Mowing 500 hours on the 5240

[wmonroe]

Thanks, yes I'm running the rear wheels as wide as they go, about 70 inches to the outsides. I added the fluid mainly for when I'm finish mowing with the loader, but also just for overall stability. As far as the steep areas on my property, some parts are finish mowed, some brush hogged, and the rest cut and baled. Usually a neighbor does the baking but sometimes I do.

 

[Ken45101]

The low exhaust is a definite advantage when mowing under trees with low branches or when trying to bring a load into the garage. You can fold over most ROPS but you can't do anything about a verticaql exhaust stack.

 

[Adiredneck]

It has finally been cold enough the ground firmed up and I could get the tractor out, moved some firewood and then took my daughter for a ride (she loves riding on the tractor). While we were out the tractor hit the 500 hour mark so I figured I'd do a quick review in case anyone is shopping for a similar tractor or just curious. The tractor will be five years old this march so I'm averaging just over 100 hours a year, it was higher but having kids the last two years has slowed down tractor use. The 5240 has been trouble free so far requiring only fluid and filter changes. I've used the tractor for all kinds of tasks from joy rides with my daughter, plowing snow, two bottom plow, cutting/taking/and baking hay, etc. Fuel usage averages about 1 - 1.5 gph but probably has been as high as 3 gph under very high load conditions. My property has some very steep areas so I just added about 600 lbs of liquid tire ballast as an added safety. Can't report yet on the difference the ballast has made since I've only had about an hour of time since.

Things I wish were different:
Exhaust stack, it is on my to do list but I'm sure it will be a while till I get to it. I just don't like the low exit exhaust due to it covering the loader in soot, blowing up dust, and more exhaust smell to the operator than if it was a stack.

E-pto, the tractor has plenty of power for many tasks to be done at 1800 rpm (finish mower, hay take, light brush hogging). This isn't a huge deal as in these cases I just run at 2000-2200 rpm even though I'm not at 540 on the pto and it works well.
Other than those two minor things I love this tractor and would buy it again.

I guess I don't have anything specific to report so if anyone has questions fire away.

View attachment 496848

Nice Review.

My L5240 came with loaded R-4 tires and wheel weights. I still hang 1200# off the 3ph for heavy loader work though. My property starts at 900' elevation and goes up to 1600', so weight is my friend.

Almost 900hrs for mine (40+ after the drill bit incident last January). Just a leaking front crankshaft seal to attend to this summer and an axle seal that just started to drip.

Pros: Love the HST+ and cruise. Plenty of power.

Cons: Not handy in the woods. I'll take the L3400 any day for maneuverability. We just finished skidding next years' firewood and the 5240 sat in the barn.

 

[wmonroe]

Definitely need some serious weight for heavy loader work, if I have the room I put my brush hog on. A concrete weight box is on my list to build for when I need a compact ballast. Good to hear your tractor is doing well after the drill bit incident, that was quite the repair you performed.
Unfortunately there are no woods on my place so I haven't had a chance to try it in the woods yet. The woods in the background of my picture aren't mine, the property line is the tree line.