5103 Purchase

[CWP37]

I'd really like to get a 4x20, but it's looking like the money's not there. I can get a 5103 for less money, $0 down, and lower payments.

Two questions:

1) What options should I look at adding on the tractor from the start? I'm planning on FEL, 6' box blade, mx6, tuff top, and telescoping links. Am I missing anything?

2) How do the 5103 and 4x20s compare side by side? Would it be worth renting a tractor when needed and waiting another year to get a more modern 4x20?

Thanks.

 

[BloomingtonMike]

I am really thinking for the money you are about to spend you really should get 4X4 Maybe look for a used 4X20 in your area? Do not sacrifice on what you want with this big of a purchase. You will really pay when you want to upgrade in a year because you really wanted a different model. the 5103 is a solid great machine no doubt about that. The 4X20 series has tons of nice options and great power and that 4cyl turbo diesel is very nice. Also the new 400CX self leveler is very very nice. You need to be more patient I think - not something to just jump into. The 5103 is not a cheap sacrifice and you will really want to get the one you want right off. I vote rent and wait.

 

[Turkflyer]

I agree....try each one, then decide. Some dealers have loaners. You need some "seat time" in each model to know for sure.

 

[cowboydoc]

I have both tractors, not a 20 but a 00 series, and what you give up, besides small creature comforts, are the synchro transmission and 4wd. If you do alot of loader work and mowing in tight places you will hate the 03 because the transmission is non-synchro meaning you have to stop to change gears. 4wd is nice but with a little bigger tractor and watching what you do you should be able to do most things that you want to do.

 

[CWP37]

Thanks cowboydoc. That's along the lines of what I was wondering. I'm not worried so much about the loader work because I've completed most of that, for now. Most of my property is coastal bermuda and open to mow. I have about and acre along a creek that has oaks to mow in and around. That's my concern with the 5103.

Also, any options that you reccomend on a 5103?

 

[BloomingtonMike]

Have you looked into the 3X20s?

 

[CWP37]

3720 was tops on my list at one point. Only problem is that I get my coastal round baled and I've been told that I need a larger frame tractor to move them around.

 

[deerefan]

I have a 5103 and it has been great. Invest in wheel weights, ballast and/or get the itres filled. It has a lot of potential and power, just needs some ballast. They are great no frills tractors. I move round bales w/ mine easily.

 

[cowboydoc]

Telescoping draft links are a must to me. The arms for the seat are nice. Minimum two scv's in the rear. I would get weights for the front end. It's a little light steering with implements on the back without mfwd. DON'T get the toolbox on the fender. It rattles like crazy with tools in it and drives you nuts. The interchangeable balls are nice. I also got two worklights for the rear. I do alot of work at night so those are a must for me. For mowing it is a great machine. That's what I bought our 5303 for. It gets hooked to the 12' MX and rarely does it come off in the summer.

 

[CWP37]

I'm going to get a FEL, will it still need weights up front?

Also, I'd like to get weights on the rear wheels, how much?

Thanks for the advice on the toolbox, it looked cool, but I see where you are coming from.

 

[cowboydoc]

No with a loader you will not need the front weights. For the rears I have 300 on each wheel.

 

[BloomingtonMike]

Trytaking a piece of Dynomat and put it in the areas of the toolbox that squeak and on the bottom. It will be perfectly quiet after that.

 

[Turkflyer]

With the FEL, you don't need any front weights. Cowboydoc is right about the toolbox. I like to mount mine on the side of the engine or transmission so I can get to the tools. I'd have to weigh the tractor, but just guessing, I'd put two weights on each rear wheel to offset the FEL. If you need more, you can always add liquid to the tires or a ballast box on the 3 pt.

 

[HillbillyFarmer]

You need to make a list of the things you will be doing with your tractor, prioritize them, talk to dealers, farmers and other users and then pick the best tractor for your needs. Nobody can tell you what tractor to buy without knowing what you're doing with it.

 

[LeadPoison]

No front weights will be needed with the FEL.

Not sure about the rear weights but I would guess somewhere in the $700-800 range.

 

[CWP37]

Okay, so here's the 5103 setup I'm looking at:

-FEL
-telescoping links
-2 rear SCVs
-no toolbox
-armrests
-about 300 lbs of weight on each rear tire

Anything missing?

Now if I can go test drive and see if it'll move in and out of the trees in my pasture.

 

[cowboydoc]

Looks jsut like mine and it's a great setup.

 

[CWP37]

Can I cut corners and skip the SCVs right now? Will that cost me in the long run?

I'm just not sure I have a use for them right now. What all can they be used for?

 

[CWP37]

Also, how well does a 5103 get around trees? I know a 4x20 would do better, but is a 5103 managable?

 

[cowboydoc]

I wouldn't cut the extra SCV. Anything hydraulic typically takes two SCV's like a disc, chisel plow, angle blade, etc. If you get it now the installation doesn't cost you. If you get it later you pay the price of the SCV plus installation so it will be more expensive later on. Also when farmers are looking for a used tractor dual rear SCV's are usually a must.

The 03 series is short wheel based and with the two wheel drive turns on a dime. If you need more turning just use the brakes to turn and you can literally turn right back on your tracks.