Buying First Tractor, Need Help

[RollingsFarms]

GreenWannab, you and RollingFarm are correct, dealer said that the 64 hp is the pto hp which would make the tractor approx 75 hp. Obviously that, and the fact that the dealer is closer makes the JD the better choice

Thanks

yeah, 64pto hp and 75 engine hp for the 5403. you rarely hear anyone describe a tractors capabilities in pto hp anymore, it's usually engine hp when they tell you. i always ask to clarify. i have a hard time remembering to tell people my tractor is 56hp(engine) instead of 47hp(pto) when they ask. i don't think one tractor is "better" then the other BUT one IS an ag utility tractor and one is a large CUT. 75hp is 75 hp no matter which way you slice it and if i had to pick between 55 and 75 for the same amount of money WITH a loader, i would chose 75 everytime. that's just me though. what size bush hog do you want to pull? 6'? 7'? if you get the Case i would get no bigger then 6' and if you get the 5403 you can go 7' or 8'. as far as the Deere being an "economy model" it is that but from the tractors i have owned, my 5203 has more bells and whistles then i'm used to so it's not that "stripped down" to me. things like a gas guage, adjustable seat, power steering, turbo, 4wd, shuttle shift transmission, etc. i know that sounds funny but those are luxuries i've never had on a tractor before! call me old fashioned i guess.

 

[TerryJ]

DITTO!! No brainer there. Also, 64hp at the pto will drive some medium duty 15' batwings if you want to go that route in the future. Rhino, LandPride, and Woods all have 15' batwings that require around 50hp pto minimum according to their spec sheets.