FEL loader performance Green Vs. BlueOrange

rockyridgefarm · Oct 28, 2002

I started a thread in Blue Country that has been very helpful for me to resolve my next tractor decision.

I have 80 acres. I don't farm, but want to mow, bush hog, dirt work, etc. The kicker is that I need to unload round bales (800 Lbs.) once in a while. I will carry them on the 3 pt., as well as, keep on there for ballast while unloading.

I want a new, Big Three tractor, with Hydrostatic, 4WD and want to stay in the mid frame size. In my area, I prefer the NH dealer; but I haven't got anything against the other colors.

My NH Dealer not only steered my away from the mid frame, but away from CUT's altogether - to a TN65 utility tractor. Too Big and Too much I think - for me...

From my research, I think the 4410 would fit the bill. Any insight? The 430 Loader seems to fit the bill, but are there Quick Attach buckets for it?

Other details:

My property is very hilly
I have lots of trees to get under and around.
My wonderful wife will get lots of seat time, she is 5'3", so the tractor needs to fit her. She grew up in a tractor dealership and isn't afraid (to say the least /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif) of the equipment.

hazmat · Oct 28, 2002

Mike,

JD Has its own proprietary quick attach bucket system. It is standard. Don't know if you can get a bale spear for it. You could always add a Skid Steer adapter if you choose Green.

Gary_in_Indiana · Oct 28, 2002

My Deere 4200 has a 420 loader which is easy to remove and reattach. I'm sure the 430 loader is the same system. If your wife is going to be on the tractor a lot and your concerned with her comfort given her height (or lack thereof /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif ) try going to each dealer in your area and literally trying each one on like a pair of shoes to see what fits and what's most comfortable for each of you.

If the height from seat bottom to floor is acceptable for her but the seat doesn't slide far enough forward you can always move the seat tracks forward with very little effort. I had to modify my 4200 for just the opposite reason. I needed to move my seat back (and even up a bit) to get more leg room. It's tough for those tractor makers to accomodate someone like your wife at 5'-3 and someone almost a foot and a half taller like me. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif I don't think there's enough engineering in the world to accomplish that. /w3tcompact/icons/hmm.gif Good luck with your search. I hope this helps. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

tanuke01 · Oct 28, 2002

I have a 4300 and just last week got a 430 FEL. I have only moved a little dirt. but I love it. I can not beleave how easy it is to remove and install. You can get the spears for the large bails. Also forks and different buckets. including a 4 in 1.

I have the 60" MMM. Wish I had gotten the 72". I mow a little over 4 Acres. Pick up the grass and leave with a Trac-Vac PTO catcher.

My wife is also 5'3", she is somewhat afraid of the 4300. and the old HST is very hard for her to use. Takes a lot pressure. She ended up wiring a brick on the HST peddle.The seat has a lot of adjustment, up and down - back to front.

I think the 4310 with the E-Hydo would be great.

For sure, as some one else stated try them out before you buy.

DPR

rockyridgefarm · Nov 2, 2002

I have been studying the posts in the OO sections. I think the NH dealer was doing me a great service pointing me to the TN. I just don'tthink the Boomers are up to what I want.

I quizzed the Deere guy pretty closely. At first, he wasn't ready to say the 4410 was up to it, but came back and said that it would do the job (as long as I knew the need to have proper ballast, etc.) The specs are up to it and the reviews are also very good.

Kubota is a great choice, but, so far, I don't have as good a situation with a dealer for Orange. (good Kioti dealer nearby, though /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif)

I'm not as sure about the Deere Backhoe, but there is always Woods...

rstcso · Nov 5, 2002

I have the 4310 with the 420 loader (my wife bought me the tractor, but the sales guy told her I didn't need the 430 /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif). The 430 loader will allow the use of forks, hay spear and 4-in-1 bucket. The 420 will not, but there isn't anything I tried to pick up it wasn't able. The 430 loader will be more than sufficient for what you want to do. If you get the I-Match system for the 3 point, you can go from a fully loaded (FEL and 3 point) to a stripped-down tractor in a matter of a few minutes. I too looked at the NH, but ended up green instead.

centex · Nov 6, 2002

I only have 20 rocky, hilly acres to maintain and improve. I bought a 4700 because I was able to get it for about the same price as a 4410. If anything I wish it was larger. I would buy the largest tractor I could afford if I had to take care of 80 acres.