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John Deere 4440 Tractor Full Specs and Review (Updated 2023)

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As we read through the John Deere 4440 reviews, we frequently observed that farmers were increasingly favoring older tractors. Tractor models manufactured in the ’90s are becoming crowd-pleasers. 

But why so?

We dug a little deeper to discover the answer, which was straightforward enough—farmers desire tractors that are well-made, uncomplicated, and reasonably priced. 

When we spoke to some farmers, they agreed that older tractors are still very much functional and that their repairs are less expensive than those of more recent models.

Along the way, we met a farmer who had just bought a 1979 John Deere 4440. He spent $18,000 to revamp it with automatic satellite-guided steering. And he was pretty satisfied.

One of John Deere’s most well-known tractors from the “Iron Horse” series is the 4440. John Deere, between 1977 and 1982, produced this tractor model. On average, the 4440s have a life between 12,000 and 15,000 hours.

It would be wise to invest in it if you get one. After all, as the saying goes, “They just don’t make ’em like they used to.

John Deere 4440 Specs

John Deere 4440 Specs

The Iron Horse series’ most well-liked tractor was the John Deere model 4440. Its popularity is still strong and isn’t going anywhere.

So why not provide a brief with a list of its specifications? Let’s see what specs make this tractor model a crowd-puller, even in 2023.

General Specifications:
ModelJohn Deere 4440
ManufacturerJohn Deere
TypeRow-Crop tractor
SeriesIron Horse Series
Variants 4440
4440 Hi-Crop
Length (overall)158.5 inches
Weight Shipping: 11780 lbs
Operating: 13270 lbs
Ballasted: 15775 lbs
Wheel Base106.7 inches
Width96 inches
Long Axle: 109 inches; 119 inches
Height Cab: 117.3 inches
Exhaust: 128.7 inches
Clearance- Rear axle28 inches
Clearance- Front axle24.7 inches
Clearance- Drawbar15.7 inches
Front Tread55.7 to 93.2 inches
Read Tread60 to 130 inches
Tires:
Ag Front10.00-16
Ag Rear18.4-38
Ag Front11.00-16
Ag Rear23.1-30
18.4-34
20.8-34
23.1-34
15.5-38
16.9-38
20.8-38
Engine Specifications:
Engine Manufacturer/ modelJohn Deere
Engine typeLiquid-cooled inline
No. of cylinders6
Bore and stroke4.5625x4.75 inches
Compressor14.9:1
Displacement466 ci or 7.6 L
StarterElectric
Starter volt12
Air CleanerDry with safety element
PreheatingEther injection
Idle RPM800-2400
Rated RPM2200
Fuel typeTurbocharged diesel
Fuel capacity65 gals
Coolant capacity36 qts
Firing order1-5-3-6-2-4
Oil Capacity12 qts
Electrical:
Battery volt6
Batteries2
GroundNegative
Charging systemAlternator
Charging amps61 (ROPS)
72 (cab)
Battery CCA850
PTO:
Rear PTOIndependent
Rear RPM540/1000 (1.375)
Transmission- Partial power shift:
ModelJohn Deere Quad-Range
TypePartial power shift
Oil Capacity44 qts (2WD)
60 qts (4WD)
BrakesDifferential hydraulic wet disc brakes
Gears 16 forward and 6 reverse
SpeedWith 18.4-38 rear tires
Steering typePower
Operator systemSound-Gard cab standard. Four-post ROPs are available
Transmission- Full power shift:
ModelJohn Deere Quad-Range
TypeFull power shift
Oil Capacity52 qts (2WD)
68 qts (4WD)
BrakesDifferential hydraulic wet disc brakes
Gears8 forward and 4 reverse
SpeedWith 18.4-38 rear tires
Steering typePower
Operator systemSound-Gard cab standard. Four-post ROPs are available
Power:
Drawbar (claimed)112 hp
PTO (claimed)130 hp
Drawbar (tested)112.69 hp
PTO (tested)130.58 hp
Hydraulics:
TypeClosed center
Capacity11 gal (Power Shift 2WD)
13 gal (Quad-Range 2WD)
15 gal (Power Shift 4WD)
17 gal (Quad-Range 4WD)
Pressure2250 psi
Valves 2 or 3
Pump flow23 gpm
Hitch:
Rear typeIIIN/II
Rear lift5,710 lbs
6,744 lbs Opt
Attachments (optional):
Loader• John Deere 148 loader
• John Deere 158 loader
Production:
Manufacturing locationWaterloo, Iowa, USA
Manufacturing years1978 - 1982
Original price$38,397 (1982 Quad-Range ROPS 2WD )
$45,141 (1982 Power Shift Cab 2WD)

History of John Deere 4440 Lawn & Garden Tractor

History of John Deere 4440 Lawn & Garden Tractor

The John Deere 4440 tractor was the most popular model in the Iron Horse line and was manufactured from 1978 to 1982.

