2210 vs 4X1X for regular mowing

Snowman9000 · Jul 4, 2004

Been reading the other active thread on these tractors but I wanted to focus just on mowing. Regular scheduled mowing, 3 acre yard, some trees to mow around. Not long grass, not pastures, but lawn. A very typical mowing situation here on this forum. I really don't want to veer off into 3ph, FEL, weight, HP, etc discussions. I have a 755 I would be getting rid of. I have 3ph implements, I would buy the FEL, but I have the background to know what I want and need on those scores.

I want to figure out, for the mowing, is there any reason the 40/41 series wouldn't be as good as the 2210? I need to look at them side by side, but the 4's have foldable ROPS, so they might be just as good under the trees?

And the weights are pretty close, as far as mowing over the septic field and such.

I've been told the turning radius is the same on each.
Yes/No?

Obviously a 62 vs 60 inch deck is not a big deal.

10-15% of my yard is a little bit rough. Based on different equipment I've used, I feel confident the 2210 has big enough tire size to be okay. But the 4's would be better on that score. Plus all the other stronger specs of the 4's would be great. But considering that 90% of the use will be for mowing, and that a young teen will be doing the mowing /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif , I would still get the 2210 if it's better for the mowing. For one thing, I have a Ford 1320 at work that I can bring home if I need a bit more heft than the 2210 would have for some dirt work.

How would you folks rate these for the mowing I described? Again, not "long wet grass", pastures, or other severe conditions.

-Don

Bob_Skurka · Jul 4, 2004

I would go with the 2210.

I think a lot of us buy big and then realize that after the projects are done we only need small. It sounds like you can easily get by with the smaller unit.

As for getting under the trees, I would bet the 4x1x would be much taller, I never checked the specs to confirm that, but I know my TC is much taller than a similarly powered TZ. There are 5 or 6 dozen trees on my property that we mow under that I can not get my TC under, not even if I fold the ROPS.

Are you sure the turning radius is the same between the 2 tractors? That seems pretty odd to me. But even if the 2210 is only a few inches tighter it would be much better.

Cliff_Johns · Jul 4, 2004

I've thought about this a bit. I have a 4110 and a JD LT166 lawn tractor (42 inch wide deck). I've wondered if the LT died for some reason, would I get a MMM for the 4110 or get another LT.

I think I'd get another LT. The 4110 just feels large for mowing my yard. The turning radius is great, that's not the problem, but rather I think it's just the amount of space the 4110 takes up, getting into corners, behind buildings, between trees. If I had a 4 foot wide 8 foot long tractor with a 5 foot wide deck, I'd have to modify my yard a bit to handle it just because it's larger. YMMV (Your Milage May Vary)

You are also higher up. I have a pretty flat yard, so it's not tipping I'm worried about, but the stuff I might not see like baseballs and branch chunks and the like. Also climbing on and off the 4110 to pick stuff up is a bit more work.

I love having the 4110, it's just great for everything I wanted it for. If you're getting the same size mower on the 4110 or the 2210, then the issues I stated above are moot for the most part. If you'd be getting a larger mower deck to cover more territory faster, then that's a different question.

Actually, I think I'd enjoy mowing with the 4110 more, but my yard configuration won't allow it at the moment. Even the 2210 would probably require some changes. The 2210 seems like a good compremise. It works well as a tractor and is small enough and low enough to be a comfortable mower for smaller lawns.

Remember that for the cost of a MMM on the 4110, I think you can get a pretty good LT. I'd be more comfortable having a teenager drive an LT, but that depends on the teenager a bit too. Of course then you have two engines to maintain etc.

Reading back through this post, I see I've rambled and said nothing very useful, but I'll post it anyway. It's stuff to think about.

Cliff

prosperity · Jul 4, 2004

(

I want to figure out, for the mowing, is there any reason the 40/41 series wouldn't be as good as the 2210? I need to look at them side by side, but the 4's have foldable ROPS, so they might be just as good under the trees?

)

There is an after market foldable ROPS available for the 2210. You could try to have included while negotiating your price.

Hypernix · Jul 4, 2004

Snowman9000,

Like the others said, I think you would do fine with the 2210. I don't have a 2210 but I do own a 4110. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Since I got the 4110 a little more than a year ago, I have been pleased with it. I did some minor changes (mostly cutting tree branches, removing small bushes and patching some holes), to my yard so that the mowing would be more convenient /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif I got the folding ROPS because I thought this would be the only way to get close to the trees but after removing those low branches, the problem was solved. I leave the ROPS up most of the time now. This might not work for you, but since I had plenty of trees, I prefered doing it this way rather than always folding the ROPS. (Yeah I'm lazy some times!)

