Review of John Deere 2210

[MowHoward2210]

Here's my review of my JD 2210:

JD 2210
The JD 2210 is a Sub-Compact Utility Tractor with a 23 HP Yanmar 3 cylinder diesel, HST, selectable 4WD, Power Steering, Mid and Rear PTO, 3pt hitch, and ROPS. It weighs 1400 lbs with no attachments. Mine is equipped with Turf Tires. I purchased it in Oct. of '03, and have over 170 hours on it.

PROS
Yanmar 3cyl Diesel / Fuel Economy
- From all accounts that I have read, Yanmar makes great diesel engines.
- Mines starts easily and is easy on fuel.
- I seem to be getting about 6.5 hours per 5 gallons of diesel fuel.
- It starts easily, runs smooth, and has great torque.

Great Build Quality and Assembly
- There does not appear to be any cheap junk in the makeup of this tractor.
- All the nuts and bolts were torqued well the first time I re-torqued, with paint marks indicating it had been done by the dealer or factory.
- Fluid plugs are easily accessible and of good quality.


Great Ergonomics
- The 2210 has a step-through platform for easy entry and exiting.
- The HST forward and reverse pedals seem more natural to me than the "Treadle Pedal" or rocker pedal of competing brands.
- The SCV or hydraulic Selective Control Valve that moves the loader up and down and the bucket fore and aft, is placed by the right leg which seems more natural compared to dash mounting on competing models.
- The Rockshaft Control (controls the up and down movement of the 3pt hitch), the Hi - Lo transmission selector, throttle, and PTO selector (Mid or Rear engagagement) are all well placed.
- Tach, fuel gauge, are easily visible.
- Decent vision over hood.


Handling
- the 2210 has a pretty good turning radius for its size. That, coupled with the responsive HST pedals, make for pretty good mowing around trees.

FWD (Four Wheel Drive)
- The front wheels have mechanical, on-the-fly, selectable engagement.
- I use 4WD more than I thought.
- 4WD does great in muddy conditions and snow, even with turf tires and is a must for FEL work and towing.

3-Point Hitch / Towing Capacity
- I use this more than I thought I would.
- 3-pt hitch adapter allows for a receiver hitch and ball to be placed on the back of the tractor. I use hitch adapter made by Bad River (http://www.badriverinc.com/prod02.htm)
- I use the receiver hitch to chain and move large logs, and to attach my 5' X 8' utility trailer so I can haul tools and brush around my property. I also use it to easily move a 16' tandem axle flatbed trailer.
- I have towed my 79 Jeep Wagoneer Quadra-Trac up an incline with no slippage or power deficiency.
- I have not had the leak on the top plate where the 3pt top link is attached that others have reported.

210 FEL with 49" Bucket
- Easy to put on or take off. 4-5 minutes.
- I have used this a lot more than I thought I would.
- Surprised how easily it moved a bucket full of 3 inch rock and chad.
- I have a Woods bolt-on toothbar. Recently I was surprised how well the bucket would skim and dig topsoil without it.
- I do not have an level indicator on my bucket. I am glad nobody was watching me the first hour I operated the bucket, but now I'm pretty good at it.


62" MMM
- The 62" Mid Mount Mower is a breeze to attach and take off. 2-3 minutes either way.
- PTO driven.
- Gives a great cut.
- JD blades (X 3) are quality, tough blades.
- I'm able to mow through 3ft high grass.
- I've never clogged the discharge chute.
- Deck stays relatively clean underneath.


LX-4 Rotary Cutter
- Although small (4ft) the rotary cutter does a good job, and the 2210 handles the load requirements. I use front weights when using the RC.




CONS
- No temperature gauge! Just an idiot light, and the idiot light could be placed in a more visible spot in the dashboard cluster.
- The 62" MMM in theory is easy to adjust, but I've had problems getting the actual height within and inch of what is on the height indicator. I quit obsessing with perfect adjustments, and just mow.
- The fuel tank filler is on the hood. I've learned to stand on the step-through platform and use a big fuel funnel when fueling.
- I would like a more comfortable seat, like on the X-Series.
- Access the the Suction Screen filter located inside the HST is a real PITA.
- You must be diligent in keeping derbis that is sucked in by cooling fan off the outer cowling screens and inner screen in front of radiator. I think this is common to other makes, but again calls to attention the need for a temperature gauge.
- Wish there was a 4WD indicator light on the dash cluster.


SUMMARY
As you can see, the pros far outweigh the cons in my experience with this tractor. Of course, there have been times when I wanted something with more size/power. But isn't that the way with everything? The compact size and 4WD is great for accessing tight areas in the woods, and the 2210 is a great mower with good ergonomics. The ease of attaching and removing the MMM and FEL is a huge positive, as is the 3 cylinder fuel-sipping, proven Yanmar.

I hope this helps someone who is looking for a something in between a L&G tractor and a CUT.

The 2210 has exceeded my expectations, and appears to be a quality unit.


http://homepage.mac.com/userosx/.Pictures/JD2210-MTF.jpg

[Greg]

Mow,

What did you do..run your truck through the wash too many times? ROF ROF..

