I started off with a 12 hp Gravely about 4 years ago. I knew from experience with it that I needed only 15-18 hp for the additional tractor work that the Gravely couldn't do: e.g. FEL work and a bigger bush hog and a PTO generator. So, I discovered this forum and started reading, and asked questions on some stuff.
In October, thanks to Social Security savings and return of a partnership fund, I bought a JD 4010 with FEL and 4' bush hog after driving the 4010 and a 2210 and a BX 1830 and B 7510.
One other criterion that I had was for it to fit underneath my garage doors, the standard approx. 80" height in the opening, with a fixed ROPS, as I knew that I'd likely forget to lower one of those folding ones. Also, I have to run the tractor down 2 or 3 tree-lined paths where a tall ROPS would cause problems.
The dealer I bought from had a nice, steep hill to try the tractors out on. The 2210 would not stop and then back up the hill, midway. The 4010 did fine; its rear tires are a 1/2" or so wider than those on the 2210. Also, the 4010 ROPS was 1" shorter, and it had cruise control and dual brakes plus 4 or 5" more ground clearance. It was also $300 less than the 2210. The 2210 is a good value for folks who need the additional hp, but I didn't.
Didn't like the treadle peddle on the BX 1830. Also, frankly it felt like a toy and not much bigger than my Gravely. The B 7510 was a little more tractor but with the same treadle peddle, with the swivel underneath the boards is all. Reverse end of it was back against the seat. Dual brakes were up in front of the forward part of the treadle. For some reason, they have a clutch for the HST on the left. Had a dreaded folding ROPS, too, plus TOO BIG rear tires (but didn't seem as wide as those on the 4010, which has HUGEly wide turf tires on the rear). Same price as the 4010 but with 2 hp more. Dealer didn't know how to remove the side panels to the motor. Ones for the JD are simplicity itself.
Got same price for the 4010 from a JD dealer over the foggy mountain. Bought from dealer about 4 miles away. They set up the bush hog wrongly though. Got that right myself. Left off the FEL level indicator. Dealer furnished it and a 2nd key when I went back the last time.
PLENTY of power for going up my approx. 30-40% hill out back, 100' up, with bush hog a going. Also plenty for cutting 4' tall growth of grass/weeds in the meadows with the 4' bush hog, which works best with a chain for the top link. Had plenty of power yesterday running the 1951 soil ripper from a JD M (an 18 drawbar hp tractor). Was mainly traction limited if I tried to run the ripper deeper than the little plows (5-6" height).
JD doesn't have the proper starting technique in their owner's manuals and no glow plug light. You start it by turning to "start" with the HST in High (Low or PTO button on work, too) for 5 seconds. Then go to neutral. Starts immediately. Found this out on this forum.
Here's a pic with the ripper on it.
