John Deere 5603 3.80 star(s) (4)

So Far, So Good, After Cleaning Hydraulic Screen
Model Year: 2009

Initially, I had "jerky" hydraulics. The 540 bucket bumped along as it was raised and I could feel jerkiness in the steering. A John Deere mechanic said to pull the filter screen, which I did and found it plugged up. I don't know what the previous owner had been doing, but they must have run it in a dust bowl with the fill cap off. I cleaned the screen and gave it a new filter and new fluid. Problem solved. Checked the cab air filters and they were plugged also.

Pros: MFWD and full cab
Cons: Heavy wear on front tires, bu t knew that when I bought it

Reliability
Model Year: 2009

This tractor has only been used in a small hay operation, mainly handling a small square baler and at times a 15 foot bat wing mower. At a little of 400 hours and not quite 3 years old the PTO went out. The engage/disengage mechanism had frozen up several times and had to take a hammer and bar to break loose to engage, even after sitting up for less than two days. Then it would not engage at all. From that point have only used to pull ground driven rake and disc. Dealer refused to repair under warranty since it was over 2 years old, although it only had a little over 400 hours.

Pros: Comfortible and has plenty of power.
Cons: Weak PTO and hydraulics.

JD 5603
Model Year: 2008

I compared the JD to Kubota models in the 60 to 75 HP range. Both make fine tractors. This used 2008 JD 5603 came up at the dealer with low hours. It has 99 HP so I went with the bigger/used tractor for same price as the smaller new. It has the cab and loader as a plus. I'm just now getting it set up with implements. Only problem was with the hydraulics. The loader lift was jerky, especially at high engine RPM. Even noticed it in the steering. Finally talked with a knowledgeable JD mechanic and he suggested changing hydro oil and especially cleaning the pick up screen. It was an easy job and I found the screen was plugged with gunk. After cleaning, problem solved. Tractor starts easy, even at cold temps. The air heater was a little different but works like a pre-heater on diesel glow plugs. Once I figured it out, engine started every time in the cold. The cab air-conditioner and heater are sweet! No more coming covered in after mowing or disking covered in dust and grass.

Pros: Cab, MFWD, big tractor connections for implements.
Cons: Radio reception.

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JD5603
Model Year: 2009

Overall excellent tractor for my limited uses. Needs an earbud jack for the radio/sound system. Also needs more interior space in cab for storage of tool sets and odds and ends at the top of the wheels where there are a couple of small can receptacles. It also surges when going over irregular terrain which is annoying, but not otherwise a problem.

Pros: Good visibility.
Cons: Plastic toolbox on loader is flimsy and able to be opened and/or smashed.