some insight into confusing model numbers please

[johns_dmax]

I'm looking to upgrade to a 60HP 4X4 with loader and a shuttle shift of some type. We're going to purchase 120 acres soon and will need to do general clean up, mowing, possibly haying...

Is there a way to decode the model numbers to try to determine which tractor is a budget level and which is a top end? I've looked online and its hard to tell and the dealers want to sell you what they have on hand.

I've found this out so far:
NH TT series only has a syncro shift in top gears not reverse so its out.
NH 2420 has a nice setup in the 12 spd with its electro-hydraulic shift but its a compact so its out.
Deere 5203 was priced at $21K with loader and shuttle shift but I'm concerned about increased wear in clutch from loader use. Nice overall size and weight.
The Deere dealer offered my $12500 for my TC30 with 7308 loader for trade. Good deal with the $21K price?

Any dealers out there that can shed some light on this subject? I know all manufacturers are going to be chaning up their models to make more sense so maybe I just need to be more patient.

[Soundguy]

Can't comment on the machines you mention.. except that the trade $$ you were offered sounds pretty decent..

For 120 AC.. I'd say you are in the shallow end of the pond with 60hp.. but it should at least let you run a round bailer, maybee with a wagon.. depending on grade.., or most any square bailer, with kicker and wagon, again.. depending on grade. For mower, you will likely top out at 10' rough cut.. etc. Not sure what you will be using to cut hay.. but disc mowers should be fine to find for that size.. not show about the mowco's.. etc..

soundguy

[MessickFarmEqu]

Your looking at some real basic tractors. The NH is made in Turkey (I think) and the Deere in India. Neither are known for their quality. Given that you should probably be in a larger tractor anyway, it may not be a bad idea to look used.

[johns_dmax]

When I get around to haying I'll be using a small square baler, wife prefers them over round for the horses. Most of the property will be left as is with some riding trails cleared. Our main purpose now will be to ride, hunt, and fish if there's enough water.

On the sites that have a "build your own" I can get an idea of what the lineup is but on the NH site there's no such animal. Whats up next from the TTs? Is it the TN or the TDs, how about the 4000 series?

I guess I need to go during the middle of the week when no one is around and drag around a saleman and have them explain the different models and get prices. Way to many to look at and not enough time!

[Soundguy]

My 'small' largeish tractor is a ford 5000.. 70 engine / 67 pto.. and that is the minimum I'd go on 120 ac.. in fact.. I'd want larger .. larger mowers.. implements.. etc.

120ac is a candadate for 2 tractors without batting an eye. Even if one of them is an older ford TW or 8000/8/9-700 .. etc.

soundguy

[flusher]

Originally Posted by johns_dmax

I'm looking to upgrade to a 60HP 4X4 with loader and a shuttle shift of some type. We're going to purchase 120 acres soon and will need to do general clean up, mowing, possibly haying...

Is there a way to decode the model numbers to try to determine which tractor is a budget level and which is a top end? I've looked online and its hard to tell and the dealers want to sell you what they have on hand.

I've found this out so far:
NH TT series only has a syncro shift in top gears not reverse so its out.
NH 2420 has a nice setup in the 12 spd with its electro-hydraulic shift but its a compact so its out.
Deere 5203 was priced at $21K with loader and shuttle shift but I'm concerned about increased wear in clutch from loader use. Nice overall size and weight.
The Deere dealer offered my $12500 for my TC30 with 7308 loader for trade. Good deal with the $21K price?

Any dealers out there that can shed some light on this subject? I know all manufacturers are going to be chaning up their models to make more sense so maybe I just need to be more patient.

120 acres is a bunch. Trying to get one tractor to handle all your needs may be a real challenge, especially if your budget is around $20K.

How many acres do you plan to mow? If more than 20-30, I'd be looking at a 2WD tractor 70 hp or higher with a cab, if possible, and a mower at least 10 ft wide. Smaller tractors will get the job done, but you'll be racking up a lot of seat time doing the work with smaller implements.

[gamble77]

Take a look at the Deere 5x25 series, you can get a 5225/5325 with the PowerReverser transmission. The 5X03 series Deeres are great machines and do not have any known quality issues as another poster implied earlier in this post...it would probably do all you want it too you just won't have the fancy clutch.

[johns_dmax]

Just configured the 5325, ouch. Big jump in price. Isn't there something in between it and the 5203? If I pay that much for a tractor I'll be looking at less land.

Not going to be mowing/haying more that 20-30 acres. Mostly clearing fence lines, clearing around the barns and trails. Used equipment around here is REALLY used and if you see a something in good shape it won't be there the next time you go by.

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

Check out the Mahindra 5530 4WD or 6030 4WD. mahindrausa.com

[flusher]

Originally Posted by LAWALLSTRACTOR

Check out the Mahindra 5530 4WD or 6030 4WD. mahindrausa.com

These are good choices. I have a Mahindra 5525 2WD tractor (55 hp engine, 45 hp pto) with the ML250 FEL (6-ft wide bucket) that I bought last March for $19.1K. One of those 4WD models would probably run around $22K with that FEL.

I have a 6-ft Hawkline rotary mower (brush hog) that is easily handled by the 5525. I only mow about 7 acres. For 20 acres you might want to step up to a larger mower. The 7ft Bush Hog Squealer might be a good choice

http://www.bushhog.com/ContentFiles/...pecs/SQ84T.pdf

These Mahindra tractors generally outweigh their competitors. For example, my 5525 weighs 5370 lb. The 5530 weighs 6083 lb. The JD 5203 weighs about 4500 lb. These numbers without weighted tires. This difference may become important if you decide to go haying. Heavier tractors generally have an advantage in plowing.