Anyone care for a review on the new 5E Limited series?

[phalynx]

My MFWD is tough to get in and out but I have found just turning the wheel all the way one way usually frees it up. I rarely take it out of MFWD though.

The diff lock is very similar to the one on my 4120. It won't actually engage the diff lock until it actually starts to slip. Most people try to stand on the pedal to get it to engage. If you just rest your heel on it, it will slip right in the moment you start to slip the tire.

On the loader, I have just finished digging a good sized tank and have had the loader over-flowing with sand and clay and it has never even complained in the slightest.

Also, in regards to the steering wheel, I felt the same way until I discovered the seat height adjustment. I am 6'5" and 260lbs. When I set it at max height, I find it very comfortable for legroom.

 

[stravis]

The diff lock is very similar to the one on my 4120. It won't actually engage the diff lock until it actually starts to slip. Most people try to stand on the pedal to get it to engage. If you just rest your heel on it, it will slip right in the moment you start to slip the tire.

That's good to know. I haven't used mine enough to notice a problem, but I'll remember that if I ever do have issues.

 

[peter_vii]

I've got 5083E for about a year, 4WD, loader, 18.4 rear wheels, this thing is a real tank.

It pulled itself from some really soft spots ; with a 16' cultivator at the back. Rear wheels were half way in mud!!!

3x16" bottom plow is just right for this tractor. Even in wet spots it gets through.

It pulls pretty much everything you would have on a 100 ac farm.
3-4 bottom plows, 4-5' balers, 16' cultivators, 10' discs (~1500lb) and of course
8-10' cutters, 12' drills; 8' backhoes are a minor nuisance (a fly on one's back) for this tractor.

The only thing I do not like on this tractor is the noise some of the fender metal sheet coverings create when RPM gets to 1500+, I have to put some extra screws or bolts to keep it from vibrating like crazy. One day...

 

[stravis]

Well, I've now put close to 100 hours on the tractor so I thought I'd give a quick update to the review. As of yesterday afternoon, the tractor has about 197 hours on it. It had 100.7 on it when I got it in September of last year. Reading this thread through, I was surprised when I read a post of mine from early March where I said I'd only put 38 hours on it. That means I've but 60 hours on it in the last four months. It didn't seem like that much.

I still absolutely love this machine. It hasn't yet had to go back to the dealer for anything and it has performed every task I've asked of it. In the past 100 hours it has mainly been used to mow fields, primarily with a John Deere 25A flail, and also with a 5' Fred Cain rotary mower. I've built and maintained two gravel drives totaling about 1500 lf. I've built a 16x24 pole barn. I've moved a LOT of dirt with the loader. I've cleared quite a bit of property of small brush and small trees. I've pulled out trucks, cleared swampy areas, moved round bales, created a riding arena, etc..

Some of the things that stand out to me about this machine:
1. Economy PTO is a wonderful thing - This thing sips diesel and that is important with prices where they are right now. It also has to be better for longevity to be run primarily at 1700 rpm versus 2400.
2. Power - I've yet to find anything that has been a challenge for it. I purposely bought more tractor than I needed as I planned to get a larger mower and baling equipment. I haven't bought any of that yet, but I don't anticipate them being a problem.
3. Comfort - This cab is priceless. In Georgia this time of year the heat index is 110 and it's dusty. I can climb on this tractor after work without changing clothes and mow for hours without even sweating.

I can honestly say at this point that I really have to search to come up with negatives to tell you. There are a couple of really small things that I have been able to easily remedy myself and the design negatives aren't really a negative to me, just something that could be improved.
1. I've had two "repairs" if you could even call them that. First, there was a constant rattle on the lower right near the draft control. Drove me nuts. I finally figured out that I could add a couple of washers behind the draft control knob and it goes away. Second, I had a washer on the bottom of the knob that releases the telescoping links come off. It was held on with just a small pin. I had a washer and pin in the shop and replaced it myself. That's literally the only mechanical issues I've had. This could almost be put into the positives column. I expected to have more issues than this.
2. The layout of the cab could be improved. The rockshaft lever and the remote lever are too close together, they are also located a little far back. The PTO lever takes a little strength to engage. The economy PTO handle is behind, below and to your left which is really awkward. All of these items are likely designed this way to cut costs as this is the "economy" cab model. Having sat in a premium model, it appears all of these issues are fixed in it.
3. Size - This is a pretty tall machine and I have trouble getting close to the edges of my fields when mowing due to low hanging tree branches. It's also fairly heavy and not easily trailered. Mine weighs about 10,000 pounds without an implement. Although I've towed it behind my Chevy 2500HD once, I wouldn't recommend it. You really need a dually to get this thing around safely.

