I originally ordered the 260 loader, but called back and switched to the 310. Dealer recommended to 260 for the same reasons mentioned here, to much weight out front. My main use for the loader is stacking round bales in the barn and I wanna go 4 high this year. The 310 goes 1 foot higher and I think that will make a big difference for me.
JD5115M
- Thread starter chinhut
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- john deere 5115m
Grateful11
Veteran Member
If you're not moving buckets full of dirt and manure and mainly stacking bales I think you'll be fine with the 310.
Mistyridgefarm
Silver Member
I have a 5100M with the H260 and cannot seem to get enough ballast weight. If I stuff a full 84" bucket full of dirt, the loaded tires plus 2K lbs of rear ballast will not keep it as firmly planted as I would like. I think it has to do with the geometry of the loader mounts. They seem too far forward. Comparing the ratio of the distance to wheelbase, the 5100M is almost half that on my 5300, giving the loader more leverage to lift the rears. Be extra careful on even slight slopes and turning at the same time! The H260 is a beast and happy with its capacity. For rear ballast, recommend at least 2K lbs, even if you load your tires (mine are). I really wanted one of the steel 3pt ballasts you see overseas but you would not believe the price!
pclausen
Veteran Member
I have a 5085M w/ the H260 loader. Loaded tires and 2 weights per tire. A bucket full of gravel or dirt definitely makes the rear very light, especially on any kind of slope. It was downright scary before I loaded the rears! With my Woods 1050 backhoe attached, things are a lot more balanced. Yes, the H260 is a beast of a FEL!