Buying Advice 50HP 4WD, non-HST, with FEL, tractor suggestions please?

[KiwiBro]

With due respect to the brand and many of the good dealers thereof, I'm considering anything but Mahindra. I'm in New Zealand and dealer support is critical. I can't find much about LS tractors, so am in the first instance looking at Kubota and Kioti, but keen for any suggestions from the TBN panel please.

FEL SWL min 700kgs, so about 1400 Lbs.
Cat 1 or 2 3PH, lift min around the same but hopefully more. Rock-solid links, stabilizers.
Drawbar min load about 2200 Lbs but more would be good.
No cab.
Not HST unless bullet-proof and won't loose power towing loads. I do a fair bit of back and forth loader work so it would be handy but if it comes at the cost of struggling to get up hills when towing a trailer or if ever doing some haymaking on hills, or is going to be considerably more expensive to run, then I'd rather a mechanical transmission.
4WD a must.
Preferably Euro/global hitch FEL pattern or adapter plates that don't push out too far from the pins, lowering the lift capacities.
Generally speaking the heavier the construction and overall weight the better.
Diff lock.

Uses: running a PTO logging winch, not really skidding trees (but still have to juggle good ground clearance with stability) but just winching them. Loading logs (will need at least one remote for the log grab - solenoid switch on FEL joystick OK), piling brush, hopefully running some small haymaking/bailing equipment in the future but not needed yet, grading blade (yes, top and tilt kit would be nice, or at least two sets of remotes on the back).

What do y'all think I should be looking for please or what extra info might you need or do you have any suggestions about what models to steer clear of and why?

Thanks all.

 

[jenkinsph]

I would give the Deere 5055E a look.

John Deere 5055E (3 Cyl) 5E Series (3 Cyl) Utility Tractors

 

[KiwiBro]

I would give the Deere 5055E a look.

John*Deere 5055E (3 Cyl) 5E Series (3 Cyl) Utility Tractors

Thanks for this.
It looks to be on the upper edge of requirements if not slightly beyond what I need but it sure does look nice. Taking a look through the features, I wonder about the H patterned gear shift with the R to 2nd left leg of the "H". Obviously for loader work, which is pretty cool, but there are plenty of times where I don't want to be approaching a log or pallet too quickly in order to position the forks correctly. I guess it would just mean another change down when getting close to the load, which is what would happen anyway with a conventionally patterned gear selection.

Certainly a model worth looking at some more when next near a dealer. I know their dealer support is fantastic. Just not sure how far out of the budget it might be.

 

[KiwiBro]

Does anyone know what the front tyres on that 5055E would be rated to? I ask because the loader appears to lift a fair amount and if so, I always wonder how the tyres and hubs will handle max loads. I doubt a company like JD would produce a loader capable of lkifting way more than the front tyres/wheels/hubs can handle.

Also, can I ask where and by whom this 5055E is made? I suspect it might be made in India.

*edit* to answer one question, it's made in India.

 

[vtsnowedin]

The front 9.5-24 tires are rated at 4140 lbs.(1880kg) and are well matched to a 533 loaders capabilities. Rear ballast (2000 lbs.) is needed if doing continuous heavy loading such as wet manure or crushed rock. The Australian version most probably can be had with the euro/global hitch set up.
A 5055E would certainly fill all your specifications as well or better then any other brand and deliver good value for the price.

 

[Redneck in training]

Don't know if it is available in NZ.
Products - ZETOR NORTH AMERICA
They are not popular in USA but have quite good reputation in Europe.
I would skip Zetor Major for what you want to do. That is designed for hobby farms, haying and similar lighter duty. Proxima and Fortera are heavy duty machines.

Edit. I just checked there is no Zetor dealer in NZ. Closest is in Victoria AUS Zetor Direct | Australia's Premium Zetor Parts Supplier

 

[motownbrowne]

Check out the mx5100 Kubota as well as the m5640sud.

 

[Raised on a Deere]

If you are fortunate enough to have a Yanmar dealer look at the Lx490. Very capable machine premium features and especially the power reverser lets you work a lot like a HST without the power loss. Load the tires and go

 

[KiwiBro]

The front 9.5-24 tires are rated at 4140 lbs.(1880kg) and are well matched to a 533 loaders capabilities. Rear ballast (2000 lbs.) is needed if doing continuous heavy loading such as wet manure or crushed rock. The Australian version most probably can be had with the euro/global hitch set up.
A 5055E would certainly fill all your specifications as well or better then any other brand and deliver good value for the price.

Thank you.
Have you experienced:

- coolant or air hose leaks
- overheating of hydraulics when operating the 3PH or SCV
- condensation buildup on the instrument panel glass
- anything else?

I'm very interested in models that have been around a while and problems known and corrected. I don't mind problems if not major or the sort to appear just after the warranty runs out, as long as they are known ones and the dealers can look out for 'em and know what to do or look for if something goes wrong.

Thanks again. I have to admit the Indian origin of these tractors does bother me, but I figure if JD after sales is good enough or the dealers good enough to address known issues before the tractor is delivered, then that will be fine.

 

[KiwiBro]

Don't know if it is available in NZ.
Products - ZETOR NORTH AMERICA
They are not popular in USA but have quite good reputation in Europe.
I would skip Zetor Major for what you want to do. That is designed for hobby farms, haying and similar lighter duty. Proxima and Fortera are heavy duty machines.

Edit. I just checked there is no Zetor dealer in NZ. Closest is in Victoria AUS Zetor Direct | Australia's Premium Zetor Parts Supplier

Thanks. We actually have a few older Zetor models in NZ. The story goes that years ago a trade with Russia went bad and they couldn't pay so a deal But without solid dealer and distributor representation in NZ, I can't\ look at them. Without meaning any disrespect towards all Australian businesses, An Aussie rep is not enough to warrant buying offshore.

But thanks anyway.