Buying Advice Process in buying your first tractor

[jeff9366]

For digging multiple holes for trees, I originally looked at the backhoe attachment, but the numbers $$ just didn't work for me.

If you purchase a tractor with a bare tractor weight of 3,800 pounds or more, then option in a Front End Loader, A $450 clamp on bucket spade is all you need for tree planting.


VENDER: Tractor and Skidsteer bucket spade shovel

 

[jeff9366]

I was originally looking at tractors that were smaller(YT235) because of the unstable feeling that jeff9366 mention. After trying other machines and seeing how tough the land is, I think I need something bigger. It is time for a tractor. My neighbor uses a JD4210, and he said he wouldn't go any lighter or less powerful.

For choosing a specific tractor, I have 6 acres that we are developing and gravel road to maintain. It is tough scrubby land that we hit blue granite and a lot of up and down on the property. The big grading has been done by bulldozer, but as I add chicken pens and landscaping, I am finding I need something to help move material, level areas, and dig holes.

John Deere 4210
2002 - 2004 4000 Ten Compact Series
Compact Utility tractor
Previous model: John Deere 4200
Series next: John Deere 4310
Series back: John Deere 4115

Manufacturer: John Deere
Factory: Augusta, Georgia, USA

John Deere 4210 Engine:
Yanmar 1.3L 3-cyl diesel
John Deere 4210 Power:
Engine (gross): 27 hp [20.1 kW]
PTO (claimed): 23.5 hp [17.5 kW] (gear)
22 hp [16.4 kW] (hydro)
Capacity:
Fuel: 10 gal [37.9 L]
Hydraulic system: 6.3 gal [23.8 L] (gear)
6.8 gal [25.7 L] (hydro)
Front axle: 4.7 qts [4.4 L]

3-Point Hitch:
Rear Type: I
Rear lift (at 24"/610mm): 1,700 lbs [771 kg]

Power Take-off (PTO):
Rear PTO: independent
Rear RPM: 540
Mid PTO: optional
Mid RPM: 2100

Dimensions & Tires:
Wheelbase: 65 inches [165 cm]
Weight: 2375 to 2675 pounds

Mechanical:
Chassis: 4x2 2WD
4x4 MFWD 4WD
Differential lock: mechanical
Steering: power
Brakes: wet disc
Cab: Two-post ROPS. Foldable ROPS optional.

Hydraulics:
Type: open center
Capacity: 6.3 gal [23.8 L] (gear)
6.8 gal [25.7 L] (hydro)
Pressure: 2125 psi [146.5 bar]
Valves: 5
Pump flow: 7.0 gpm [26.5 lpm]
Total flow: 12.3 gpm [46.6 lpm]
Steering flow: 5.3 gpm [20.1 lpm]




The fundamental importance of TRACTOR WEIGHT eludes many tractor shoppers. Heavier tractor weight is more important for most tractor applications than increased tractor horsepower. Bare tractor weight is a tractor specification easily found in sales brochures and web sites, readily comparable across tractor brands and tractor models, new and used.

When considering a tractor purchase, bare tractor weight first, tractor horsepower second and (narrowly) rear wheel ballast third.

If you research 4-WD tractors with a bare tractor weight 2,500 to 3,000 pounds you should have a capable tractor for your ground engagement work, not too large for six acres. Every tractor brand has entries in this weight category, which is in the mainstream of compact tractor specifications.

Spreading the rear wheels/tires is the most effective manner in which to increase tractor stability. Filling the rear tires with liquid is second. If the slopes on your land make you nervous, have both done.

 

[MechanicalGuy]

Manufacturer: John Deere
Factory: Augusta, Georgia, USA

.

Whoops. That has to be a typo. I highly doubt that anything is manufactured there.

 

[jeff9366]

Deere still operates a large tractor factory in Augusta.

It is highly flexible. What Deere models come out of that plant varies during the year.

I had some correspondence with Peter @ TractorData.com. He expressed difficulty in keeping his output records regarding August accurate.


"Thank you for the email. Yes, I should update the 1-4 series production data for Deere.

To be honest, it is increasingly difficult to track it, which is why I often ignore it. Deere has switched assembly location in the middle of a production run in the past based on factory loads and economic factors.

Global manufacturing has entirely changed the idea of where a machine is "built".

---
Peter Easterlund
TractorData.com

 

[chim]

The title made me think of the strategy I should have employed when shopping for the first tractor in 1989. Buy your 5th tractor first!

 

[Egon]

Looking at the OP’s pictures of his area I’d think the JD 4210 or the equivalent in a different make should work well. A backhoe might be very useful in the soil conditions the OP has. ( I’m thinking when it’s dry it will be tough digging. )

 

[SDAnnette]

Looking at the OP痴 pictures of his area I壇 think the JD 4210 or the equivalent in a different make should work well. A backhoe might be very useful in the soil conditions the OP has. ( I知 thinking when it痴 dry it will be tough digging. )

Funny you should mention. If I can attach the picture of an MX5200, 250hrs, with backhoe $29k. It has 3 aux hydraulics. I just have to get the dealer to swap our those turf tires.....

I also just noticed in the part number it is a MX5200-DW, which I think is manual transmission, not HST. Clutching then, I guess. Any advantage to this version? I was inclined to the the HST. The Serial is 54308 and engine serial 7EY3422, which I get is 03 series engine, year= 2014, in Dec 3422 off the line.

It was a trade in, I may be demo'ing it at our place, but I would appreciate comments.

 

[MechanicalGuy]

Funny you should mention. If I can attach the picture of an MX5200, 250hrs, with backhoe $29k. It has 3 aux hydraulics. I just have to get the dealer to swap our those ag tires.....

I also just noticed in the part number it is a MX5200-DW, which I think is manual transmission, not HST. Clutching then, I guess. Any advantage to this version? I was inclined to the the HST. The Serial is 54308 and engine serial 7EY3422, which I get is 03 series engine, year= 2014, in Dec 3422 off the line.

It was a trade in, I may be demo'ing it at our place, but I would appreciate comments.

View attachment 616632View attachment 616633

That's not only got a disadvantageous transmission, but it's been sabotaged with turf tires! Stay away!

Unless that's what you want.

 

[Egon]

The transmission choice is a personal mater but for myself I would pass for an HST. Just so much easier to work with.

in the past I have put many hours of loader work on a Kubota B7100 HST with no tire problems. Granted it is a toy in comparison but it is all relevant to work/size ratio.

 

[Jstpssng]

I don't like a backhoe for planting, unless you dig a very large hole then fill it in. Unless careful you end up with holes with tapered sides, and the roots tend to follow the edge of the disturbed soil. In the orchard years ago we used a PTO mounted post hole digger with 24" auger.
I also once worked for a landscaper that had an auger mounted to a boom on a truck which worked surprisingly well.