Do I need 4wd and/or loader?

[RPW]

If you're getting the 512 loader it'll pickup 2000# bales without any problems and unless the newer tractor is lighter than a 5103 then you won't necessarily "need" to load the tires. However I'd at least run with a HD boxblade on the 3pt for a bit of extra ballast and stablity.

 

[Soundguy]

The specs on the loader say it will pick up the hay bales (1200 to 1300 pounds at the most). The dealer also said it would work or I wouldn't have to pay for it. I'm not going to move them far (on the front at least). I'll use the back to move them any distance. I'm mainly concerned with unloading and loading them on a low trailer and moving them short distances to feed my horses. Found out a few weeks ago that a light tractor (Kubota with no weight in the back) will tip over hauling hay bales if you get them off the ground to far. When you said "ask people on the JD site," you mean this site just under the John Deere section, right? If so, that's a good idea.
thanks, jed

I unload bales off my trailer by gravity unstrap them, and give them a push.. or drive off a bit.

I'm moving rounds using antique 1-arm loaders that are rated around those # levels.. ie 1000-1300. Moving rounds for sure tests the limits of small/low weight tractors.. so be carefull and have rear ballast. I have loaded rear tires 12.4-28 and 13.6-28, PLUS concrete counterweights and it's usually just barely enough.. still have to ride the brakes to keep traction sometimes..

soundguy

 

[tessiers]

I move dry 5x4 round bales with my JD 790. The dealer said it wouldn't do it but they forgot to tell the tractor. They weigh about 600 lbs and I love the little tractor because it is so nimble, and will fit in the barn. I also unload a trailer stacked 2 high and re stack them 2 high in the barn. That needs 4x4 because of its size but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I have a dedicated bale spear that goes on the quick connect because the weight of the bucket and spear puts me a little over the top, an added benifit is much better visibility without the bucket. I think the 2wd will work fine for your use.

Good Luck!!!

 

[jed1894]

Thanks again.....got 512 loader ordered today. I went with the larger size bucket as recommended by members here.

jed

 

[texasjohn]

Hope you investigated a skid steer quick attach for the loader...makes it so much faster to switch to a bale spear on the front. Yes, more $ but worth it.

Put liquid in the tires, make sure it won't freeze, get BIG weight for rear ... use both, I mean it... you will discover that you WILL pick up more weight than you realize with the loader..and your only recourse is to have plenty of rear weight to avoid turning the whole thing into a bicycle (2 wheels on the ground)... it is simply amazing how fast rear tires will come off the ground using a loader.... raw tractor weight is insufficient to provide safety, need more weight on rear. My experience is that even liquid loaded tires (550 lbs extra per rear tire in my case) is insufficient.... need 500+ extra lbs on the rear to maintain stability

While waiting for your loader, this thread will provide a lot of interesting reading...about what to NOT do with your new loader..

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1897253#post1897253