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Oil capacity | 16 qts (15.1 l) |
| Coolant capacity | 36 qts (34.1 l) |
| Intake valve clearance | 0.018 inches |
| Exhaust valve clearance | 0.028 inches |
5. John Deere 4440 transmission
The John Deere 4440 tractor uses two types of transmission. The transmission models can either be:
- Power Shift
- Quad-Range type.
The Quad-Range model has a Partial power shift transmission type (partial power shift gears.) Thus, the tractor offers sixteen forward and eight reverse gears. The reverse speed measures 10.7 mph, while the forward rate is 16.9 mph.
The PowerShift transmission model uses the Full power shift transmission type. Therefore, the tractor offers infinite forward and reverse gears. The reverse speed is 16.1 while the forward rate is 18.5 mph.
The John Deere 4440 tractor has a 4 x 2WD or 4 x 4 HFWD 4WD chassis. The brakes are hydraulic, while the steering type is a full-power hydrostatic.
Syncro-range transmission & mechanics
| Chassis | 4 x 2 2WD 4 x 4 HFWD 4WD |
| Differential lock | Pedal-actuated hydraulic |
| Steering | Power |
| Brakes | Differential hydraulic wet disc |
| Cab | Sound-gard cab standard. Four-post ROPS available. |
| Transmission | Sixteen-speed partial power shift Eight-speed full power shift |
| Syncro-range transmission | John Deere quad-range |
| Type | Partial power shift |
| Gears | sixteen forward, and six reverse gears |
| Oil capacity | 44 qts (41.6 l) 2WD 60 qts (56.8 l) 4WD |
6. John Deere 4440 power take-off shaft
All John Deere tractors are famous for their PTO systems. The PTO system transforms the tractor’s mechanical power into the implement’s energy, so the John Deere 4440 tractor has a high-quality PTO.
The tractor offers the rear-type PTO, which is independent and has a hydraulic multi-plate disc with a wet clutch. Thus, the rear PTO speed is 540/1000 rpm.
PTO specs
| Rear PTO | Independent |
| Rear rpm | 540/1000 rpm (1.375) |
7. John Deere 4440 tractor hydraulic system
The John Deere 4440 tractor provides a compact central hydraulic system. The pressure measures 2250 psi. The system has two or three valves, and the pump flow is 23 GPM. The system also uses the dual remote hydraulics mechanism with the power shaft transmission.
Hydraulics & capacity specs
| Type | Closed center |
| Capacity | 11 gal (416 l) John Deere PowerShift 2WD 13 gal (49.2 l) John Deere Quad-range 2WD 15 gal (56.8 l) John Deere PowerShift 4WD 17 gal (64.3 l) John Deere Quad-Range 4WD |
| Pressure | 2250 psi (155.1 bar) |
| Valves | Two or three |
| Pump flow | 23 GPM (87.1 LPM) |
| Fuel | 65 gal (246.0 l) |
| Hydraulic capacity | 11 gal (41.6 l) Power Shift 2WD 13 gal (49.2 l) Quad-range 2WD 15 gal (56.8 l) Power Shift 4WD 17 gal (64.3 l) Quad-range 4WD |
8. John Deere 4440 tractor three-point hitch
Working with the PTO shaft, the three-point hitch is the most valuable tractor part. The mechanism provides ideal connecting points for various tractor implements, such as John Deere 158 loader and John Deere 148 loader. The system improves the functionality of the tractor.
Three-point hitch specs
| Rear type | IIIN/II (Category 2) |
| Rear lift | 5,710 lbs (2590 kg) 6,744 lbs (3059 kg) |
9. John Deere 4440 tractor tires
The John Deere 4440 tractor uses exceptional tires. The tractor performs well due to the tires, finishing heavy work seamlessly. In addition to tires, the John Deere 4440 tractor has available headlights. As a result, the tractor operates smoothly, even during the night or evening hours.
Tires specs
| Ag front | 10.00-16 |
| Ag rear | 18.4-38 |
| Ag front | 11.00-1614 l-16.1 |
| Ag rear | 23.1-30 18.4-34 20.8-34 23.1-34 15.5-38 16.9-38 20.8-38 |
10. John Deere 4440 tractor electric mechanism
The John Deere 4440 tractor uses two 6V batteries for full power and smooth operations. However, you may be able to use two 12V batteries placed parallelly. However, you must consider the energy, not to damage the engine and power source.
