ADD LOADER OR REPLACE TRACTOR

[tessiers]

I worked for years on the dairy farm with 2wd tractors and loaders, only time we had real trouble was with baleage on Ice conditions. Set of tire chains and a ton of concrete all but cured that problem, We still have trouble with the 4x4 at times, I would get a heavy ballast for anytime you are doing heavy loader work but for general use you should be fine with just the mower on back. I'm guessing you don't have much ice trouble in Mississippi.

 

[deere5105]

My 2008 Mahindra 5525 (54 hp engine, 45 hp pto, 2WD, power steering, partial constant mesh tranny, 5370 lb without FEL) has the ML250 FEL (6-ft wide bucket, 10.5-ft lift height, 2980 lb lift capacity at the bucket pins). It's comparable to your 5105, but is about 1000 lb heavier (without the FEL). No problem so far using this rig. I have the skid steer quick attach option on the FEL (which I like and strongly recommend). My rears aren't loaded, but I'll fill them next month in preparation for hayfield plowing.

Koyker makes a model 220 FEL that fits your JD

Koyker Manufacturing - Loaders

Haven't priced that unit, but my guess is $4-5K.

You are correct on comparison of our tractors. Last time I checked the loader price should also be very close to that amount. I was satisfied with the performance of the 5205 I used. The machines are the same frame size and weight. The 5205 has six more engine horsepower and the neighbor's I used had the larger 16.9 rear tires. I guess I am mainly curious if I would experience a noticable difference in traction with my 14.9's compared to the 16.9's. I had considered trading my tires in on the larger ones since they were in like new condition, but decided against it due to issues with the wheel size. What size rear tires are you running?

 

[deere5105]

I worked for years on the dairy farm with 2wd tractors and loaders, only time we had real trouble was with baleage on Ice conditions. Set of tire chains and a ton of concrete all but cured that problem, We still have trouble with the 4x4 at times, I would get a heavy ballast for anytime you are doing heavy loader work but for general use you should be fine with just the mower on back. I'm guessing you don't have much ice trouble in Mississippi.

You are correct on the ice. We did get a rare snow last year, but it wasn't a lot. I work for a local electric company and ice wreaks havoc on power lines. If we get a lot of ice the amount of traction my tractor gets will be the least of my problems! I wouldn't be home to be able to know! Checked out your website...pretty neat operation you got.

 

[flusher]

You are correct on comparison of our tractors. Last time I checked the loader price should also be very close to that amount. I was satisfied with the performance of the 5205 I used. The machines are the same frame size and weight. The 5205 has six more engine horsepower and the neighbor's I used had the larger 16.9 rear tires. I guess I am mainly curious if I would experience a noticable difference in traction with my 14.9's compared to the 16.9's. I had considered trading my tires in on the larger ones since they were in like new condition, but decided against it due to issues with the wheel size. What size rear tires are you running?

14.9x28

 

[Builder]

I have a 2WD 5105 John Deere with approximately 250 hrs. Unit has 14.9-28 rear tires loaded with water and two remotes at the rear of the tractor. I use this tractor for basic gardening/farming. I got a really good deal on the tractor and have been contemplating adding a FEL. I have a neighbor that has a 2WD 5205 with 16.9-28 rear tires also loaded with water. I have used this combination multiple times and the only thing I have noticed is that with a bucket full of material you can lose traction. I added a box blade to the rear and it helped significantly. The area I operate in is basically flat with well drained soil. I am trying to decide if it is a good idea to add the loader to the tractor I have or look for a different unit with the loader already on it. I realize the benefits of a 4WD unit, especially with the loader, but my main use for the FEL would be to maintain roads primarily by pushing limbs out of the way when mowing. I am curious if anyone is running a FEL on a comparable 2WD machine with good results or has done what I am considering and wound up swapping machines. Any advice or recommendations?

Here's my advice: It would be better and not much more expensive in the long run to just buy another tractor like this. Why spend 4-5 grand on a loader when you could have a good 64HP 4x4 tractor and loader together for 7 grand? I think this is a great deal:

 

[deere5105]

Here's my advice: It would be better and not much more expensive in the long run to just buy another tractor like this. Why spend 4-5 grand on a loader when you could have a good 64HP 4x4 tractor and loader together for 7 grand? I think this is a great deal:

Got a deal yesterday where someone gave us several shooting houses used for deer hunting. Had to borrow the neighbors tractor to lower them onto the trailer. Used my tractor with a lift pole to pick them up to get them off the trailer when back home. One more unexpected use of the FEL. This is the decision I am torn over. I would like to add the Deere loader if I go that route and I expect the cost to be ATLEAST five grand and probably higher. That is around half of what I gave for the tractor. I feel like I would be happy with the FEL on the 5105 and I know the mechanical condition of the tractor. Just not sure it is the best financial decision. I like the extendable draft links and the convenience of the Power Reverser transmission of the 5105. The guy I bought it from had to sale it for financial reasons and the only thing he had ever done was cut a pasture with a 6' rotary mower. I am a little concerned about buying something someone got rid of possibly for mechanical reasons.

