John Deere 5101E 4.30 star(s) (6)

John Deere 5101 E Limited
Model Year: 2011

This is a nice size tractor for a small hay farm. It handles the 458 JD baler well. I have 2 smaller tractors for things like the rake and tedder. I also run about 75 head of beef cows. Nice tractor for running out hay on those cold wet days. Power is sufficient for me---100 hp engine, 86 hp at the PTO. The size of the tractor also works well for me. The 5101 is a simple no frills type tractor, just work.

Pros: Price, power, quality.
Cons: No frills.

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5101e Short On Quality
Model Year: 2013

Just finished my first 15 hours in the 5101 planting corn. Performance is great but Mr. John Deere did not build his company with quality like this.

Pros: First the good points: Performance is great but Mr. John Deere did not build his company with quality like this. First, the good points. The cab is very quiet and the air works great, the turning radius is great and very useful.
Cons: Now the bad points: First , i am not a large person ( 5'11" 190 lbs. ),but the seat is too small for comfort; especially if you have a cell phone on your side. Next is the "PLASTIC" dash. The dash flexes every time you adjust the throttle, the tire rims on the 18.4 tires are too small and the tires only make about 60% contact with the surface. And, i can't believe that Deere would use "turn-buckle" rear sway chains on a 100 hp tractor.

My 5001E
Model Year: 2012

I have always wanted a big strong tractor that shows quality and will serve me and my son for years to come. This tractor is super quiet inside the cab and a real joy to ride inside. Power is no problem as it loves to work. It is easy on fuel and the attachments I have (backhoe & front end loader) are excellent. I'm not sure about putting the backhoe back on as I have it off now. May need some suggestions. Overall it is the tractor of my dreams and I hope to enjoy it for many years!

Pros: Strength and beauty.
Cons: Hydraulic attachment on the backhoe to the tractor is very difficult to disconnect!

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Solid No-Frills
Model Year: 2012

Great tractor, great tool. Not a Cadillac, a tool.

Pros: Price, power, John Deere.
Cons: Just a tool, no bells and whistles.

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Good, but Not Great
Model Year: 2010

I have reviewed this tractor several times in the last few years and nothing has happened recently to change my opinion. This is a working man's tractor, pure and simple. I agree with other reviews that point out a few hundred dollars more in ergonomic updates would more than pay for themselves in customer satisfaction. Deere has seemingly bent over backwards to leave the operator with no doubt this is a bare bones, no nonsense tractor. On purpose, you ask? Deep down I think it proves people with money frequently like to show it as the difference between this 5101e and the ultra similar 5xxxm is nowhere near the $10k plus price discrepancy; bells and whistles largely. The one difference too large to overlook is the lighter weight. Not a huge difference, but enough to be noticeable in this size range. The 5101e is tippy where heavy loader work is concerned. Of course, adding weight solves the problem but it would be really easy for an inexperienced operator to get into trouble in this area. On the flip side, the tractor has incredible power and traction. I sometimes pull a 2000# extra heavy duty 10' blade and am astonished at its sheer pulling power.

Pros: Power, maneuverability.
Cons: Ergonomics.

5101E
Model Year: 2010

As an owner operator coming from a two wheel drive 50 series cab tractor I want to love my new tractor. It does everything I need but there are enough little things wrong that continue to irritate me. The first thing I did was hook up my semi mounted plow head into the field lower the rock shaft and I could not set the stop to regulate the depth. The block in the slot for the hydraulic lever did not protrude into the slot to serve as a stop. I went to the dealer and asked them how to set the stop. We went out and checked the 5083 and 5093 in the yard and they had the same problem. My neighbors 5025 also is the same way. This problem appears to be on going for years. We took a block off a new 6000 series at the dealer and it now works. The problem is on the older 50 series you could chase the lever around the stop when required. The new tractor will not allow that. Now onto the lever for the rock shaft. It's in a terrible position as compared to the 50 series. The lever is to far back and not long enough. When I use a three point implement such as a field cultivator your shoulder actually hurts after a while. I thought it was me but my 20 year old son told me his shoulder also hurt. The lever is to far back and operates very hard to lift the implement up. to complicate matters the remote hydraulic lever interferes with the rock shaft lever. The entire setup is ridiculous. I would have never guessed but the flat glass on the front of the cab collects dust and dirt. It was never a problem with the older 50 series due to the round glass. You are basically forced to at least rinse off the glass very often. The tool box mounted on the the side of the frame is a joke. Extremely small and the top will not open all the way because of an interference. This may sound trivial but with all the visibility of the cab and the exhaust out of the way; the windshield wiper is right in your line of sight when plowing land and looking out the right front. It was a non issue in the 50 series as the wipers plural were mounted from the top and stopped against the edge of the cab. The new style is one wiper center mounted from the bottom. The 4 wheel drive lever and pto levers work hard I know they are mechanical not electronic. I do not have a problem with that as much as I keep pulling the rubber grips off, I need to glue them on. The hydraulics are loud but work fine, the sheet metal surrounding the hydraulic levers vibrate. To be fair, I love the power and handling. I like the exhaust out of the way. The stereo and AC work well. I guess I could have bought the "M" and not the "E". That would have fixed the hydraulic levers but I could not justify the $12000.00 I know the "E" is a price fighter but I miss some of the features in my old Deere.

Pros: Power and handling.
Cons: Hydraulic controls.