Something that I definitely noticed going from my old LGT145 to my JD4110 is the "softness" of the ride. Man the 4110 is great to ride! I still have my grin even a year after when I mow my lawn /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Also the 60" MMM is a beast! It is very solid and made to last. It wouldn't supprise me that if it's well taken care of it could last the liftime of 2 smaller lawn tractors /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Well good luck!

Hypernix

JDdude · Jul 5, 2004

What I have found not so good about mowing with the 2210 is the smaller wheels and tires for its weight can make for a rough ride (but I have my front tires aired up to much for loader use) and if you turn it sharp all the time the front tires will dig into the sod around trees etc. It is a heavy machine.

Snowman9000 · Jul 5, 2004

I haven't done the math yet, but I could get a 60" GT and keep the 755 for all my other uses, instead of selling the 755 and getting a 2210 or 40/41. But 60" GTs are pretty expensive too. In the JD GT line you can get darn close to 5 figures. I could look for a used 425 I suppose.

I was hoping to get down to 1 unit to maintain. However, there are some miscellaneous things that would be easier on a GT. Not to mention that mowing is probably a lot easier on a 60" GT than even on the 2210, except for ride quality in the one area that's a bit rough.

I might let that area return to nature.

Lots of alternatives when you're playing on a few acres.
/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

-Don

Snowman9000 · Jul 6, 2004

I got to take test spins on a BX2200 and an IH DX24E today. I'm sure they are virtually identical to the 2210 in terms of "handling" for mowing. I don't think I'd be happy with either of them for my mowing. The multi-purpose idea had me hooked, but I can see now that mowing with my ZTR or a big GT is the way to go, for me.

I did get to take a spin on a Cub Cadet 5252. It is quite a value priced machine. 2WD, 25HP with 60" deck and Cat 1 3ph for $7499. It turns much tighter than the subCUTS because of the lack of FWD hardware. It's more of a big GT. Reminds me of my old JD 420. Anyway, back to your regularly scheduled programming.

-Don

JDFANATIC · Jul 9, 2004

Snowman9000,

While I can't weigh in on the 4X1X, I can on 2210 and 755 differences. The 755 is a wonderful machine, the ergonomics are superb -- the location of the 4WD lever (the 2210 is more awkward), the 4 headlights (the 2210 has only 2), the 3PH is a full Category-1 with position control, and works off the transaxle instead of off the lift arms, etc. Mowing, I would give the 2210 a slight edge, although as you know the 755 w/the 60" commercial deck works wonderfully. The loader is where the major differences are: the 755 cycles much quicker compared to the 2210, which works fine but is slow. But the 400 lbs weight advantage (assuming MFWD), combined with where the weight is, makes the 755 a far superior tractor (don't even think of using the 210 loader on the 2210 without ballast! -- and I'm referring to situations where the 755 needed nothing).

As for the folding ROPS, as Hypernix mentioned, trim a few trees, add some woodchips, and the issue goes away.

Having also owned a 425 for ~ ten years, if you went that way to cut, you would find it a more maneuverable tractor, and it does cut well (my experience is with the 54" deck), but I had some issues with the gas engine (mine was an early model that subsequent changes corrected) -- perhaps you could find a good deal on a 455 /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Whichever way you go, my advice is to think twice about getting rid of the 755, it is one great model.

Just my .02

TommyP · Jul 9, 2004

I believe the aftermarket folding ROPS would void the JD warranty so I don't think they would bargain with you as far as making a sale. It is also not a JD product.

BigEddy · Jul 12, 2004

I'm not sure why you would want to get rid of the 755 but, ....

I've got an 855 and a 322. I have a 60" deck on the 855 and a 50" on the 322.

80% of my mowing is done with the 322. For 2 reasons - because the mower never comes off it, and because I feel more comfortable letting my kids drive it.
It is much more maneuverable, is lower to the ground, has no ROPs, and has a much tighter turning radius. There are lots of spots where the 322 can go and the 855 can't.

But I also like having the mower for the 855, as I can cut the open spaces in half the time with the wider mower and the higher travel speed. And I can cut them while the kids do the rest.

