5103 new

cowboydoc · Jan 24, 2006

I will pretty much 100% guarantee you the 5303 will hold up to anything out there. The 5303 is built like a tank with all mechanical and no electrical components for your drivetrain. I'm not sure how you could find a more reliable setup and design for the long haul. This tractor is built as solid as can be. It's like the old tractors that were built with thick steel. The engine has been used by Deere for years with no problems. With the nonsychro transmission it will last for decades and hold up to any abuse you could throw at it. There isn't a more bulletproof tranny made.

deerefan · Jan 24, 2006

As owning a 5103, I second what cowboydoc said.

SpringRun · Jan 24, 2006

Yeah I agree with you on that, but I am looking at the weight of the unit as well. With the 5303 being 4800 think it will still be alright??? I just hate to spend the money, and hear the guys that work for me say "I told you so!" My pick is the Deere.

cowboydoc · Jan 24, 2006

What are you planning on doing with it? I run a 12' mower conditioner with mine, a 15' batwing mower, a 14' disc, and use it to bale hay with as a second tractor. I've got the tires filled for weight and the wheel weights. I've also got 8 plates up front. Altogether I can add 2200 lbs. to the tractor if I need to.

deerefan · Jan 24, 2006

I think it is heavy enough to the work, yet lite enough to keep me out of trouble. I think my 5103 would definitely benefit from wheel weights.

Turkflyer · Jan 24, 2006

The 5x03 series is the most reliable self propelled machine that Deere sells. (Statistics...it has the lowest warranty claims of anything out there...a fact, not an opinion) The drivetrain is designed for about 85 hp, so at the hp of these tractors, it will be almost indestructible. For tillage you may need to add weight for traction. This tractor is light when you don't need the weight (compaction), yet can be ballasted for great tillage work.

SpringRun · Jan 25, 2006

We do alot with our machine's, we actually just plan to use it to load round bales and runs our feed buggy, we use our tractors for about 6 hours a days. I know it will take a lot of abuse. Still going back and forth. I really hate to buy anything but a green power unit. Both dealers have offered us an on site week long demo, I think I will have to take them up on there offer besides how offen does a fellow get a chance to get two different brands side by side. I believe it will be the only way to truely compare these two units.

Buck · Jan 25, 2006

Is it available in 4WD?

5103Owner · Jan 25, 2006

Nope, two-wheel dive only

andrewj · Jan 25, 2006

( Is it available in 4WD? )

yes, the 5105. fenders are different, the rest is same.

Turkflyer · Jan 26, 2006

Sorry, but the 5x05 series uses a different transmission than the 5x03 series. The 5x05 is designed for less hp. The 5x03 is more heady duty.

Cabinholler · Jan 28, 2006

If a person has been farming for a long time, and has used a certain brand of tractor that they like for several years, they should stay with it. Buy a John Deere, or NH if that is what you like, although you might be able to buy another brand of tractor for less money. Always buy what you like, not what someone else likes, because you will be the one using it, not them. My dad farm all his life, and used Ford tractors. As he got older in life, someone talked him into buying a Massey Ferguson tractor. He never did like this tractor, because he always used Ford tractors. He used this tractor for a few years, and then traded it in on a new Ford tractor. I am sure glad that dad did this, because he didn't live but about 2, or 3 years after he bought the new Ford tractor. At least, he got to use the Ford tractor that he liked the most of all tractor brands, if it was just only 2, or 3 years before he died. My dad loved farming, and working his farm with his new Ford tractor. Life is to short to buy something that someone else likes. Buy what you like NOW, although you might have to pay a little more for it. You are the one that is going to use it, not someone else. Why pay just a little less for something that you don't know if you are going to like it, when you know you can pay a little more for something, and like it. Just my 2 cents worth on what brand of tractor that a person should buy.

Cabinholler

The water will never clear up until you get the hogs out of the pond. (You got to find what the problem is, and eliminate it).

andrewj · Jan 29, 2006

( Sorry, but the 5x05 series uses a different transmission than the 5x03 series. The 5x05 is designed for less hp. The 5x03 is more heady duty. )

Turkflyer, thanks for the correction! What can you tell me about the differences, besides the 5103 being beefier?

Turkflyer · Jan 30, 2006

The 5x05 series has a "AA" transmission. That is a description of the path that power takes thru the gear sets. It has 8F4R, where in each range you have to go thru one gear to get to another. It is designed for about 55 engine hp. It has a different shift pattern than the others. It also different type park brake instead of a park pawl. It uses mechanically actuated wet disk brakes.

The 5x00, 5x03, 5x10, and 5x20 series all use the "S" transmission, designed for about 85 hp. It is a 9F3R (with a power reverser optional), and in the U.S. has an internal park pawl (lock). Both series (5x03, 5x05, 5x10, etc) use the same 3 cylinder JD engines. The big 5x10 and 5x20 also use a JD 4 cylinder engine. The "x" indicates the hp level in each series. These use hydraulic actuated wet disk brakes.

This is probably more than you wanted to know, so I'll stop here. Thanks

deerefan · Jan 31, 2006

You just hit on another reason I bought the 5103. The dealer touched on this subject and helped me realize just what a tough tractor I was getting. He told me if I tear the tranny and clutch up, then I have no business being on a tractor. He said it was one of if not the most bulletproof combo available thru JD.

HillbillyFarmer · Jan 31, 2006

I just bought a new 5205 w/ brush hog and frt end loader.
Befroe buying I went to all other dealers around and operated NH, M-F, Zetor and a couple no names.
The JD had much better ergonomics. Just that makes a big difference. When you operate, you don't have to reach for levers or shifters, they are right there. Getting in and out of the operator space was MUCH easier with the JD.
The controls were smoother than the others. Everything shifted into gear or engaged smoothly with no effort.
The construction and quality of materials just looked better. Look closely at the hydraulic lines and connections on the JD.
When I compared prices, they were all close.
Also, the JD dealer was profession, friendly and ran a good looking shop and showroom. I can't say that for the others.
I am very satisfied with my choice.
Compare closely paying attention to the detail.

Chillimau · Jan 31, 2006

Turk, any thoughts on the 5x25 series 24speed transmission?

Gary

Turkflyer · Jan 31, 2006

As I noted before, the 5x03 is the most reliable self-propelled vehicle that Deere sells. Very tough and under-rated. Most regular Deere dealers don't know how to sell them properly. A good choice on your part.

Turkflyer · Jan 31, 2006

The 24 speed is a higher end transmission than the 9x3. It should give you a gear for any application. It's a great transmission. Hard to go wrong there.

jasimon · Feb 5, 2006

I am new into tractors and trying to purchase a used tractor. What is your advise?
A 2002 Kubota L2600 4WD with front end loader, new tiller, box and straight blade, boon lift and rake.
Or a 2003 JD 5103 with bushhog, box blade and harrow.
Or a new 2005 JD 5103.

All cost about $12,500 and the used ones have about 100 hrs.

I am wanting a tractor that has front end loader for landscaping and a utensil for the garden. Some day I would like a backhoe for digging. I have 10 acres.