First Tractor Purchase for 100 Acre Property

[ylazyy]

OK, it sounds like we really need to understand the differences in the 5525 and 5603 vs the 4720. My biggest gap is in figuring out a comparable to the ehydro - which seems to be the most "automatic". So when I go to the JD "build your own", I cannot figure out how to pick the right features in that realm. As I am not very good at the clutch work because of an injury, it would be best to get as close to that as possible.

If you recall, we started looking at the 4320 with cab and have continued to go up in HP. Based on all this great input, we are stretching every penny and moving up in size. We have also decided on the R1 tires (interesting how many dealers push the R4). However, we MUST have 4WD. (Hills, snow, mud, etc.) Is the MFWD the same thing?

Happy Sunday!

 

[greggh]

Yep... Mechanical Four Wheel Drive...

 

[Z-Michigan]

OK, it sounds like we really need to understand the differences in the 5525 and 5603 vs the 4720. My biggest gap is in figuring out a comparable to the ehydro - which seems to be the most "automatic". So when I go to the JD "build your own", I cannot figure out how to pick the right features in that realm. As I am not very good at the clutch work because of an injury, it would be best to get as close to that as possible.

If you recall, we started looking at the 4320 with cab and have continued to go up in HP. Based on all this great input, we are stretching every penny and moving up in size. We have also decided on the R1 tires (interesting how many dealers push the R4). However, we MUST have 4WD. (Hills, snow, mud, etc.) Is the MFWD the same thing?

Unless hay is a really high priority, a 4520 cab with ehydro (HST) will probably be your most user friendly option. The 4320 may be perfectly adequate also, though the 4520 would have some cushion for hp.

The 5525 and 5603 are utility models, which makes them considerably more heavily built and durable if used for 100's of hours a year. Also better for loader work, though only slightly. Each of those is available with a hydro-shuttle transmission that allows you to shuttle from forward to reverse without pushing a clutch, but does still require use of a clutch to shift gears. That setup is easy to use, but not quite as easy as HST. HST is not available on the 5xxx models or any other utility that I know of. The 5xxx models would be dramatically better for extensive hay work, but people do hay with 4x20 models and don't report any serious problems. If you were doing 500 acres of hay, I would definitely get the 5xxx utility model, but for maybe 40 acres of hay, that isn't even a sure thing (it sounds like) the 4x20 would be a fine bet also, I think.

Dealers generally order R4 tires on the CUTs because many people use them either as lawnmowers or for landscaping work, vs. more farming type work. I agree that R1 tires are what you want for your uses. Insist on getting them, whether the dealer has to special order or trade or whatever.

 

[ddivinia]

OK, it sounds like we really need to understand the differences in the 5525 and 5603 vs the 4720.
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4720 - largest of the "compact utility tractors" that John Deere offers.
Standard "4WD" which is also known as MFWD - Mechanical Four Wheel Drive. I guess they had hydraulic at some time - so they call these Mechanical.

Standard e-hyrdo transmission: pedal forward, pedal back - 3 ranges - no clutch.

Available in a cab

58hp at flywheel - 50hp PTO

5603: I have not seen one yet, but the "03" series is more of a value line. All tractor - good, time proven technology. I see the 5603 has power reverser available. That trans it not available in the other 5x03s.

Has a clutch, but easy to go from forward ot reverse.

Available in 4wd.

Available in a cab

This tractor is new this year.

JD dropped the 05 series which had 4wd available. First year for 4wd on 03s.

99hp at flywheel - 82hp PTO

5525:
More delux model (more features available and standard)

Available in a cab

Available in 4wd.

91hp Flywheel - 75hp PTO

I think I covered most items between them. I am sure I missed something.

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My biggest gap is in figuring out a comparable to the ehydro - which seems to be the most "automatic". So when I go to the JD "build your own", I cannot figure out how to pick the right features in that realm. As I am not very good at the clutch work because of an injury, it would be best to get as close to that as possible.
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E-Hyrdo is as close to an auto as you are going to get.

4720 is the largest one available with that options.

The closest you will get to an auto with a clutch is the power reverser - east changed forward to reverse, but you still have a clutch.

If not clutch is the deal - you are looking at a 4x20. Now, when you are comparing prices on the various models (cab is only availalbe in 4320, 4520, 4720), realize that e-hyrdo is not standard on all of them. Power reverser migth be standard which would have a clutch.


