Is Smaller Better?

[Anonymous Poster]

Looking at purchasing a 4410 / 4610 / 4710 (must have hydro). Other than the cost difference is there any other reasons to go with the smaller tractor. Looking to maintain and improve 17 acres, 9 acres open - 8 overgrown, as well as deer club property - roads and green-fields. Planning on getting a loader with 4-in-1 (if it will "Pluck-Out" small saplings) or grapple attachment. Any comments on which bucket to get and if one model tractor is more trouble prone would also be appreciated.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

For mowing smaller is probably better. Less weight on turf and more maneuverable. Smaller cost less to purchase and uses less fuel. Large gives more loader capacity.

 

[beenthere]

None of the tractors are 'trouble-prone', although you will see some threads that would cause one to think about it. The tractor frames are different size between the 4410 and the other two. If going with a 4 in 1 bucket, I would opt for the larger frame size (and 460 FEL). I have a 4300 and would not think my 430 FEL would be the best choice for a 4 in 1 bucket (but Hillbilly is getting experience with his 4400 now and that bucket combination). I'd bow to his experience over mine. I don;t see any reason to go smaller, rather than bigger (excluding the dollar difference, but thats obvious and didn't seem to be included in your question).

 

[cowboydoc]

For what you're planning the larger tractor that you can buy the better. I wouldn't even think about the 4410.

 

[rancar]

You've got considerable amount of property. If cost is no consideration, go with the 4710. Larger frame, greater engine and PTO HP, greater lift capacity on the 460 FEL. 4in1 bucket is good choice but do it with the 4710. Also, think on future attcahments you'll be buying. You may not think so now, but that shopping list will grow longer. Those attachments may need the larger tractor capabilities. I don't think you'll regret the larger tractor purchase. Hope this helps.

 

[mswanson]

Besides cost some of the reasons that made me get the middle size boomer instead of a big one were..... had to fit through my garages 8' doors, wanted to be able to tow it with a reasonable size trailer and truck, needed to be able to take it down tight logging roads in my woods and wanted something maneagable since it was my first cut. Actually the cost wasn't that much more for the larger size considering the extra capability you get with the larger size so cost wasn't the most important deciding factor. If you don't have any of the above considerations and can handle the extra cost then I would recommend going to the larger size.

 

[BKColeman]

My TC 40D will fit in my 8' garage doors without folding the ROPS. But you're right about the trailer size. From the tip of my loader to the tip of my rotary cutter, I'm right at 24'.

--Brad

 

[mswanson]

From looking at the specs there is a 7 inch difference in height between class II and class III boomers measured at the top of the rops. I have a couple of inches step up into my garage and the overhead door hangs down in its tracks a coupe of inches so it still is a tight fit for my TC33D. In fact I have already hit the door twice because I didn't remember to raise it all the way. I trailer with an 18' 8000lb trailer, which seems to be a perfect size for my tractor. I am sure with a large framer cut I would need to go to at least a 20' 10000lb trailer. My 3/4 ton Suburban with its big block and 4.10 gears could probably pull either but it would be fun over a long distance with the big boomer.