Uncle Greg

[MowHoward2210]

No, the Wagoneer had a cracked flex-flywheel. Can't remember if it wouldn't start after sitting down on the acreage where I used to unload my 2210, or maybe I was afraid of the motor vibrating and self-destructing like Dean's helicopter! :D

[Greg]

So...is that the Wagoneer behind your "hog" and under the shelf? :D

Greg

[MowHoward2210]

No, but for awhile it ran better than the Wagoneer! ROF

[JDFANATIC]

Mow,

Great review, I agree with everything you mentioned. The one thing I don't care for is the method of raising and lowering the MMM and having to use a spreader bar or i-Match on the 3PH. Also the 4WD lever isn't in the most convenient location (I liked where it was on the 55 series better). Other than having enough power to weight (call it attitude!) and needing ballast because of that (I do have the 53" bucket), I think it is one of the better tractor values out there.

Cheers

JDFANATIC
JD2210

[MowHoward2210]

Mow,

Great review, I agree with everything you mentioned. The one thing I don't care for is the method of raising and lowering the MMM and having to use a spreader bar or i-Match on the 3PH. Also the 4WD lever isn't in the most convenient location (I liked where it was on the 55 series better). Other than having enough power to weight (call it attitude!) and needing ballast because of that (I do have the 53" bucket), I think it is one of the better tractor values out there.

Cheers

JDFANATIC
JD2210

Agree with the required need for a spreader bar on the 3pt. I keep my hitch adapter on, which is bolted on to a drawbar, to spread the 3pt so the mower lift will engage when I'm not using my Flintstone Wheel (http://homepage.mac.com/userosx/PhotoAlbum19.html)
for ballast. Kind of a hassle sometimes. Also the semi exposed cooling fan underneath for the HST is another concern.

[old_nodaker]

The 455 with the Yanmar diesel has a feature that when it overheats, it shuts off the PTO (it assumes you're mowing,) and turns on the glow plug light until it cools down. Does the 2210 do that? You mention the "height indicator" not coresponding correctly to inches - on the JD models I've associated with it's not meant to, it's only a scale so you can reset to the same height. I've been wondering, what exactly is the difference between the 2210 and the x595? They look to be about the same size. I keep thinking I'd like to replace my 445 and 850 with one or the other, but probably never will. The 850 has the 3 cylinder Yanmar diesel also. Great engine. It'll start when it's 0 out, havent' tried it any colder. I have a 72" 3 point mower for it but it's a pain not having hydrostatic so only use it as a backup and brush hogging.

[Bohica]

Great review Mow! Thanks for sharing...

Slam

[Argee]

Nice review Mow...what did you have prior to the 2210?

[horseman1]

Excellent job Mow. :congrats: I feel the same way about mine. The only "CON" side that I can think of other than the things you mentioned was that sometimes I would like the FEL to lift a little higher when loading into a roll-off dumpster. It just works, with very little room to spare. I'm going to make some ramps for that activity someday. I couldnt agree more about that suction screen too. I loosened the other end of the pipe to get it out and it wasnt so bad, but still a PITA.

[MowHoward2210]

The 455 with the Yanmar diesel has a feature that when it overheats, it shuts off the PTO (it assumes you're mowing,) and turns on the glow plug light until it cools down. Does the 2210 do that? You mention the "height indicator" not coresponding correctly to inches - on the JD models I've associated with it's not meant to, it's only a scale so you can reset to the same height. I've been wondering, what exactly is the difference between the 2210 and the x595? They look to be about the same size. I keep thinking I'd like to replace my 445 and 850 with one or the other, but probably never will. The 850 has the 3 cylinder Yanmar diesel also. Great engine. It'll start when it's 0 out, havent' tried it any colder. I have a 72" 3 point mower for it but it's a pain not having hydrostatic so only use it as a backup and brush hogging.

I don't remember seeing that PTO shutdown feature mentioned in the owners manual. Thanks for the heads up on the height indicator. I still think the deck adjusting can be kind of finicky sometimes.

The 2210 is closer to Compact Tractor, whereas the x595 is closer to a Garden tractor.

The 2210 has Category 1 3pt hitch (limited). Limited being that is only goes so high. It also can handle a higher capacity loader than the X-series, and can handle a Rotary Cutter.

The X-series have a Category 0 3pt hitch. It also has a better seat and more bells and whistles on the dash, and rides better than the 2210.

Both accept the same type of MMM from JD.

[MowHoward2210]

Nice review Mow...what did you have prior to the 2210?

Nothing! I bought property to build a house on in the near future. I keep the 2210 in a Pole barn. I still live in town, and can mow my lawn with a push mower. :bannana:

[Durwood]

I was a little disappointed Mow as i thought you would go into a little more detail, but i guess i will live with it. ROF ROF ROF

Dur

[MowHoward2210]

Well you know how I am Durwood--right to the point without using many words! ROF

[johndeereL100]

Mow, I agree with everything you said in your review. All in all they are a great little tractor capable of doing things that you wouldn't think they could do. One more "con" though is that there is no place to carry a pliers, hammer and cresent wrench (but there is a cup holder).

