John Deere 5103
Information, reviews, photos, discussion topics, owner pages, and specifications about the John Deere 5103.
25-50 HP Tractors
About the John Deere 5103
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User Reviews (12)
Read what TractorByNet members think about the John Deere 5103 Subcompact Tractor
5103 Has Done Everything Asked Of It
Model Year: 2007
As my first tractor purchase and living 60 miles from town, I wanted dependability and so bought this 2WD new. I have put every hour on it myself and am not disappointed at all in the tractor. Service however can a trial. Several areas of design make maintenance without special tools difficult. I have also found the PTO implement attachment difficult. This has been a minor issue though. Dealer service, in my opinion is unnecessarily overpriced.
Pros: Reliability.
Cons: Expensive parts and service.
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Model Year: 2007
As my first tractor purchase and living 60 miles from town, I wanted dependability and so bought this 2WD new. I have put every hour on it myself and am not disappointed at all in the tractor. Service however can a trial. Several areas of design make maintenance without special tools difficult. I have also found the PTO implement attachment difficult. This has been a minor issue though. Dealer service, in my opinion is unnecessarily overpriced.
Pros: Reliability.
Cons: Expensive parts and service.
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New Guy's 5103 Review
Model Year: 2007
I bought this tractor with 88 hrs on it. It has performed flawlessly, has plenty of power and pulls a 6-ft. BH with ease. Its main duty is to BH 3 acres 3 times a year so it should last me forever. I do occasionally do a little BB work with it. It is kept in the barn so it leads a pampered life. Kind of like my dogs. As you can see, I'm not a real farmer. The only trouble it has given me is an intermittent no crank that I traced to a loose wire behind the dash. I do all the scheduled services on it myself. If I were to run into something I can't handle, my son is a diesel mech. Altogether I am quite pleased with this machine.
Pros: Good power, trouble free.
Cons: No cup holder.
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Model Year: 2007
I bought this tractor with 88 hrs on it. It has performed flawlessly, has plenty of power and pulls a 6-ft. BH with ease. Its main duty is to BH 3 acres 3 times a year so it should last me forever. I do occasionally do a little BB work with it. It is kept in the barn so it leads a pampered life. Kind of like my dogs. As you can see, I'm not a real farmer. The only trouble it has given me is an intermittent no crank that I traced to a loose wire behind the dash. I do all the scheduled services on it myself. If I were to run into something I can't handle, my son is a diesel mech. Altogether I am quite pleased with this machine.
Pros: Good power, trouble free.
Cons: No cup holder.
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I Found a Super Deal!
Model Year: 2007
Purchased the 2007 5103 with 201 hours. Tractor was barn kept and in near show room condition. I read extensive tractor reviews before purchasing. I noticed there were several complaint of the tractor gears grinding when shifting. Once again, proof you should read your owner's manual. The tractor does not have synchromesh. This is a great tractor, no problems at all. Very fuel efficeient.
Pros: Powerful, easy to handle, very well built, fuel efficient.
Cons: Would like more gauges, selecting correct filter part numbers was a pain.
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Model Year: 2007
Purchased the 2007 5103 with 201 hours. Tractor was barn kept and in near show room condition. I read extensive tractor reviews before purchasing. I noticed there were several complaint of the tractor gears grinding when shifting. Once again, proof you should read your owner's manual. The tractor does not have synchromesh. This is a great tractor, no problems at all. Very fuel efficeient.
Pros: Powerful, easy to handle, very well built, fuel efficient.
Cons: Would like more gauges, selecting correct filter part numbers was a pain.
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Why I Chose a Utility Tractor
Model Year: 2007
I decided to purchase a utility tractor as opposed to a compact. I wanted the additional lift height it allowed for the front loader. I also wanted the operator room it afforded, as I am a big person.
Pros: Good horsepower to weight ratio.
Cons: Exhaust is too tall and is a catch all when bushogging.
Model Year: 2007
I decided to purchase a utility tractor as opposed to a compact. I wanted the additional lift height it allowed for the front loader. I also wanted the operator room it afforded, as I am a big person.
