Buying Advice Another tractor buying question

mpreisler · Apr 19, 2016

So I know this is a popular topic that has been discussed many times, but I am trying to help my dad purchase his second tractor and would appreciate any input from the experience some of you may have.

To start we are not full time farmers, but have cattle/hay work we do on the weekends. We bale about 100 acres a year of all round bales. We currently have a 1982 JD 4240 that does all the work. The equipment we use is a Kuhn 9ft disk mower, Frontier 8 wheel rake, and a JD 535 round baler.

Ultimately what go us started looking for a new tractor, was that we want a front end loader to utilize to move/feed hay. I think we have settled that we want it to have, MFWD, Cab, and a FEL.

Through this process we started out looking for a smaller tractor (75-85hp) with a FEL that could cut and rake. We starting looking at the following models: 5525, 5083E, and the 5085E, but after looking at some of these they seemed small to my dad. So now we are contemplating purchasing a bigger tractor with a FEL that could ultimately replace the 4240 and perform all duties associated with baling. This got us looking at the range of models including the 5093E, 5100E, 5105E, 5095M, 5100M, and the 5105M. Obviously the "M" series tractors are far superior to the "E", so I am not debating that.

We recently went and talked to our dealer and he stated that we should be looking at the 6 series namely the 6115D. He said that the short wheel base of the 5 series would be really rough compared to the 4240.

So the question...Do you feel that we need to go to the 6 series or would a larger 5 series be able to handle our use? Our budget is around $40-$45K, and I'm not sure we can get a 6 series for under $50K. So does anyone have experience with the larger 5 series either "E" or "M"?

Thanks

jeff9366 · Apr 19, 2016

You used the 1982 JD 4240 for 33 years and you are concerned with a $5,000 incremental higher price moving from a 5 series to a 6 series, which you can depreciate?

No brainer; be a sport on Uncle Sam's dime, buy the 6 series.

This is less a tractor question than a finance & tax question.

Catchad81 · Apr 19, 2016

While you go up in horsepower on the 5 series the 85 to 115 are all the same physical size. This if he didn't like the 85e a 115 isn't much different.

A new 6 series looks huge in comparison. You can get a basic model in then as well.

Have you thought about getting a used 7410 or bigger?

jenkinsph · Apr 21, 2016

I would look at the 6 series both new and used to replace the 4240.

MF283 · Apr 22, 2016

What about a 5100M?

mpreisler · Apr 23, 2016

Well funny you mention that. I think we have decided to keep the 4240 and look for a complementary tractor. We have found a 5100M and 5100E. So we are trying to decide between the two. Both are 2013's and have around 800 hours. The difference is the "E" is $43K and the "M" is $50K. Both have the 553 loader.

Catchad81 · Apr 24, 2016

mpreisler said:
Well funny you mention that. I think we have decided to keep the 4240 and look for a complementary tractor. We have found a 5100M and 5100E. So we are trying to decide between the two. Both are 2013's and have around 800 hours. The difference is the "E" is $43K and the "M" is $50K. Both have the 553 loader.

Compare their features and build side by side and you will see the obvious differences in the machines. If financing either you may compare going new with the 0% and get the one of the newer loaders versus buying used.

mpreisler · May 20, 2016

Well here is where we are. We have decided to increase our budget to around $50-55K and are torn between the 5100M/5115M and a 6115D. One question I have is whether anyone has experience baling larger round bales with a 100hp "5M" series tractor. I am concerned that we may be at its upper end with the 535 baler. Then it also brings into question the minimal speeds (9/3) on the 6115D compared to the 12/12 on the 5M. Thanks for your thoughts.

Catchad81 · May 20, 2016

mpreisler said:
Well here is where we are. We have decided to increase our budget to around $50-55K and are torn between the 5100M/5115M and a 6115D. One question I have is whether anyone has experience baling larger round bales with a 100hp "5M" series tractor. I am concerned that we may be at its upper end with the 535 baler. Then it also brings into question the minimal speeds (9/3) on the 6115D compared to the 12/12 on the 5M. Thanks for your thoughts.

Is the 6d not replaced by the 6e? I thick the 5m would pull the baler fine but if I was doing it day in and out along with loading a lot of hay I'd want the bigger heavier framed tractor.

mpreisler · May 20, 2016

Sorry I should have specified, we are looking at used tractors in each size. I found a 2012 5100M with 800hrs on it for $50K and a 2014 6115D with 150hrs on it for $55K.