The John Deere 4044R is a compact utility tractor designed for versatility, power, and operator comfort, making it suitable for a wide range of agricultural and landscaping tasks.

John Deere 4044R Overview

John Deere 4044R Engine and Power

Powered by a Yanmar 2.2L 4-cylinder naturally aspirated diesel engine.

Gross engine power is approximately 42.5 to 43.1 hp (31.7 to 32.1 kW) at 2600 rpm.

Engine model: 4TNV88C-MJT with a displacement of 2.2 liters (134 cu in).

Fuel tank capacity is about 13 gallons (49.2 L) for ROPS models and slightly larger at 13.8 gallons (52.2 L) for cab models.

The engine meets Final Tier 4 emissions standards.

PTO power ranges from 32.3 to 34.6 hp, with a standard independent rear PTO at 540 rpm, and an optional economy PTO at 540E rpm for fuel savings.

John Deere 4044R Transmission and Drivetrain

Available with two transmission options:

12-speed PowrReverser™ transmission (12 forward/12 reverse gears).

eHydrostatic transmission (eHST) with Twin Touch™ pedals for variable speed control.

Features 4-wheel drive (MFWD) with mechanical rear differential lock and planetary final drives.

Power steering and hydraulic wet disc brakes ensure smooth handling and stopping power.

Hydraulics and Hitch

Open center hydraulic system with a pump flow of approximately 15.9 gpm (60.2 lpm).

Rear 3-point hitch is Category 1 with a lift capacity of about 2,500 lbs (1,135 kg) at 24 inches behind the link arms.

Hydraulic valves can be configured with 3 to 5 remotes for auxiliary implements.

Hitch control includes position control and optional electro-hydraulic engagement for PTO.

John Deere 4044R Dimensions and Weight

Wheelbase: 73 inches (185 cm).

Approximate shipping weight:

Open station (ROPS): 3,770 lbs (1,710 kg).

Cab model: 4,675 lbs (2,120 kg).

Tire sizes typically are 8.00-16 front and 13.6-28 rear for farm tires, with turf tire options available.

John Deere 4044R Cab and Operator Comfort

Available in open station with foldable two-post ROPS or fully enclosed cab with air conditioning and heating.

The cab is praised for being quiet and dust-free, enhancing operator comfort during long hours.

Premium features include Hitch Assist, Auxiliary Hitch Control, and cruise control on hydro models.

John Deere 4044R Common Problems and Reviews

Reviews generally highlight the good power-to-size ratio and versatility of the 4044R.

The cab is well-liked for comfort and noise reduction, though some users express concerns about the long-term durability of the air conditioning system.

Some users note that the 43 hp rating is adequate for most tasks but may be limiting for very heavy-duty applications.

Overall, the tractor is regarded as reliable with solid hydraulics and transmission performance.

John Deere 4044R Price

Pricing varies by dealer and configuration (transmission type, cab vs. open station, attachments).

Typically, the 4044R is positioned as a premium compact utility tractor, with prices generally ranging from $30,000 to $40,000+ USD depending on options and attachments.

For exact pricing and discounts, it is best to consult a local John Deere dealer.

John Deere 4044R Attachments and Versatility

Compatible with a wide range of John Deere attachments including front-end loaders, backhoes, mowers, and tillers.

The tractor’s hydraulic capacity and PTO power make it suitable for demanding implements.

Optional features like Hitch Assist and Aux Hitch Control improve ease of use with attachments.

What are the common problems reported with the John Deere 4044R and their solutions?

Common problems reported with the John Deere 4044R and their solutions include:

Fuel-related power loss and stalling

Issue: Tractor starts but dies or loses power under load due to water and sludge contamination in the fuel tank.

Solution: Drain the fuel tank, clean the in-tank fuel filter screen, and flush the tank with a fuel cleaner.

Use fresh diesel fuel and maintain proper fuel storage to prevent contamination.

Regular fuel system maintenance is recommended to avoid recurrence.

Cab structural defect recall

Issue: On certain 4044R units (serial numbers 1LV400284 through 1LV401619), the support bolts holding the cab were improperly torqued, risking cab collapse during a rollover, posing serious injury hazards.

Solution: John Deere issued a recall and offers free repair to properly torque the cab support bolts.

Owners of affected tractors should contact John Deere dealers immediately and refrain from using the tractor until repaired.

Rear wheel spacer bolt recall

Issue: Improperly torqued rear wheel spacer bolts on some 4044R tractors can cause wheels to fall off during use, leading to overturn risk and injury.

Solution: John Deere recalled affected tractors for free inspection and retightening of wheel spacer bolts.

Operators should stop using affected tractors and arrange repairs with authorized dealers.

Transmission lockup with diagnostic code ICC A 2003.09

Issue: Some users report the tractor throwing this diagnostic code, causing the transmission to lock up suddenly, which can be dangerous.

Solution: This is a less common issue reported on forums; resolving it typically requires dealer diagnostics to address transmission control module faults or sensor issues.

Users should have the tractor serviced by qualified John Deere technicians.

What features make the John Deere 4044R review stand out among compact utility tractors?

Feature Category What Makes the 4044R Stand Out
Engine & Power Equipped with a powerful 42.5 hp Yanmar 4-cylinder diesel engine offering a notable power surge up to 44 hp, providing strong performance for loader and heavy-duty tasks.
Transmission Options Offers both PowrReverser™ (12 forward/reverse gears) for clutchless shifting and eHydrostatic (eHST) transmission with Twin Touch pedals for smooth, variable speed control, catering to different operator preferences.
Operator Comfort Available in both open station with foldable ROPS and a fully enclosed, quiet cab with air conditioning and heating, which is praised for reducing noise and dust, making long hours more comfortable.
Premium Features Comes with advanced features like Hitch Assist for precise rear hitch positioning, Auxiliary Hitch Control for setting hitch limits, and cruise control on hydro models, improving ease of implement use and operator efficiency.
Loader Compatibility The 4044R supports the quick-attach 440R loader, which is easily removable for versatility, and includes a factory-installed hood guard for protection during brush or loader work.
Well-Spaced Speeds Transmission gearing is designed for turf, loader, and transport work, allowing smooth operation across a variety of tasks without frequent gear changes.
Serviceability Service points are conveniently located for easy maintenance, which is highlighted in detailed walkaround reviews.
Build Quality & Reliability The tractor is regarded as reliable with solid hydraulics and transmission performance, making it a trusted choice in the compact utility segment.

Summary

In summary, the John Deere 4044R is a powerful, reliable compact tractor with a robust Yanmar diesel engine, versatile transmission options, and a comfortable operator environment.

Its strong hydraulics, good lift capacity, and available cab make the John Deere 4044R a popular choice for small to medium-sized farms and property owners seeking a premium utility tractor.