New Holland 545 questions...

[davey J]

Don't know too much about the New Holland 545D. Casually looking at a 2002 in decent shape. I've read everything regarding this particular tractor that has been posted on the forum, but still looking for some answers. I know its a "industrial" tractor, therefore I'm sure it would be a terrific personal landscaping machine. I have 40 acres that I need to maintain. How good of a haying/mowing/field tractor would it be? I need something that would be good for traditional farming as well as landscaping...light timber clearing etc. Any personal experiences would be greatly appreciated.

(first time posting, sorry for putting this in the wrong forum)

[irwin]

Welcome to TBN davey,

I don't have any personal experience, but it looks like a solid no frills machine. Is it a 8 speed shuttle transmission? It does have a permament FEL, so removing it would be a major job (don't even try). Ground clearance could be an issue for real farming. What tires are on it?

[RickB]

The low ground clearance makes a 545D unsuitable for haying, and annoying for other 'traditional' tractor work. They are an incredibly sturdy tractor though.

[Harold_J]

Good for landscaping and light clearing, not good for general farming.

[davey J]

Thanks for the feedback so far. The loader looks pretty permanent, but that's ok, the tractor it would replace never had its loader off in 20 years. The machine is four wheel drive, has one rear remote, four-in-one quick detach bucket, heated cab and eight speed shuttle. The tires are fairly worn industrial tires. Could taller (increased ground clearance) ag tires possible be used? Thanks again for the feedback.

[Rockford]

I drove a 445 for many years at a school system. Did you look to see if it has a pto many of them did not. Feel free to E-Mail me if you have any more questions.

[irwin]

Originally Posted by davey J

Could taller (increased ground clearance) ag tires possible be used? Thanks again for the feedback.

As a industrial machine it's designed for specific purposes, the ag tires might be found that fit, but you'd still be limited by design.. Hey it doesn't mean you can't use it, it does mean other machines just might be a better fit.

I have a similar designed machine, Kubota L35TLB. With the backhoe off it is very alike although smaller and with less horsepower. I intend to finish my landscaping, then if it will do what I need I'll keep it.

I do like the Kubota a lot, however, if it doesn't fit my future needs.. it'll be time to sell and get something different. (That decision is years from now though)

[jgbanshee]

davey j,

I have a '96 Ford 545D. Mine has the 8x8 shuttle transmission with 4wd. It is a beast for loader work. I've popped 8in diameter tree stumps with ease. I use mine a lot for mowing about 10 acres of meadow with a rotary mower and/or an 88in flail mower. I have a 3-bottom plow that I plan on pulling through a few acres then harrowing. My 545D weighs in around 11,000# with rear wheel weights and Bradco backhoe mounts. Then aprrox. another 2,000# when my backhoe is attached. Never had any major issues with it.

You mention that the 545D you are looking at has a 4 in 1 quick attach bucket on it. I am considering a quick attach setup for mine. Do you have any photos of the bucket and quick attach system by chance?

[Charles]

I just bought a 545D and I never opperated one before. I am new to the type of controls it has, being a shuttle transmission . It doesnt have a backhoe. I am thinking I can get a backhoe for it from a place that has many industrial tractors sitting in ruins. I am curious what type of hoe could fit on a 545D. I mean are there certain models that are meant for the 545D? I notice you have one on yours. Can you give me any information about it? Attachment time, performance, cost, and whats required to attach a hoe to mine?


Thanks

Charles

[NewHolland Master]

The 545 was an excellent tractor; we sold alot for snow removal; they have a tourque converter transmission like a backhoe, 62 PTO HP and a front axle from a backhoe with a steel nose so if you butt up against a truck you will not hurt the tractor. The only drawback is the ground clearance, its not much but the tractor itself is a very Industrial unit.