picard335
New member
Some states require a battery powered breakaway kit on trailers as well.
Looking for truck to tow John Deere 4210
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755inNY
Platinum Member
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- Jul 4, 2003
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- 530
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- JD 4310, ehydro, 4WD, R4s
Tractor_man,
You have certainly generated a lot of discussion on the subject. But, you won't get an answer that is right for you until you tell us more than <font color="blue"> I just bought a John Deere 4210. I have a trailer but I am looking for a work truck to tow it. Any suggestions what would be the best for this limited purpose? </font>
What else besides the tractor will you be hauling? As others have said "add up all the weight".
What kind/type of trailer do you have? How much does it weigh? Number of axles? Brakes?
How often and how far do you expect to tow?
What else do you plan on doing with the truck? Is it going to sit unused most of the time or used unloaded most of the time? No sense in buying more truck than you need.
If you come back with more specifics you will get better answers.
To jump in with the others as far as personal experience. I used to tow a horse trailer (about 5K loaded) and a dump trailer (typically about 5K - 7K loaded) with a '94 Ford 1/2 ton, 2WD, 5.0L V8, gas. Both trailers have dual axles with brakes on each wheel. Infrequent towing (8 to 10 times/year), mostly short trips (<20 miles). The F150 did the job but required a weight distribution hitch which I disliked hooking up.
I now have a '99 3/4 ton, F250, 4WD, 5.4L V8, gas. The difference in towing is not significant between the F150 and F250 (both have factory tow package) but no more weight distribution hitch and the heavier weight of the F250 feels better. The 4WD is a big plus because I haul loads across my lawn and in a field that is on a hill.
90% of the time the truck is used by my wife as her personal vehicle. We opted for the smaller V8 to keep the fuel mileage reasonable. The fuel mileage does suffer when pulling either trailer. A bigger engine would give poor mileage all the time. The diesel was just not worth the extra 4K for what I do. Fuel mileage is better on the diesel but diesel is more expensive than gas around here and you have to search it out.
A comment on electric brakes that no one has mentioned yet.
<font color="red"> You have to adjust them for the load and road conditions!! </font> One setting on the brake controller does not fit all circumstances. When properly adjusted the truck/trailer combination will stop straight, reasonably short and without exessive push or wear on the tow vehicle's brakes. If you set the brakes for an empty trailer (light engagement to prevent wheel lock-up) and do not readjust for the loaded trailer, you will not be safe or happy with the results. If the road becomes wet or slippery, you may need to reduce the aggressiveness of the trailer brake response.
Jeff
You have certainly generated a lot of discussion on the subject. But, you won't get an answer that is right for you until you tell us more than <font color="blue"> I just bought a John Deere 4210. I have a trailer but I am looking for a work truck to tow it. Any suggestions what would be the best for this limited purpose? </font>
What else besides the tractor will you be hauling? As others have said "add up all the weight".
What kind/type of trailer do you have? How much does it weigh? Number of axles? Brakes?
How often and how far do you expect to tow?
What else do you plan on doing with the truck? Is it going to sit unused most of the time or used unloaded most of the time? No sense in buying more truck than you need.
If you come back with more specifics you will get better answers.
To jump in with the others as far as personal experience. I used to tow a horse trailer (about 5K loaded) and a dump trailer (typically about 5K - 7K loaded) with a '94 Ford 1/2 ton, 2WD, 5.0L V8, gas. Both trailers have dual axles with brakes on each wheel. Infrequent towing (8 to 10 times/year), mostly short trips (<20 miles). The F150 did the job but required a weight distribution hitch which I disliked hooking up.
I now have a '99 3/4 ton, F250, 4WD, 5.4L V8, gas. The difference in towing is not significant between the F150 and F250 (both have factory tow package) but no more weight distribution hitch and the heavier weight of the F250 feels better. The 4WD is a big plus because I haul loads across my lawn and in a field that is on a hill.
90% of the time the truck is used by my wife as her personal vehicle. We opted for the smaller V8 to keep the fuel mileage reasonable. The fuel mileage does suffer when pulling either trailer. A bigger engine would give poor mileage all the time. The diesel was just not worth the extra 4K for what I do. Fuel mileage is better on the diesel but diesel is more expensive than gas around here and you have to search it out.
A comment on electric brakes that no one has mentioned yet.
<font color="red"> You have to adjust them for the load and road conditions!! </font> One setting on the brake controller does not fit all circumstances. When properly adjusted the truck/trailer combination will stop straight, reasonably short and without exessive push or wear on the tow vehicle's brakes. If you set the brakes for an empty trailer (light engagement to prevent wheel lock-up) and do not readjust for the loaded trailer, you will not be safe or happy with the results. If the road becomes wet or slippery, you may need to reduce the aggressiveness of the trailer brake response.
