Any 5105/5205 owners out there?

timb · Jun 10, 2004

I've struck out coming up with a new gear 4710 (guess I waited too long) and while I like some things about the new 4000 Twentys to my mind there are still some open questions to be answered.

The large-frame CUT, optioned the way I wanted looked like it was going to be a reasonable compromise for my range of needs. However, if it turns out a 4320/4520 won't do - my choices are to go smaller (4310) and just plan on getting a bigger used ag tractor down the road or go bigger now (to a 5105, the 5000 twentys are just too big for now and too much $$$). The 05s are as big as I want to go for now and the fact that they're a bit cheaper than the large-frame CUTs doesn't hurt.

Actually the '05s are not physically very much bigger at all than the large frame CUTs, just a bit heavier. Power-wise they've got bigger engines than the 4000 Twentys but actually less hp and torque (at rated and at peak) than some of the smaller turbo 4000 Twentys put out. Although - it looks like JD bumped the power up about 5 hp on both somewhere along the line (to 45 PTO and 50 PTO, respectively) and the formerly optional hitch draft control seems to now be standard. Other than that not much seems to have changed.

I like most of the design things about the '05s, only a few things worry me - I REALLY like the power reverser on the smaller CUTs, not sure how aggravating the tranny on the '05s would be (especially for manuvering/loader work or maybe worse if I ever want to run a big tiller I'm not sure the '05s are geared low enough), and for the life of me I can't find the turning radius numbers so even though they're basically the same length and width as the large-frame CUTs - it's hard to imagine how much less 'nimble' they might be.

So - don't hear much about the 5105/5205 pair on here. If you've got one, what are you using it for and what do you think about it now?

Tim

Ledgemere Farm · Jun 10, 2004

My brother has a 5105. He uses it for running a manure spreader, mower conditioner and a hay baler. I am not sure if the creeper gear is an option or not. He said that low gear was too fast for tilling, so he borrowed my Cub Cadet. He also has a loader on it which does everyhting he expects it should. I have driven the 5105 and the 5103. They both are nice rides. Get MFWD since it doesn't cost much more. The only trouble he had with it was the fuel line freezing up once. Deere came out to the farm and fixed it for free.

timb · Jun 10, 2004

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I am not sure if the creeper gear is an option or not. He said that low gear was too fast for tilling, so he borrowed my Cub Cadet. )</font>

Hmm. I was afraid of that. Far as I know, there's no creeper available on the '05s. Sounds like I may have to make a choice on tillage. Get the 4320/4520 and I can till but not do justice to a regular plow and possibly cultivator (looks like no draft control on the hitch anymore) or get the 5105 and handle a plow but not the tiller.

Looking over pricing again I may also have to re-evaulate how big is too big. Looks like a open-station 5220 would not be very different +/- dollar-wise (depending on which tranny) than the reverser 4520 (both being 45hp PTO same as the current 5105).

Tim

yellowsocks93 · Jun 10, 2004

I just drove one around the other day at work. A 5205 to be exact. Real nice machine. I like it. It is very similar driving to our 5320. I would take one over the new 4000 series coming out since price is the same and the 5105/5205 is a nice, solid machine. Easy shifting.

Ledgemere Farm · Jun 11, 2004

I would prefer it over the 4xxx too. Heavier and more rugged. I could give a crap about the e-this and e-that of the 4xxx series. I agree they are interesting features, but not something I would need.

DK45C_Dave · Jun 11, 2004

What would you like to know. I owned a new 5205 2wd for 2 years. No complaints at all. The transmission with the sync-shuttle is much more usable than the 9/3 in the 20 series for loader work. It rides so smoothly it feels like it has a suspension. It handles like a sports car and you can pivot on the inside tire by gently applying a little turning brake. With the 79"(?) wheelbase it will handle as well as any CUT. You do sit a little higher which I liked. The only reason I changed was to get a cab. The least expensive JD cab tractor was 2X the dollars of the Kioti.

cowboydoc · Jun 11, 2004

You can buy a 53 pto hp Kioti with a cab for $14,500?!?! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

timb · Jun 11, 2004

Nick - what did you think of the engine on the 5205 (noise/vibration) compared to the 4-cylinder Yanmars?

Tim

timb · Jun 11, 2004

Dave - I take it you had a loader on yours?

I planned on using a toothbar-equipped loader to do (within limits of a small MFWD tractor/loader) a fair amount of 'hard' dirt digging around the place (not just moving loose material) - again, another reason I thought the low gearing and clutchless direction change made the 12/12 reverser a real nice compromise tranny.

I think the MFWD does change things up front a bit (less pivot angle, a bit longer turning radius even when in 2WD).

Guess I really need to get out to the dealer and see if he has one on the lot to try out. Didn't notice one last time.

One of the (minor) issues going to the 5000 twenty - I do want to add a hoe down the road. The '05s take the 48 (and maybe the 448) - which is enough hoe and expense for me. The 5220 pushes me to the 49 - at $10K taking an already hard-to-justify expense right off the page.

Tim

DK45C_Dave · Jun 11, 2004

Tim,

I did have a loader. It was a nice fit with good reach. You do not have to approach its capacity to need weight in the rear. The hydraulics are powerful and fast. Loader safety while operating this tractor is strictly between the seat and the steering wheel.

I never needed 4wd and only twice engage the rear axle lock, which worked nicely. In wet areas it would be a must. I'm not much help on a hoe either.

As for prices, the JD 5205 was 20K (in 2001), the Kioti DK45C was 22K, and the JD 5220 with cab was priced over 40K with most the goodies. All prices included factory loader. I purchased my JD from the dealer at www.MIDLAWNS.COM . He lists his prices on the sight which is very nice. I can't imagine shipping would be more than $400.00 to anywhere if you are patient. Just call your local dispatcher and wait for him/her to find flatbed needing a backhaul from Kansas City.

Viabration... yes more than the 4 cylinder imports. It's most noticable when mowing for extended periods and irrelevent doing loader work.

Thats all for now!
David