John Deere 5303 4.70 star(s) (13)

Lift Arms
Model Year: 2008

The tractor has been sitting for three years and I can't get the lift arms to move. The hydraulic fluid is clean and up to the right level, and I tried adjusting the drop rate valve and have had no luck on any of it.

Pros: Tractor is like new.
Cons: Been sitting too long with no use

JD 5303
Model Year: 2008

I have a Kubota 7040 full cab tractor and absolutely love it! I came across a great deal on a JD 5303 with a 512 front end loader, and have just started using it. It works great, but the only issue I have with it is when I'm using the fork lift, and bucket, it seems too light in the rear. My 7040 has no problem lifting 5' round bales, and the 5303 can't handle a heavy round bale.

Pros: Starts good, comfortable, like the tractor.
Cons: Light in the rear.

2006 John Deere 5303
Model Year: 2006

This tractor has done what we have asked: plowing, hay cutting, hauling hay, shredding, moving items with the bucket, minor leveling of soil, cleaning drainage ways, piling dead trees, etc. Wish we had gotten a horizontal exhaust better suited for shredding and moving hay in and out of the barn.

Pros: Dependable.
Cons: Needs an mounting step on both sides of the tractor.

Tractor Farms Bigger Than It Is
Model Year: 2006

For a midsize tractor this machine has the power of a small full size. John Deere make 3 tractors, 5301, 5302, and the 5303. They're all the same size physically,and have the same 3 cylinder diesel block but they have added a turbo and other stuff to get 64 hp out of the 5303 engine. It pulls some good size implements real well and it's small frame lets me get into places a bigger tractor wont go. I pull a MX10 brush hog behind it with ease and can get under low tree limbs where I can't get my big tractors.

Pros: Size to hp ratio, easy on fuel, easy to transport on trailer.
Cons: Needs a block heater for cold winter days.

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It's Alright...Just Not What You Might Expect from John Deere
Model Year: 2006

I'm a little down on this tractor for a few minor reasons: 1) The "arms" for the front end loader function independently.They are always out of time. They shear pins frequently. I finally installed steel bolts where the original little pins were and problem solved. 2) Have had the pressure relief under the seat for the 3-point lift replaced twice already. Finally, JD set it so it can't go all the way up with a brush-hog on it. It hasn't given me any problems since. 3) Tractor is a 2-wheel drive and doesn't have enough weight to do a good job pulling. Had both rear tires filled with fluid and problem solved. $125 per tire.

Pros: Engine has plenty of power, no problems with PTO. Transmission is smooth and dependable.
Cons: Pretty difficult to attach implements when by yourself. Recommend installing Quick-Attach.

2008 JD 5303 4WD
Model Year: 2008

Traded up from a 2wd JD 5105 to this 4wd JD 5303. Liked the 5105, but just lacked the traction I needed for certain tasks. Found a great deal on the 5303 and have thoroughly enjoyed this tractor. Still used my 6' rotary cutter from previous purchase, but could easily go up in size. Pull heavy 8' 3pt disc harrow with ease. This unit is simple in design and easy to maintain. I am expecting many years and hours of dependable service.

Pros: Size, weight, power, traction.
Cons: None.

Simple and Reliable Tractor
Model Year: 2008

This tractor was a little overkill for my requirements, but was cheaper than the 4x20 series JDs, and the size sure is nice when it comes to moving snow. I started out looking at Kubotas, but didn't have a dealer near enough. The 5303 has been completely reliable, and I would purchase the same thing again if I had the chance.

Pros: Simple; low price; heavy; proven engine; turbo; good looks (to me).
Cons: None so far.

John Deere 5303
Model Year: 2006

I have owned several tractors and have moved up when trading. This has got to be the best one yet. Extremely reliable and plenty of power. With the 512 loader this is a great tractor. All though mine is the two wheel drive version it is plenty powerful and with the ballast on the rear it has lifted everything that I have tried. Best tractor for the money and size.

Pros: Reliability.
Cons: Dealer commitment.

One hour
Model Year: 2007

I have just used the tractor one hour. Purchased with loader, shredder, and box blade. So far impressed with power and ease of use. Loud! Straight line vertical exhaust with no muffler - will look to add muffler.

Pros: New machine to me.
Cons: Right now noise level is only negative.

John Deere 5303
Model Year: 2006

Used it quite a bit last year, only got it stuck 3 times. Probably will do better this year, as I just started learning about it last summer and fall.

Pros: Everything I tried to do, it did more.
Cons: Light in the rear tires. I got stuck in mud, but maybe it was my fault.

I have not had a problem with this tractor. It does everthing I ask of it!
Model Year: 2007

The only beef I have with it was that the dealer didn't offer a manifold heater, and you need it here in Michigan.

Pros: 4x4.
Cons: Cold weather starting.

5330 Utility Tractor
Model Year: 2008

I just purchased this "new" 2008, 5303 with 10 hours on it. I believe I got a pretty good deal and any very happy with it. I have only mowed with it once using a 6' brush hog and it did an excellent job. Everyone calls this a bare-bones tractor but I am replacing a 1962, 2010 with it. Not much difference in the bare-bones category. I intend on using it to operate a 9' New Holland haybine and a small square baler, I am anxious to give it a try. I did have beet juice added to the tires for additional ballast which I think is mandatory.

Pros: Ease of use.
Cons: Haven't found one yet.

Great tractor for the money
Model Year: 2005

The John Deere 5303 2WD tractor is a pretty good tractor. Mine has a loader. this is a great extra! Now the problems and really I only have one . It has NO weight in the rear of the tractor. the tires aren't loaded and I have no rim weights. (yet) . I think once there is weight ,the tractor will go from a pretty good tractor to an outstanding tractor!

Pros: plentry of power, alot of gear choices, loader
Cons: no weight in the back of the tractor, an Option!