That's really all I can complain about and it really isn't even close to enough to make me want something else. I've found that the MFWD is very very capable. I've got some swampy areas on my property that I've been able to drive through and do some work it without issue. I've had this thing in mud to the hub and didn't spin a wheel, literally. The loader has been able to handle everything I've given it and I've used it extensively. I was working alongside a 480 Case backhoe moving some dirt last month and was able to fill my bucket easier than the operator in the backhoe due to mine being four wheel drive and his not. The loader isn't as powerful as the backhoe, but is quite capable. Maintenance is easy. Everything is accessible and the schedule is easier than any other tractor I've owned.

Bottom line, given the same choices again, I'd buy the same tractor. I'm sold. If you have any specific questions, let me know and I'll answer best I can.

 

[Edward. S]

Are you sure everything is made by JD.... My 5085M and 5225 have front axles made in china buddy these tractors are mfwd.

 

[Edward. S]

Trook,

I'm not positive as I've never used a 5x25 series, but doing a little research on the JD website, it looks to be mainly standard features. Comparing the 5625 (99hp) and the 5101 (101hp), the 5101 comes standard with the 12f/12r Powreverser where it is an option on the 5625 (standard is a 9f/3r syncshuttle). The economy PTO setting is optional on the 5625 and standard on the 5101. Looks like the 5625 has three mid remotes available where only two are available on the 5101. 5625 comes standard with two forward facing lights, the 5101 has two forward and two behind. 5625 comes standard with a dry clutch, vs the wet on the 5E series.

I have no idea what the price difference between the two are. Although the 5101 comes with more standard features, they are all optional on the 5625, so technically, you could build very similar tractors. I guess cost would be the difference at that point, if there is a difference in cost.

Not really some of this stuff your saying is wrong, The 540E is standard on the 5025 series. The cab on the 5x25 series are way better than the E series the cab on the 5025 series are closer to the M than the E. I'm pretty sure the PTO E is standard on these 5x25's my 5225 cab has it and I asked my dealer if its standard.

 

[stravis]

Not really some of this stuff your saying is wrong, The 540E is standard on the 5025 series. The cab on the 5x25 series are way better than the E series the cab on the 5025 series are closer to the M than the E. I'm pretty sure the PTO E is standard on these 5x25's my 5225 cab has it and I asked my dealer if its standard.

I've never been on the 5x25. I was getting my information from the JD website where it listed all those as options. I didn't see on JD's website where the 5x25 cab is "way better" than the E series, but it very well could be.

 

[stravis]

Are you sure everything is made by JD.... My 5085M and 5225 have front axles made in china buddy these tractors are mfwd.

I have absolutely no doubt that some parts are made elsewhere. I wasn't trying to claim that all parts were mined and forged in Augusta, GA.

 

[DJamesLoveless]

I have absolutely no doubt that some parts are made elsewhere. I wasn't trying to claim that all parts were mined and forged in Augusta, GA.

Really enjoyed your review of the 5101E. I'm now debating between the Kubota M9549 and this tractor! Seems to be about equal as far as price and upgrades! Tough choice and your review has definitely given me some insight!

Thanks!!

 

[OneMarineE5]

I have absolutely no doubt that some parts are made elsewhere. I wasn't trying to claim that all parts were mined and forged in Augusta, GA.

Very nice review stravis and very much appreciated! I'd like to point out that I never heard you say anything in a dogmatic way or in an attempt to be confrontational.

Like some others on here, I too have some familiarity with the 5x25 series and the 5E & 5M series. The E series is a new series designed to offer more value for your money; the E series may have slightly less hydraulic flow than the 5x25s, perhaps a few less standard minor items but when you compare what you do get standard, such as the cab, MFWD etc. it is difficult to not argue that you purchased the finest tractor for the money.

For fun, copy the JD/5225 specs address below to your browser and check out the std/optional configurations for the 540PTO. You'll like this I promise

http://www.deere.com/specsapp/Custo...225 Utility Tractor (56 hp)&tM=HO&pNbr=6690LV

We won't remind a certain someone that while he's impersonating a yappy little toy dog :thumbdown:...you have a 4.5L PowerTech engine and he's got a 3.0L! :drink:

Sshhh