Jeff
manganos
Platinum Member
I have a Kioti 3054 with a FEL and either a boxblade or a 72" rear finish mower on the back. I use a 16' dual axle trailer with brakes (Hudson). I tow it with an '03 Dodge 2500 with the High Output Turbo Cummins Diesel. You know it is back there but it sure feels safe. Just the other day I was loaded down with 7k or so pounds of lumber going up a good grade and was going along at 75mph uphill passing big rigs that were downshifting to get up the hill. Could I have gotten by with a 1/2 ton truck? Sure. Do I enjoy hearing my turbo whistle? Heck yeah! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Docsknotinn
Veteran Member
That wasn't your Turbo whine it was me passing you /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Like others have said the gasser ( choke ) will get it done, with a LOT more fuel. Just stay away from the Dodge and Fords /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif 2500HD GMC ext cab 4x4 SLT Duramax/Allison /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Just kidding, I have one of the Dodges too.....err well my wife does. Dave
F350Lawman
Gold Member
Here is the Ford chart, you listed the tow capacities without the 4.10 gears. As I said before it can tow 9,500lb trailer and has a GCWR of 15,300. If you build it to tow it comes with the class 4 hitch. Enough truck for the 4210 and trailer with a fair ammount of attachments.
I am not arguing that a1/2 ton is better than a 1 ton, just that a 1/2 ton is more than reasonable to tow that type of load.
I have a 1 ton diesel, dually but owning a 4210 and a few attachments would NOT be enough reason for a 40K expenditure to tow it a couple of times a year as I suspect will be the case with this poster.
The 1/2 tons or even properly equipped full size SUVs make more sense for most users than the suggestion that every compact tractor owner needs a 1 ton to tow it safely to the shop or to cut a buddies lawn. Many people are spending more than they want for the tracor if they need a new truck to go with it /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
If you have OTHER uses as well or tow daily than go get the 3/4 or 1 ton and diesel but I don't think some guy with a 1/2 ton is under-trucked or unsafe when he pulls his little tractor. A guy once cut my pasture with a Ford 1720 and brushhog on a 18' trailer pulled by a 1500 Suburban. It looked and rode fine.
Sure bigger may be better but I think we have to take into consideration what the cost and benefit is. Is it really necessary to insist that one spend an extra 10,000 on a bigger truck when the smaller truck is all that is really needed? Heck 1/2 of these tractors don't weigh any more than 2 decent size horses. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif One of 5030's horses must weigh near as much or more than many tractors.
I am not arguing that a1/2 ton is better than a 1 ton, just that a 1/2 ton is more than reasonable to tow that type of load.
I have a 1 ton diesel, dually but owning a 4210 and a few attachments would NOT be enough reason for a 40K expenditure to tow it a couple of times a year as I suspect will be the case with this poster.
The 1/2 tons or even properly equipped full size SUVs make more sense for most users than the suggestion that every compact tractor owner needs a 1 ton to tow it safely to the shop or to cut a buddies lawn. Many people are spending more than they want for the tracor if they need a new truck to go with it /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
If you have OTHER uses as well or tow daily than go get the 3/4 or 1 ton and diesel but I don't think some guy with a 1/2 ton is under-trucked or unsafe when he pulls his little tractor. A guy once cut my pasture with a Ford 1720 and brushhog on a 18' trailer pulled by a 1500 Suburban. It looked and rode fine.
Sure bigger may be better but I think we have to take into consideration what the cost and benefit is. Is it really necessary to insist that one spend an extra 10,000 on a bigger truck when the smaller truck is all that is really needed? Heck 1/2 of these tractors don't weigh any more than 2 decent size horses. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif One of 5030's horses must weigh near as much or more than many tractors.
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Docsknotinn
Veteran Member
I didnt see anything in the earlier posts ( CRS ? ) about towing how far or how often. I surely think a 1/2 ton will do a fair job. Especially if were only talking a few miles a few times a year. But if its more than that I sure would not want to rely on one of those 5.4 Triton engines. Not Ford Bashing, I have owned many Trucks by them includeing a 5.4. It was not the strongest truck that ever was. Now my old Bronco with a 351 I would tow a 4210 to timbuctoo and back. It just costs more for fuel. Either way you pay. A little at a time or more up front. If I were doing a lot of towing I would look for a used 3/4 ton if the price was a factor. Or a new one by any of the big three /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif Dave
Gary_in_Indiana
Elite Member
- Joined
- Apr 22, 2002
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- Fort Wayne, IN
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- John Deere 4200 MFWD HST w/ JD 420 FEL w/ 61" loader bucket & toothbar & JD 37 BH w/ 12" bucket
I just broke down and bought one of those weight distributing hitch assemblies. I bought the Valley brand for no particular reason other than it was the brand that my local Tractor Supply had on the shelf. The price was, as you said, right around $275 as I recall. I'm going to put it on everything this weekend and will probably load up my trailer just to give the whole thing a test run up and down the road a bit.