 

[jpm1]

With a tractor with that few hours Definatelly put a loader on it. Also go with the skid steer quick attach. its GREAT!. If your up to the challange put it on your self and save some more bucks. I have done 3 tractor loaders now, 1 deere, one on a Belarus 420 and a Mahindra which was the easiest yet. All KMW loaders, last one was 4 hours start to finish.

 

[Builder]

Got a deal yesterday where someone gave us several shooting houses used for deer hunting. Had to borrow the neighbors tractor to lower them onto the trailer. Used my tractor with a lift pole to pick them up to get them off the trailer when back home. One more unexpected use of the FEL. This is the decision I am torn over. I would like to add the Deere loader if I go that route and I expect the cost to be ATLEAST five grand and probably higher. That is around half of what I gave for the tractor. I feel like I would be happy with the FEL on the 5105 and I know the mechanical condition of the tractor. Just not sure it is the best financial decision. I like the extendable draft links and the convenience of the Power Reverser transmission of the 5105. The guy I bought it from had to sale it for financial reasons and the only thing he had ever done was cut a pasture with a 6' rotary mower. I am a little concerned about buying something someone got rid of possibly for mechanical reasons.

Hard to believe a link to the sale of a tractor from a legitimate dealer on Ebay poses any harm to TBN, but anyway, the tractor was a Long 64HP American made 4x4 tractor with ag tires and a FEL for $6,990. That's one of the best deals I've ever seen. Tractor looked nice. If you want the link, I can send it to you by email.

I always liked owning 2 of everything so when one goes down, I have a backup. That's why if it were me, I'd buy another tractor with 4x4 and a loader if it only costs a little more than a loader attachment.

I completely understand why someone would only want one machine to keep costs lower, save storage space, less maintenance, etc.

 

[deere5105]

Hard to believe a link to the sale of a tractor from a legitimate dealer on Ebay poses any harm to TBN, but anyway, the tractor was a Long 64HP American made 4x4 tractor with ag tires and a FEL for $6,990. That's one of the best deals I've ever seen. Tractor looked nice. If you want the link, I can send it to you by email.

I always liked owning 2 of everything so when one goes down, I have a backup. That's why if it were me, I'd buy another tractor with 4x4 and a loader if it only costs a little more than a loader attachment.

I completely understand why someone would only want one machine to keep costs lower, save storage space, less maintenance, etc.

Builder, I assume the link you had was removed. I viewed your response earlier today and was able to view the machine. I agree that looked like a good deal. Not sure what shipping cost would be to have something that size shipped from NY to MS. If I only had one tractor I would more likely be looking for a 4WD unit just for peace of mind. We have two other tractors on the place and for the past couple years have been storing a friend's S250 Bobcat machine with grapple and bucket. The Bobcat machine is very impressive for it's size and has been an invaluable tool for cleaning up and clearing roads. I have considered offering to purchase it from him since he doesn't use it often and not worry about an FEL, but after bushhogging with an FEL and bucket on front makes me want one even more. My thoughts are for around $15000 I can have a like new tractor with no mechanical problems and should last me a lifetime. If I look for the equivalent machine used with 4WD and FEL I am in the neighborhood of $20000 to $25000 and no history of use/mechanical issues. Hours are a good rule of thumb, but I have seen machines with low hours and no maintenace be in worse shape than high hour machines.

 

[Builder]

Builder, I assume the link you had was removed. I viewed your response earlier today and was able to view the machine. I agree that looked like a good deal. Not sure what shipping cost would be to have something that size shipped from NY to MS. If I only had one tractor I would more likely be looking for a 4WD unit just for peace of mind. We have two other tractors on the place and for the past couple years have been storing a friend's S250 Bobcat machine with grapple and bucket. The Bobcat machine is very impressive for it's size and has been an invaluable tool for cleaning up and clearing roads. I have considered offering to purchase it from him since he doesn't use it often and not worry about an FEL, but after bushhogging with an FEL and bucket on front makes me want one even more. My thoughts are for around $15000 I can have a like new tractor with no mechanical problems and should last me a lifetime. If I look for the equivalent machine used with 4WD and FEL I am in the neighborhood of $20000 to $25000 and no history of use/mechanical issues. Hours are a good rule of thumb, but I have seen machines with low hours and no maintenace be in worse shape than high hour machines.

Shipping would be ~$750-850