Buying Advice First time tractor buyer- JD 5055e vs 4044R-- which one best suited?

[cdoggatx]

First time tractor buyer: Would greatly appreciate any thoughts/ guidance. Also new to this forum.

Context:

• 190 Acres. More than 80% currently under brush in east central texas (Elgin). Flat, sandy loam soil. Property has not been managed in many years.
• Will be managed during the weekends and a little during the week (While I don't live on the property, I live close, +-30 min from the farm)
• Neighbor runs skid steers and dozers, and I am lucky to be able to use him to clear additional acreage at a reasonable price (+-$80/ hr, metered)
• Largely will be mowing/ shredding, improving some roads, brush management, food plots + reseeding for wildlife management. We aren't officially "farming", but keeping a wildlife exemption
• I am a tall guy- 6'5", so cab space is important:

Choosing between John Deere 4044R and 5055e (both with cabs)-

• Cab- yes it's more $, but in texas, we have bees (and with farming on weekend, will need to be able to deal with whatever the weather throws at me).
• 4044R has way more bells and whistles- but dealer is pushing me towards 5055e- and that's where I am leaning. Just want to make sure I'm not giving up too much functionality w the 4044 in order to gain more muscle in the 5055e.
  Implements: Loader, bucket, 6' shredder to start -- contemplated a grapple bucket, but that's a pricier option.

Thoughts?
Thank you!

 

[rademamj1]

With the typically flat central Texas terrain, and mostly brush to cut, and mainly part time management, I would personally choose the 4044R Cab and then add a 60" tiller as an implement for your wildlife food plots. A 4044R should handle the 60" rotary cutter extremely well for brush cutting and pasture maintenance. Your not pulling the larger 84" or 96" cutters, which would definitely require the 5055e tractor.

 

[cdoggatx]

thank you

 

[JethroB]

Tough choice. I have a Kubota Grand L which is comparable to the JD 40xxR series. My brother has a JD 5075e. Pros to both and really no weaknesses to either. I prefer the smaller, lighter frame size and the bells and whistles as I am getting older. He needs the extra PTO HP for spinning implements. I suggest test driving both and see which feels right to you. Enjoy the shopping.

 

[Red Horse]

Well not sure why you are matching a 5055E vs a 4044R? From a HP perspective why not a 4066R? I have a 4720 and it is a great tractor. It is a hydro which you can't get in a 5055 so are you looking at a Power reverser? Soundslike the dealer wants to un load the 5055.

Agree with Jethro- drive them both-one feature I don't like about the 4000 series is the only glass that you can open is the rear panel. So on a hot sunny day, you end up running AC when in a 5055, you have couple of side windows that I believe open.

I'll also say that I'm a "flag waver" so I like the idea that some guys in Georgia got a paycheck putting it together vs supporting some guys in India(?) but it is the way of the world. If it was made in the EU I would not feel that way but when I see something made in India or China I don't feel as good spending my money.

 

[ovrszd]

190 acres is a lot of land to manage with a 4xxx series. Doable, but laboring for that size.

Move the Grapple to the front of the attachment list. Box Blade second.

Scratch the 6' shedder from the "new" list. Go find a used one for 1/4 new cost and you won't mind banging it up in the brush.

Regardless of tractor choice get 3rd function on the FEL. Also minimum of two rear remotes, three preferable.

Filled rear tires or a very expensive stack of rear wheel weights.

 

[cdoggatx]

Well not sure why you are matching a 5055E vs a 4044R? From a HP perspective why not a 4066R? I have a 4720 and it is a great tractor. It is a hydro which you can't get in a 5055 so are you looking at a Power reverser? Soundslike the dealer wants to un load the 5055.

Agree with Jethro- drive them both-one feature I don't like about the 4000 series is the only glass that you can open is the rear panel. So on a hot sunny day, you end up running AC when in a 5055, you have couple of side windows that I believe open.

I'll also say that I'm a "flag waver" so I like the idea that some guys in Georgia got a paycheck putting it together vs supporting some guys in India(?) but it is the way of the world. If it was made in the EU I would not feel that way but when I see something made in India or China I don't feel as good spending my money.

Thanks Red Horse. Waive that flag-- I agree. I am looking at the power reverser indeed.

 

[cdoggatx]

Thanks ovrszd. Yes, thinking that grapple is important given the nature of the work that I will be doing.

Appreciate the insight.

 

[dodge man]

I think I’d go for the R model every time. I also can’t help but wonder if they are wanting to get rid of the E. The bigger 5 series is more tractor from the stand point of specs but not that much more. Tractor data lists the specs of both, compare them. I would look at both and compare the features. I am used to the smaller stuff so I don’t know the difference between the R and the E models in cabs. Both are pretty good sized machines and will do what you want.

 

[workinonit]

I think the E series tractors from 5075 and below are made over seas. I'm not 100% sure of that but I think it's true. I know the 5090E and up are made in Thompson. I looked at the 5075 and was just not impressed with it. I didn't need 90 to 100 HP tractor but that's what I got because of the finish. I bought the 5090E. I'm very happy with it assuming I don't hate the catalyst system on it.