Tractor Sizing JD 4710 or 5210-not sure what size tractor I need

Anonymous Poster · Apr 8, 2003

I need help figuring out what size JD I need. I raise horses on a 10 acre ranch. I use a tractor for mowing, grading, working up the riding arena (8 ft disk or drag), unloading pallets of shavings (approx. 1000lbs) and moving and stacking 1000+ lb round bales. Right now I borrow tractor for the heavy work.
I'm looking at a new 4710 with loader (24K), a used 5210 with loader (18k, 300hrs), or a new 5105 with loader (21K). I like the size, manueverbility and 4 wheel drive of the 4710, but am concerned that it isn't heavy enough to do what I want. I'm sure the 5210 and 5105 are heavy enough, but they are a bigger tractor and some of the work I do is in tight quarters.
Help!!

cowboydoc · Apr 8, 2003

I do everything and more with a 4600 that you've mentioned.

froggy · Apr 8, 2003

Power reverser transmission aside, if it were me, I think I would go with the a new 5105. It is not that much bigger in size than the 4710 & the engine is bigger (179 cubic inches vs. 133 for the 4710).

If I remember right, you should be able to get the 5105 with a 521 FEL (mid remotes) and dual remotes for around 2K cheaper than the 4710.

The 5210 is a nice machine, just not sure it is that much better than a 5105 for the money.

rockyridgefarm · Apr 8, 2003

Can you handle bales with your 4600? What sixe, and what limitations?

cowboydoc · Apr 8, 2003

Somewhere on this site I have posted pics of me lifting 1600 lb. round bales. I have done this for 3 years now with mine and no problems. I just put one on the back for counterweight. I lift them up and into round bale feeders and up on hay trailers in the summer. I have lifted thousands of bales with it and zero problems. I know the max. lift is supposed to be 750 lbs. but I have had no problems with mine.

rockyridgefarm · Apr 8, 2003

Thanks, Doc, thats what I suspected...

great to have a voice of experience.

chevy · Apr 8, 2003

I faced the same decision about a month ago. I now have a 4400 hydro & wanted something larger. I started out looking at at the lower end 5000 series because my nephew has one.
I ended up ordering a 4710 hydro because of the slightly smaller size, the loader specs were not much different & I did not want to give up the hydro. I just hope it gets here sometime soon.
Chris

Anonymous Poster · Apr 8, 2003

I know I can handle 1000 lbs with my JD 4400 easily,I have lifted rocks,logs, several bundles of shingles bundles of shingles at a time....I have put over 600 hours on mine 2 1/2 years.I do all of that, but I tip the sucker over with a tiny potato plow on the back... /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
I would say that 4700 would be plenty of tractor(and yes I would like to have a 4710 someday)

JTD · Apr 9, 2003

I agree with the posts on the 4710. My 4700 can handle your listed tasks fine. The hydro and 4 wheel drive are worth the extra $. Get a canopy also.

rockyridgefarm · Apr 9, 2003

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Somewhere on this site I have posted pics of me lifting 1600 lb. round bales)</font>

OK each area needs a most important posts archive. That post needs to be in it. That way, maybe, we can find it.

I sure can't

If anone does, could you PLEASE post a link.

TBN search HATES me... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif