Economy series any good?

[JDGreenGrass]

I too prefer a clutch. It is my blood that a tractor comes with a stick shift and that's that.

 

[Riverrat]

I love a clutch. However based on the advice here and here at home opted for the e hydro. I must say I was nervous and skeptical. Now after putting it to the test I feel it's the only way to work efficiently. Think of it as a comparison between a ztr mower an standard lawn tractor. Both will get the job done but at the end of the day the ztr was faster and lower fatigue. The same can be said for the e hydro vs power reverser tranny. You'll get your money beck with the time saved.

Rr

 

[gbw]

for only working on 5 acres of land.

I have a 4320 / 400x and love it. I'm sure I'm missing something, but a 4320 is not a small tractor and would be huge overkill for 5 acres.

 

[MBDiagMan]

Not sure where others are getting 5 year 0% financing here in the states. Over the past few weeks at several JD dealers the only 0% financing I have heard of is for 3 years. (Even with excellent credit rating.) Someone let me know if I am wrong on this or if they have heard that JD will be changing it soon. Perhaps it is different for different machines. (I was getting quotes for the 3520, 4105 and 4120.)

Back to Shuttle-Power Reverser Trans vs Hydro-- I am also fan of a clutch, but eHydro has won me over. Very easy to customize, extremely simple to use, and way easier on my left knee. I was talking to a 68 year old farmer here who has driven tractors all his life. His last tractor had eHydro, but he traded for another with Shuttle-Power Rev. I assumed that he didn't like the eHydro, so I asked him what he liked better. He misses the eHydro. Of course, eHydro costs $800-$1000 more, so it ain't free. Bottom line- in my opinion, it is really a personal preference, so again, I would strongly recommend to anyone that they test drive both before buying. And remember, all Hydrostatic Transmissions are not equal, so don't discount all of them based on one version. As I said earlier in the post, even the 4105 and 4120 hydros differ significantly. Just my humble two-cents.

This is very puzzling. I got 0% for 60 in September on my 5045. I think all Utility and Compact Utility Tractors were eligible. Check the website at Deere.com

 

[Reg]

I'd bet ~$7K has many other opportunities awaiting it (-:
(Even at JD prices) that might get you a hoe for the back end ?

It may depend what else you have/want/need and whether you are trying to stay within a fixed budget or just trying to get the most utility per buck.
IOW - very much a personal choice.

 

[RPW]

For my 25ac I went with the 5103 which is a 45HP with a shuttle shift. I was able to pick mine up with the 512 FEL for about $13.5. I'm with the perferring the clutch group. So far it's been every thing I've needed in a tractor. I also like the simplicity of the machine as it makes it very easy to maintain. No computer nothing special just a good basic tractor. Good luck on your purchase.

Richard.

 

[doall]

I too like the clutch. Nothing against hydro, just seems like a tractor. You don't see near as many post about gear tractors with troubles. But I bet the hydros get better every year.

 

[MBDiagMan]

For my 25ac I went with the 5103 which is a 45HP with a shuttle shift. I was able to pick mine up with the 512 FEL for about $13.5. I'm with the perferring the clutch group. So far it's been every thing I've needed in a tractor. I also like the simplicity of the machine as it makes it very easy to maintain. No computer nothing special just a good basic tractor. Good luck on your purchase.

Richard.

I spent many years in automation system development. One of the principles that we followed was the KISS principle, "Keep It Simple, Stupid." Nothing simpler than a clutch and a few gears that are rearranged with a handle. Makes the tractor cheaper to buy, cheaper to maintain and cheaper to repair, not to mention less frequency of repair.

PLEASE don't get me wrong! They make all different sorts of machines because there are all different sorts of customers with different likes and dislikes. Anyone is free to buy whatever they like. I'm not condemning anyone because they don't have the same likes and dislikes as myself. It's what makes the world interesting. It is personal preference and anyone should buy what they want and are willing to pay for. Live and let live!

 

[JDTank]

PLEASE don't get me wrong! They make all different sorts of machines because there are all different sorts of customers with different likes and dislikes. Anyone is free to buy whatever they like. I'm not condemning anyone because they don't have the same likes and dislikes as myself. It's what makes the world interesting. It is personal preference and anyone should buy what they want and are willing to pay for. Live and let live!

Amen!

 

[Riverrat]

Interesting replies. I had the same questions a month ago and the thread was very pro hydro. Keep in mind these are opinions drive both and think about your application. This will help more than anything.

Rr

 

[jenkinsph]

Interesting replies. I had the same questions a month ago and the thread was very pro hydro. Keep in mind these are opinions drive both and think about your application. This will help more than anything.

Rr

I noticed this too.
I get a kick out of the people who have their minds made up without ever having used both gear and hydro trannies extensively.

 

[MBDiagMan]

I've operated quite a few machines of all types with all sorts of transmission arrangements, tractors and otherwise. For me a clutch pedal is just no problem, so hydro transmissions and the like, just don't do anything for me. I understand, however, that many people are not as old with as much clutch experience as myself, or for whatever reason, loathe a clutch pedal. For me with the sync reverser on my 5045, I can maneuver back and forth all day long and think nothing of it.

In my case, I'm a TIGHT WAD! My priority is having what costs less money to buy and operate and is most reliable. Most people are not a tightwad like me and they can afford or are willing to spend the extra up front cost and spend the extra money for operating costs.

Everyone has different priorities in all phases of their life. With cars for example, some want the best looking car. Others want the fastest car. Others want the cheapest car, Others don't mind spending big bucks for car for whatever reason......................

It's all about your personal priorities and RiverRat is right..... drive different arrangements before you make a choice. Shopping is part of the fun anyway.

 

[jenkinsph]

I've operated quite a few machines of all types with all sorts of transmission arrangements, tractors and otherwise. For me a clutch pedal is just no problem, so hydro transmissions and the like, just don't do anything for me. I understand, however, that many people are not as old with as much clutch experience as myself, or for whatever reason, loathe a clutch pedal. For me with the sync reverser on my 5045, I can maneuver back and forth all day long and think nothing of it.

In my case, I'm a TIGHT WAD! My priority is having what costs less money to buy and operate and is most reliable. Most people are not a tightwad like me and they can afford or are willing to spend the extra up front cost and spend the extra money for operating costs.

Everyone has different priorities in all phases of their life. With cars for example, some want the best looking car. Others want the fastest car. Others want the cheapest car, Others don't mind spending big bucks for car for whatever reason......................

It's all about your personal priorities and RiverRat is right..... drive different arrangements before you make a choice. Shopping is part of the fun anyway.

MB,
I am pushing 60 so I have had lots of experience with clutches. One of the issues I would have with a clutch pedal is it is a hard reach for me when sitting in the backhoe seat. Not everyone has a backhoe but there seems to be quite a bit if interest in these attachments with the first time tractor shoppers. Some of these issues can be easily missed when looking at all the new paint. The Creep to Reposition feature on my 110tlb will be added to some of the new Deere equipment now as I understand and I can say it is a handy feature that would require an E hydro.

 

[MBDiagMan]

MB,
I am pushing 60 so I have had lots of experience with clutches. One of the issues I would have with a clutch pedal is it is a hard reach for me when sitting in the backhoe seat. Not everyone has a backhoe but there seems to be quite a bit if interest in these attachments with the first time tractor shoppers. Some of these issues can be easily missed when looking at all the new paint. The Creep to Reposition feature on my 110tlb will be added to some of the new Deere equipment now as I understand and I can say it is a handy feature that would require an E hydro.

Great point and the kind of information the OP needs to consider if he's gonna' use a backhoe. As I had said in my post: "or for whatever reason, loathe a clutch pedal." You offer a pretty good reason to loathe it under your specific application.

Your post is a real good example of the kind of information that can be had in such a forum. It could save someone from making a tractor decision, knowing that they were going to add a backhoe later, then be surprised. Makes it worth beating it to death on a forum like this.

 

[Riverrat]

Amen brother

 

[foggy1111]

I noticed this too.
I get a kick out of the people who have their minds made up without ever having used both gear and hydro trannies extensively.

Hey....I resemble this remark!! :laughing:

Actually....I have been around tractors and implements most of my life. Having grown up around the 'chinery biz....I can remember folks trying to understand why they needed things like power steering, live hydraulics, diesel engines, or live PTO, Lots of new features are resisted.....some of them rightfully so...but most are resisted just cause we are creatures of old habits.

There is nothing wrong with sliding gear transmissions, or power shifts, etc.....but I sure like a hydro. (especially with loader work)

One thing that does not get said oftentimes....where are you going to store this new tractor? It's one thing to keep a complex machine on concrete, in a clean garage. It's quite another to keep it under a lean-to and partially exposed to the elements, insects and little critters. In the latter case....simple is better!!

Another thing that doesn't get said often enough.....the smaller sized tractors being discussed here are easy to haul for any service work needed. The larger sizes are much more difficult (with ordinary trucks and trailers). The hauling fees these days are crazy!!

 

[jenkinsph]

foggy,
All very true, especially the part about hauling, I am about 450 miles from home sitting in my truck camper in Durango, CO. as I type this. This was a fairly easy tow for the 110tlb, if I had purchased a Terex 760B as I had originally planned it would have been out of the question. My friend and I are setting up utilities for two rv's and a shop plus reworking a drive through the property next week.