Yep 1/2 tons are fine like everyone said, I ran one for 4 years, 97 Chevy 350 4x4 ext cab. Did I like it, yes absolutely for ride and zero problems. Did I like towing anything near 5k, nope. Anything under 4k it was fine and easy on long trips, or even short city stop and go.
Could I haul anything decent in the bed, Nope. The tires are not really work tires for stock, most 3/4 have class E which i prefer. The hitch was a class 3, only rated for 5000 lbs, 500lb on hitch. Tow rating for most trucks are still GVWR for 6400lbs
The 4210 is 2800 lbs, if he would add a loader, 800lbs, brushhog 400lbs, chains/tiedowns 200lbs. Other trailer cargo 200lbs. Trailer 1500lbs respectively.
= 5900lbs trailer weight. He would need to swap his factory class 3 hitch for a bigger one. class 4/5. Unfortunately most people don't and this was the point I was making. I've seen many times people cruising on the road with a 1/2 ton pulling more than they should on the factory hitch. sad. If this guy was only pulling his tractor only, 1/2 would be a perfect match for cost wise. I truly believe he'll wish he had more down the road.
I agree with F350Lawman, he didn't state the purpose of the truck and its duties, so were assuming lots here. I always tell people to consider the road ahead. What about hauling some dirt/gravel in the bed? or pulling a horse/rv trailer in the future. Does he plan to keep it for atleast 5-7 years to recoupe the cost for diesel? Since states vary, yep F350 he will be legal, but you won't catch me near those guys running near max loads squatting the rear of there 1/2 truck.
I've think we've all read this over and over on truck and RV forums, but I consider a truck to stop the trailer. Yes, dual trailer axle brakes are the best, single will work fine. but has it ever happened to you that you had no trailer brakes? I personally feel a truck should resonably be able to stop the trailer by its own truck brakes in worst case senario. That why I always use my Exhaust Brake on loads over 5k (which is all the time), stopping distance cut in 1/2, cooler brakes, longer life, i still have the same front pads, 73k miles since last change. My 1/2 ton, every 27k they were shot.
40k... thats for a new one unfortunately. Yes its alot no doubt, but I only paid a 3rd of that for mine cause its used diesel $13.5k. There out there just had to find them w/good maintence records. I bought my 97 1/2 ton Chevy new, over $29k. Unless your pocket book is $$, I'm sure its no problem. Mine isn't, so I went used. Plus its paid for, taxes and insurance are lower to. I drive 70 miles a day, get 20 mpg, have the rig to tow when i need it. All I can say is, Life is good with my 3/4, the nice perks are its a Cummins.
Whether a gasser in a 3/4, or the new 1/2 HD Chevy makes.
The main question I asked myself....
"Do you feel safe around others on the road, including your own family in the vehicle with your children and/or friends?"
This was the over all factor for me. Hands down, I want my family to feel safe.
John