JD 4720 and Steffen 5508 bale handler

sd2009 · Sep 12, 2009

What is everyones feeling on using a JD 4720 Compact tractor with a 400 cx loader and the Steffen 5508 square handler. Some people are telling me the
tractor is to light and the loader may not be strong enough.

Thanks for your comments

Mike120 · Sep 12, 2009

I don't see why it shouldn't handle it. Your tractor is a little light but with counter balance it should be ok. I run a Hoelscher (I think Steffen is over priced) on a much larger tractor; my grapple weighs 580# and 10- 65# bales only add another 650#. That looks like its within the capacity of your loader. A few things to consider...You will need 3 remotes for the Loader/grapple, you probably need to add weight (think about loading your tires), and you're going to need a decent counterweight on the 3pt (the grapple sticks way out there). If possible, I'd see if I could find one and try it first. Unless you really need the Steffen swivel, I'd look at other brands of grapples. Most are much cheaper.

AKfish · Apr 22, 2010

I've been looking at going that route, too. (JD 4720 with a 8-bale grapple.)

One neighbor has the old, Farmhand 8-bale grapple on his IH 826 and the other neighbor has the 10 bale Hoelscher on his JD 5410. (Steffen's IS overpriced!)

As Mike pointed out - it's not so much the weight - it's the length of the grapple and the extension outward from the loader arms that makes it a challange.

I'd look at filling the tires AND wheel weights (660lbs). As well as something off the 3pt on the rear of the tractor.

The JD ballast box is not too expensive (~$250) and you can fill it with Portland cement; that'll give you another 1,250 lbs.

Let us know how things worked out for you.

AKfish

ddivinia · May 12, 2010

3 point spike and around bale on the back for ballast.

I bet it will do it fine.

D.

burnetma · Jun 6, 2010

Be careful on uneven ground.

Narrow width, shorter wheelbase and long bale grapple might be less forgiving. If the fields are reasonably flat and level, you shouldn't have a problem, with the proper tire, wheel and 3 point balast.

Check your loader manual for ballast recommendations.

ddivinia · Jun 7, 2010

burnetma said:
Be careful on uneven ground.

Narrow width, shorter wheelbase and long bale grapple might be less forgiving. If the fields are reasonably flat and level, you shouldn't have a problem, with the proper tire, wheel and 3 point balast.

Check your loader manual for ballast recommendations.

I agree - when I am loading and moving bales with the 4520 - I have a full round bale on the back. Goes on first and comes off last. The wheel weights helped, but need to have the right ballast.

D.