5103 question

[deerefan]

I've been a member for a couple months (since I bought my 5103) and have been helped immensely by everyone here. One thing I noticed is I seem to be one of few if not the only one who owns a 5003 model. Is there a reason for this? Are they just too new or not that popular? Too big? Just looking for a little input. Thanks!

 

[Akebalan]

I puechased a 5103 last month and it has done all I've asked of it in the short 25 hours that I have on it. I looked for about a year at several brands and found the 5103 to be the best value for me needs, which include mowing, log removal & drive way maintenance and future occasional handling (unloading & fielding) of round bales. I honestly thought about getting a compact tractor with 4WD for around the same price, but the land I live on is relatively flat and I'm smart enough to stay off of the tractor when there is chance that I may get stuck so I opted for the 5103. Additionally, there are very few compact tractors that can handle round bales, and most full sized PTO implements require a minimum of 50 HP.

The main reason I think that the 5103 is not mentioned much on this board is because this is a compact tractor board and most posters bash 2WD tractors. A good thing is that I have not seen or heard of anyone who has trouble with the 5103. So congratulations on your 5103 and I hope it gives you years of trouble-free service.

Thanks

 

[ddivinia]

The 5103 is one of the best deals going - period.

D.

 

[deerefan]

i see....my 5103 has only about 15 hrs on it and i love it. I do agree....it is a very good deal! I just wanted to see if anyone out there had one, if they liked/disliked it.

 

[cowboydoc]

I've got the 5303 and love it too. It's a great utility tractor. And yes the 2wd vs. 4wd is over-rated.

 

[Akebalan]

I really don't think that 4wd is over rated when its honestly needed as dictated by the job, the terrain or for commercial users & farmers who make their living on a tractor and don't often have the luxary of letting a little water stop them. For those of us with a little more time and a little less money the 5103 is a good tractor.

I also looked at the Kubota M4800 & MX500, Massey 241 and NH TT-55. The 5103 looked better built than the 241 & TT-55, and I liked the fact that the 5103 gear shift is located on the side of the user rather than between the users knees as on the Kubota's. These factors and value led me to the 5103.

It's a JD so parts should be readily available now and down the road. It's design is simple and has been around for years and because if its lack of frills there is less to go wrong.

Thanks

 

[deerefan]

that is one thing that sold me on the 5103....it ia very simple tractor to use and work on.

 

[unreconstructed]

I have a 5203--only 13 hours so far. Is a good basic machine, kinda like me. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Haven't read a post yet where someone hasn't like their 03. I didn't want 4wd anymore on anything so my F250 is 2wd and now my tractor is 2wd. 4wd would be nice but I didn't want to pay for it and I grew up without it anyhow.

Have Fun!!! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Akebalan]

I'm curious as to what 5103 - 5303 buyers use their tractors for. Are you and other 5003 series users who read this post farmers, commercial landscapers or weekend warriors, such as myself who use their tractors to perform maintenance on their own property primarily on weekends or when time allows. I would also like to here from owners who have many hours on their 5003 series tractors to find out what, if any problems they have had since purchasing their tractor.


Thanks

 

[Cityboyfarmer]

You could spend a lot more for a compact and not have near the power you have with the 5103. My BIL has one and his logic was that it was a good deal for a 50 HP tractor, its a Deere, so it will hold its value and parts will always be available and you can count on years of dependable service. If you are primarily operating it on flat, mostly dry land it will do everything you ask of it.

4WD is by no means over rated, however. It increases your pulling power by at least 25%. I would put my 5205 up against a 70 HP 2WD any day. My land and tractor usage requirements would make a 2WD an exercise in frustration for me.

But back to the 5103, it is an excellent economical tractor choice and a whole bunch of HP for the money.