Pros: Good horsepower to weight ratio.
Cons: Exhaust is too tall and is a catch all when bushogging.
First Tractor That I Got to Select
Model Year: 2006
Started out looking for a tractor in the 28-40 HP range, but the selection was not great and the prices seemed high for what I was getting. A friend told me "you can never have too much horsepower," so I expanded my search and found a low-time, clean JD 5103 for a fair price. First task is clearing brush off of 15 ac. tract around a camp. Looking at a FEL to help with the work.
Pros: Well maintained, low time.
Cons: Haven't found any yet.
Model Year: 2006
Started out looking for a tractor in the 28-40 HP range, but the selection was not great and the prices seemed high for what I was getting. A friend told me "you can never have too much horsepower," so I expanded my search and found a low-time, clean JD 5103 for a fair price. First task is clearing brush off of 15 ac. tract around a camp. Looking at a FEL to help with the work.
Pros: Well maintained, low time.
Cons: Haven't found any yet.
JD 5103 2WD
Model Year: 2005
Good tractor for mowing large areas. Reliable and strong. Had problem with PTO engage handle but after a new bolt and sleeve works okay. Excellent on fuel. Would be nice to have 4 WD. All in all, a lot of tractor for the money. Purchased new w/0% financing.
Pros: Reliability, fuel economy, power.
Cons: No cup holder, transmission grinds sometimes (not synchro).
Model Year: 2005
Good tractor for mowing large areas. Reliable and strong. Had problem with PTO engage handle but after a new bolt and sleeve works okay. Excellent on fuel. Would be nice to have 4 WD. All in all, a lot of tractor for the money. Purchased new w/0% financing.
Pros: Reliability, fuel economy, power.
Cons: No cup holder, transmission grinds sometimes (not synchro).
A Great Value!!
Model Year: 2009
I don't like the transmission in this tractor as it slips sometimes. I also feel like it would be better equipped with rear wheel weights. It doesn't want to plow deep without a lot of wheel spin and gets very light with a full bucket of dirt. Overall I have been pleased with the machine for what I need.
Pros: Value, power, versatility.
Cons: Weight, transmission.
Model Year: 2009
I don't like the transmission in this tractor as it slips sometimes. I also feel like it would be better equipped with rear wheel weights. It doesn't want to plow deep without a lot of wheel spin and gets very light with a full bucket of dirt. Overall I have been pleased with the machine for what I need.
Pros: Value, power, versatility.
Cons: Weight, transmission.
My JD 5103 Review
Model Year: 2007
Having owned this tractor for over two years now, I will explain my ratings. Build: Strong, well built and a decent ride. My only complaint is the cost of JD parts. I had to replace the rockshaft valve after the rings rusted shut. It was a known issue to JD, but I got no relief from the dealer nor the manufacturer. I had to have it running so I paid the $800 for the part. The warranty had just run out (I bought it used) when the valve quit working. A fairly simple replacement, but a pain in the arse to deal with. Features: Beggars can't be choosers, but if I had it to do over again, I would have opted for a 4WD. The diff lock works okay, but having the pulling power of the front tires would make all the difference in many situations. And a freaking cup holder would be nice, please! Other than that, I'm pleased with the features on this tractor. Performance: For a 2WD, this thing is an ox! 51hp and it will pull just about anything provided the mud is not too heavy nor the soil surface too slick. I've put forks on the FEL and lifted a 18" dia. tree trunk 12' long with no problem (don't do this w/out a counterweight/implement on the back!) Value: Paid a very reasonable price for a 2 year old tractor with less than 200 hours, so no complaints here. Just expect to pay out the nose for parts. Reliability: Starts up every time. Only had to charge the battery once (when it sat idle for 3 months due to the faulty rockshaft valve). Just did the 250 hour maintenance on it. Took a couple of hours and about $50 in supplies (Hydraulic fluid/filter, engine oil/filter, bleed off water from the fuel pump). Dealer Experience: My local dealer tried to help, but their prices added 20% on top of the already exorbitant JD price. JD customer service via their website was completely useless and very unfriendly.