This tractor was built at the John Deere plant in Waterloo, Iowa, USA, in both 4WD row-crop and 2WD row-crop configurations. The 4440 tractors are classified as full-sized farm/agricultural tractors.

The John Deere 7.6 L six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine powers these tractors. Its powerful features made the 4440 the most famous tractor model in the Iron Horse series and established John Deere as the global leader in power and torque.

In addition, all five row-crop tractors in this series come with more challenging internal components that could support the machines’ increased horsepower.

The brand unveiled the other two tractors, the 8440 and 8640, after the initial release of the 4040, 4240, 4240 Hi-Crop, 4440, 4440 Hi-Crop, 4620, and 2840 models.

Finally, the Iron Horse series was completed with the release of four 40-series small tractors: 2040, 2440, 2640, and 2940.

John Deere 4440 Features in Detail

John Deere 4440 Features in Detail

The updated cab of the 4440, which included new cloth seats, an AM/FM radio (the first tractor to have this feature inside a cab), and full in-cab air conditioning and heat, made it incredibly well-liked.

Most customers favored this tractor’s cab. Most of the time, we heard the cab was spotless and incredibly comfy, with the AC and heat serving as the cherry on top. But let’s discuss only some aspects at a time.

Instead, let’s delve into the following subsections, where we’ll examine the tractor in greater detail and highlight some of its most prominent features.

Physical Specifications/ Overview

Let’s talk about the general specifications of the tractor.

It is accurate that John Deere encourages customers to choose some of the company’s renowned older tractor models. The brand claims that the tractors are reasonably priced and that customers can easily find parts at the brand’s dealers.

And one such model that John Deere wants to introduce to its modern customers is the 4440.

The John Deere 4440 immediately caught our attention because it is a large tractor. Why not, then? The 4440 is a row-crop tractor used on sizable farms to grow row crops.

Row crop tractors are made for farming tasks like harrowing, harvesting, and plowing. The 4440 model from John Deere is a powerhouse of features, versatility, power, and efficiency.

It was therefore intended to be substantial. It’s common to find this “classic” in such good condition at auctions, and it’s hard to believe these tractors are more than 40 years old.

The JD 4440 measures 158.5″ X 96″-119″ X 117.3″-128.7″. The weight of this tractor ranges from 11780 to 15775 pounds. A heavier one, for sure! The dimensions of the tires are 10.00-16 in the front and 18.4-38 in the back.

The body of the tractor is green, with yellow borders and wheels. The tractor still manages to move and compete with its modern counterparts thanks to its welded, svelte body.

According to the brand, the 4440 model is a special, one-of-a-kind item, and only a few JD fans are aware of it. Moreover, the truth is that this model has several innovative features for its time.

The tractor’s cab was undoubtedly what surprised us the most. It has an AC and heating system and a four-post ROPs system! Can you believe it? These features were quite sophisticated for the late 1990s.

Engine

The John Deere 4440 tractors fitted the powerful John Deere 7.6 L six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine. 4.5625×4.75 inches are the bore and stroke, and the compression ratio is 14.9:1. 

The maximum horsepower available from the engine is 130 hp or 132 PS. The 4440 also features a rear-independent power take-off with 540/1000 RPMs. The pressurized lubrication system used by the tractor’s diesel engine includes the following features.

  • a direct injection fuel system
  • a full-flow filter
  • an inline fuel pump
  • an air filter of the dry type with a safety element
  • a centrifugal pump-powered dual-pressure cooling system
  • two powerful thermostats

Note: Direct fuel injection is a feature that improves engine performance while also lowering exhaust emissions. But this feature requires regular upkeep. The fuel pump can avoid being clogged with carbon buildup if appropriately maintained.

Electric Start

How can it miss the electric start when so many advanced features exist in the John Deere 4440? Much like other JD tractors and riding lawnmowers, the 4440 also comes with an electric starter powered by 2 batteries with a voltage of 6 V and 850 CCA.

The batteries charge best at 61 amps (ROPs) and 72 amps (Cabs). Thanks to the electric starter, this tractor can be started even in extremely cold temperatures without needing acceleration.