[2CED]

Here's my review of my JD 2210:

JD 2210
The JD 2210 is a Sub-Compact Utility Tractor with a 23 HP Yanmar 3 cylinder diesel, HST, selectable 4WD, Power Steering, Mid and Rear PTO, 3pt hitch, and ROPS. It weighs 1400 lbs with no attachments. Mine is equipped with Turf Tires. I purchased it in Oct. of '03, and have over 170 hours on it.

PROS
Yanmar 3cyl Diesel / Fuel Economy
- From all accounts that I have read, Yanmar makes great diesel engines.
- Mines starts easily and is easy on fuel.
- I seem to be getting about 6.5 hours per 5 gallons of diesel fuel.
- It starts easily, runs smooth, and has great torque.

Great Build Quality and Assembly
- There does not appear to be any cheap junk in the makeup of this tractor.
- All the nuts and bolts were torqued well the first time I re-torqued, with paint marks indicating it had been done by the dealer or factory.
- Fluid plugs are easily accessible and of good quality.


Great Ergonomics
- The 2210 has a step-through platform for easy entry and exiting.
- The HST forward and reverse pedals seem more natural to me than the "Treadle Pedal" or rocker pedal of competing brands.
- The SCV or hydraulic Selective Control Valve that moves the loader up and down and the bucket fore and aft, is placed by the right leg which seems more natural compared to dash mounting on competing models.
- The Rockshaft Control (controls the up and down movement of the 3pt hitch), the Hi - Lo transmission selector, throttle, and PTO selector (Mid or Rear engagagement) are all well placed.
- Tach, fuel gauge, are easily visible.
- Decent vision over hood.


Handling
- the 2210 has a pretty good turning radius for its size. That, coupled with the responsive HST pedals, make for pretty good mowing around trees.

FWD (Four Wheel Drive)
- The front wheels have mechanical, on-the-fly, selectable engagement.
- I use 4WD more than I thought.
- 4WD does great in muddy conditions and snow, even with turf tires and is a must for FEL work and towing.

3-Point Hitch / Towing Capacity
- I use this more than I thought I would.
- 3-pt hitch adapter allows for a receiver hitch and ball to be placed on the back of the tractor. I use hitch adapter made by Bad River (http://www.badriverinc.com/prod02.htm)
- I use the receiver hitch to chain and move large logs, and to attach my 5' X 8' utility trailer so I can haul tools and brush around my property. I also use it to easily move a 16' tandem axle flatbed trailer.
- I have towed my 79 Jeep Wagoneer Quadra-Trac up an incline with no slippage or power deficiency.
- I have not had the leak on the top plate where the 3pt top link is attached that others have reported.

210 FEL with 49" Bucket
- Easy to put on or take off. 4-5 minutes.
- I have used this a lot more than I thought I would.
- Surprised how easily it moved a bucket full of 3 inch rock and chad.
- I have a Woods bolt-on toothbar. Recently I was surprised how well the bucket would skim and dig topsoil without it.
- I do not have an level indicator on my bucket. I am glad nobody was watching me the first hour I operated the bucket, but now I'm pretty good at it.


62" MMM
- The 62" Mid Mount Mower is a breeze to attach and take off. 2-3 minutes either way.
- PTO driven.
- Gives a great cut.
- JD blades (X 3) are quality, tough blades.
- I'm able to mow through 3ft high grass.
- I've never clogged the discharge chute.
- Deck stays relatively clean underneath.


LX-4 Rotary Cutter
- Although small (4ft) the rotary cutter does a good job, and the 2210 handles the load requirements. I use front weights when using the RC.




CONS
- No temperature gauge! Just an idiot light, and the idiot light could be placed in a more visible spot in the dashboard cluster.
- The 62" MMM in theory is easy to adjust, but I've had problems getting the actual height within and inch of what is on the height indicator. I quit obsessing with perfect adjustments, and just mow.
- The fuel tank filler is on the hood. I've learned to stand on the step-through platform and use a big fuel funnel when fueling.
- I would like a more comfortable seat, like on the X-Series.
- Access the the Suction Screen filter located inside the HST is a real PITA.
- You must be diligent in keeping derbis that is sucked in by cooling fan off the outer cowling screens and inner screen in front of radiator. I think this is common to other makes, but again calls to attention the need for a temperature gauge.
- Wish there was a 4WD indicator light on the dash cluster.


SUMMARY
As you can see, the pros far outweigh the cons in my experience with this tractor. Of course, there have been times when I wanted something with more size/power. But isn't that the way with everything? The compact size and 4WD is great for accessing tight areas in the woods, and the 2210 is a great mower with good ergonomics. The ease of attaching and removing the MMM and FEL is a huge positive, as is the 3 cylinder fuel-sipping, proven Yanmar.

I hope this helps someone who is looking for a something in between a L&G tractor and a CUT.

The 2210 has exceeded my expectations, and appears to be a quality unit.

http://www.homepage.mac.com/userosx/.Pictures/JD2210-MTF.jpg

excellent