I've needed one for longer than I care to admit so this was long overdue. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif I had to switch trucks when I hauled heavier loads. With this I'll be able to do 90% of my towing with my Tahoe instead of hopping into one of the dump trucks half the time. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I've needed one for longer than I care to admit so this was long overdue. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif I had to switch trucks when I hauled heavier loads. With this I'll be able to do 90% of my towing with my Tahoe instead of hopping into one of the dump trucks half the time. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
F350Lawman
Gold Member
I didnt see anything in the earlier posts ( CRS ? ) about towing how far or how often. I surely think a 1/2 ton will do a fair job.
No you're right, I am guessing here based on the fact that if he was someone who towed often or in a business where he is going to tow the tractor often he would not be posting about what truck will be good to tow a tractor? I could be wrong but it seems to make sense.
My assumption also took into account that the vast majority of members here very rarely if ever tow there tractors. Most of the members seem to be homeowners/hobby farmers/horse people/gardeners, etc. who work their own small plots so they don't transport the tractors often. Someone in this situation might not know what the need to tow safely.
On the other hand there are also farmers, ranchers, contractors and people who own multiple parcels of land on this forum. These folks already know what kind of truck they need and have tow vehicles. Obviously they would not post the original question.
Maybe would could find out the posters planned usage???
No you're right, I am guessing here based on the fact that if he was someone who towed often or in a business where he is going to tow the tractor often he would not be posting about what truck will be good to tow a tractor? I could be wrong but it seems to make sense.
My assumption also took into account that the vast majority of members here very rarely if ever tow there tractors. Most of the members seem to be homeowners/hobby farmers/horse people/gardeners, etc. who work their own small plots so they don't transport the tractors often. Someone in this situation might not know what the need to tow safely.
On the other hand there are also farmers, ranchers, contractors and people who own multiple parcels of land on this forum. These folks already know what kind of truck they need and have tow vehicles. Obviously they would not post the original question.
Maybe would could find out the posters planned usage???
Docsknotinn
Veteran Member
lol, well you got me on that one /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif but then the things I see people pulling down the road, well, you never really know for sure. Dave
jwcinpk
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Aug 4, 2003
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- Welfare Capital of the World...KY
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- 2009 Mahindra 3316 HST-2008 Mahindra 7010 cab - 2004 Mahindra 6000 4X4
You can pull it with a half ton and a gas V8!
You can pull it easier and safer witha 3/4 ton, a gooseneck trailer, or a bigger gas V8!
You can do it even easier with a deisel, a ton truck, and a bigger trailer!
That's it, cut and dry. It is possible with any fullsize V8 truck. It's gonna be a much more pleasant and long lasting experience with the bigger trucks. Deisels are great! Can you afford or rationalize buying one? I can't see spending the money myself. My dad bought the new Cummins Dodge and he can pull most anything and has. Once pulled a loaded semi out of a snowy parking lot. Another time he pulled a ton Chevy 4wd with a camper behind it out of the median on the interstate in the snow. Myself I can't see $30,000 in any truck I could buy land or build another home for that. So I bought a used 92 Chevy ton with the overdrive tranny and a 12ft flat bed. Now I pull a Mahindra 6000 4X4 and implements with it and I only have $4000 in it. It won't pull as fast or as cheap as some of the others, but I don't have to drive it everyday. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
You can pull it easier and safer witha 3/4 ton, a gooseneck trailer, or a bigger gas V8!
You can do it even easier with a deisel, a ton truck, and a bigger trailer!
That's it, cut and dry. It is possible with any fullsize V8 truck. It's gonna be a much more pleasant and long lasting experience with the bigger trucks. Deisels are great! Can you afford or rationalize buying one? I can't see spending the money myself. My dad bought the new Cummins Dodge and he can pull most anything and has. Once pulled a loaded semi out of a snowy parking lot. Another time he pulled a ton Chevy 4wd with a camper behind it out of the median on the interstate in the snow. Myself I can't see $30,000 in any truck I could buy land or build another home for that. So I bought a used 92 Chevy ton with the overdrive tranny and a 12ft flat bed. Now I pull a Mahindra 6000 4X4 and implements with it and I only have $4000 in it. It won't pull as fast or as cheap as some of the others, but I don't have to drive it everyday. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