Fuel Tank

The fuel tank on the John Deere 4440 holds 65 gallons of fuel. This will allow you to work on a medium to large-sized farm easily.

Transmission and Chassis

Two transmission options are available for the John Deere 4440 tractor: partial power shift (16 forward and 6 reverse gears) and full power shift (8 forward and 4 reverse gears). The JD 4440 also has a pedal-activated hydraulic differential lock, hydraulic wet disc brakes, and full-power hydrostatic steering.

The hydrostatic transmission, which allows for variable output speed does not limit the tractor’s speed. Another feature that distinguishes the John Deere 4440 as a desirable tractor is its full hydrostatic power steering.

Users will gain better control over the vehicle, simple movement, and refined turning from this tractor. On the other hand, the tractor can be stopped instantly in challenging conditions thanks to the differential hydraulic wet disc brake. Furthermore, this brake system is reliant and needs little maintenance.

The John Deere 4440 tractor has an available HFWD 4WD system in addition to the standard 2-wheel drive. The weight of the various systems ranged from 11780 to 15775 lbs.

Tire

The tires of the John Deere 4440 have a sizable footprint and can support heavy loads even at low inflation pressures. Along with distributing the tractor’s weight, the tires also lessened the force the machine applied to the ground.

As a result, insufficient coil compaction is guaranteed. In addition, flotation tires have a large contact patch that allows them to tread more on the ground, resulting in better traction.

The front and rear treads of the JD 4440 measure 55.7 to 93.2 inches and 60 to 130 inches, respectively, while the wheelbase is 106.7 inches.

PTO

The John Deere 4440 comes with a single- rear- PTO. The rear PTO makes it possible to load attachments. With 540/1000 RPM, the rear PTO spins independently.

Operator’s Cabin

The John Deere 4440 is a solid performer that is still being used on farms all over the nation. Here is some historical trivia for you before we dive right into learning about this tractor’s operating system.

Before 1975, cabs on farm tractors used to be brought and fitted afterward. It simply meant that farmers would purchase the tractor first, after which they could buy the glass cab and have it installed.

As a result, the additional cabs needed to blend in better. They could have been more spacious and comfortable. But things started to improve when John Deere noticed this problem and altered how agricultural tractors were constructed.

The manufacturer made sure to include a built-in, cozy operator’s cabin for the 4440 and its siblings so that the rider could sit comfortably while also being protected from the elements.

And it was this very thing that gave the John Deere 4440 such a big fan base. The tractor came standard with a Sound-Gard cab that sat on rubber bushings rather than bolting to the frame.

As a result, the rider felt fewer vibrations while operating the tractor. In addition, the front glass was curved and angled to direct noise away from the operator. Additionally, the Four-post ROPS was available as an option. The cab’s other features included brand-new fabric seats, an AM/FM radio, and full heating and cooling.

Pros and cons of John Deere 4440

Pros and cons of John Deere 4440

The John Deere 4440 is a powerful row-crop tractor with a sturdy design. If this workhorse has already captured your attention, we kindly ask that you consider its advantages and disadvantages.

Then, considering the points below, you can determine whether this machine is appropriate for your farm.

Pros:

  • Heavy duty tractor
  • Goof gross power output
  • Sturdy body
  • Sound-Gard cabin
  • The option of both open and four-post ROPs 
  • Floating tires 
  • Highly functional
  • Comes in a good, almost new, condition 
  • Quad Range Transmission
  • Low vibration
  • Almost bullet-proof

Cons:

  • Needs some serious checking before purchasing, as it is an older model

Manufacturing Year & Serial Numbers

Manufacturing Year & Serial Numbers

The John Deere 4440 has a serial number plate on the back of the tractor above the PTO shaft.

Manufacturing YearsSerial Numbers
19781000
197914820
198029539
198142665
198256346

Summary

The John Deere 4440 tractor is recommended if you have a farm, are looking for an affordable tractor, and don’t mind owning an older model.

Even today, you can still find all the cutting-edge features you want in a row-crop tractor on this machine. However, before saying “YES,” we suggest carefully examining its features and comparing them to your demands and preferences.

What do you feel? Let us know your opinions in the comment box below.

Other John Deere Models:

List of John Deere Tractors
John Deere 317 Tractor
John Deere 318 Tractor
John Deere 400 Tractor
John Deere 420 Tractor
John Deere 425 Tractor
John Deere 430 Tractor
John Deere 455 Tractor
John Deere 650 Tractor
John Deere 955 Tractor
John Deere 2305 Tractor
John Deere 4440 Tractor
John Deere 3010 Tractor

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