MEGray,
I have a 4530 with 6' implements, including a Bush Hog 286, a Howse disc, Bush Hog grader box, numerous garden implents (plows, ridgers, cultivators, etc.), and a 5' Bush Hog finishing mower. I have 20 acres of land, about 12 acres of which is field and the rest wooded. I do a lot of the things you mentioned and I have no problem getting the job done. I don't have the FEL (felt like it puts too much force on the front end possibly leading to premature failure of the axles and bearings up front), but that was my own choice based on my own opinion.
The only problem I do have is even though I bought heavier made (not the heaviest made) implements, I have bent or broke a few of them due to the tractor's power (and a little operator error!). Don't let the hp and pto rating fool you. This is a strong machine, and is contoversial as to whether or not it is accurately rated. I have had to beef up the box and my boom pole looks like a pretzel now. I almost went with the 6000 4wd, but since I also use the tractor for mowing my lawn I felt I needed something more maneuverable (smaller). With the industrial tires I can mow my yard, bush hog my field, grade my drive, work my .5 acre garden, plant 5 or 6 1-acre food plots (land adjacent to me), and just about everything else I would need done with the setup I have. I also do most of this in high range 1st gear without ever bogging the engine. My field is Bahaia (sp?) and it can get as high as the hood of the tractor, but I never have any problem cutting it.
I agree, the 4530 may lack a little in gearing at the top end, but face it, we're not bracket racing here, and I never use 4H unless I am on the road going from A to B! I am pleased with my purchase and see no reason why you wouldn't be. My dad told me that more power is always a good thing, but it doesn't mean you have to use it all the time. I find I have plenty of power to spare and wouldn't hesitate running beside the other two you listed. What it boils down to is it is your tractor, your needs, your money. Get the most you can within the budget you set and you won't be disappointed.
cdover73