Pros: Strong, powerful, hardworking. Mine sips diesel (25-50 hours between fuel ups depending on use).
Cons: A bad part design that was acknowledged by the manufacturer yet no action taken. Expensive parts.
Model Year: 2007
Having owned this tractor for over two years now, I will explain my ratings. Build: Strong, well built and a decent ride. My only complaint is the cost of JD parts. I had to replace the rockshaft valve after the rings rusted shut. It was a known issue to JD, but I got no relief from the dealer nor the manufacturer. I had to have it running so I paid the $800 for the part. The warranty had just run out (I bought it used) when the valve quit working. A fairly simple replacement, but a pain in the arse to deal with. Features: Beggars can't be choosers, but if I had it to do over again, I would have opted for a 4WD. The diff lock works okay, but having the pulling power of the front tires would make all the difference in many situations. And a freaking cup holder would be nice, please! Other than that, I'm pleased with the features on this tractor. Performance: For a 2WD, this thing is an ox! 51hp and it will pull just about anything provided the mud is not too heavy nor the soil surface too slick. I've put forks on the FEL and lifted a 18" dia. tree trunk 12' long with no problem (don't do this w/out a counterweight/implement on the back!) Value: Paid a very reasonable price for a 2 year old tractor with less than 200 hours, so no complaints here. Just expect to pay out the nose for parts. Reliability: Starts up every time. Only had to charge the battery once (when it sat idle for 3 months due to the faulty rockshaft valve). Just did the 250 hour maintenance on it. Took a couple of hours and about $50 in supplies (Hydraulic fluid/filter, engine oil/filter, bleed off water from the fuel pump). Dealer Experience: My local dealer tried to help, but their prices added 20% on top of the already exorbitant JD price. JD customer service via their website was completely useless and very unfriendly.
Pros: Strong, powerful, hardworking. Mine sips diesel (25-50 hours between fuel ups depending on use).
Cons: A bad part design that was acknowledged by the manufacturer yet no action taken. Expensive parts.
JD 5103
Model Year: 2004
I bought this tractor new in 2004 and use it for cutting hay and yarding wood as well as other various jobs. It has been a great tractor for me at a reasonable price (under $14,000). The only fault I have with it is it is light on the front end. I added about 600 lbs. to it and it helped but is still lighter than I would like it to be. Overall a great basic tractor for general use around the farm. I have several other tractors I also use so that is why the hours are low on it.
Pros: Low price, easy to service, & good power.
Cons: Light on the front.
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Model Year: 2004
I bought this tractor new in 2004 and use it for cutting hay and yarding wood as well as other various jobs. It has been a great tractor for me at a reasonable price (under $14,000). The only fault I have with it is it is light on the front end. I added about 600 lbs. to it and it helped but is still lighter than I would like it to be. Overall a great basic tractor for general use around the farm. I have several other tractors I also use so that is why the hours are low on it.
Pros: Low price, easy to service, & good power.
Cons: Light on the front.
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John Deere 5103
Model Year: 2007
Great tractor, I had a linkage problem at 200 hours, fluke clutch linkage. It took the experienced mechanic 3 hours to find. I have no problem since. I don't like the transmission shifting. This transmission is not synchronized, so it grinds when putting into gear sometimes. Shuttle shift is a lot better. This tractor sips fuel and is a beast when it comes to work.
Pros: Price/ Quality
Cons: Transmission shifting
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Model Year: 2007
Great tractor, I had a linkage problem at 200 hours, fluke clutch linkage. It took the experienced mechanic 3 hours to find. I have no problem since. I don't like the transmission shifting. This transmission is not synchronized, so it grinds when putting into gear sometimes. Shuttle shift is a lot better. This tractor sips fuel and is a beast when it comes to work.
Pros: Price/ Quality
Cons: Transmission shifting
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John Deere 5103 Owner Pages
View owner pages to see photos, customization and comments about member-owner John Deere 5103s