If you recall, we started looking at the 4320 with cab and have continued to go up in HP. Based on all this great input, we are stretching every penny and moving up in size. We have also decided on the R1 tires (interesting how many dealers push the R4). However, we MUST have 4WD. (Hills, snow, mud, etc.) Is the MFWD the same thing?
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When I was comparing the 4320, 4520, 4720 open station models, there was around $1200 between each model. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples (transmission is the only big thing on this series).

There are so many options. I suspect any 4x20 cab will do what you want to do. You will have sticker shock. I did when I built some of the bigger tractors and they were cheaper, but the 4720 is hard to beat - they come loaded. Everything else is an option on the bigger tractors.

D.

 

[Soundguy]

I'd rather have a few more pesos in the bank and hp under the hood than have a deluxe cupholder myself.

Old school, and happy about it.

Bill

Yep.. untill I get to the point I can't run a tractor down here in florida without a cab and AC.. whether due to age or health.. I'm keeping my open platform tractor and gear trans , and like you say.. a few more peso's int he bank

Soundguy

 

[ddivinia]

Yep.. untill I get to the point I can't run a tractor down here in florida without a cab and AC.. whether due to age or health.. I'm keeping my open platform tractor and gear trans , and like you say.. a few more peso's int he bank

Soundguy

I tell ya - I think the cab is a very good thing health wise. On many levels - especially as often as I have to change the cab filters. Also, I have had a couple windows broken out while mowing. I am sold on cabs - especially in the Texas weather.

D.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

As I am not very good at the clutch work because of an injury, it would be best to get as close to that as possible.

If you can't operate a clutch, you might should stick with the ehydro. 4720 is the most powerful hydro. You could only pull a very small compact round baler with this or a square baler. I might think if you can't operate a clutch, you probably can't pick up square bales. I've checked on small Japanese round balers and they cost $13-15K

If you can operate a clutch, I'd steer you towards the 5603. Excellent machine for the $. I think about $42000 with CAB, power-reverser, FEL, MFWD, economy PTO and a powerful turbocharged engine.

 

[EastTnFarmboy]

I recently purchased a 54 gross HP tractor with 45 HP at the PTO. I went through the same thoughts about the haying ability. I was considering moving up to a bigger size in order to have that flexibility in the future. Although the one I purchased would be enough to handle a small round baler or a square baler from a HP perspective, the weight of the tractor might be questionable for anything other than a square baler. After researching the cost of haying equipment, I reached the conclusion that I could buy a lot of hay for what it would cost me to buy all of the necessary equipment. I stuck with the CUT and have been very happy with it so far. One decision I definitely don't regret was moving up to a 7' finish mower instead of a 6' model; it was money well spent. Another is HST. It is so convenient when mowing, bushhogging and doing loader work. I had always used geared tractors previously, but have been extremely happy with the HST so far. (We have a total of 78acres.)

 

[Z-Michigan]

After researching the cost of haying equipment, I reached the conclusion that I could buy a lot of hay for what it would cost me to buy all of the necessary equipment.

+1 Very true. We bought a utility to ensure we would have the power to run a baler in the future. New hay equipment - hahaha, so much money as to be silly to think about. Even used, if you want operable, think minimum $3-5k for heavily worn stuff at auction, more if you want newer or from a dealer. Well, with 10 acres in hay it would never make sense. We pay a local farmer to do our hay and frankly what he charges is probably about the same as what our fuel and maintenance cost would be if we already owned hay equipment. (I realize this wouldn't be true in all areas.) If some day we get more property, I will almost certainly want a bigger, cab tractor to do significant hay work, even though it's not necessary in absolute terms (remember, good hay weather is typically hot sunny weather; but you're already planning on a cab).

Of course, while I don't think hay equipment is in the near future, I am very happy with the utility otherwise. It does everything asked safely and easily and doesn't break. All big pluses. And despite having 47 PTO hp, I'm burning less than 1 gal/hour based on meter hours.

 

[ddivinia]

10 acres for hay - that is a no brainer.

I am still debating. I have 100 acres in coastal bermuda now. Sprigged it this year, got one cutting. I migth can pay for some baling equipment in a hurry since I already own the tractors.

The answer is still not clear cut.

D.