4210 feedback from owners......

[garchib]

I would like to hear from 4210 owners about how they feel about
their tractor.....I went and looked at both 4210(s) and 4310(s) yesterday
and was surprised that there is a noticeable size difference between
these two tractors......I am not sure what it is, but the 4310 seems
just a little too big when it is sitting next to the 4210........I have
heard other people comment on the 4210 and it's power to weight
ratio, but would like to hear from owners......the dealer told me that
both the 4210 and the 4310 have plenty of power and not to let that
be the deciding factor.......he even offered to let me take either tractor
home and do some "testing" on them. Also, it is difficult to find
pictures of 4210(s) on the web, does anyone have pictures of their
tractor they could post for those of us interested in this model ?
Thanks !

 

[Anonymous Poster]

We looked at both the 4210 and 4310 -- decided to go with the 4310 PRIMARILY because of the added hydraulic capacity, specifically in association with the 430 loader (vs. 420 fvor the 4210). I have heard others in this forum suggest that the 430 can be put on the 4210. We've found that the 430 loader is minimal for the bigger tasks we have such as pushing over and ripping out old fruit trees, hauling a bucket full of gravel, etc. Also, the price difference was minimal for us (about 1K difference on the tractor, and $500 on the loader), given what we thought we were gaining in lifting capacity. I wouldn't say there was any noticible size difference between the two, but check to see if what you're seeing isn't due to differences in tire size.

JEA

 

[jmattox1]

I have got the 4210 for around my little 2.12 acres. Purchased last year in May. Have 225 hours on it. Purchased with the 420 FEL, #47 BH, and the 60" MMM.

I spend aprox 3 hours cutting the grass (lots of slopes) the rest of the time digging drainage, moving soil, making flower beds, removed lots of smaller trees and stumps, and put in a garden this year.

There has been many a time wish I had larger tractor, and a few times I wish I had smaller. Right now it is what I could afford. The times I needed larger I just stop, think, and figure away to complete the task without overworking or damaging the tractor (or myself) in the process. It may be a little slower than a larger tractor but, it hasn't let me down yet.

Best thing I may suggest is to size up as many projects before you purchase. Then ask dealer to demo for maybe a weekend. You should figure out real quick if it is the the right size for you. That is assuming you have been around some equipment before. I wouldn't want ANYONE to be let loose on a new piece of equipment without the fundamentals of operating the equipment without some major supervision.

 

[garchib]

JMattox, I currently own a 4100 HST, with rear-mount JD 261 mower and like it......however, I want a backhoe tractor
to use for various projects, plus I like the comfort of the
larger tractors. Do you drive your 4210 on your leaching field, if you have one ? I am semi-concerned about the weight thing, as I have heard so many contradictory reports. Also, does the tractor seem well-matched with the 420 FEL and the 47 hoe ? I appreciate
your feedback and the details.
Thanks /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[gkk2001]

I also have a 4100 and was looking at the 4210 and bota 7800 for more power and BH capability. My dealer tried to talk me out of the 4210 and any new JD 4000ten series model daying the new machines are loaded with electronics including a computer and they as a dealer have had alot of warrenty costs with the new JDs. Of the new botas they sold, no real warranty problems and that was for quite a few machines.
I am concerned about the electronics for the long haul; I know there are alot of satisfied 4210 owners on this site and I won't question your decision, you did what is right for you. But I am leary of the machines right now. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[garchib]

....that is why I am going to give this line another full year
before buying another one.......I am too much of a fan of
JD(s) to buy orange........I have looked at my neighbors
Kubota (new 7500) and though it is very nice, I like the 4100
more.....I can't really say why....I also noticed the to me
the 4210/4310 is by far the most comfortable tractor I have
ever sat on......I owned a Cub Cadet 7200 for awhile before
ditching it due to a dealer who set it up wrong and numerous
problems with the tractor (again all dealer caused) and my
brother owns a Ford 8N and I have sat on Botas and NH(s)
and nothing is as comfortable as the 4210 on up. Some dealers get incentives from one manufacturer over another......that is the other reason I have a hard time listing
to some dealers /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[garchib]

