210 FEL - 49 or 53 inch better?

mhalla · Jan 26, 2003

Just a couple of days ago I learned that there is a 53 inch bucket available for the 210 FEL. Back in November when I ordered my 2210 tractor with a 210 FEL and 62 inch MMM there was precious little information on the JD web site about the tractor and its attachments. Neither of the two JD dealers I spoke with prior to ordering the tractor mentioned that different bucket sizes were available so I suspect I am getting the 49 inch bucket.

If it is the 49 inch bucket I am thinking of trying to persuade the dealer to switch my order to the 53 inch bucket instead. Although my tractor hasn't arrived at the dealer yet, the FEL and MMM have already arrived so I don't know how much luck I am going to have getting a 53 inch bucket now. It looks like the 53 inch bucket should only cost $25 more based on list prices at the John Deere web site. The extra 4 inches will make it easier to use the bucket closer to objects like walls or fences.

Can anyone suggest why I might be better off with the 49 inch wide bucket?

Gary_in_Indiana · Jan 27, 2003

I suppose if you need to fit your bucket into a space narrower than 53" the 49" bucket would be better. Other than that, go with the 53" bucket.

tractorhal · Jan 27, 2003

Suggest you ask about reinforcements of either bucket.Some larger ones are for bulk materials,lite weight. The smaller ones have side and bottom reinforcements.Whats the difference in cubic feet ?

jyoutz · Jan 28, 2003

Go with the 53" bucket. I have a 49" bucket on my 4100 and wish I had bought the 53". You can always carry less than a full bucket if the material is heavy, but it's difficult to load more lightweight material in a smaller bucket. By the way with an 880 pound capacity on my 410 loader, it is nearly impossible to max out the capacity with a 49" bucket.

Anonymous Poster · Jan 28, 2003

Not to add to your decison process, but I believe they also have a 61" bucket for the 210 FEL.

Glen

mhalla · Mar 2, 2003

My thanks to everyone for their advice.

I was able to change my order to the 53 inch bucket. The dealer did not charge me for the difference in cost as a goodwill gesture since I had been waiting so long for my tractor to ship. He figured he won't have any problem selling more 2210's and will end up selling the 49 inch bucket to someone else.

The 53 inch bucket handled my snow removal needs just fine earlier this week and today it proved very useful for moving firewood.

How practical is the bucket level indicator? I did not order one with my tractor but might get one to add on if a family member ever wants to buy a present for me at birthday time or Christmas.

Is it worth having and how does it work? All I have seen are some pictures showing some kind of rod sticking up on the right side of the loader.

buster · Mar 3, 2003

The level indicator is very handy, especially doing fine grading. It also speeds up cycle times doing repetitive work, no stopping and trying to line up the bucket. Worth the money in my opinion.

Anonymous Poster · Mar 5, 2003

( How practical is the bucket level indicator? I did not order one with my tractor but might get one to add on if a family member ever wants to buy a present for me at birthday time or Christmas.

Is it worth having and how does it work? All I have seen are some pictures showing some kind of rod sticking up on the right side of the loader.
)

It came with my tractor, and I found it to be useful.
Not that I have a lot of experience with it (9hrs of playing in snow) but I found it useful in snow removal because I had to dump alot of snow, and it made it very easy to place the bucket back to a plowing position.