3-Point Hitch 5105 to 5303 Lift Arm Swap

[deere5105]

I am looking at upgrading from my 2WD 5105 to a 4WD 5303. The 5303 has the straight lift arms without extendable draft links. My 5105 has the extendable draft links. I would like to swap them to the 5303 in the deal if the price is right. One dealer told me this wouldn't be a problem and another told me it wouldn't work. One said the 5105 arms are shorter and will create problems with clearance between implement and rear tires. Has anyone tried this and if so any issues? The extendable draft links are around $450 per side if purchased from JD. I have many different implements to hook up to and don't think the QuikHitch will be a good choice for me. We have multiple tractors to connect too so setting all of the equipment up to fit one machine is not an option. Any suggestions or recommendations?

 

[RollingsFarms]

I am looking at upgrading from my 2WD 5105 to a 4WD 5303. The 5303 has the straight lift arms without extendable draft links. My 5105 has the extendable draft links. I would like to swap them to the 5303 in the deal if the price is right. One dealer told me this wouldn't be a problem and another told me it wouldn't work. One said the 5105 arms are shorter and will create problems with clearance between implement and rear tires. Has anyone tried this and if so any issues? The extendable draft links are around $450 per side if purchased from JD. I have many different implements to hook up to and don't think the QuikHitch will be a good choice for me. We have multiple tractors to connect too so setting all of the equipment up to fit one machine is not an option. Any suggestions or recommendations?

mind if i ask what your reason(s) for upgrading are? need more hp? need 4wd? both? i don't know if it would work but i can tell you that the lift arms between your 5105 and the 5303 ARE different. if memory serves me correct, they are a little shorter and thicker i believe. i won't say it will not work, i just honestly don't know. i don't have the extendable links on my 5203 but will likely add them when i buy my loader and larger rear tires. are you trading your tractor to a dealer and buying the 5303 from a dealer or is this a private party sale? if dealer, then he might try the switch before you decide the trade.

 

[deere5105]

Reason for upgrade is improved traction and extra horsepower just a bonus. I am dealing with a dealer about 70 miles away. They have a couple of these units with less than 400 hours. I keep hearing how the 5025 series or the "M" series are more tractor, but I just can't get past the extra cost and justification of it. My 5105 has served my needs well, I just would like to improve on it if it doesn't cost me a fortune. I believe the arms will bolt up without issue, their point is it is shorter and could create issues with some implements and clearance from rear tires. In the parts book, they are two different numbers for the two different models. There are other alternatives to dealing with the draft link arms, I just don't want to let something this easy slip by without considering first. Like you mentioned, I have looked into increasing rear tire size and also adding wheel weights. My tires are already loaded with water. In the end, it seemed like I was going to spend a lot to try to make the tractor something it wasn't.