[rcrcomputing]

You'll get alot of answers to this. But here's some thoughts..

I'd go the bigger one. Don't see a loader in that qoute??

4 wheel drive.. I don't use it alot, but I do use it. There are times when the front tires just get pushed around without it. I'm not worried about getting stuck as I almost always have the backhoe attached and can lift the entire tractor into the air..

front end loader - have to have it! I've not looked, but I'll be the 5100 has about twice the lifting capacity as the smaller tractor. NICE!! NICE!! Wish I had that!!

backhoe - as I've said before, the TBN guys said get it, so I did. And would not have another tractor without a subframe backhoe.

HST - I've never had anything else, so I've no opinion other than it's nice to just step on the forward or reverse pedal to go and since alot of tractoring is small adjustments backward and forward, I'd think it's a "must have" for me...


In short, If I had it over to do again, I'd go bigger. (some guys do not feel this way). I'd also stretch for the backhoe and at least a grapple for my bucket if not a full grapple if I had a Quick Attach.

Another way to look at it is, the tractor is a hammer, now you need several kinds of nails (attachments etc..). Are you happy with a simple hammer or are you the kind of guy that will get the nail gun (bigger - get more done kind of nail gun). I own a cordless nail gun. Love it!

Getting a tractor has prompted me to learn to weld and work with metal and has made projects that would have previously gone undone possible. I do not regret getting a tractor and the people on this site were absolutely irreplaceable in helping me figure out what I needed. They also said, choose the tractor you need and then get the next bigger one.

Attachments to have? Grapple, backhoe, backhoe thumb, brush hog, boxblade, landscape rake, subsoiler, middle buster, Grade 70 5/16 chain, posthole digger.

I think that's about all enough typing for now..