'Thanks for the input. I actually will use the backhoe for small jobs when everything is done, so going to bite the bullet and get it, again the savings on digging our own ditch justify the cost. Very lucky to have several good dealers around here. These are both very good companies and very good tractors....gonna go with the deer. Now sorting out the 5065E vrs the 5075E. While the 5083e is very nice, I'm one who really does not like cabs. Been bouncing around on a ford 8n for 15 years....I like the breeze in my face. PTO readings from Nebraska indicate that the 5065E measures out at 56.5 vrs 62.8 Land pride claims their 12 ft cutters will work with a 50hp PTO, but that is the low end. There is a nice 5065E on the lot...going to go see if I can see a 5075E...Thanks again for all the great input.MK
And to be sure we are talking about the 'E' series John Deere? That will explain the price being cheaper than the Kubota, I thought we were talking about the 'M' series, which are more feature packed. I still believe you will want to get at least the 5075E for a cutter that big. I would highly recommend looking at the 'M' series (feature packed) tractors as well before purchasing. A little more money, but a lot more fun to run.