Many farmers complain it would be better to use two 12V batteries instead of two regular 6V models. So, inspect the tractor manual and find the safety element confirming using different batteries and power sources.
Electrical specs
| Ground | Negative |
| Charging system | Alternator |
| Charging amps | 61 (ROPS) 72 (cab) |
| Batteries | 2 |
| Battery CCA | 850 |
| Battery volts | 6 |
11. John Deere 4440 tractor attachments
The John Deere 4440 tractor is ideal for the numerous attachments it uses. However, the two most convenient tractor implements are the John Deere 158 loader and the John Deere 148 loader.
148 loader specs
| Loader weight | 1350 lbs (612 kg) |
| Height (to pin) | 126 inches (320 cm) |
| Clearance – dumped bucket | 102 inches (259 cm) |
| Damp angle | 32 inches (81 cm) |
| Damp reach | 38 degrees |
| Clearance – level bucket | 121 inches (307 cm) |
| Rollback angle | 11 degrees |
| Breakout force (lift) | 4700 lbs (2131 kg) |
| Lift to full height (pin) | 3100 lbs (1406 kg) |
| Bucket capacity | 0.5 cu yd (0.4 cu m) 0.6 cu yd (0.5 cu m) 0.8 cu yd (0.6 cu m) 0.9 cu yd (0.7 cu m) |
| Bucket width | 60 inches (152 cm) 72 inches (182 cm) 84 inches (213 cm) 96 inches (243 cm) |
158 loader specs
| Loader weight | 1771 lbs (803 kg) |
| Height (to pin) | 156 inches (396 cm) |
| Clearance – dumped bucket | 132 inches (335 cm) |
| Damp angle | 37 degrees |
| Damp reach | 32 inches (81 cm) |
| Clearance – level bucket | 151 inches (383 cm) |
| Rollback angle | 12 degrees |
| Breakout force (lift) | 5000 lbs (2268 kg) |
| Lift to full height (pin) | 3800 lbs (1723 kg) |
| Bucket capacity | 0.5 cu yd (0.4 cu m) 0.6 cy yd (0.5 cu m) 0.8 cu yd (0.6 cu m) 0.9 cu yd (0.7 cu m) |
| Bucket width | 60 inches (152 cm) 72 inches (182 cm) 84 inches (213 cm) 96 inches (243 cm) |
FAQs
Why is the John Deere 4440 so popular among farmers?
The 4440 model is still popular among farmers due to its improved cab with new cloth seats, in-cab air-conditioning and heat, and AM/FM radio. The tractor was the first one to introduce a radio system inside the cabin.
What are the disadvantages?
As with other tractors, the John Deere 4440 also offers specific disadvantages to the farmers. These include:
- Spare parts. Finding spare parts for the model might take a lot of work. You need to research a lot to find the corresponding details for your model. Another issue is that the parts are expensive.
- Fuel efficiency. Many farmers complain about fuel efficiency, claiming the model could be more fuel-efficient and might affect the overall performance.
What are the alternatives?
The model has various alternatives, such as the John Deere 4450 or 4430 models. Let’s compare them to see the benefits.
JD 4440 vs. 4450 differences
Here are some of the main differences between the competitors:
- 4450 were new tractors produced during 1983-1988
- 4450 had better cab couplers, better cab comfort, and a more stylish appearance
- Fuel efficiency was improved, so the tractors had better starts and were more efficient
- 15-speed options were also a vast improvement compared to 8-speed configurations
JD 4440 vs. 4430 differences
Below are some of the crucial differences between the models:
- The 4440 had 92 mm axles, while the 4430 had 86 mm axles.
- 40 series used three-pinion differentials, while the 30 series offered only two
- The 4440 models provided bigger and wider final drive planetary. Their transmissions are beefed-up across the board.
- The lifting capacity of a cylinder was also bigger in the 4440
- The hydraulic pump was also bigger in the 4440 models, so it never waited for oil from another system due to its reservoir.
Conclusion
We hope you understand better the mechanics and specs of the JD 4440 model. As you can see, the machine is powerful and effective for all operations, so you should be quick to use it.
You can find it at various auctions if you pick it as the primary solution.
