Go BottomJD 4710 or 5210
 | slider70
Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 1 Michigan 
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2003-04-08 52782
Trying to decide what frame size tractor I need. I have a 10 acre horse farm and use a tractor/loader for various things (mowing, grooming arena etc). The major tasks for the loader is moving/stacking 1000lb round bales and occasionally unloading 1000lb pallets of bagged shavings. I love the 4WD, hydro and overall size of the 4710 (some work in tight spots), but I'm not sure how it will stand up to moving the round bales (approx. 50 per year). That's why I'm also looking at a used 5210.
Any guidance will be appreciated.
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| JackHerr
Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 46 SE PA
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2003-04-08 52792
Slider,
You can get by with the 4710 if you ballast it properly. However, if you are hauling the bales over a distance, the 1000-lb. bale bobbing out there will stress your loader pretty good.
The weight of the tractor itself will come into play. The bare 4710 MFWD tractor weighs about 3450-lbs., while a bare 5210 MFWD is 4730-lbs. That 1280-lbs. of weight will make a huge difference in feel. I guarantee that you will feel more comfortable moving the bales and skids of shavings with the 5210.
However, if you take your time with the 4710, wear your seatbelt, carry your load close to the ground, and don't mind the occassional pucker that you make in the 4710's seat cushion, it will function fine.
It basically comes down to these two things: operator preference & price. You must be the judge.
Let me add these observations to your thoughts. After running a couple of blue, 45-hp utility tractors in the last few months (a NH TN55 and a 3910 Ford), I have renewed my appreciation (lust?) for brawny, utility tractors. They are surprisingly nimble and fun to operate. With routine maintenance utility tractors will be around for 40-yrs. or 10,000 hours, whichever comes first. Think I'm joking? Drive around your area and count the number of farm tractors newer than 10 years old. You won't find many.
Do some cost-per-hour analysis of utility tractors vs. compact tractors figuring depreciation. You may be surprised. While more expensive initially, utility tractors hold their value well, especially considering the decades that they will run. I'm not preaching, these are just some things that have been running around my mind this long winter and now they are beginning to tumble out.
Say what you will about the quality of compact tractors, but their average, usuable life is only about 3000-hrs. That life span is fine for some folks, but not for others.
Choosing favorite tractors is like choosing favorite children. Can it (or should it) be done? ....
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| Dana Trumpp
Join Date: Posts: 1
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2003-04-08 52802
I load heaver bales than 1K with my 4400. If your ground is flat No holes to drop a front tire in you would be OK. also rember you can not see in front very well when loaded. If hauling load distances you may want to consider useing a 3 point bale fork, (the same point as above) alot less loader & front stress. ....
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| Bernie Galgoci
Join Date: Posts: 1
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2003-04-09 52814
Slider - If I'm not mistaken, the JD460 would be the Deere loader that goes on the JD4710 tractor. The manual that comes with the 460 loader contains this quote: "DO NOT lift a bale heavier than 317 kg (700 lb) this will exceed the lift capacity of the loader for bales." [Deere's emphasis, not mine.] Not sure how Deere figures this "bale-specific" capacity, but the other stated lift capacities of this loader on a JD4600 are: (1) 1705 lb to maximum height, measured at 20 inches in front of the pivot pin, and (2) 1320 lb to maximum height with the forklift. Anyway, on the whole I agree with what Jack says about compact vs. "real" utility tractors ... and I own a compact utility tractor. I ended up with a JD4400 because I needed a tractor that would fit into an existing building (old cow barn with narrow doors) and under an existing object (6 ft tall shade house). Fortunately, I have an old 55HP 2WD ag tractor with a loader to do any really heavy work that the 4400 can't handle. But if one of these years I happen across the right 45 to 55HP MFWD "real" utility tractor (something like say a 5210 or a 5310), that old 2WD ag tractor will be looking for a new home. Good luck with whichever tractor you choose. ....
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