Any other feedback from 4200/4210 owners ? I hate to
be a pain in the @%$, but I was hoping to get a decent
dialog going on these beasts /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[WCarlson]

I have had my 4200 HST with 420 loader, forks, 60" MMM, 47 BH, and 59" Snow blower for just over two years. I only had one warranty issue during over 400 hours of use. I have to agree with jmattox1, there are times I wish it was larger, and times that I wish it were smaller. I solved the smaller issue by buying my wife a LX176 with a 10 cuft trailer that I can use for mowing around the house and for other activities when the ground is to soft for a 3000# tractor with R4's. Overall, I am delighted with the 4200 and feel that it was a great compromise. It is the smallest JD that can handle a BH which strongly influenced my decision.
Bill

 

[garchib]

Thanks for your feedback......

 

[Chief]

If you could explain in detail as to what your intended uses of the tractor would be; I can give you a better recommendation and feedback that would probably be more helpful in making your choice.

 

[garchib]

I currently own a 4100 HST, which I like, but after sitting on both a 4210
and a 4310, I fell in love and felt WAY more comfortable. I am over
6 feet and 200 pounds and felt I could strech out more on these larger
tractors. Other than that, I would like a back-hoe to do some drainage
work (i.e. installing French drains) and I want to plant trees around
my 2.1 acreas, as it is basically wide-open with very few trees. So my
idea is to use a hoe to dig the 30 or 40 holes I am going to need. I could
buy the new hoe for my 4100, but rather than spend 6k on a hoe for a
4100 with a subframe. I would rather upgrade and get a tractor designed for a hoe that is more comfortable. I toyed with the BX22,
but I think the ground clearance is going to be a problem with that
tractor and I am a JD guy /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Chief]

With what you describe, you could do alright with the 4210. I would suggest the 4310 or the 4410 unless you intend to use the tractor for extensive finish mowing with a mmm or rfm. I this case the 4210 would be a bit smaller and more maneuverable in tight spots as well as less damage to the sod in your yard/property. The 4310/4410 would do much better with a hoe and I believe you would be able to go with a larger 48 hoes as opposed to the 47 hoe on the 4210 as well. Same applies with the loader the 4310/4410 with take a 430 as opposed to the 420 loader. As I said the 4210 will do what you want but just not as fast or in large a proportion but does have its limits. The 4310/4410 will give you a little more work and add on capacity later on. Both are great tractors but if it was me (as you can see by my sig) I would go with the 4410, 72"mmm, 430 loader, and 48 hoe, get a good quality medium duty post hole digger too. Makes digging holes to plant trees MUCH easier. Good luck on your tractor decision.

 

[garchib]

Thanks for your help.....the weight is definately an issue, as I want
to be able to mow on my leaching field......the JD dealer says that
is fine as long as I do not buy a 4610/4710 class machine....what do you
think....do you think a 4310/4410 is okay to mow on a leaching field ?
I currently am mowing it with my 4100 HST without any issues
with compaction, etc.......the grass grows like crazy /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[iamgott]

