Purchased the tractor as a left over 2004 model from a nearby JD dealership. The unit had been used during the dealers "hay days" to demonstrate equipment and had roughly 40 hours on it when it was delivered to me (I put on 5 test driving around the dealership).

The base unit is a 5420 Isolated Station MFWD with 12x12 Power Reverser transmission. Factory specifications list the machine at 81 engine HP and 65 PTO HP. Since purchase, I have loaded the tires, added two sets of rear wheel weights and a 541 mechanical self-leveling loader with an 83-inch JD heavy material bucket. The unit was purchased as an all-purpose tractor to use around my small Thoroughbred operation. Primary uses include: hay production, manure and material handling, brush cutting, land clearing, forestry management, soil preparation and fence construction.

I have had the tractor for several months and the unit now has over 125 hours. I have used it for all desired tasks except building fence and have a fair appreciate for the strengths and issues with the machine. Please note that prior to buying this machine, I had no real brand loyalty and performed what I feel is an unbiased evaluation of the major agricultural tractor manufacturer's offerings in the 55-75 PTO HP range. The list of manufacturers tested includes: CaseIH (JX, JXC, JXU), NH (TN, TT), Zetor, AGCO, MF, CAT, Farmall and SAME.

The first week I had the unit it was used almost 100% for loader work. Moving 6 months were of manure compost from a pile into a spreader, cleaning up the paddock areas, widening roadways and my main driveway. My first impression was that the unit seemed to be too big for work around the barn and especially in tight spaces. The clutch modulation feel was a big part of the issue as it was difficult to control at first. Slight mistakes caused tremendous damage due to the power of the machine. Within a week the machine felt more manageable to me and now feels like it is too small again. Also I noted that even with all of the added ballast PLUS another 700 lbs on the 3-point hitch, the unit was unstable with full bucket loads of dirt. The manual recommends 2200 lbs of 3-point weight and you better believe that it needs it for safe operation especially on hills and uneven ground.

In preparation for fieldwork, I removed the front-end loader and added a front weight bracket. The 541 loader really does come off the machine in 10 minutes or less. Putting it back on the machine does not take much more time. The mid-mount hydraulic couplers are easily accessible on the ISO Station and the mounting pins removed easily. The frame stands are conveniently located in the loader frame cross tube. I now have taken the loader on and off close to a dozen times. I only once ran into an issue when one of the frame stands sunk into the mud. It took an additional 5 minutes to get it hooked up that day. The process is so easy that I removed and re-installed the loader every day while making hay.

The last 3 weeks, the unit has seen over 50 hours of work in the hay fields. I am using all antique equipment borrowed from my uncle and other neighbors. The equipment includes: NI 272 Cut/ditioner, MF 10 square baler, David Bradley Rake and hay wagon. The cut/ditioner I was told would really make a 65 HP tractor work; especially in first cut Broome Grass. Well, that did not seem to be the case. I could mow at any speed in any gear without difficulty on some fair yielding ground (~100 bales/acre). I actually tried to make the unit lug down and was unable to do so. I also was very pleased with the live PTO functionality and the PowerReverser transmission really paid big dividends in my small odd shaped fields. With the loader removed, the tractor was very agile in the field. Turning radius and visibility was excellent.

Baling with the MF 10 and trailing hay wagon was really no challenge for the 5420. Even on the steepest grades on my hilly property the 5420 tracked well and never noticed the grade. The max deviation of RPM from uphill slope to downhill slope and vice versa was about 200 RPM even with a full wagon. There was a very slight change in engine pitch when baling large windrows right at the capacity of the baler, but they did not show on the tach. In all fairness, the MF 10 is a low capacity baler and only requires ~14 hp to run the baling mechanism. I really look forward to using the tractor on a higher capacity baler (JD 338 or NH 570).

On the negative side, there are some improvement areas when doing standard maintenance.

First, the fuel system is not self-purging. Thus anytime you drain the fuel filter you must manually bleed the fuel system. This is a 5-step process that requires both SAE and metric wrenches and the mechanic must be on both sides of the tractor at the same time. Since I was unable to be on both sides of the tractor at the same time, I had to repeat the process twice to get it right. Furthermore, the process causes diesel fuel to drip over several portions of the engine and is not a clean process.

Second, there is a break-in adjustment that is required at 100 hours for the PowerReverser clutch mechanism. This requires removal of the cowling around the steering column to release a spring. Then the mechanic must remove a pin that cannot be reached except for possibly by a set of 12" needle nose pliers. Then stubby wrenches and tiny hands must loosen the stopper nut on the clevis prior to making the adjustment. The physical adjustment requires that the mechanic be laying under the tractor and also depressing the clutch at the same time. Obviously a two-person operation.

Finally the oil and fuel filter location are not 100% ideal, but they are easily manageable.

Battery and radiator access are easy with the removable side panels.

Overall, the 5420 exceeds all performance expectations for this class of tractor. As this is not a comparison, I will not give my opinions on the other units tested. I would highly recommend this unit for anybody looking for an all-purpose utility tractor capable of making hay.

Date Purchased: 4/2005
Purchased: New
Price Paid: US$32000
Pros: 4 cyl. torque and power, excellent hydraulic flow, Power Reverser, 541 MSL loader
Cons: low unballasted weight (5700 lbs), Fuel bleeding system, clutch feel, 100 hour clutch adjustment not easy!
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