So I think it is up to you. If you have an open yard with large spaces and few obstructions, go bigger - 41XX or 755.
If you have a lot of smaller tight spaces and trees / shrubs, go small - GT, 400, ZTR. If you have a mix, the 2210 seems like a perfect compromise tractor for someone who wants a big garden tractor, and also needs the occasional use of a loader and 3pt implements. I'd buy one over an X series any time.

But I can't see trading your 755 for a 41xx, unless the 755 is very high hour. I see no advantage in a 41XX over the 755 you already have.

bigpete · Jul 15, 2004

My 4110 w/60 is an excellent mower. My 2210 w/62 was a bit better, except for the ROPS issue. My 445 garden tractor w/60 was the best of the bunch for mowing.

Dave___in___CT · Jul 15, 2004

Hi...

Agreeing with some current posters...

I'd keep the 755 and get a used garden tractor for dedicated mowing...
Gas or diesel...
I like the older Deere 3xx diesel garden tractors for this...

I luckily bought a mid-80's Gravely garden tractor last fall with a 60" deck that mows 2.5 AC just fine...
Only was ~$1,000...

I went this route instead of buying a mowing deck for my new ~30 HP CUT w/ loader & backhoe...

I ocassionally see an older Deere 3xx diesel GT advertised for sale... usually ~$3,500...

Dave...

DepthCharge · Jul 26, 2004

You might want to consider a 4115. The 4115 has a slightly longer wheel base and can fit a 72" deck. It is a great combination of wide cut, power, and yet small an light enough to manuver.

I know you wanted to limit the discussion to mowing but i will mention that the 4115 had a much wider attachment compatability.

Good luck.

fpc · Jul 26, 2004

I have just one comment to add here. If the foldable ROPS issue is a big concern, you can get an aftermarket folding ROPS from femco manufacturing co for somewhere aound $250 I believe. That's alot les than the price differential between the 2210 and its larger 10 series cousins. If you are interested in the femco folding ROPS, you can e-mail Julie there at youngj@femcomfg.com. I have written her a couple of times today and she says these things are currently sold out and the next batch may take 3 to 4 weeks to come in. But if you're interested, you might want to sign up for one now as they don't seem to make a whole lot of them at a time from what I gathered.

megotatractor · Jul 27, 2004

My 2210 seems the perfect size for my 3.5 acres. I have the HDAP tires. nobody mentioned the one advantage the 2210 would have over the larger machines, center of gravity. If you have steep hills or a ditch to mow the 2210's low profile gives it great stability. Yes, it is a little bouncy as I have the front tires pumped to max for loader work. There's two simple remedies for this that I use; slow down, or leave the loader frame attached without the bucket somehow this seems to stop the bouncing. OR you can just let some air out of the tires. no biggy. someone mentioned tearing up the grass while turning, I have not found this to be so and I wonder how fast the guy is driving when he tears the grass. yes it can tear the grass (wah) IF you drive too fast. though I would think a larger machine would be worse. the 62" deck seems to do a heck of a job, even in foot tall grass. under normal conditions my lawn looks great and I doubt any mower (not even the over-priced X-series) could do better.

JDdude · Jul 27, 2004

IF you turn the 2210 at full lock it will dig anything but the driest ground-grass around my place. No matter what speed. It just turns very sharp and the positive camber built in makes it do it more so. We have black soil around here.

That is my only complaint about my 2210. It is just a bit heavy when full turn in the yard mowing. I tend to use the hydro to make my turns with less wheel angle anymore and all is well.

One great machine for the money and the best part is the easy attach and detach of the impliments. The 2210 is so much more useful when it is so easy to change attachments for your needs. I recommend the pallet forks..

mhalla · Jul 28, 2004

( IF you turn the 2210 at full lock it will dig anything but the driest ground-grass around my place. No matter what speed. )

Does it dig in with the front wheel drive disengaged as well as when engaged? With my 2210 I find there is less tearing up of my grass when turning while the front wheels are disengaged.

Mike

JDdude · Jul 28, 2004

I do not mow in 4 wheel drive..I notice it more in the areas under the larger trees where the shade is alot. It just turns very sharp and that is a good thing, but not in softer sod, evidently..I can deal with it, because the hydro is so user friendly. Just back up and cut the wheels less around the trees..Not really a problem now that I know better..