IF YOU PLAN ON PIDDELIN AROUND THE HOUSE, IT'LL PROBABLY BE FINE. IF YOU WANT TO DO ANY HEAVY GRADING, EARTHMOVING OR CLEARING OF LIGHT BRUSH, YOU BETTER GO BIGGER, MUCH BIGGER. I HAVE THE 4300 WHICH IS BASICALLY THE SAME AS A 4210, JUS A LITTLE MORE POWER ETC. ITS BEEN REPAIRED OVER 20 TIMES WITH LESS THAN 400 HOURS. IF I DID IT ALL OVER AGAIN, I WOULD GO WITH THE 4610 OR ONE OF THE UTILITY MODELS. I HAVE NOT ABUSED THIS MACHINE AT ALL, MAYBE THE 6' LANDPRIDE BOX BLADE THE DEALER SOLD ME IS TO HEAVY FOR THE ATTACHMENTS, I WOULD SUGGEST, ON A 4210, DONT EXCEED 5' ON A BOX BLADE AND ALL REAR ATTACHMENTS SHOULD BE KEPT AS SMALL AS PRACTICAL. THE REAR OF THESE MACHINES AND ALL ATTACHING HARDWARE ARE MADE OF SOME TYPE OF LIGHT WEIGHT CAST, ITS PRETTY STRONG, BUT IT WILL BREAK. I RECENTLY BROKE AN AXLE HOUSING BECAUSE A TURNBUCKLE BROKE, ONE MONTH OUT OF WARRANTY "OUCH!!!!!" tHIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM THAT I BROUGHT TO THEIR ATTENTION EARLY ON, THEY HAVE NEVER ADDRESSED IT, AND NOW TURN THEIR BACKS ON ME. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER JOHN DEERE PERIOD, SORRY.

 

[iamgott]

aLSO, i WOULD NOT WORRY ABOUT THE WEIGHT OF THE MACHINE 4610 ON THE LEACH FIELD, "UNLESS ITS REALLY SOFT". I WOULD GO WITH TURF TIRES, AND THE LARGEST MACHINE YOU CAN AFFORD "WITHIN YOUR SIZE LIMITATION". THE 4610 IS MUCH BETTER BUILT ON THE REAR 3 POINT ASSEMBLY. I FEAR, IF YOU GET 4310 OR SMALLER, YOU "MAY" REGRET IT. I HAVE HAD 2- 4300'S AND BOTH HAVE HAD TO UNDERGO REPEATED REPAIRS.

 

[loner]

Loose nut behind the wheel maybe? Go get yerself a nuther kind and tell us how long it last 10-FO!

 

[budman72]

I've had my 4200 gear drive for a little over a year. Absolutely no problems with it. I run a 5' RFM to cut my 5 acres, also have the 420 FEL and a 5' BB. I run turf tires. The machine has plenty of power for anything I need to do. The only thing I would change would have been going with a 6' mower instead of the 5'.

I looked at a 4310 when I bought mine, the thought of all the electronics on a tractor made up my mind. There may be a reason (future emissions rules?) but my theory is KISS-keep it simple, stupid /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[garchib]

Re: 4210 feedback from owners......- pictures

I would love to see some pictures of 4200/4210 tractors
from the owners out there.....there seems to be a real
shortage of 4200/4210 info and photos....

 

[iamgott]

You have a real set of loose lips there "loner". Unless you know more about someones situation, you shouldn't make such remarks.
Usually, I would not even reply to such remarks, But for the sake of the member who posted this thread, the 4x10 series are not bad machines, but size limits you and your machines capabilities. I use mine for work, "not play", and I find the 4300 I have now, is just not "heavy enough" or expressed another way "durable enough under the operating conditions I submit it to" to hold up over a long period. I now realize and wish I had purchased the 4600 series when I bought my machine. Its better to go bigger, "if it'll work for your situation" as later, if you decide you want to go bigger, you will have to endure the depreciation on the "smaller machine".
I also had some major "local dealer issues" which made this an unpleasent experience for myself. I have no Vandetta against any machine, I really love mine and its been a real life saver at times. If you want to be able to swing a 6' box blade freely, Id go with at least the 4510 "big frame" or 4410.
Ultimate choice in a compact 4610. Even my dealer admitted: "if you had purchased the 4610, you would not have had any problems to speak of" "His words". But he sold me the 4300,,,go figure,,,,. The 4300, 4200 will swing a 6' box, but I have had a few problems on my 3 point with a 6' box. Im not sure if this is where the problem actually is or can be contributed to something else, but the larger frame tractors I understand have a category II and/or III hitch. Have fun making that big desicion!!! Good Luck too,,,,,,gott